LAIDLAW ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES INC
PRE 14A, 1998-10-08
HAZARDOUS WASTE MANAGEMENT
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<PAGE>   1

                                  SCHEDULE 14A
                                 (RULE 14A-101)
 
                    INFORMATION REQUIRED IN PROXY STATEMENT
 
                            SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
          PROXY STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 14(a) OF THE SECURITIES
                    EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 (AMENDMENT NO.   )
 
Filed by the Registrant [X]
 
Filed by a Party other than the Registrant [ ]
 
Check the appropriate box:
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                             <C>
[X]  Preliminary Proxy Statement                [ ]  Confidential, for Use of the Commission
                                                     Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2))
[ ]  Definitive Proxy Statement
[ ]  Definitive Additional Materials
[ ]  Soliciting Material Pursuant to Rule 14a-11(c) or Rule 14a-12
</TABLE>

                      LAIDLAW ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES, INC.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                (Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)


- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    (Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)
 
Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
 
[X]  No fee required.
 
[ ]  Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11.
 
     (1)  Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:
 
     (2)  Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:
 
     (3)  Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed
          pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (set forth the amount on which the
          filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined):
 
     (4)  Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:
 
     (5)  Total fee paid:
 
[ ]  Fee paid previously with preliminary materials:
 
[ ]  Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule
     0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was paid
     previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement number,
     or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing.
 
     (1)  Amount Previously Paid:
 
     (2)  Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.:
 
     (3)  Filing Party:
 
     (4)  Date Filed:
<PAGE>   2

                      LAIDLAW ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES, INC.
                            D/B/A SAFETY-KLEEN CORP.
                         1301 Gervais Street, Suite 300
                         Columbia, South Carolina 29201

                                   -----------

                    NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS

         The 1998 Annual Meeting of Stockholders of LAIDLAW ENVIRONMENTAL
SERVICES, INC. d/b/a SAFETY-KLEEN CORP., a Delaware corporation, will be held at
the Adam's Mark Hotel, 1200 Hampton Street, Columbia, South Carolina on Tuesday,
November 24, 1998, at 9:30 a.m. (Eastern Standard Time), for the following
purposes:

         1.       to elect three directors to serve until the 2001 Annual
                  Meeting;

         2.       to consider and vote upon a proposal to amend the Company's
                  Restated Certificate of Incorporation to change the name of
                  the Company to Safety-Kleen Corp.

         3.       to consider and vote upon a proposal to amend the Company's
                  Restated Certificate of Incorporation to effect a one-for-four
                  reverse stock split (the "Reverse Split") of the Company's
                  common stock (the "Common Stock") as a result of which holders
                  of the Common Stock will receive one share of Common Stock for
                  each four shares of Common Stock owned on the effective date
                  of the Reverse Split;

         4.       if proposal number 3 is approved, to consider and vote upon a
                  proposal to amend the Company's Restated Certificate of
                  Incorporation to decrease the number of authorized shares of
                  Common Stock available for issuance from 750,000,000 to
                  250,000,000 shares; and

         5.       to transact such other business as may properly come before
                  the meeting or any adjournment thereof.

         The Proxy Statement dated October 27, 1998 is attached.

         The board of directors has fixed the close of business on October 16,
1998 as the record date for the determination of stockholders entitled to notice
of and to vote at the meeting.

         You are cordially invited to attend the Annual Meeting. If you cannot
be present in person, please sign and date the enclosed proxy and promptly mail
it in the enclosed return postage paid envelope. Any stockholder giving a proxy
has the right to revoke it any time before such proxy is voted.

           Your vote is important. You are urged to date and sign the enclosed
proxy and return it in the enclosed postage paid envelope as soon as possible.
You may revoke the proxy at any time prior to its use by delivering to the
Company a written notice of revocation or a duly executed proxy bearing a later
date. Any stockholder who has executed a proxy but is present at the Annual
Meeting and who wishes to vote in person may do so by revoking his, her or its
proxy as described in the preceding sentence.


                                     By Order of the Board of Directors
                                     Henry H. Taylor, Secretary

Dated: Columbia, South Carolina
       October 27, 1998


<PAGE>   3

                      LAIDLAW ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES, INC.
                            d/b/a SAFETY-KLEEN CORP.
                         1301 Gervais Street, Suite 300
                         Columbia, South Carolina 29201

                                 --------------

                                 PROXY STATEMENT

                                 --------------

                                October 27, 1998


           The accompanying proxy is solicited by the board of directors for use
at the annual meeting of stockholders (the "Annual Meeting") of Laidlaw
Environmental Services, Inc. d/b/a Safety-Kleen Corp. (the "Company") to be held
at the Adam's Mark Hotel, 1200 Hampton Street, Columbia, South Carolina on
Tuesday, November 24, 1998, at 9:30 a.m., E.S.T., and at any adjournment or
adjournments thereof.

