text: **REPUBLIC SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES**
  
  **NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS**
  **(All tables in millions, except per share data) Ì (Continued)**
  
  **12. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES**
  
  **Legal Proceedings**
  
  The Company is a party to various general legal proceedings which have arisen in the ordinary course of 
  business. While the results of these matters cannot be predicted with certainty, the Company believes that 
  losses, if any, resulting from the ultimate resolution of these matters will not have a material adverse eÅect on 
  the Company's consolidated Ñnancial position, results of operations or cash Öows. However, unfavorable 
  resolution could aÅect the consolidated Ñnancial position, results of operations or cash Öows for the quarterly 
  periods in which they are resolved. 
  
  **Lease Commitments**
  
  During December 1999, the Company entered into a $100.0 million operating lease facility established to 
  Ñnance the acquisition of operating equipment (primarily revenue-producing vehicles). In July 2002, the 
  Company exercised its right to purchase the equipment underlying this facility by paying $72.6 million. In 
  addition, the Company and its subsidiaries lease real property, equipment and software under various other 
  operating leases with terms from one to twenty-Ñve years. Rent expense during the years ended December 31, 
  2004, 2003 and 2002 was approximately $11.4 million, $11.4 million and $20.0 million, respectively. 