According to technology website 9to5mac, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced on Tuesday that it had reached a settlement with Apple over "allegations of violations of federal hazardous waste laws." The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said in a press release,Apple has addressed multiple hazardous waste management and air emissions issues at its Scott Boulevard facility in Santa Clara, California. As part of the settlement, Apple will also pay a fine of US$261,283 (approximately 1.86 million yuan).
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said that in August 2023 and January 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency conducted inspections of the facility after receiving tips and complaints from the public. During the inspection and review of facility records, inspectors found multiple violations of Apple's federal requirements regarding hazardous waste management.
To solve these problems,Apple has taken several steps, including improving its solvent waste disposal process and installing an air emissions control device.
This is not the first time Apple has been fined for hazardous waste disposal issues in California. In 2016, the California Toxic Substances Control Agency fined Apple $450,000 for hazardous electronic waste violations at its Cupertino and Sunnyvale facilities. Apple disposed of nearly two million pounds of electronic waste at these sites but failed to report it as required by regulations.