(Image Credit: IMAGN) Toxic sludge remains after industrial waste water is treated at Paccar Mexico, Mexicali, June 6, 2018. Barrels of sludge at Paccar
Los Angeles, California – A long-standing battle between Watts residents and a metal recycling facility accused of endangering the community has reached a major turning point. On Monday, a Los Angeles judge ordered S&W Atlas Iron & Metal Co. to immediately stop accepting and processing new materials, effectively shutting down its operations.
The facility, located next to Jordan High School, has faced years of scrutiny over alleged pollution, hazardous waste disposal, and safety violations. The situation escalated following an explosion on August 12, 2024—just ten minutes before first period on the first day of school—rattling classrooms and raising fresh concerns about the facility’s impact on students and residents.
Atlas Metals, which opened in the 1940s, has long been accused of environmental and safety violations. Prosecutors claim the company has knowingly endangered students and residents by allowing sharp metal projectiles, metallic dust, and other hazardous debris to be released from its facility. The Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) has supported these allegations, stating that the company’s negligence has been a danger for years.
The father-and-son duo behind Atlas Metals, Gary and Matthew Weisenberg, were indicted on 25 counts in September 2024 but pleaded not guilty. However, recent allegations that the company continued breaking safety laws despite the charges led prosecutors to push for stricter consequences.
On Monday, Judge Terry Bork not only halted new operations at the facility but also approved increased legal action against the owners. Bail for Gary Weisenberg was set at $100,000, while Matthew Weisenberg was taken into custody on a $1 million bail. The company is also now required to undergo weekly inspections by the Department of Toxic Substances and Control.
For Watts residents and environmental activists, the ruling marks a significant win. The Watts Labor Community Action Committee (WLCAC), which has fought for accountability for years, called the decision “unprecedented” and a major step toward environmental justice.
“This is the first time the community has challenged a polluter and won,” said Tim Watkins, WLCAC’s CEO. “The writing is on the wall for environmental criminals in our community, and we’re looking forward to a cleaner and healthier future for the children of Watts.”
Former Jordan High student Genesis Cruz echoed that sentiment:
“For years, Atlas Metals has put our community at risk without a second thought. Today, the judge showed them they are not above the law. No more business as usual…Watts has paid the price for their greed for too long.”
While the ruling effectively halts Atlas Metals’ operations, community members and advocates are still pushing for a permanent shutdown.
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman called the ruling “historic,” vowing to continue pursuing environmental justice:
“For 70 years, Atlas Metals has collected all the profits, and the children at Jordan High School have borne all the risks. This will not stand.”
Atlas Metals is set to return to court on March 28, where the fight for a cleaner Watts will continue.