           This proxy statement and the form of proxy are first being mailed to
the Company's stockholders on or about October 27, 1998.

                                     PROXIES

           The accompanying form of proxy is for use at the Annual Meeting. A
stockholder may use this proxy if he or she is unable to attend the meeting in
person or if he or she wishes to have his or her shares voted by proxy even if
he or she attends the meeting. The proxy may be revoked in writing by the person
giving it any time before the proxy is exercised by giving notice to the
Company's Secretary, or by submitting a proxy having a later date, or by such
person appearing at the meeting and electing to vote in person. All shares
represented by valid proxies received pursuant to this solicitation, and not
revoked prior to their exercise, will be voted in the manner specified therein.
If no specification is made in the proxy, the proxy will be voted "FOR" the
election of the nominees for directors listed herein; "FOR" approval of an
amendment to the Company's Restated Certificate of Incorporation to change the
Company's name to Safety-Kleen Corp. (the "Name Change"); "FOR" approval of an
amendment to the Company's Restated Certificate of Incorporation to effect a
one-for-four reverse stock split of the Common Stock (the "Reverse Split"); and
"FOR" approval of an amendment to the Company's Restated Certificate of
Incorporation to decrease the number of authorized shares of Common Stock
available for issuance from 750,000,000 to 250,000,000 shares (the "Decrease").
The board of directors is not aware of any other matters which may be presented
for action at the meeting, but if other matters do come properly before the
meeting it is intended that shares represented by proxies in the accompanying
form will be voted by the persons named in the proxy in accordance with their
best judgment.



<PAGE>   4


                              COSTS OF SOLICITATION

           The Company will bear the costs of solicitation of proxies from its
stockholders. Solicitation of proxies may be made in person, by mail or by
telephone by officers, directors and regular employees of the Company who will
not be specially compensated in such regard. Nominees, fiduciaries and other
custodians will be requested to forward solicitation materials to the beneficial
owners and secure their voting instructions and will be reimbursed for the
reasonable expenses incurred in sending proxy materials to the beneficial
owners. In addition, the Company has engaged the services of ChaseMellon
Shareholder Services to solicit proxies and will pay such proxy soliciting agent
$5,000 plus expenses in connection therewith. Solicitation by such firm may be
by mail, personal interview, telephone, fax or telegraph. Arrangements also will
be made with brokerage firms and other custodians, nominees and fiduciaries to
forward proxy solicitation material to the beneficial owners of Common Stock
held of record by such persons, and the Company will reimburse such brokerage
firms, custodians, nominees and fiduciaries for reasonable out-of-pocket
expenses incurred by them in connection therewith.

                          RECORD DATE AND VOTING RIGHTS

           The board of directors of the Company has fixed the close of business
on October 16, 1998, as the record date for the determination of stockholders
entitled to receive notice of and to vote at the Annual Meeting. As of October
16, 1998, there were a total of 350,984,971 shares of the Common Stock
outstanding and entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting. Each stockholder is
entitled to one vote on each matter to come before the meeting for each share of
Common Stock held of record by such stockholder. Directors are elected by a
plurality of the votes cast by the holders of shares of Common Stock at a
meeting at which a quorum is present. "Plurality" means that the individuals who
receive the largest number of votes cast are elected as directors up to the
maximum number of directors to be chosen at the meeting. A vote indicated as
withheld from a nominee will not be cast for such nominee but will be counted in
determining the presence of a quorum. Consequently, the withholding of a vote
for a nominee will have no impact in the election of directors except to the
extent that failure to vote for an individual results in another individual
receiving a larger number of votes. Approval of the Name Change and the Decrease
will require that holders of a majority of the shares outstanding and entitled
to vote thereon vote in favor of approval. Approval of the Reverse Split will
require that the holders of 75% of the shares outstanding and entitled to vote
thereon vote in favor of the proposal. Consequently, any shares whether
represented at the meeting or not which do not vote on the proposals for the
Name Change, the Decrease or the Reverse Split will have the same effect as a
negative vote. Abstentions and broker nonvotes will be counted in determining
the presence of a quorum at the meeting. The Decrease will not be voted on
unless the Reverse Split is approved.



