Scripps Health and Sharp Memorial Hospital, both in California, will pay more than $375,000 in civil lawsuit settlements, the Office of the District Attorney in San Diego announced Wednesday. The hospitals were accused of violating the State Waste Management Act and Hazardous Waste Control Act by allegedly dumping hazardous waste, such as blood and tissue into landfills and for not following proper procedures in general waste disposal.
Scripps Health will pay $272,870 in civil penalties and costs. It will contribute $16,000 for the equipment that San Diego City inspectors will use to clean the hazardous waste from the landfill. Sharp will pay $102,939 in penalties and costs. The money that is part of the settlement will be funneled back into strengthening consumer protection laws. Press Release (.pdf)