California, October 2, 2025
News Summary
Sephora faces a $775,000 penalty for improper hazardous waste management at its California locations, following a civil enforcement action by the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office. The fine comes after failures in identifying and documenting hazardous products like damaged, returned, and expired merchandise. As part of the settlement, $550,000 will be a civil penalty, while $200,000 will cover cost recovery, and the remaining $25,000 will contribute to environmental training initiatives. This incident highlights the importance of compliance with stringent state regulations on hazardous waste.
California – Sephora, a major retailer of makeup and skincare products, has been hit with a substantial $775,000 fine for improper hazardous waste management at its California locations. This hefty penalty comes after the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office, in conjunction with 24 city and district attorneys statewide, initiated a civil enforcement action against the beauty chain.
The main reason for this fine is Sephora’s mishandling of damaged, returned, and expired merchandise, all of which are classified as hazardous waste under California law. The company’s careless practices included failing to properly identify and document items that were used, expired, recalled, or damaged. Additionally, Sephora did not maintain necessary records concerning test results or waste management practices.
As a result of the court judgment settled in the Sacramento County Superior Court, the $775,000 fine will be allocated in several ways: a civil penalty of $550,000, $200,000 earmarked for cost recovery, and $25,000 directed to the Environmental Enforcement and Training Account managed by the California Environmental Protection Agency. Sacramento County will receive approximately $77,730 from the total penalties and costs.
Sephora, which has evolved from a small perfume shop in France in 1969 to a significant global player, now operates over 2,700 stores across 35 countries, with more than 100 locations in California. The brand is currently a subsidiary of LVMH and has its U.S. branch located in San Francisco. Despite its compliance history, a spokesperson for Sephora mentioned that the company agreed to the settlement without admitting any wrongdoing.
This case reflects a growing scrutiny over environmental compliance within the retail sector, evidenced by a similar lawsuit against United Parcel Service Inc. in August for improper hazardous waste disposal. California’s stringent regulations on waste management position the state as a leader in environmental protection efforts, having also implemented a ban on plastic microbeads in personal care products.
Background
The incident serves as a critical reminder of the importance of adherence to environmental regulations. California has established rigorous requirements regarding hazardous waste to ensure the safety and well-being of its residents and the environment. The enforcement actions taken against Sephora are part of broader efforts by state authorities to hold companies accountable for their waste management practices.
As the retail landscape continues to evolve, companies like Sephora must navigate these environmental legalities diligently to mitigate risks and uphold their reputations.
Summary
Sephora’s improper hazardous waste management practices have led to a significant fine, reflecting California’s commitment to environmental enforcement. This settlement underscores the responsibility that retailers carry in managing hazardous materials and aligns with the state’s rigorous regulatory framework aimed at environmental protection.
FAQ
- What is the amount of the fine Sephora is required to pay for improper hazardous waste management?
- Sephora is facing a $775,000 fine for improper disposal of hazardous waste at its California retail locations.
- What was the reason for the fine imposed on Sephora?
- The fine is primarily due to the mishandling of damaged, returned, and expired merchandise, classified as hazardous waste under California law.
- Which office filed the civil enforcement action against Sephora?
- A civil enforcement action was filed by the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office, along with 24 city and district attorneys from across the state.
- How is the settlement amount broken down?
- The settlement includes a $550,000 civil penalty, $200,000 in cost recovery, and $25,000 designated for the Environmental Enforcement and Training Account managed by the California Environmental Protection Agency.
- What does Sephora claim regarding its compliance with hazardous waste regulations?
- A spokesperson for Sephora stated that the company has always complied with hazardous waste regulations and agreed to the settlement without admitting wrongdoing.
- What is the background of Sephora?
- Sephora was founded in 1969 as a small perfume shop in France and now operates over 2,700 stores in 35 countries worldwide, including more than 100 locations in California.
Chart of Key Features
| Key Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Fine Amount | $775,000 |
| Civil Penalty | $550,000 |
| Cost Recovery | $200,000 |
| Environmental Account Contribution | $25,000 |
| Amount to Sacramento County | Approximately $77,730 |
| Founded | 1969 |
| Global Store Count | 2,700 |
| California Store Count | More than 100 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Los Angeles Times: Sephora Settles with Sacramento County
- Cosmetics Business: Sephora USA Lands $775,000 Fine
- Personal Care Insights: Sephora Hazardous Waste Fine
- Encyclopedia Britannica: General Information
- CBS News: California Sephora Kids Bill Skincare Concerns
- Google Search: Sephora Hazardous Waste
Author: STAFF HERE COSTA MESA WRITER
COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER The COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECostaMesa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Costa Mesa, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the OC Fair, Concerts in the Park, and Fish Fry. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce and Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast, plus leading businesses in retail, fashion, and technology that power the local economy such as Vans, Experian, and South Coast Plaza. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
