EXHIBIT 23.1
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements (Form S-8 Nos. 333-81801,
333-78125, 333-45542 and 333-104048) pertaining to the Republic Services 401(k) Plan, 1998 Stock
Incentive Plan, Republic Services, Inc. Amended and Restated Employee Stock Purchase Plan, and Republic
Services, Inc. Amended and Restated 1998 Stock Incentive Plan, respectively, of our reports dated
February 24, 2005, with respect to the consolidated Ñnancial statements and schedule of Republic Services,
Inc., Republic Services, Inc. management's assessment of the eÅectiveness of internal control over Ñnancial
reporting, and the eÅectiveness of internal control over Ñnancial reporting of Republic Services, Inc., included
in this Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 2004.
/s/ E RNST & YOUNG LLP
CertiÑed Public Accountants
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
February 24, 2005
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