OAKLAND, Calif. » Safeway Inc. has agreed to pay $9.9 million in penalties for improperly disposing of hazardous materials and pharmaceutical wastes to landfills not equipped to receive the waste.

California prosecutors announced Monday that the Pleasanton-based company agreed to settle a lawsuit filed Dec. 31 by more than 40 country district attorney offices and two city attorney offices throughout the state. Alameda County Superior Court Judge Wynne S. Carvill approved the settlement Friday.

Prosecutors say that more than 500 of the company’s stores and distribution centers, including Safeway, Vons, Pavilions and Pak ‘n Save, were involved in the illegal dumping of hazardous wastes, including batteries, electronics and pharmaceuticals.

The settlement also orders the company to address compliance at the store level and conduct yearly store audits.