Safeway to Pay Nearly $10 million in Waste Case

SFGate

Safeway Inc. agreed to pay nearly $10 million after a two-year investigation revealed that the Pleasanton-based company was improperly disposing of hazardous materials like medications and batteries as well as customers’ medical records, prosecutors said Monday.

The $9.87 million settlement — which closes a case built on surprise inspections of Safeway dumpsters in 2012 and 2013 — was approved Friday by Alameda County Superior Court Judge Wynne Carvill. Safeway admitted no wrongdoing, but said it will beef up training to avoid future problems.

The company was accused by several counties of violations at more than 500 stores and distribution centers it operated in California, including stores under the brand names Vons, Pavilions and Pak ’N Save, said Alameda County Assistant District Attorney Ken Mifsud, one of the lead attorneys in the case.

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