                                       2
<PAGE>   5

                              BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP

          Beneficial Owners Of Five Percent Or More Of The Common Stock

           The following table sets forth the only stockholder which, to the
knowledge of management of the Company, was a beneficial owner of five percent
or more of the outstanding shares of Common Stock as of October 16, 1998. The
shareholdings reported are based on information provided by the stockholder.

                              Amount and Nature of
Name                            Beneficial Ownership       Percent of Class
- ----                            --------------------       ----------------

Laidlaw Inc. (1)                    126,612,717                 35.8%
3221 North Service Road
Burlington, Ontario
CANADA  L7R3Y8

- -----------
(1)  The shares of Common Stock shown as owned by Laidlaw Inc. are held of
     record by Laidlaw Finance (Barbados) Ltd. (except for 125 shares
     which are held by Laidlaw Transportation Limited). The total number
     of shares of Common Stock shown as owned by Laidlaw Inc. includes
     2,692,307 shares which represents an estimate of the number of shares
     to be issued on November 15, 1998 pursuant to the Company's 5%
     Subordinated Convertible Pay-in-Kind Debenture described in
     "Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation." The
     estimate is based on the closing price of $3.250 per share of Common
     Stock on October 1, 1998 as reported in the Wall Street Journal. The
     actual number of shares issued on November 15, 1998 will be based on
     the average of the closing price of a share of Common Stock for the
     ten consecutive trading days selected by the Company commencing not
     more than 20 trading days before, and ending not later than the day,
     such payment is due.


                                       3
<PAGE>   6

   Stock Ownership Of The Company's Directors, Nominees And Executive Officers

           The following table sets forth as of October 16, 1998, the number of
shares of Common Stock beneficially owned by (i) each of the Company's
directors, (ii) each nominee for election as a director of the Company, (iii)
each of the Company's executive officers named on the Summary Compensation Table
herein (the "Named Executive Officers") and (iv) all directors and executive
officers of the Company as a group.

                                     Amount and Nature of
Name                                 Beneficial Ownership    Percent of Class
- ----                                 --------------------    ----------------

James R. Bullock(2), (3)                    55,000                  *

John R. Grainger(2), (3)                    30,000                  *

Leslie W. Haworth(2), (3)                   35,000                  *

John W. Rollins, Jr. (2), (4)              387,862                  *

John W. Rollins, Sr. (2), (5)            3,727,576                  *

David E. Thomas, Jr. (2)                    30,000                  *

Henry B. Tippie(2), (6)                  2,268,689                  *

James L. Wareham(2)                         31,000                  *

Grover C. Wrenn(2)                          45,000                  *

Kenneth W. Winger(1)                        50,000                  *

Michael J. Bragagnolo(1)                    30,000                  *

Paul R. Humphreys(1)                        12,000                  *

Henry H. Taylor(1)                           4,000                  *

All directors and executive              6,706,127                1.9%
officers as a group (13 persons)

- ------------
 * Signifies less than 1%

(1) All the shares shown as owned represent shares subject to presently
    exercisable options.

(2) Includes 30,000 shares subject to presently exercisable options.

(3) Messrs. Bullock, Grainger and Haworth are officers of Laidlaw Inc.
    See "Beneficial Owners Of Five Percent Or More Of The Common Stock"
    for information regarding the beneficial ownership of Laidlaw Inc.

(4) Includes 191,737 shares held by Mr. Rollins as co-trustee. Does not
    include 6,191 shares owned by Mr. Rollins' wife, as to which shares
    Mr. Rollins disclaims any beneficial ownership.

(5) Does not include 195,749 shares owned by Mr. Rollins' wife and
    107,575 shares held by his wife as custodian for his minor children,
    as to which shares Mr. Rollins disclaims any beneficial ownership.

(6) Includes 968,689 shares held by Mr. Tippie as co-trustee; 26,000
    shares held by him as trustee; and 30,000 shares in which a wholly
    owned corporation over which he has sole voting power has a
    beneficial partnership interest of 300 shares and voting right for
    30,000 shares. Does not include 23,000 shares owned by Mr. Tippie's
    wife, as to which shares Mr. Tippie disclaims any beneficial
    ownership.

