Company Permanently Closes Following Hazardous Waste Charges
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman has announced that a longtime South Los Angeles metal recycling facility adjacent to Jordan High School has been permanently shut down after its operators pleaded no contest to multiple felony counts of illegal hazardous waste disposal.
Atlas Iron and Metal Corporation, a scrap and e-waste processing business operating on Alameda Street since 1949, admitted to five felony charges for disposing of toxic materials at an unpermitted site. The plea agreement immediately terminates the company’s operations and mandates comprehensive environmental remediation.
The case includes strict requirements for Atlas and its owners, Gary Weisenberg, 77, of Encino, and Matthew Weisenberg, 37, of Los Angeles. Both men pleaded no contest to two misdemeanor counts of unlawful hazardous waste disposal and one count of public nuisance.
They are expected to receive two years of probation, perform 200 hours of community service each, and pay $10,500 in fines plus additional penalty assessments. Sentencing will occur at a later date.
The two men are expected to receive two years of probation, perform 200 hours of community service each, and pay $10,500 in fines plus additional penalty assessments. Sentencing will occur at a later date.
The terms of the agreement further require Atlas to:
- Permanently close its Alameda Street facility and halt all operations.
- Complete a full cleanup by the California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) standards.
- Relinquish any development rights under the Jordan Downs Urban Village Specific Plan.
- Remove the facility’s container wall with minimal disruption to nearby school operations.
- Record a land use covenant restricting future industrial, recycling, or metalworking use.
- Offer LAUSD and the City of Los Angeles the right of first refusal should the property be sold.
“This company prioritized profits over the community’s well-being for far too long, and this shutdown presents a welcome reprieve,” Superintendent Carvalho said. “Let this decision send a crystal-clear message: The safety of our schools and communities is not negotiable, and no company is above the law.
The environmental violations date back several years. Since 2017, Atlas has repeatedly failed to meet safety and environmental standards. Investigations revealed high concentrations of hazardous metals, including lead and zinc, in soil samples taken from nearby Jordan High School. Additional testing at the Atlas site uncovered elevated levels of seven toxic metals. Investigators also found metal debris believed to have originated from the facility on school grounds.
Fire Chief Marrone said. “Based on the findings from the search warrant and sampling activities, a Notice of Violation was issued citing significant hazardous waste violations. An enforcement case was prepared and referred to the District Attorney’s Office.”
On August 12, 2024, a fiery explosion at the plant occurred just after 8:00 a.m., as students arrived for their first day of classes. No injuries were reported, but the incident underscored long-standing concerns about the facility’s safety.
Benjamin Gluck, legal counsel for Atlas Iron and Metal, responded to the verdict in an emailed statement and said, “Founded in 1949 by the Weisenberg family, Atlas has been a cornerstone of the Watts business community for 75 years. While it is with great sadness that Atlas has agreed to close its doors, this decision reflects the evolving land use along the Alameda Corridor. Our clients hope that the outcome of this case and the financial contributions Atlas has committed to will help support and uplift the Watts community.”
As part of the settlement, Atlas must pay $1 million in restitution to LAUSD, along with $850,000 divided among the District Attorney’s Office, DTSC, and the Los Angeles County Fire Department’s Health Hazardous Materials Division. An additional $150,000 will be paid in fines and penalties.
Katherine M. Butler, director of the California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC): “DTSC played a key role in holding this company accountable and remains committed to ensuring the site is cleaned and that the community of Watts is protected.”
