[freebeard]

Anyhow, any extra step adds cost, a bit of time, and the potential for problems. In the silicon wafer world, each step involves a certain percent of "breakage".

Breakage? Or, a certain percentage just don't have the magic smoke — yield rate.

You want any extra steps to happen on the assembly line, not in the courts.
inhabitat.com: Tesla hit with $86K fine for violating emission standards in California 04/04/2019

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) led the charge against Tesla, inspecting the manufacturing site with help from the Department of Toxic Substances Control and Bay Area Air Quality Management. The [three!] organizations found that Tesla failed to properly handle waste that should have been deemed toxic.

According to Gizmodo, Tesla is now following proper protocols in the disposal of toxic waste. In the settlement, the car company agreed to pay off a $31,000 fine and purchase new equipment for local firefighters worth around $55,000. In total, Tesla forked over around $86,000 in fines.
....
The settlement further revealed that Tesla failed to dispose of solvents and paints that were flammable. This includes not labeling waste and failing to properly secure containers. The company also did not adequately store and label waste that was toxic in nature. The EPA marked Tesla for not having enough space in waste management areas as well.

This is unfortunately not the first time Tesla has faced environmental violations....