                                       4
<PAGE>   7


                         COMMON STOCK PERFORMANCE GRAPH

           The following line graph compares the cumulative total stockholder
return of the Company with that of the former Smith Barney Hazardous Waste
Index; ("Old Peer Group Index"), the S&P Composite 500 Index, a New Peer Group
Index, and the S&P MidCap 400 Index. The comparison is for the five year period
beginning August 31, 1993 and ending August 31, 1998 and assumes the
reinvestment of dividends. In its proxy statement for its last annual meeting,
the Company compared the performance of its Common Stock with the S&P 500
Composite Index and the Old Peer Group Index. This index is no longer published
by Smith Barney and therefore a new peer group was selected by the Company as a
basis for comparison. The New Peer Group Index selected by the Company consists
of Clean Harbors, Inc., EnviroSource, Inc., International Technology
Corporation, Philip Services Corp. and U.S. Liquids Inc. As required, the
performance of the Old Peer Group Index is presented for comparative purposes in
the year of change.

           Furthermore, the Company has determined that the S&P MidCap 400 Index
is a more appropriate basis for measuring the performance of the stock of the
Company and intends to use this market index for comparison in the future in
addition to the S&P Composite 500 Index.


                                    [GRAPH]


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                   Cumulative Total Return
                              8/93          8/94           8/95        8/96           8/97          8/98
                         --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<S>                         <C>           <C>            <C>         <C>            <C>           <C>  
THE COMPANY                 100.00         90.74          68.52       46.30          68.52         43.52
NEW PEER GROUP INDEX        100.00         75.46          67.69       64.28         110.70         20.43
OLD PEER GROUP INDEX        100.00         83.80          84.90       65.57          71.00         66.76
S & P 500                   100.00        105.47         128.09      152.09         213.91        231.22
S & P MIDCAP 400            100.00        104.63         126.08      141.06         193.64        168.59
</TABLE>

Assumes $100 invested on August 31, 1993 in the Company's Common Stock, the Old
Peer Group, the S&P 500 Index, the S&P MidCap 400 Index, and the New Peer Group
Index.

* Total return assumes reinvestment of dividends.


                                       5
<PAGE>   8

                COMPENSATION OF EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS

Compensation of Executive Officers

The following table sets forth the compensation paid to the Named Executive
Officers for services rendered to the Company during the fiscal years ended
August 31, 1997 and 1998. None of the Company's Named Executive Officers served
as officers of the Company during fiscal year ended August 31, 1996.

                           Summary Compensation Table

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                               Annual Compensation                         Long Term Compensation
                                               -------------------                         ----------------------

(a)                                     (b)        (c)            (d)                  (g)                       (i)
                                                                                Securities Underlying           All Other 
Name and Principal Position             FY       Salary($)       Bonus($)         Options/SARs (#)          Compensation($)(1)
- ---------------------------             --       ---------       --------       ---------------------       ------------------

<S>                                    <C>       <C>            <C>             <C>                         <C>    
Kenneth W. Winger                      1998      $441,667(2)    $325,000             250,000                     $17,943
President, Chief Executive Officer
and Director (3)                       1997      $120,167       $100,000             250,000                     $11,060

Michael J. Bragagnolo,                 1998      $273,750       $168,356             150,000                     $16,848
Executive Vice President and Chief
Operating Officer (3)                  1997      $ 78,861       $ 46,670             150,000                     $ 3,121


Paul R. Humphreys (3)                  1998      $220,333       $108,404              60,000                     $14,602

                                       1997      $ 68,333       $ 35,618              60,000                     $ 4,837

Henry H. Taylor (3)                    1998      $173,750       $ 74,799              20,000                     $14,558

                                       1997      $ 56,938       $ 30,862              20,000                     $ 4,769
</TABLE>



(1) Amounts shown for 1998 consist of (i) for Mr. Winger: premiums on
    life insurance policies of $1,968, matching contributions under the
    Safety-Kleen Corp. 401(k) Savings Plan (the "401(k) Plan") of $3,975
    and a $12,000 automobile allowance; (ii) for Mr. Bragagnolo: premiums
    on life insurance policies of $1,053, matching contributions under
    the 401(k) Plan of $5,415 and a $10,380 automobile allowance; (iii)
    for Mr. Humphreys: premiums on life insurance policies of $878,
    matching contributions under the 401(k) Plan of $4,724 and a $9,000
    automobile allowance; and (iv) for Mr. Taylor: premiums on life
    insurance policies of $667, matching contributions under the 401(k)
    Plan of $4,891 and a $9,000 automobile allowance.

(2) The salary described in the Human Resources and Compensation
    Committee Report on Executive Compensation did not become effective
    until April 1, 1998.

