Alameda, California Stores Face Charges
TJX Companies, the Massachusetts-based parent company of HomeGoods, T.J. Maxx, and Marshalls was ordered to pay $2.05 million dollars for the unregulated disposal of dangerous waste in its California-based stores. The Alameda County District Attorney’s office announced the judgement was determined, as TJX violated California’s strict laws on hazardous waste disposal. The law requires that, “hazardous waste generated in the normal course of retail business be labeled and put in segregated containers to make sure that incompatible wastes do not mix and cause dangerous chemical reactions,” TJX failed to follow these rules.
It was discovered that between 2016 and 2021, TJX companies improperly disposed of harmful waste including batteries, aerosol cans, cleaning agents, and electronic devices. A press release stated that these items were carelessly dumped into trash bins which went to municipal landfills. These landfills were not permitted to accept hazardous waste.
Two Strikes for TJX Companies
A judge approved the stipulated judgement submitted to the court by prosecutors. TJX companies are newly obliged to hire compliance employees who will oversee its electronic waste management program. To ensure that future hazardous waste will be handled properly, the retail chain will be frequently audited, guaranteeing the materials are properly disposed of in all 340 California stores. TJX also agreed to pay a total of $2.05 million dollars for the mistake. Including $250,000 in repayment of enforcement and investigative costs, $300,000 in supplemental environmental projects, and $1.8 million in civil penalties.
The District Attorney claims that this is TJX’s second offense pertaining to mismanaged hazardous waste. In 2014, state prosecutors “resolved similar violations for which TJX paid $2,777,500 in civil penalties and costs,” the September press release noted. The latest prosecution was led by Alameda County, with Monterey, Riverside, San Joaquin, and Yolo counties assisting in the matter.
TJX Pledges to Comply with Hazardous Waste Regulations
An alarming statistic released in 2022 showed that approximately 13 tons of hazardous waste are generated every second. Every year adding 400 million tons of toxic waste to this global crisis. California lawmakers are adamant about creating and enforcing regulations around waste disposal, hoping to reduce its contribution to these harrowing figures. TJX gave a statement to local news saying that it’s, “working on a number of programs to better manage the waste materials resulting from our operations, and we have made a significant investment in time, processes, and resources to strengthen our regulated waste disposal program”. A spokesperson from the company also added, “we look forward to cooperating with the State of California moving forward.”
ITAD Services Help Companies Abide by Regulations
TJX companies could have benefitted from utilizing an IT asset disposition service. These services manage used electronics and IT equipment in a legal and complaint manner. Numerous companies, like TJX, face costly lawsuits for disposing of items unlawfully. Many of these scenarios could be solved by having an ITAD management provider on board. Lawsuits can be minimized when a company works with an IT asset disposition service. Legal battles over the improper disposal of electronic waste have become more prevalent in the media. Organizations might consider IT asset disposition services to safeguard the environment, protect company reputations and conserve finances, too.
