Lowe’s to Pay $18 Million in Penalties for Dumping Hazardous Waste

by Staff Blogger | April 7th, 2014

Companies in the United States are required by law to properly dispose of hazardous wastes and materials to protect the public from Environmental Injury. When organizations fail to dispose of these materials properly, both criminal and civil litigation may be filed to recoup damages caused by the pollution. Such a case was highlighted in Northern California last week when Lowe’s Home Centers was ordered to pay $18 million in damages for failing to properly dispose of certain hazardous materials. Reports from the San Francisco Appeal explain 118 locations were found to have sent hazardous waste to local landfills, including items such as:
  • Pesticides
  • Aerosols
  • Paints
  • Adhesives
  • Batteries
  • Corrosives
  • Mercury-Containing Fluorescent Bulbs
The judgment includes $12.85 million in civil penalties, while approximately $2 million will be paid to environmental protection projects in areas of California potentially affected by the improper disposal of toxic materials. In addition, Lowe’s must pay more than $3 million to fund hazardous waste minimization projects and will face a permanent injunction on committing such infractions again. The California Personal Injury Lawyers with Berg Injury Lawyers explain that little to none of the money will go to individuals affected by the pollution. That’s why the firm urges those who have been harmed by pollutants to discuss their legal rights with a qualified attorney immediately.