(3) Each of the Company's Named Executive Officers became an employee of
    the Company on May 15, 1997.




                                       6
<PAGE>   9

                      Option/SAR Grants in Last Fiscal Year

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                    Potential     
                                                                                                    Realizable    
                                                                                                    Value at      
                                                                                                    Assumed Annual
                                                                                                    Rates of      
                                                                                                    Stock Price   
                                                                                                    Appreciation  
                                                                                                    for Option    
                                     Individual Grants                                              Term          
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

              (a)          (b)                (c)           (d)                (e)             (f)           (g)

                        Number of          % of Total
                        Securities         Options/SARs     Exercise 
                        Underlying         Granted to       or Base 
                        Options/SARs       Employees in     Price           Expiration 
             Name       Granted(#)         Fiscal Year      ($/Sh)          Date            5% ($)(1)     10% ($)(1)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<S>                     <C>                 <C>             <C>             <C>             <C>           <C>       
Kenneth W. Winger         250,000            17.8%          $3.8125          04/01/08        $599,415     $1,519,036

Michael J. Bragagnolo     150,000            10.7%          $3.8125          04/01/08        $359,649       $911,421

Paul R. Humphreys          60,000             4.3%          $3.8125          04/01/08        $143,860       $364,569

Henry H. Taylor            20,000             1.4%          $3.8125          04/01/08         $47,953       $121,523

</TABLE>
(1) These amounts, based on assumed appreciation rates of 5% and 10% as
    prescribed by the Securities and Exchange Commission rules, are not
    intended to forecast possible future appreciation, if any, of the
    Common Stock price. These numbers do not take into account certain
    provisions of the options providing for termination of the option
    following termination of employment, nontransferability or phased-in
    vesting. The Company did not use an alternative formula for a grant
    date valuation as it is not aware of any formula which will determine
    with reasonable accuracy a present value based on future unknown or
    volatile factors. Future compensation resulting from option grants is
    based solely on the performance of the Common Stock.

Aggregated Option/SAR Exercises in Last Fiscal Year and FY-End Option/SAR Values

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
         (a)                                 (d)                                              (e)
                                Number of Securities Underlying
                            Unexercised Options/SARs at FY-End (#)      Value of Unexercised In-the-Money Options/SARs at
Name                               Exercisable/Unexercisable                   FY-End ($) Exercisable/Unexercisable
- ----                               -------------------------                   ------------------------------------


<S>                         <C>                                         <C>
Kenneth W. Winger                       50,000/450,000                                         0/0
Michael J. Bragagnolo                   30,000/270,000                                         0/0
Paul R. Humphreys                       12,000/108,000                                         0/0
Henry H. Taylor                          4,000/36,000                                          0/0
</TABLE>


Defined Benefit Plans

           Effective as of October 14, 1997, the Company adopted a Supplemental
Executive Retirement Plan (the "SERP") for certain eligible employees. A SERP is
an unfunded plan which provides for benefit payments in addition to those
payable under a qualified retirement plan.


                                       7
<PAGE>   10

           The following table shows the estimated annual benefits payable upon
retirement at normal retirement date under the SERP.

                  Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan Table

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Final 
Average 
Pay                                    Service Years

                 15            20            25            30            35

<S>            <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>          <C>    
250,000        45,000        60,000        75,000        90,000       105,000
300,000        56,250        75,000        93,750       112,500       131,250
350,000        67,500        90,000       112,500       135,000       157,500
400,000        78,750       105,000       131,250       157,500       183,750
450,000        90,000       120,000       150,000       180,000       210,000
500,000       101,250       135,000       168,750       202,500       236,250
550,000       112,500       150,000       187,500       225,000       262,500
600,000       123,750       165,000       206,250       247,500       288,750
650,000       135,000       180,000       225,000       270,000       315,000
700,000       146,250       195,000       243,750       292,500       341,250
750,000       157,500       210,000       262,500       315,000       367,500
800,000       168,750       225,000       281,250       337,500       393,750
850,000       180,000       240,000       300,000       360,000       420,000
900,000       191,250       255,000       318,750       382,500       446,250
</TABLE>


For the Company's current executive officers, the compensation shown in the
columns labeled "Salary" and "Bonus" of the Summary Compensation Table is
covered by the SERP. As of August 31, 1998, Mr. Winger had credited service
under the SERP of seven years and Messrs. Bragagnolo, Humphreys and Taylor had
credited service under the SERP of three years each. Benefits under the SERP are
computed based on a straight-life annuity. The amounts in this table are subject
to deduction for a portion of Social Security benefits.

