Authorities this week reported that the owner of a now-closed dry cleaning business in Ventura County has been sentenced to pay over $30,000 for disposing of 110 gallons of hazardous waste in Los Angeles County.
According to a news release from the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office, in July 2024, approximately one month after Unique Cleaners was closed, Shija Cho, the former owner of the company located at 2307 East Main Street, disposed of two 55-gallon drums marked “hazardous waste” in an alleyway in Reseda.
Perchloroethylene, a dry cleaning solvent governed by the federal Environmental Protection Agency, was found in one of the abandoned barrels of dangerous chemicals. Sludge and used filters from the dry cleaning process were found in the second barrel.
“Laboratory analysis confirmed that the contents were hazardous under both state and federal laws due to toxicity levels that far exceeded regulatory thresholds,” officials said.
The poisonous goods were not handled by licensed hazardous waste haulers, were transported illegally and poorly, and were abandoned in Reseda, according to the evidence given by the prosecution. This evidence included interviews, photographs, lab reports, and hazardous waste manifests.
In a settlement with Cho this month, the dry cleaner will guarantee adherence to hazardous waste regulations at a new dry cleaning business in Camarillo and pay $32,065 in civil penalties and costs.
“Our office is committed to protecting public health and the environment by holding businesses accountable for the safe handling and disposal of hazardous materials,” DA Erik Nasarenko said. “This case reinforces the responsibility business owners have to manage toxic waste responsibly, from generation to final disposal.”