FARGO, N.D. — A lawsuit claiming that Sanford Health improperly disposed of a human torso has been dropped, ending a contentious legal battle with Texas-based Monarch Waste Technologies. Court documents filed on June 30 confirmed that the civil suit was dismissed without costs or attorneys’ fees to either party.
In a statement released on July 10, Sanford asserted that the allegations had no merit. The health care provider expressed satisfaction at the outcome, noting that no financial obligations arose from the dismissal.
The dispute between Sanford and Monarch extended beyond two years, with Monarch alleging breaches of contract, trespassing, and the mishandling of medical waste. Monarch had entered into a ten-year lease in 2022 for space at Sanford’s Health Environmental Services facility located at 1420 40th St. N. in Fargo.
Initially, Sanford incinerated its medical waste but transitioned to using Monarch for waste disposal after failing to meet emissions standards in late 2018. Monarch employs pyrolysis technology to process medical waste effectively.
Tensions escalated between the two companies shortly after the lease commenced. Monarch claimed it had been forced to repackage a significant portion—80%—of Sanford’s waste due to issues at the facility. A pivotal incident occurred in February 2023, when an employee of Sanford allegedly accessed the facility without permission, creating disarray and taking photographs that Monarch later used to argue compliance issues.
In response, Sanford contended the images were misused and took steps to terminate the lease in April 2023, according to the lawsuit. Sanford and its subsidiary then filed a countersuit, claiming that Monarch was overwhelmed with waste, often storing it in semitrailers outside the facility due to understaffing and frequent equipment malfunctions.
The situation reached a critical point on March 3, 2023, when Monarch employees discovered a human torso at their facility, weeks after it had been allegedly dropped off without their knowledge. This incident raised serious concerns, as state law and the disposal agreement between the two parties prohibited the acceptance of hazardous materials or human remains.
Sanford maintained that the torso was clearly marked for research purposes, describing it as a “partial lower body research specimen” intended for educational use regarding hip replacement procedures.
Controversy surrounding the torso accelerated investigations by the North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality, revealing multiple violations in waste management by both companies. A trial was set for March, but complications arose when Monarch’s North Dakota branch filed for bankruptcy in January 2024, complicating the litigation.
Monarch’s bankruptcy case did not encompass the entire organization, according to owner David Cardenas. However, filings revealed significant operational issues, with the branch unable to advance due to the deterioration of essential equipment.
Sanford now has secured services from another firm for its waste disposal needs. Cardenas was not reached for comment on the developments.
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