Image: Tesla
Tesla has agreed to a $1.5 million settlement in a civil lawsuit filed by district attorneys across 25 California counties, alleging mishandling of hazardous waste materials at its state facilities.
The lawsuit, titled The People of the State of California v. Tesla, accused the electric vehicle manufacturer of improperly disposing of hazardous materials, including spent lead acid batteries, paint, and lubricants, at unauthorized locations.
The settlement, announced by San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins, comprises $1.3 million in civil penalties and $200,000 to cover the investigation’s costs, reports CNBC.
The complaint detailed Tesla’s alleged failures in labeling hazardous waste containers and in training employees on proper handling procedures. Under the terms of the settlement, Tesla is required to adhere to a detailed injunction for the next five years. This includes conducting annual waste audits at 10% of its facilities by a third-party to ensure compliance with hazardous waste management protocols.
The settlement follows a 2022 penalty of $275,000 paid to the EPA by Tesla for violating air toxic emission standards at its Fremont, California, assembly plant.
