UPS hit with multimillion-dollar penalty after statewide investigation

United Parcel Service, Inc. and its affiliated companies have been ordered to pay $1.745 million in civil penalties and related costs following a statewide investigation into the improper disposal of hazardous and medical waste at more than 140 of its facilities in California, authorities announced Monday.

The settlement stems from a civil lawsuit filed in San Joaquin County Superior Court and involves a coalition of 45 District Attorney’s Offices across the state. According to prosecutors, UPS and its subsidiaries, including UPS Supply Chain Solutions and UPS General Services, violated state environmental laws by discarding hazardous and medical waste into regular trash bins, which were then sent to landfills not authorized to receive such materials.

The waste allegedly included ignitable, toxic, reactive, and corrosive substances, along with items containing over-the-counter drug ingredients listed under “Drug Facts” labels.

The judgment was formally entered on July 25, 2025. Riverside County District Attorney Mike Hestrin, whose office played a lead role in the multi-agency investigation, announced the outcome alongside district attorneys from San Bernardino, San Joaquin, Yolo and other counties.

“This settlement holds UPS accountable for its past handling of hazardous materials and helps ensure better protection of public health and the environment,” Hestrin said in a statement.

As part of the settlement, UPS will pay $1.4 million in civil penalties, $140,000 in cost reimbursements, and $205,000 toward Supplemental Environmental Projects designed to support environmental enforcement and education. Riverside County will receive $230,000 in civil penalties and $25,000 for cost recovery.

Prosecutors said UPS cooperated with the investigation and has since implemented improved waste management protocols. These include employee training and measures to ensure hazardous and medical waste is correctly labeled, segregated, and disposed of in compliance with state regulations.

UPS, like all California businesses, is legally required to handle hazardous and medical waste according to strict guidelines to prevent environmental harm and chemical reactions from incompatible substances.

Deputy District Attorney Lauren R. Martineau of Riverside County’s Environmental Protection Team handled the case on behalf of the county.