VENTURA, CA - District Attorney Gregory D. Totten, along with 41 other California district attorneys and two city attorneys, announced today that Safeway, Inc. (Safeway) was ordered to pay $9.87 million as part of a settlement of a civil environmental prosecution. The settlement is the culmination of a civil enforcement action filed in Orange County alleging the illegal disposal, transportation, storage, and mismanagement of hazardous waste at the more than 500 stores and distribution centers throughout the state, including Safeway, Vons, Pavilions, and Pak’n’Save stores.

The investigation into Safeway’s practices began after discovery of improper shipments of hazardous and pharmaceutical waste to Safeway’s distribution centers through its reverse logistics program. The investigation revealed that Safeway was routinely and systematically sending hazardous and pharmaceutical wastes to local area landfills not equipped to receive such waste. Upon being notified by prosecutors of the widespread violations, Safeway worked cooperatively to remedy the issue and to enhance its environmental compliance program.

Under the terms of the final judgment, Safeway agreed to pay $9.87 million including $6.72 million in civil penalties, $1,150,000 for investigation costs, and $2,000,000 for supplemental environmental projects that will enhance enforcement of California's environmental laws. The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office will receive $312,500 in civil penalties and $15,800 in costs. Ventura County Environmental Health Division will receive $35,000 in civil penalties and $1,575 in costs, and the City of Oxnard Fire Department will receive $5,250 in civil penalties. Safeway stores are required to adopt policies and procedures designed to eliminate the improper disposal of retail hazardous waste products and pharmaceutical waste. In addition, Safeway must continue its First Assistant Store Manager Program designed to address environmental compliance at the store level.