Florida Cities Allege that Hauler Overcharged Them

Danielle Jackson

Broward County, Fla. -- Four cities are seeking $34 million that they claim Houston-based Waste Management Inc. overcharged them for dumping garbage into landfills instead of recycling and composting it.

A study conducted by the Government Services Group, Tallahassee, has concluded that the cities were overcharged from 1992 through 2001 because disposal into landfills costs considerably less than recycling and composting.

Waste Management has not yet looked into the complaint but questions why the cities would challenge the rate that they pay — according to the company, they are paying less than the 26 municipalities and unincorporated areas in the county.