text: Inventories consist primarily of compost, mulch, and soil materials, equipment parts and fuel that are 
  valued under a method that approximates the lower of cost (Ñrst-in, Ñrst-out) or market. 
  
  The Company expenses substantially all advertising expenditures as incurred. 
  
  **Property and Equipment**
  
  Property and equipment are recorded at cost. Expenditures for major additions and improvements to 
  facilities are capitalized, while maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred. When property is 
  retired or otherwise disposed of, the related cost and accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts 
  and any resulting gain or loss is reÖected in the Consolidated Statements of Income. 
  
  The Company revises the estimated useful lives of property and equipment acquired through business 
  acquisitions to conform with its policies regarding property and equipment. Depreciation is provided over the 
  estimated useful lives of the assets involved using the straight-line method. The estimated useful lives are 
  seven to forty years for buildings and improvements, Ñve to twelve years for vehicles, seven to ten years for 
  most landÑll equipment, three to Ñfteen years for all other equipment, and Ñve to twelve years for furniture and 
  Ñxtures. 
  
  LandÑlls and landÑll improvements are stated at cost and are amortized or depleted based on consumed 
  airspace. LandÑll improvements include direct costs incurred to obtain landÑll permits and direct costs 
  incurred to acquire, construct and develop sites. These costs are amortized or depleted based on consumed 
  airspace. All indirect landÑll development costs are expensed as incurred. (For further information, see 
  Note 3, Accrued LandÑll and Environmental Costs.) 