Dive summary:

• Wheelabrator Technologies Inc., a subsidiary of Waste Management, has provided waste disposal in southern Florida for more than 20 years but the end of their contract in July has lead to fierce competition for the territory.
• Sun Bergeron, a joint venture between a recycling and waste disposal company in Florida, saw the end of Wheelabrator’s contract as an opportunity to expand their business and has since signed 15 of the municipalities.
• Both companies are offering a $2 discount on each ton of waste if municipalities sign with them but Wheelabrator is calling the discount "loyalty rebates," which Sun Bergeron says might not be legal.

From the article:

"Alligator" Ron Bergeron is a well-known businessman in these parts and a partner in Sun Bergeron. He called the situation a "circus" and is questioning the legality of the so-called "loyalty payments" that Wheelabrator is offering to municipalities that continue to use its services.

"I've never seen it in my 50-year career," he said. "It's kind of strange."

Wheelabrator Vice President of Operations Bill Roberts says this is the first time the company has used loyalty payments, but they are in essence no different than rebates and discounts commonly built into other contract agreements. ...