The Dollar Tree discount chain, which operates more than 30 stores in San Diego County, will pay nearly $3 million to settle an environmental protection lawsuit filed by 45 California district attorneys and two city attorneys, including San Diego's, it was announced Friday.
The settlement was the result of an investigation into Dollar Tree Stores' unlawful disposal of hazardous waste products into trash bins at each of its stores and distribution centers, more than 480 facilities in California.
The waste included ignitable and corrosive liquids, toxic materials, batteries, electronic devices and other e-waste, as well as other hazardous waste generated by circumstances including spills and damage.
Hazardous materials were being illegally handled and, rather than being transported to authorized hazardous waste facilities, hazardous wastes were illegally transported to local landfills that are not permitted to accept such waste.
Dollar Tree Stores, which cooperated throughout the investigation, admitted no guilt in settling the complaint and agreeing to pay $2.72 million in civil penalties and costs. As part of the settlement, Virginia-based Dollar Tree was ordered to continue implementing a company-wide hazardous waste compliance program.
"This is yet another victory for San Diego's landfills, which were never meant to handle toxic and hazardous wastes," said San Diego City Attorney Jan Goldsmith. "The systematic illegal disposal of hazardous waste is a real threat to our water supply, our health, and the health of future generations."
