text: ‚***Decentralized Management Structure.***We maintain a relatively small corporate headquarters staÅ, 
  relying on a decentralized management structure to minimize administrative overhead costs and to 
  manage our day-to-day operations more eÇciently. Our local management has extensive industry 
  experience in growing, operating and managing solid waste companies and has substantial experience 
  in their local geographic markets. In early 2001, we added a sales, maintenance and operations 
  manager to each of our regional management teams, which previously consisted of a regional vice 
  president and a regional controller. We believe that strengthening our regional management teams 
  allows us to more eÅectively and eÇciently drive our company's initiatives and helps ensure 
  consistency throughout our organization. Our regional management teams and our area presidents have 
  extensive authority, responsibility and autonomy for operations within their respective geographic 
  markets. Compensation for regional and area management teams is primarily based on the improve- 
  ment in operating income produced and the free cash Öow and return on invested capital generated in 
  each manager's geographic area of responsibility. In addition, through long-term incentive programs, 
  including stock options, we believe we have one of the lowest turnover levels in the industry for our 
  local management teams. As a result of retaining experienced managers with extensive knowledge of 
  and involvement in their local communities, we are proactive in anticipating our customers' needs and 
  adjusting to changes in our markets. We also seek to implement the best practices of our various 
  regions and areas throughout our operations to improve operating margins. 