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                                                                   EXHIBIT 23(a)




                       CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS


We consent to the inclusion in this registration statement on Form S-4 (File No.
333-57587) of our report, which includes an explanatory paragraph relating to
the revised statement of cash flows for the years ended August 31, 1996 and
1995, dated October 7, 1997, except for the first two paragraphs of Note 17 as
to which is dated is May 21, 1998, on our audits of the consolidated financial
statements and financial statement schedule of Laidlaw Environmental Services,
Inc. as of August 31, 1997 and 1996 and for each of the three years in the
period ended August 31, 1997. We also consent to the references to our firm
under the caption "Independent Accountants."

   
/s/ PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS, LLP
    PriceWaterhouseCoopers, LLP
    
   

Charlotte, North Carolina
October 6, 1998