Christopher L. Gattarello, Asbestos Release, Ohio 2015

CLEVELAND, OH – Christopher L. Gattarello, owner of several Cleveland-area garbage hauling businesses, was sentenced to three years in prison and ordered to pay a $50,000 fine after illegally demolishing an asbestos-laden building and releasing hazardous materials into the surrounding environment. The case, spanning from 2011 to 2015, exposed a deliberate scheme to cut corners and prioritize profit over public safety and environmental regulations.

Gattarello, through his companies Reach Out Disposal, All Points Rubbish Disposal, and Axelrod Rubbish Recycling, leased the former National Acme facility in Cleveland in June 2011. He falsely represented to the property owner that the facility would be used solely for recycling paper and cardboard. However, the facility quickly became a dumping ground for mixed municipal waste, rapidly filling the 570,000 square-foot building. Despite receiving a July 2011 estimate of $1.5 million for asbestos abatement, Gattarello proceeded with plans to demolish the structure.

In May 2012, Gattarello purchased the National Acme facility with the intention of demolishing it and selling the scrap metal. He attempted to circumvent proper asbestos removal protocols by submitting a deficient demolition notice to the Cleveland Division of Air Quality (CDAQ) in July 2012, claiming the building contained no asbestos. The CDAQ rejected the notice, explicitly stating demolition could not begin until a complete and approved application was received. Ignoring this directive, Gattarello ordered the demolition to commence on July 21, 2012.

The unauthorized demolition resulted in the widespread release of asbestos fibers into the air, posing a significant health risk to nearby residents and a school. Debris from the demolition, including exposed asbestos-containing materials, accumulated outside the facility and was left vulnerable to wind and weather, further exacerbating the contamination. Investigators determined Gattarello knowingly disregarded the dangers of asbestos and intentionally violated environmental regulations to expedite the demolition and maximize profits.

On September 1, 2014, Gattarello and his companies were formally charged with violating state environmental regulations. After months of legal proceedings, Gattarello pled guilty on May 1, 2015. In addition to Gattarello’s three-year prison sentence and $50,000 fine, Axelrod Recycling and Reachout Disposal were each ordered to pay a $25,000 fine. The case highlights the critical importance of adhering to asbestos abatement regulations and the severe consequences of prioritizing financial gain over public health and environmental protection.

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Key Facts

Defendant: Christopher L. Gattarello, Reach Out Disposal, Axelrod Rubbish Recycling
Location: Cleveland, Ohio
Years Active: 2011-2015
Crime: Illegal demolition of an asbestos-containing building, fraudulent misrepresentation to regulatory agencies.
Statutes Violated: Ohio State environmental regulations related to asbestos handling and demolition procedures. (Specific statute citations unavailable in provided data.)
Penalties: Christopher L. Gattarello – 3 years incarceration, $50,000 fine. Axelrod Recycling and Reachout Disposal – $25,000 fine each.

GrimyTimes will continue to follow this case and report on any further developments.

Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database

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