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                                                                    EXHIBIT 99.1

WASTE CONNECTIONS, INC. ANNOUNCES NEW MARKET ENTRY INTO TEXAS AND NEW MEXICO
WITH SIGNING OF DEFINITIVE AGREEMENT ON REGIONAL LANDFILL AND COLLECTION COMPANY


ROSEVILLE, CA, AUGUST 11, 1999 - Waste Connections, Inc. (NASDAQ: WCNX) today
announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to merge with International
Environmental Industries, Inc. ("IEII"). IEII owns and operates one regional
landfill, and operates three other municipal landfills and three collection
operations in markets surrounding El Paso, Texas and southern New Mexico. IEII
is one of the largest integrated independents in the country. Annual revenue of
IEII's operations is approximately $40 million on an eliminated basis.

The consideration to the shareholders of IEII will consist of a combination of
cash and Waste Connections stock. The transaction will be structured as a
purchase for accounting purposes; however terms of the transaction are not being
disclosed. Closing is subject to clearance under the Hart Scott Rodino Act by
the Federal Trade Commission and the Department of Justice, and other usual and
customary closing conditions, including local governmental approval.

Ron J. Mittelstaedt, President and CEO of Waste Connections, said, "We believe
that IEII, which is best known as El Paso Disposal, is one of the best remaining
companies in the industry. We are proud of the fact that they have chosen to
partner with us as we continue to grow. The combination with El Paso Disposal
epitomizes Waste Connections strategy of obtaining a strong market position in a
rapidly growing competitive market with a fully integrated company. It
represents a significant new market entry into Texas and New Mexico and is a
platform for future growth throughout the region. We anticipate that using our
financial strength, El Paso Disposal will be able to leverage off opportunities
it is currently exploring. This is truly a case where two companies bring a lot
to each other. In addition, Mr. Stewart has agreed to join our Board of
Directors, and we welcome his business acumen and industry reputation. We expect
that this transaction is strongly accretive to Waste Connections' earnings in
the year 2000."

J.O. Stewart, Jr., Chairman and CEO of IEII, said: "The opportunity to merge our
company with Waste Connections represents an important step forward for El Paso
Disposal. It will strengthen us financially and provide excellent employee
benefits and opportunities for advancement. Our management team will remain
intact and continue to provide local decision-making. This will allow us to
expand in the three-state area of Texas, New Mexico and Oklahoma with El Paso as
the regional headquarters. Compared to other options presented to us in the
past, the merger with Waste Connections allows us to maintain the integrity of
what we have built for 30 years."

Waste Connections, Inc. is a regional, integrated, solid waste services company
that provides solid waste collection, transfer, disposal and recycling services
in secondary markets of the Western U.S. The Company serves more than 400,000
commercial, industrial and residential customers. Waste Connections, Inc. was
founded in September 1997 and is headquartered in Roseville, California.

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This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and
uncertainties. Among the important factors that could cause actual results to
differ materially from those indicated by such forward- looking statements are
the Company's limited operating history, ability to manage growth, the ability
to identify, acquire and integrate acquisition targets, the potential inability
to finance the Company's growth, dependence on management, and the other risk
factors detailed from time to time in the Company's periodic reports and
registration statements filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

8/11/99


CONTACT:

Waste Connections, Inc., (916) 772-2221
Steven F. Bouck
Chief Financial Officer