Walmart to Pay $7.5M for Hazardous Waste Dumping in San Diego, Other CA Counties

Walmart will pay $7.5 million to resolve charges that the largest U.S. retailer illegally disposed of hazardous and medical waste from its facilities into California municipal landfills.

The settlement was announced on Tuesday by California Attorney General Rob Bonta, following more than 70 audits by authorities of waste that Walmart sent to the landfills between 2015 and 2021.

Bonta said the audits found thousands of containers of toxic aerosols and liquid wastes including spray paints, rust removers, bleach, pesticides and medical waste such as over-the-counter drugs.

He also said Walmart regularly failed to protect customers’ personal identifying information by disposing of customer records without first making the information impossible to read.

The case was brought forward by the California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) and district attorneys from 12 counties including San Diego. It is expected to be signed by an Alameda County Superior Court judge before the end of the month.

Without admitting wrongdoing, the Arkansas-based retailer agreed to pay a $4.3 million civil fine plus $3.2 million to cover legal costs.

“This settlement brings accountability that helps to protect our environment from toxic waste,” San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan said. “These types of investigations and settlements are a reminder to corporations that they have a responsibility to be a good steward to our environment.” 

Walmart also agreed to hire an independent auditor to conduct waste audits at its California facilities over the next four years, and to improve its current hazardous waste programs when necessary or to comply with changes in the law.

Walmart owns 309 stores in California, including 26 in San Diego County.

Elizabeth Ireland contributed to this article.