Multi-county lawsuit orders $2.05 million against TJX Companies for improper disposal of hazardous waste
SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY, Calif. – A $2.05 million settlement against The TJX Companies, Inc. was singed at Monterey County Superior Court for unlawful disposal of hazardous waste, according to San Luis Obispo County District Attorney Dan Dow.
The civil lawsuit alleged that companies owned by TJX were using regular trash bins for disposal of hazardous materials such as batteries, cleaning agents and electronic devices.
TJX owns around 340 T. J. Maxxs, Marshalls, and HomeGoods stores across California. According to Dow, TJX has four facilities in San Luis Obispo County.
Monterey County DA's office filed the complaint on behalf of multiple California counties.
In September of 2014, TJX was required to pay $2,777,500 in penalties after California prosecutors brought similar charges against the multinational corporation for improper disposal of hazardous materials.
In addition to the financial costs, the Dec. 9 judgement also requires TJX to employ at least one California compliance employee and to undergo waste audits of their California properties.
To report suspected violations of any California environmental laws, call your local police department or SLO County Sheriff's Office at 805-781-4550.
Interested parties can find more information and help at SLO Environmental Health Services or by contacting the SLO County Environmental Enforcement unit within the District Attorney's Special Prosecutions Division, Assistant District Attorney Eric Dobroth at 805-781-5819.
