Dollar Tree Loses Some Green

Oakland, CA – Environmental violations at some California stores will cost Dollar Tree Inc. $2.72 million.

A judge’s ruling announced Friday, ordered that amount as settlement for a lawsuit regarding illegal hazardous waste disposal from stores across the state.  Additionally, it calls on the Virginia-based corporation to improve waste disposal practices at its stores and distribution centers in California.

The retailer has one store in Sonora located in the Junction Shopping Center off Mono Way.  MyMotherlode.com contacted the store to find out if it was involved in the lawsuit and a Manager, who identified herself as Penelope, told us she was not at “liberty to give out any information regarding the lawsuit” and to phone the corporate office.  A call to the headquarter’s media relations department found it closed until Monday.

A statewide investigation by nearly 50 district attorney offices and city attorney offices lead to the hefty fine.  It revealed Dollar tree stores were illegally dumping batteries, corrosive liquids, e-waste and other hazmat products into landfills.

Investigators report the corporation has already started to cooperate with authorities by adopted new policy, procedures and training programs related to hazardous waste disposal.