Buckeye Reporter

Baumann’s Recycling Center has agreed to pay $1.5 million to settle an environmental lawsuit centered on an illegal landfill operated by the company for nearly a decade, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost announced today.

"I am committed to protecting Ohio’s environment from unlawful contamination," Yost said. "As an avid outdoorsman, I find it to be imperative that we leave a limited footprint for future generations."

Yost’s office filed a consent order this morning in Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court outlining the agreement, which is subject to the approval of Judge Kelly Ann Gallagher.

The settlement would end a five-year legal battle with Baumann’s Recycling, based in Garfield Heights. The case originated in January 2019 when Yost sued the business for allegedly disposing of construction and demolition debris, open dumping solid waste and several violations of the state fire code.

Yost — representing the Ohio EPA, Cuyahoga County Board of Health and Garfield Heights Fire Department — secured a court order in June 2019 requiring Baumann's to immediately begin cleaning up the site, located at 4801 Chaincraft Road. The order imposed strict quotas on debris removal and measures to monitor fire hazards and air pollution.

"This agreement underscores our commitment to upholding environmental standards and holding accountable those who jeopardize the well-being of our communities and residents," Yost said. "My office, along with our partners at Ohio EPA, will continue to monitor compliance to make sure that Baumann’s Recycling finishes the cleanup – completely and expediently."