Target accused of illegal dumping

California state and local officials are suing Minneapolis-based Target Corp., accusing the retailer of dumping hazardous waste in landfills around the state.

Attorney General Jerry Brown, 20 district attorneys and the Los Angeles city attorney jointly filed a complaint Monday in Alameda County Superior Court. They claim more than 200 Target stores have been dumping waste such as flammable aerosol canisters, propane canisters and corrosive spray cleaners into landfills for the past eight years.

Target spokeswoman Bethany Zucco says the company has been following all state environmental laws.

In May, the state reached an $8.65 million settlement with rival retailer Kmart Corp. over similar allegations. The deal requires Kmart to properly store its waste and retrain its workers.

Create a More Connected Minnesota

MPR News is your trusted resource for the news you need. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.