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                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.1






                        CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

As independent certified public accountants, we hereby consent to the inclusion 
in this Form 8-K/A of our report dated November 4, 1998 on the consolidated 
financial statements of Waste Systems, Inc. and Subsidiary as of and for the 
years ended December 31, 1997 and 1996 and to all references to our Firm 
included in this Form 8-K/A.


                                                 HEARD, McELROY & VESTAL, L.L.P.




Shreveport, Louisiana
December 14, 1998


                                        
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