Employment Contracts and Termination of Employment and Change in Control
Arrangements

           Pursuant to the approval of the Human Resources and Compensation
Committee of the board of directors at its meeting on October 24, 1997, the
Company entered into Termination of Employment and Change in Control Agreements
with each of the Named Executive Officers.



                                       8
<PAGE>   11

           Mr. Winger's Change of Control Agreement provides that if his
employment is terminated as a result of a change in control, he will receive a
lump sum payment equal to 36 times his average aggregate monthly salary, bonus,
cash value of benefits and perquisites during the previous two fiscal years. The
Change of Control Agreements with Messrs. Bragagnolo, Humphreys and Taylor
provide that if any one of their employment is terminated as a result of a
change in control he would receive a lump sum payment equal to 18 times his
average aggregate monthly salary, bonus, cash value of benefits and perquisites
during the previous two fiscal years. All of the Change of Control Agreements
provide that for purposes of determining the pension entitlement under the SERP
the years vested in the plan would be extended for three years in the case of
Mr. Winger and one and a half years in the case of each of the other Named
Executive Officers. The Change of Control Agreements further provide that all
stock options granted to such persons would fully vest and lapse if not
exercised within 90 days following the employment termination date.

Compensation of Directors

           Currently, each director who is not an employee of the Company is
paid an annual retainer of $20,000 (the "Annual Retainer") plus $750 for each
board and committee meeting attended plus expense reimbursement. During fiscal
year 1998 the directors were also paid a fee of $750 for attending the 1997
Annual Meeting of the Company. Pursuant to the Company's Nonemployee Director
Stock Plan, 50% of the Annual Retainer for each nonemployee director is paid in
shares of Common Stock. Each quarter the smallest number of whole shares of
Common Stock which when multiplied by the fair market value of such shares would
equal no more than 50% of the nonemployee director's retainer fee payable for
such quarter is calculated, and the dollar amount equivalent thereto is withheld
from the director's quarterly retainer check. A certificate evidencing the
number of shares of Common Stock so determined for each of the fiscal quarters
of the prior calendar year is delivered to the director at the first board of
directors meeting held during each calendar year. Each nonemployee director
becomes vested in the Common Stock so awarded (i) at the end of the vesting
period applicable to the award, as defined in the Nonemployee Director Stock
Plan, if the nonemployee director continues to be a member of the Board through
the vesting period or (ii) upon his death, disability or retirement or (iii) if
the nonemployee director ceases to be a director as a result of a change in
control of the Company. Each such award is subject to a separate vesting period,
and all awards become nonforfeitable and transferable on the first anniversary
of the award. The first shares under this plan will be issued to the directors
in January 1999. Additionally, during fiscal 1998 each director was granted
options to purchase 20,000 shares of Common Stock at an exercise price of
$3.8125 per share under the 1997 Directors Stock Option Plan. 20% of the options
become exercisable on April 1, 1999 with an additional 20% of the options
becoming exercisable on April 1 each year thereafter until all of the options
become exercisable.

           Directors who are also employees of the Company receive no separate
compensation for serving as directors.


                                       9
<PAGE>   12

   HUMAN RESOURCES AND COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION


           The Human Resources and Compensation Committee reviews and approves
annual salaries, evaluates performance and reviews and approves pay increases
for the Company's executive officers and senior management. The Committee also
approves executive incentive plans and awards under those plans and recommends
salary and bonus plans and awards for the Chief Executive Officer. The full
board of directors evaluates and approves the Chief Executive Officer's salary
and the awards of stock options to executive officers. The Committee
periodically reports to the board on its activities.

Compensation Philosophy

           The Committee bases its decisions on a compensation philosophy
designed to reward achievement based on corporate performance against measurable
goals. The Committee communicates performance standards and assures that the
total compensation package provides an earnings opportunity that is competitive
for the industry. Generally, salary and incentive programs are positioned to be
aligned with or near the median of the range of compensation levels for other
major national "for profit," "non-utility" companies adjusted for revenue size.

           Since total compensation directly impacts the ability to attract and
retain qualified individuals in key positions, several salary survey sources are
researched for salary data comparisons to assure the comparability of the
Company's salaries to those of other companies in the comparison group. When
developing policies and practices designed to attract and retain qualified
individuals, the Company also considers the compensation-related policies and
practices of companies in the comparison group.

