SAN DIEGO (Press Release)– District Attorney Bonnie M. Dumanis announced on Monday, Jan. 5, that her office’s Consumer Protection Unit, working with 41 other California District Attorneys and two City Attorneys has obtained a $9.87 million settlement and permanent injunction against Pleasanton-based Safeway Inc. The settlement resolves allegations that more than 500 Safeway stores and distribution centers, including its other brands, Vons, Pavilions and Pak ‘n Save, violated California laws for the safe storage, handling and disposal of hazardous and pharmaceutical waste generated from spills and customer returns of hazardous products. There were 64 stores in San Diego County involved in the suit, including seven which are now closed.
The investigation into Safeway’s practices began after discovery of improper shipments of hazardous and pharmaceutical waste to Safeway’s distribution centers through its reverse logistics program. The investigation revealed that Safeway was also routinely and systematically sending hazardous and pharmaceutical wastes to local area landfills not equipped to receive such waste. Upon being notified by prosecutors of the widespread issues, Safeway worked cooperatively to remedy the issue, enhance its environmental compliance program and train its employees to properly handle such waste.
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Keeping up with Jewish public officials: Bonnie Dumanis
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“Safely handling hazardous waste protects our environment and is vital to the health of all Californians,” DA Dumanis said. “Our environmental protection team did an outstanding job prosecuting this case and collaborating with other agencies to arrive at today’s multi-million dollar judgment.”
Pursuant to the terms of the Final Judgment and Permanent Injunction, California Safeway stores have adopted new policies and procedures designed to eliminate the improper disposal of retail hazardous waste products and pharmaceutical waste into store trash bins for eventual disposal into local landfills. In addition, the corporation must pay $9.87 million in civil penalties, costs and supplemental environmental projects. Under the terms of the settlement, Safeway must also continue its First Assistant Store Manager Program designed to address environmental compliance at the store level and conduct annual store audits.
“Through this sort of collaborative effort by City Attorneys and District Attorneys throughout the state, businesses can be brought into compliance with the law and meet their responsibilities to protect our environment,” City Attorney Jan Goldsmith said. “Not every landfill is designed and permitted to accept hazardous waste. The proper use of our landfills is of particular importance here in San Diego.”
The case was handled for the San Diego District Attorney’s Office by Deputy District Attorney Karen Doty.
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Preceding provided by District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis