The retail giant is accused of illegally dumping millions of hazardous waste over several years. A complaint has been filed
The case arose out of a lawsuit filed Monday, December 20 in California against Walmart. The king of mass distribution in the United States is in fact accused of having illegally thrown millions of hazardous wastes, such as batteries or aerosols. The lawsuit was filed by California Attorney General Rob Bonta, prosecutors in six counties in the state, as well as the state’s Department of Toxic Substance Control (DTSC).
Walmart is accused of having, “over the past six years”, got rid of “hazardous waste in local landfills which are not equipped or authorized to receive this type of waste”, details a joint statement.
Waste and personal data
Batteries, aerosols, pesticides, toxic cleaning products, electronic waste or even paint remains were dumped in local recycling centers, and not in recycling centers capable of handling them. Confidential customer information has also ended up in these recycling centers.
“Walmart’s own audits found that the company was dumping hazardous waste into local landfills at a rate of over one million items each year,” said Attorney General Rob Bonta. “From there, these products can enter the state’s drinking water as toxic pollutants or into the air as dangerous gases. “.
“Unjustified complaint”
The company, for its part, ensures compliance with the law. “We have met with the state on several occasions and, in an effort to avoid litigation, introduced them to our industry-leading hazardous waste programs. Instead, they filed this unwarranted complaint, ”responded a spokesperson for Walmart in an email.
“The state requires a level of compliance regarding waste disposal […] which goes beyond what is required by law. We intend to defend the company, ”he added.
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