Costco Settles Environmental Complaints

ISSAQUAH, Wash. — Costco Wholesale Corp. here has agreed to pay $3.6 million for alleged environmental violations under a settlement with the district attorneys of more than two dozen California counties.

Company officials declined comment. The settlement stems from a civil case brought by the district attorneys, alleging Costco violated California laws between 2007 and 2012 regarding the safe storage, handling and disposal of hazardous waste, including pharmaceutical waste, at warehouses and distribution centers across the state.

Prosecutors said Costco officials were cooperative and quickly came into compliance with regulations, the Associated Press reported. It said the $3.6 million settlement includes civil penalties, costs and funds for environmental projects.