CVS Agrees to Pay Fine for Connecticut Hazardous Waste, Recycling Violations

CVS Caremark Corp. has agreed to pay $800,000 for violations of Connecticut hazardous waste and recycling laws at seven CVS retail pharmaceutical stores in the state.

Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) said in a news release it found mismanagement of hazardous materials used in photographic processing solutions, non-dispensable pharmaceuticals, non-saleable consumer goods and state-mandated recyclables. The violations included improper identification, management and disposal of hazardous waste.

The violations by the Woonsocket, R.I.-based national pharmaceutical chain occurred at Connecticut stores in Clinton, Coventry, Guilford, Madison, Mansfield, Southbury and Vernon.

CVS has to demonstrate correction of all the violations. The retailer also has agreed to make important improvements in its environmental practices.

“CVS failed to ensure the proper handling and disposal of waste products at their stores throughout Connecticut,” said DEEP Commissioner Daniel Esty. “The mismanagement of these hazardous materials indicated a systemic statewide compliance problem for CVS and presented an unacceptable threat to human health and the environment.  The company has now committed to modernize its business practices – bringing them into compliance with the law and establishing a variety of ‘best’ environmental management practices that will be used at their stores nationwide.”