The California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) has fined a major cable TV provider for alleged violations of California’s State hazardous waste standards.

According to
the complaint against the cable provider, the company failed to make proper hazardous waste determinations and did not meet its compliance responsibilities for hazardous waste storage, handling, transportation, or disposal.
Reports about DTSC’s enforcement actions reveal that the company allegedly mismanaged wastes like batteries, electronic devices, and aerosol cans. Under Federal and California State law, regulated hazardous wastes must be disposed of at an approved facility—not just any dumpster or landfill.
In addition to the $9.5 million civil penalty, the company must provide
annual hazardous waste training for covered employees as required under 22 CCR 66262.16 and 66273.36.
This is not the first time a cable company has been the target of DTSC hazardous waste enforcement. In December 2015,
DTSC fined a cable provider $26 million for similar compliance violations.
California Hazardous Waste Penalties Rising
In October 2017, the
Governor of California signed into law AB 245, a bill to raise the civil penalties for hazardous waste violations—codified in California’s State Health and Safety Code—
to $70,000 per day, per violation, nearly triple the old maximum penalty of $25,000.
Under the Federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA),
hazardous waste penalties are now as high as $71,264 per day, per violation. EPA also raised its penalty amounts this year and may raise penalties to match inflation again in the coming months.
2018 California Hazardous Waste Training
Meet DTSC’s annual training mandate and avoid rising penalties with trusted, effective training. Trusted in the Golden State for 20 years, Lion’s
California Hazardous Waste Management Workshop returns in January!
Los Angeles Jan. 8—9
Santa Barbara Jan. 11—12
San Francisco Jan. 18—19
Fresno Jan. 22—23
Can’t join us live? Initial and refresher California Title 22 hazardous waste training is available anytime, anywhere at Lion.com. Online courses are interactive and packed with exercises to help you retain what you learn. Plus, train from work, home, or the road from any internet connection, and get IT support 7 days/week.
Online Title 22 Training Options: