CVS charged for violating hazardous waste management laws

Huge pharmacy chain CVS Pharmacy Inc. in America has been fined $800,000 (£508,790) for violating hazardous waste management regulations and recycling laws.

The company was found to be breaking the law in seven of its stores in just one state.

The stores that were found to be violating the regulations are located in Southbury, Clinton, Coventry, Guilford, Madison, Mansfield and Vernon

Indeed, this is the second time in less than three years that CVS has had to pay Connecticut state a lump sum owing to the way it handles hazardous waste in its stores.

This time, the stores were found to be handling photo processing solutions, which include hazardous waste, incorrectly.

The state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) also found “non-dispensable pharmaceuticals, non-saleable consumer goods and state-mandated recyclables” were mismanaged.

As way of punishment, CVS will pay the fine, as well as “hire qualified environmental management professionals to "prepare the documents and oversee the actions required under the consent order," as the state wishes.

In addition, a number of the violating shops must be shut down.

According to Connecticut, this should be a warning to other offending stores to stick rigidly to the laws in place about hazardous waste management.

"This case sends a clear message to anyone doing business in Connecticut -- you must know and follow our environmental regulations," DEEP commissioner Daniel C Esty stated.

"CVS failed to ensure the proper handling and disposal of waste products at their stores throughout Connecticut.

  "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."