Executive Compensation

           Compensation for executive officers consists of salary and short-term
and long-term incentive compensation. In determining whether to adjust the
salary of an executive officer, the Committee takes into account individual
performance, performance of the operations directed by the executive officer and
the executive officer's salary in relation to the established salary range. In
evaluating whether an executive officer's total compensation package (base
salary plus incentive compensation) should be adjusted, the Committee also takes
into account the Company's objective of being at or near the median of the range
for total compensation for comparison companies.



                                       10
<PAGE>   13

Management Incentive Plan

           In addition to receiving salary, executive officers are eligible to
receive additional cash compensation under an annual incentive plan. Under the
Management Incentive Plan ("MIP"), awards are made based on the Company's
performance during the last fiscal year, the achievement of each individual's
own financial goals for his or her business unit during such period and other
individual objectives. At the conclusion of each plan year, the Committee
compares the Company's overall performance and the performance of individual
business units to established objectives. The Committee assesses performance
through an evaluation of quantitative and qualitative measures. The quantitative
measure, which is earnings per share, accounts for 70% of each individual's
target award. The qualitative measure is comprised of preset goals and accounts
for the remaining 30% of each individual's performance rating.

Stock Options

           Stock options are designed to provide an incentive for those
primarily responsible for the growth and success of the Company. Stock option
grants also are intended to encourage stock ownership and thereby further
associate the interests of stockholders and those managing the Company.

           Stock option targets have been established for each participating
level of responsibility within the Company. These targets were established based
on a survey of other companies within the group of comparison companies. Targets
for the Company are designed to be near the median long-term incentive
opportunity granted by the survey group.

           Stock options are typically granted annually. Individual grants vary
based on the target for each level of responsibility and the desire to reflect
individual performance and potential. All grants are at market price at the
close of business on the day prior to the date of grant and, after they become
exercisable, have value only if the price of the Company's stock has increased
in value.



                                       11
<PAGE>   14

Compensation for the Chief Executive Officer

           The Committee has tied the pay for the Chief Executive Officer to
benchmark comparison companies in the Watson Wyatt Executive survey, the Mercer
Accounting survey, the Hewitt Executive survey and a special survey performed by
Hewitt Associates, LLC. Some or all of these surveys may include companies which
are included in the Company's Old Peer Group Index or the New Peer Group Index;
however, the companies included in the surveys were not chosen for the same
purpose as either the Old Peer Group Index or the New Peer Group Index, and any
such overlap is purely coincidental. The objective of total compensation for the
Chief Executive Officer is the median of the market range for chief executive
officers within the "for profit," "non-utility" comparison group of companies.

           Based on these surveys, Mr. Winger's salary for fiscal 1998 was
established at $500,000 per year, effective April 1, 1998. His maximum MIP award
target for fiscal 1998 was $373,500. Mr. Winger's MIP actual award for the 1998
fiscal year was $325,000 based on actual results achieved. Based on his
performance, Mr. Winger also was granted, in fiscal year 1998, options to
purchase 250,000 shares of Common Stock under the Company's 1997 Stock Option
Plan.

           The Committee believes the executive compensation program and
practices described above are competitive. They are designed to provide
increased compensation with improved financial results and opportunity for
capital accumulation, if stockholder value is increased.

Human Resources and Compensation Committee           Board of Directors
- ------------------------------------------           ------------------

John R. Grainger                                     James R. Bullock
John W. Rollins, Jr.                                 John R. Grainger
David E. Thomas, Jr.                                 Leslie W. Haworth
                                                     John W. Rollins, Sr.
                                                     John W. Rollins, Jr.
                                                     David E. Thomas, Jr.
                                                     Henry B. Tippie
                                                     James L. Wareham
                                                     Kenneth W. Winger
                                                     Grover C. Wrenn


                                       12
<PAGE>   15

           COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION

Members

           During the fiscal year ended August 31, 1998, the Human Resources and
Compensation Committee held primary responsibility for determining executive
compensation levels. John R. Grainger, John W. Rollins, Jr. and David E. Thomas,
Jr. are the members of the Human Resources and Compensation Committee.

