text: (a) Represents new taxes levied on landÑll volumes in certain states that are passed on to customers. 
  
  ‚*2004:*During the year ended December 31, 2004, our revenue growth from core pricing beneÑted 
  from a broad-based pricing initiative which we started during the fourth quarter of 2003. During the 
  year ended December 31, 2004, we experienced core volume growth in all lines of our business, 
  including our residential collection business resulting from the addition of several new municipal 
  contracts, and our landÑll and transfer station businesses resulting from newly opened sites and new 
  contracts. Our internal growth from our core operations was 5.9% in 2004. 
  
  ‚*2003:*During the Ñrst three quarters of 2003, we experienced moderate growth in revenue due to an 
  increase in core pricing. During the fourth quarter of 2003, our revenue growth from core pricing 
  increased at a more rapid pace due to our broad-based pricing initiative. 
  
  During 2003, the economic slowdown which began during 2001 continued to negatively impact our 
  business. However, during 2003, our revenue growth from core volume continued to be positively 
  impacted by long-term franchise and municipal contracts that were secured during 2002. Our internal 
  growth from core operations was 3.9% in 2003. 