Albertsons-shopAlbertsons, a grocery chain with more than a thousand locations nation-wide, has agreed to pay $3.3 million dollars to settle a case brought against them alleging stores in California mishandled the disposal of hazardous waste.

In the lawsuit, filed in the Orange County Superior Court, several government agencies accused Albertsons of illegally transporting and disposing of dangerous and possibly deadly materials including pool chemicals, batteries, and various types of over-the-counter medication. It was claimed that these products were disposed of in dumpsters meant for non-hazardous material and transported to unauthorized waste processors.

Although Albertson’s has asserted that they have done nothing wrong, they have agreed to overhaul the waste management policies and practices at all 118 California locations. The overhaul includes implementing a computerized waste management tracking system, expanding employee training on the proper handling of hazardous materials, and conducting regular internal audit. Albertsons is also required to submit progress reports over the next five years, or face further penalties.

This is quite a setback for the chain, which in the last few years has made great strides towards putting more environmentally friendly policies into action in the state where these allegations took place. In 2012, the Albertson’s location in Carpintina earned the EPA GreenChill Environmental Achievement Award for being the first grocery store in the nation to use low global warming potential refrigerants. Two stores in Santa Barbara achieved “zero waste” goals, diverting 95% of waste away from landfills. Three stores in Carlsbad, Oceanside and Alpine are currently using rooftop solar panels to power the stores.

Hopefully, whether these charges took place or not, Albertsons can use this opportunity to promote better communication and continue to strive towards an eco-friendly business model.

(Source: http://www.environmentalleader.com/2014/06/26/albertsons-to-end-waste-disposal-case-with-3-3m-payout/)

By Ethan Malone