DOJ & EPA Announce $9.5M Settlement with Stericycle for Hazardous Waste Violations

When it comes to managing hazardous waste, there's no room for error. After all, we're talking about materials that can seriously harm both people and the planet if not handled properly. But for years, Stericycle, a major player in waste management, was repeatedly caught in a web of regulatory missteps. Now, after a lengthy investigation, the Department of Justice (DOJ) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have stepped in, announcing a $9.5 million settlement to hold the company accountable for its violations of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA).

This settlement is big. Not just because of the size of the penalty but because it’s a crucial step in enforcing the EPA’s e-Manifest system—a tool designed to track hazardous waste as it moves across the U.S. The e-Manifest system allows the EPA to monitor waste from its generation to final disposal, helping ensure it’s handled safely every step of the way. Unfortunately, Stericycle didn’t seem to take this responsibility seriously enough.

A Long History of Lapses

Between 2014 and 2020, while operating a nationwide hazardous waste management business, Stericycle’s failures were numerous. They didn’t just forget about a few paperwork details—they violated core principles that exist to protect public health and the environment.

One of the most glaring issues? Stericycle routinely lost track of hazardous waste shipments. These were serious violations. Waste was sometimes sent to the wrong disposal facilities. And if a discrepancy was found, the company didn't follow through with resolving it or reporting it as required by law.

Add to this the fact that Stericycle failed to submit crucial manifest records to the EPA in a timely manner, and the company’s negligence became all too clear. But there was one other major problem—they didn’t always store hazardous waste in authorized facilities or within the permitted timeframes, putting both people and the environment at risk.

Why the e-Manifest System Matters

At the heart of this case is the e-Manifest system, which tracks hazardous waste electronically. The system is a vital tool for ensuring that dangerous materials are properly disposed of and that everyone involved—from the company transporting the waste to the disposal facility—does their part. It also plays a role in emergency response, helping first responders quickly identify hazardous materials during spills or accidents.

Stericycle’s failure to comply with the e-Manifest system is what pushed this case into the spotlight. The company didn't just drop the ball on a few pieces of paperwork—they didn’t use a system designed to safeguard our communities from harm.

A Strong Message

With this $9.5 million settlement, the EPA and DOJ are sending a clear message: when companies ignore the rules, especially when it comes to hazardous waste, there will be consequences. Cecil Rodrigues, Acting Assistant Administrator for the EPA’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance, made it clear: “EPA is committed to holding companies accountable for their actions and protecting communities from the risks of hazardous waste mismanagement.”

And it’s not just the penalty that matters. The DOJ’s Matthew Podolsky also highlighted that this settlement is a way to hold waste management companies accountable for their legal obligations—ensuring that this serves as a warning to others in the industry who might be cutting corners.

Stericycle has since sold off its hazardous waste business in 2020, but it’s not off the hook for its actions before that. And this settlement doesn’t just affect Stericycle—it also impacts the broader waste management industry, making it clear that mishandling hazardous waste comes with a hefty price tag.

With this agreement, Stericycle is required to pay $9.5 million as part of its civil penalty. But the settlement also sets a crucial precedent for how the government will deal with such violations in the future. As companies like Stericycle learn the cost of neglecting their responsibilities, we can only hope that this sends a ripple effect across the industry.

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