<B>WMI, Sears Sign Agreement</B>

Waste Management Inc. and Sears, Roebuck signed a multi-year agreement, effective the first of this year.

The renewal is a result of Waste Management's ``attention to detail at all levels,'' according to John Mengelson, director of facilities management for Sears. Waste Management has provided waste service to Sears since 1993.

``This renewal clearly demonstrates the value of Waste Management's ability to be a proactive partner in managing our customers' waste streams,'' said A. Maurice Myers, chairman, president and CEO of Waste Management Inc. ``We provide consistent, nationwide programs that differentiate us from our competitors.''

During the first seven years of the relationship, Sears' annual costs have significantly decreased as a result of cooperative and proactive efforts among Waste Management's operations group, national accounts group and its site managers. Under the new agreement, Waste Management's program will reduce Sears' costs by providing a comprehensive recycling program and by continuing to monitor services at each Sears store.

Jim Trevathan, Waste Management's senior vice president of marketing and sales added: ``Waste Management's program is based on making it easy for Sears to do business, essentially offering a `one-stop shop' for all environmental services. Whether it is a question regarding solid waste, special waste, hazardous waste or recycling, Sears' knows that it can call a single toll-free number and have Waste Management identify and implement solutions in a timely manner.''