SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Property, Plant and Equipment (excluding landfill assets):
Interest capitalized to fixed assets	$ 0.5	$ 0.5	$ 0.2
Depreciation and amortization expense	$ 99.9	$ 72.9	$ 50.4
Weighted average life (in years)	7.8
Period Facility Sat Idled	18 months
Buildings
Property, Plant and Equipment (excluding landfill assets):
Estimated useful life, minimum (in years)	30
Estimated useful life, maximum (in years)	40
Land, leasehold and building improvements
Property, Plant and Equipment (excluding landfill assets):
Estimated useful life, minimum (in years)	5
Estimated useful life, maximum (in years)	40
Camp Equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment (excluding landfill assets):
Estimated useful life, minimum (in years)	12
Estimated useful life, maximum (in years)	15
Vehicles
Property, Plant and Equipment (excluding landfill assets):
Estimated useful life, minimum (in years)	3
Estimated useful life, maximum (in years)	12
Capitalized software and computer equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment (excluding landfill assets):
Estimated useful life, maximum (in years)	3
Solar equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment (excluding landfill assets):
Estimated useful life, maximum (in years)	20
Containers and railcars
Property, Plant and Equipment (excluding landfill assets):
Estimated useful life, minimum (in years)	15
Estimated useful life, maximum (in years)	20
All other equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment (excluding landfill assets):
Estimated useful life, minimum (in years)	3
Estimated useful life, maximum (in years)	10
Furniture and fixtures
Property, Plant and Equipment (excluding landfill assets):
Estimated useful life, minimum (in years)	5
Estimated useful life, maximum (in years)	8