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                               [USA WASTE LOGO]
                                      
                            FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

                                                      Contact: Lew Nevins
                                                           (713) 512-6228

                                                               UW # 97-01


                    USA WASTE ANNOUNCES CANADIAN ACQUISITION

     Houston, TX (January 15, 1997) -- USA Waste Services, Inc. (NYSE:UW)
announced today that it has executed a definitive agreement to acquire all the
Canadian solid waste subsidiaries of Allied Waste Industries, Inc. for
approximately US $518 million. Allied acquired these operations from Laidlaw,
Inc. in December 1996, in connection with their purchase of all of Laidlaw's
solid waste business in North America. The closing of the transaction, estimated
to occur prior to the end of the first quarter of 1997, is subject to Canadian
regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions.

     The businesses being acquired by USA Waste generate approximately US $270
million a year in revenues and include 7 landfills, 41 collection operations and
8 transfer stations in the provinces of Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba,
Ontario, Quebec and Saskatchewan.

     In August 1996, USA Waste acquired all of the Canadian solid waste assets
of Philip Environmental Inc. and additional Canadian assets in the Sanifill,
Inc. merger. Upon the consummation of the Allied transaction announced today,
USA Waste will have annualized revenues in Canada of approximately US $340
million, encompassing 12 landfills, 53 collection operations and 15 transfer
stations.

     John E. Drury, CEO of USA Waste stated, "This transaction is expected to
be accretive to 1997 earnings and will significantly expand our asset base and
market presence in Canada. We also expect significant synergies and enhanced
growth opportunities as we combine these new assets with our existing
businesses."

     Mr. Drury noted that USA Waste's commitment to focusing only on the
non-hazardous solid waste business in North America will continue and he sees
unparalleled opportunities for growth. Mr. Drury further stated, "Confidence in
the solid waste industry and our proven consolidation track record drive a very
focused growth strategy. We have been effectively implementing this strategy and
will continue to pursue profitable growth opportunities going forward."


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USA Waste Services Announces Canadian Acquisition
January 15, 1997
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        USA Waste, based in Houston, Texas is an integrated, non-hazardous,
solid waste management company serving municipal, commercial, industrial and
residential customers in 36 states, the District of Columbia, Canada, the
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and Mexico.

CERTAIN STATEMENTS PROVIDED IN THIS RELEASE CONSTITUTE FORWARD LOOKING
STATEMENTS THAT INVOLVE A NUMBER OF RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES. THESE RISKS AND
UNCERTAINTIES MAY CAUSE ACTUAL RESULTS TO DIFFER MATERIALLY FROM OUR EXPECTED
RESULTS AND ARE DESCRIBED IN DETAIL IN THE COMPANY'S SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE
COMMISSION FILINGS.


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