As it turns out, Tesla mishandled used hazardous waste like lead acid batteries, antifreeze, paint materials, and diesel fuel across California.
In a twist that sounds more like a plot from a Silicon Valley drama than real life, Tesla finds itself in hot water over (of all things) hazardous waste management. The EV giant is coughing up $1.5 million to settle a lawsuit that accused it of not playing by the rules when it comes to dealing with dangerous waste in California.
We’re talking about a united front of 25 California, banded together to take on Tesla for its handling (or mishandling) of hazardous materials like used batteries, paint, and diesel fuel. The legal drama unfolded in San Joaquin County Court, with a story that Reuters got the jump on.
So, what did Tesla do to earn this dubious honor? According to the district attorneys, Tesla’s been a bit fast and loose with its trash, dumping hazardous waste in places that just aren’t cut out for that kind of thing. Moreover, it apparently didn’t bother to label its dangerous detritus correctly or train its employees on the dos and don’ts of hazardous waste handling. It’s the kind of basic stuff that even your local auto body shop knows to get right.
The settlement includes a chunk of change — $1.3 million in penalties and another $200,000 to cover the cost of digging into Tesla’s trashy tactics. Plus, Tesla’s got to bring in a third-party auditor to keep an eye on some of its disposal sites for the next five years. It’s a move that San Francisco’s District Attorney Brooke Jenkins says is all about keeping California’s natural resources from turning into a toxic wasteland.
Tesla, without pleading guilty, agreed to pay the $1.5 million to settle this hazardous waste lawsuit. The carmaker also has committed to improving waste management practices and will hire an external auditor to review its procedures for five years. The settlement follows previous agreements with the U.S. EPA regarding waste management violations at Tesla’s Fremont plant.
From air quality fines in the U.S. to water contamination lawsuits in Germany and run-ins over wastewater in Texas, it seems Tesla’s environmental record is as spotty as a Dalmatian. For a firm that’s built its brand on sustainability, Tesla’s surely learning the road to a cleaner world is littered with more than just good intentions.
