Walmart Admits Dumping Pollutants, Will Pay $81M

Company pleads guilty in California to hazardous waste charges
By Newser Editors and Wire Services
Posted May 28, 2013 2:20 PM CDT
Walmart Admits Dumping Pollutants, Will Pay $81M
This file photo shows the rain-soaked handle of a shopping cart outside a Walmart store in Mayfield Heights, Ohio.   (AP Photo/Amy Sancetta, File)

Walmart pleaded guilty today to charges the company dumped hazardous waste in California. Walmart entered the plea in federal court in San Francisco to misdemeanor counts of negligently dumping pollutants from Walmart stores into sanitation drains across California. As part of the plea, the company will pay $81 million, which will also cover charges in Missouri. In 2010, the company agreed to pay $27.6 million to settle similar allegations made by California authorities that led to changes in the retailer's practices nationwide. Walmart was accused of improperly disposing pesticide, fertilizer, and paint. (More Walmart stories.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X