Waste Management's Quebec Unit Signs Deal for Waste Disposal Services in Western Quebec

The Competition Bureau announced today that it has reached an agreement with WM Quebec Inc. (WMQ), the Quebec operating subsidiary of Waste Management, Inc.,

that preserves competition for solid non-hazardous waste disposal in Western Quebec. Following an extensive review, the Bureau determined that the proposed acquisition of the assets of RCI Environnement Inc. (RCI) by WMQ would result in a substantial lessening or prevention of competition for waste disposal services in the following areas in Western Quebec: Argenteuil, Gatineau, La Riviere-du-Nord, La Vallee-de-la-Gatineau, Les Collines-de-l'Outaouais, Les Laurentides, Les Pays-d'en-Haut, Papineau, and Pontiac. The Consent Agreement announced today resolves the Bureau's competition concerns. Under the Consent Agreement registered with the Competition Tribunal today, WMQ is required to sell the right to dispose of up to 1.875 million tonnes of waste over 20 years at the landfill in Lachute, Que bec. The sale will preserve competition in the areas above by ensuring that the buyer will have access to sufficient landfill capacity to effectively compete for business in those areas. The Bureau will appoint an independent monitor to ensure that WMQ complies with the terms of the Consent Agreement.