by United Parcel Service, Inc. (UPS) and its affiliated companies have been ordered to pay $1.745 million following a statewide investigation that uncovered the illegal disposal of hazardous and medical waste at over 140 UPS facilities across California.
The civil penalties stem from a lawsuit filed in San Joaquin County Superior Court, with involvement from 45 District Attorney’s Offices across the state. Prosecutors said UPS violated California environmental laws by placing hazardous waste into regular trash bins destined for landfills not authorized to accept such materials.
Hazardous Waste Disposal Violations
- The waste included substances deemed ignitable, toxic, reactive, and corrosive, as well as discarded items containing over-the-counter drug ingredients listed under “Drug Facts” labels.
- These materials were improperly discarded at UPS locations throughout California and sent to non-designated landfills, in violation of state regulations.
Settlement Terms and Financial Penalties
The court judgment, formally entered on July 25, 2025, requires UPS to pay:
- $1.4 million in civil penalties
- $140,000 in cost reimbursements
- $205,000 for Supplemental Environmental Projects, which will fund environmental enforcement and public education efforts
Additionally, Riverside County, which played a lead role in the investigation, will receive:
- $230,000 in civil penalties
- $25,000 in cost recovery
Environmental Accountability and Compliance Improvements
Riverside County District Attorney Mike Hestrin, who announced the outcome alongside officials from San Bernardino, San Joaquin, Yolo, and other counties, emphasized the public safety impact.
“This settlement holds UPS accountable for its past handling of hazardous materials and helps ensure better protection of public health and the environment,” said Hestrin.
As part of the resolution, UPS has cooperated with investigators and implemented corrective actions, including:
- Enhanced employee training on hazardous waste management
- New protocols to ensure waste is properly labeled, segregated, and disposed of
- Ongoing compliance with state hazardous and medical waste disposal regulations
Legal and Environmental Oversight
The case was led on behalf of Riverside County by Deputy District Attorney Lauren R. Martineau of the county’s Environmental Protection Team.
Under California law, all businesses are required to properly manage hazardous and medical waste to avoid environmental contamination and chemical hazards. This settlement underscores the state’s commitment to environmental enforcement and corporate accountability.
