Judge closes recycling plant for toxic waste violations

A judge has ordered the shutdown of S&W Atlas Iron & Metal, a recycling plant in South Los Angeles, due to toxic waste exposure near a high school. This follows the jailing of the plant's owners for violating court orders. L.A. County Superior Court Judge Terry Bork ruled that the plant cannot accept or process new materials. The decision comes after the plant was charged with multiple counts of hazardous waste violations and safety risks. The plant has operated near Jordan High School for about 70 years, exposing students to dangerous conditions. New bail conditions require weekly inspections, and the plant must seek court approval to reopen.