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                                                                   EXHIBIT 23(a)



                       CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS


We consent to the incorporation by reference in the registration statement of
Laidlaw Environmental Services, Inc. on Form S-4 (File No. 333-49929) 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, 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 reference to our firm under the caption
"Experts".

                                                        Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P.


Charlotte, North Carolina
April 15, 1998