CVS Hit With $13.75 Million Settlement

The Santa Clara County District Attorney’s office announced Thursday that CVS Pharmacy, Inc., must pay a total of $13.75 million to the county and 43 other California District Attorneys and City Attorneys for improper handling of hazardous materials.

“CVS came to the table early and worked quickly to get into compliance,’’ said Santa Clara County Deputy District Attorney Tina Nunes-Ober. “The result is a cleaner, safer environment and a level playing field for all similarly situated businesses.”

CVS must pay $115,000 to the Santa Clara County District Attorney's Office.

For more than seven years, CVS allegedly violated California laws for safe storage, handling and disposal of various types of waste, including pharmaceutical, pharmacy, photo and hazardous waste generated from spills and customer returns of hazardous products.

The investigation began after environmental enforcement officials from the state of Connecticut similarly inspect CVS’s practices. California health inspectors and prosecutors found evidence of the violations and worked with CVS stores to correct these practices.

The stores must now properly store, handle, transport and dispose of the waste at proper facilities and document compliance with lawful procedures.

CVS operates stores throughout Santa Clara County, including a Cupertino location at 10455. S De Anza Blvd.

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