text: Capitalized interest was $2.1 million, $3.3 million and $2.5 million for the years ended December 31, 
  2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively. 
  
  Interest income and other income, net of other 
  expense, was $8.1 million, $12.7 million and $4.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 
  2002, respectively. The variances during the periods are primarily due to Öuctuations in cash, restricted cash 
  and marketable securities balances and net gains on the disposition of assets during 2003. In May 2004, we 
  used a portion of our outstanding cash and restricted cash and marketable securities balances to repay 
  $225.0 million of public notes. 
  
  *Interest Income and Other Income (Expense), Net.*
  
  *Income Taxes.*Our provision for income taxes was $145.8 million, $132.0 million and $146.9 million for 
  the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively. Our eÅective income tax rate was 38.0% for 
  the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002. 
  
  *Cumulative EÅect of Changes in Accounting Principles.*During the Ñrst quarter of 2003, we adopted 
  SFAS 143. SFAS 143 required us to change the methodology we used to record Ñnal capping, closure and 
  post-closure costs related to our landÑlls. As of January 1, 2003, we recorded an after-tax expense of 
  $20.8 million, or $33.6 million on a pre-tax basis, as a cumulative eÅect of a change in accounting principle 
  resulting from the adoption of SFAS 143. In addition, we also recorded an after-tax expense of $17.0 million, 
  or $27.4 million on a pre-tax basis, as a cumulative eÅect of a change in accounting principle for our methane 
  gas collection systems. This change in accounting principle for methane gas collection systems was prompted 
  by a thorough evaluation of our landÑll accounting policy in connection with the adoption of SFAS 143 and is 
  consistent with the methodology used by other participants in the waste industry. 