Waste Management Quebec Agrees to Disposal Divestment

Waste Management Inc.’s Quebec subsidiary has agreed to divest landfill disposal rights to satisfy Canada’s Competition Bureau that a proposed acquisition won’t lessen competition.

WM Quebec Inc. (WMQ), an operating subsidiary of the Houston-based parent firm, has agreed to sell the rights to dispose of 1.875 million metric tons over 20 years at its landfill in Lachute, Quebec.

The Ottawa-based Competition Bureau determined that WM Quebec’s proposed purchase of RCI Environnement Inc. would result in the substantial lessening or prevention of competition for waste disposal in western Quebec, according to a news release.

RCI Environnement, based in Anjou, Quebec, provides waste collection, transfer and disposal services as well as recycling for about 20,000 institutional, commercial and industrial customers, with more than 350 employees, according to its website.

"I am satisfied that WMQ has agreed to the necessary steps to address the competition concerns identified by the bureau," said John Pecman, interim commissioner of competition for the bureau. "A monopoly in waste disposal services would have resulted in higher prices for customers, including municipalities and businesses, while also restricting the ability of rival waste collection companies to compete in these markets."

The sale will ensure that the buyer will have access to sufficient landfill capacity to effectively compete for business in the area. The bureau will appoint an independent monitor to ensure that WMQ complies with the terms of the consent agreement.