Sephora Pays California Cities Makeup Cleanup
- has agreed to settle a lawsuit brought by California prosecutors over the improper disposal of hazardous waste, according to a statement released by the California District Attorneys Association...
- The lawsuit,filed by district attorneys from 45 California counties,alleged that Sephora improperly labeled and disposed of hazardous waste,sending it to local landfills.
- "We are committed to complying with all applicable laws and regulations and to protecting the environment," Sephora said in a statement.
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Sephora Settles California Environmental Lawsuit Over Hazardous Waste Disposal
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Sephora USA, inc. has agreed to settle a lawsuit brought by California prosecutors over the improper disposal of hazardous waste, according to a statement released by the California District Attorneys Association on October 2, 2024. The company will pay $1.2 million to resolve the allegations without admitting wrongdoing.
The lawsuit,filed by district attorneys from 45 California counties,alleged that Sephora improperly labeled and disposed of hazardous waste,sending it to local landfills. The inquiry spanned multiple Sephora locations across the state.
“We are committed to complying with all applicable laws and regulations and to protecting the environment,” Sephora said in a statement. “We have always taken environmental protection seriously and support a number of responsible retailer impact efforts.”
Sephora’s Growth and operations
Sephora began in 1969 as a small perfume shop in France and has grown into a global beauty retail giant. The company now operates over 2,700 stores in 35 countries worldwide, including more than 100 locations in California. While headquartered in France, sephora’s U.S. operations are based in San Francisco.
Recent Hazardous Waste Settlements in California
Sephora is not the only retailer facing scrutiny for hazardous waste disposal practices. In August 2024, united Parcel Service Inc. (UPS) and its affiliates paid nearly $1.7 million to settle a similar lawsuit filed by 45 California county district attorneys.
The UPS case stemmed from a years-long investigation of 140 UPS locations in California, revealing that the company sent improperly labeled hazardous waste to area landfills. The settlement included $1.4 million in civil penalties, $140,000 in cost reimbursement, and $205,000 allocated to supplemental environmental projects.
| Company | Settlement Amount | Allegation | Date of Settlement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sephora USA, Inc. | $1.2 million | Improperly labeled and disposed of hazardous waste. | October 2, 2024 |
| United Parcel Service Inc. (UPS) | $1.7 million | Sent improperly labeled hazardous waste to landfills. | August 4,2024 |
Understanding Hazardous Waste Regulations
California has stringent regulations regarding the handling and disposal of hazardous waste,overseen by the Department of Toxic Substances control (DTSC). Retailers, like sephora and UPS, generate hazardous waste through