Pep Boys Settles California Environmental Suit for $3.7M

The Pep Boys auto parts chain will pay $3.7 million to settle allegations that it illegally disposed of used motor oil and other hazardous waste at its California stores.

The settlement announced Monday resolves a lawsuit filed by district attorneys in nine California counties.

Pep Boys has about 150 facilities in California.

Authorities say regulators inspected 19 facilities and found that automobile fluids, batteries, aerosol cans and electronics were tossed into dumpsters destined for landfills not authorized to accept hazardous waste.

The suit said Pep Boys violated state environmental laws for at least three years.

Authorities also said Pep Boys had disposed of customer records without shredding them.

Pep Boys says it took immediate action after being told of problems and will ensure its stores comply with the law.