In a move emphasizing environmental responsibility and consumer protection, Del Grande Dealer Group, commonly known as DGDG Automotive, has been hit with a nearly $300,000 fine for the unlawful disposal of hazardous waste and the failure to handle customer information properly. The Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office, along with four other prosecutorial entities, presented the civil complaint against the Bay Area car dealer, accusing them of mishandling dangerous substances such as brake cleaners and fluids and carelessly discarding documents containing sensitive customer details, according to Santa Clara County DA's Office. 

According to a court order on Monday, the automotive group, which operates more than 16 locations across Northern California, is to promptly pay up to $215,000 in civil penalties, as well as cover investigation costs totaling approximately $50,000, and contribute $25,000 towards training programs for California regulators. Such financial reparation serves as punishment and deterrence, aiming to ensure compliance with waste management laws. "Hazardous waste and documents containing confidential customer information must be disposed of properly to avoid harm to the environment and consumers," District Attorney Jeff Rosen stated, as per Santa Clara County DA's Office.

The case against DGDG unfolded in 2021 following unannounced dumpster checks by District Attorney Office investigators, revealing the company's disregard for environmental and privacy protection laws. Subsequent inspections highlighted similar violations across the group’s locations in multiple counties, including Alameda, Solano, Contra Costa, and Monterey. These findings led to the eventual settlement wherein DGDG, while cooperative with investigators, was mandated to assign an employee specifically overseeing its hazardous waste management and staff training efforts.