Tesla Agrees to $1.5 Million Settlement in Response to Claims of Unlawful Hazardous Waste Disposal
A San Joaquin County judge fined Tesla $1.5 million for mishandling hazardous waste following the 2018 inquiry, which prompted similar investigations statewide.
The conclusion of a lengthy environmental investigation by the San Francisco district attorney’s office marks a significant milestone in the pursuit of corporate accountability for improper disposal of hazardous materials.
This landmark case resulted from collaborative efforts, evolving into a combined civil environmental prosecution led by 25 district attorneys from various counties, including Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, Ventura, and others.
Allegations against Tesla encompassed improper disposal of used lead acid batteries, antifreeze, paint, and electronic waste at its service and energy centers statewide.
In addition to the monetary penalty, Tesla faces a five-year injunction imposing stringent measures. These include mandatory employee training on proper hazardous waste disposal procedures and the engagement of an external auditor to scrutinize its trash containers for hazardous materials.
San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins emphasized the significance of the settlement, stating, “While electric vehicles may benefit the environment, the manufacturing and servicing of these vehicles still generates many harmful waste streams.” The resolution serves as a crucial step towards ensuring a cleaner environment for Californians.
Tesla’s Environmental Negligence
The investigation uncovered alarming findings during undercover inspections of Tesla service department trash containers. Hazardous waste such as lubricating oils, brake cleaners, aerosols, and contaminated debris were discovered to have been improperly disposed of.
Court documents further revealed Tesla’s disregard for proper disposal protocols, with hazardous waste being indiscriminately deposited into regular trash containers or outsourced to inadequate disposal facilities.
Various district attorneys echoed concerns over Tesla’s actions, with instances of unlawful disposal identified in multiple counties. Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer emphasized, “A company that is supposedly environmentally friendly should know better than to illegally dump hazardous waste that threatens to do irreparable damage to our communities.”
The settlement will be divided into 25 countries, with $1.3 million going to each, and the remaining sum going toward investigation expenses.
Alameda County will receive the largest share, followed by San Francisco and San Joaquin. This distribution underscores the collective effort to hold corporations accountable for environmental violations, safeguarding communities and ecosystems across California.