Relationships

           Mr. Grainger is an executive officer of Laidlaw Inc. as are Messrs.
Bullock and Haworth. Pursuant to the terms of a Stock Purchase Agreement dated
February 6, 1997 between Rollins Environmental Services, Inc. and Laidlaw Inc.
(the "Stock Purchase Agreement"), Laidlaw Inc. acquired approximately 67% of the
Common Stock. Laidlaw Inc. now beneficially owns approximately 35.8% (including
the estimated number of shares to be issued on November 15, 1998 as more fully
described in Beneficial Owners Of Five Percent Or More Of The Common Stock) of
the Common Stock. In the ordinary course of business, the Company or its
affiliates and Laidlaw Inc. or affiliates of Laidlaw Inc. have entered from time
to time into various business transactions and agreements. The following is a
summary of the material agreements, arrangements and transactions between the
Company or its affiliates and Laidlaw Inc. or its affiliates since September 1,
1997.

Laidlaw Inc. Indemnities

           Pursuant to the terms of the Stock Purchase Agreement, Laidlaw Inc.
and Laidlaw Transportation, Inc. ("LTI"), a subsidiary of Laidlaw Inc., agreed
to jointly and severally indemnify and hold harmless, subject to certain
limitations, the Company and its affiliates from and against any and all Damages
(as defined in the Stock Purchase Agreement) suffered by the Company resulting
from or in respect of (i) various tax obligations and liabilities, (ii)
pre-closing insurance claims, (iii) any breach or default in the performance by
Laidlaw Inc. or LTI of (a) their covenants and agreements in the Stock Purchase
Agreement to be performed on or after May 15, 1997 (the "Closing") or (b) any
representation or warranty which survives the Closing (to the extent that
damages therefrom exceed $2,000,000) and (iv) any environmental liability or
environmental claim arising as a result of any act or omission by Laidlaw Inc.
or LTI, including any release, occurring prior to the Closing, but only to the
extent such liability or claim (a) was known to Laidlaw Inc. or certain of its
affiliates and not disclosed in writing to the Company or (b) relates to the
Marine Shale Processors or Mercier, Quebec facilities and exceeds (x) an
aggregate of $1,000,000 in a particular year and (y) an aggregate since the
Closing of $1,000,000 times the number of years elapsed since the Closing, but
only to the extent of cash expenditures incurred within six years after the date
of the Closing.



                                       13
<PAGE>   16

Laidlaw Inc. Guaranties

           Prior to the Closing, Laidlaw Inc. entered into on behalf of the
Company certain guaranties, performance guaranties, bonds, performance bonds,
suretyship arrangements, surety bonds, credits, letters of credit, reimbursement
agreements and other undertakings, deposit commitments or arrangements by which
Laidlaw Inc. may be primarily, secondarily, contingently or conditionally liable
for or in respect of (or which create, constitute or evidence a lien or
encumbrance on any of the assets or properties of Laidlaw Inc. which secures the
payment or performance of) a present or future liability or obligation of the
Company (each a "Laidlaw Guaranty" and collectively the "Laidlaw Guaranties").
Pursuant to the terms of the Stock Purchase Agreement, the Company agreed to use
its best efforts to cause Laidlaw Inc. to be fully and finally released and
discharged from all further liability or obligation in respect of all Laidlaw
Guaranties within six months following the date of the Closing. As of August 31,
1998 Laidlaw Inc. had been discharged from most of such obligations.

           Financial assurance is required for the cost of clean-up or
environmental impairment restoration, if any should be incurred, following
closure of the hazardous waste management facility operated by the Company in
Pinewood, South Carolina. Prior to the Closing Laidlaw Inc. provided its
corporate guaranty to satisfy, in part, this financial assurance. Insurance
coverage has been substituted for the Laidlaw Inc. corporate guaranty under the
present financial assurance submittal, however, as of this date, the State of
South Carolina has not formalized its acceptance of this substitution.

The PIK Debenture

           At the Closing, the Company issued a 5% convertible Pay-In-Kind
Debenture to LTI in the original principal amount of $350,000,000 (the "PIK
Debenture"). The principal of the PIK Debenture is payable on May 15, 2009,
subject to earlier mandatory or optional prepayment and any acceleration of its
maturity date upon default.

           The PIK Debenture bears interest at the fixed rate of 5% per annum.
For the first two years after the date of the Closing (the "Mandatory PIK
Interest Payment Period"), interest on the outstanding principal balance of the
PIK Debenture accrues at the 5% rate, but will be paid in shares of Common
Stock. After the Mandatory PIK Interest Payment Period, at the election of the
Company any payment due under the PIK Debenture (except upon an optional early
redemption), including any accrued interest or principal, may be paid in shares
of Common Stock or cash. The number of shares of Common Stock for each such
payment shall be equal to the dollar amount in accrued interest or principal due
divided by the average of the daily closing prices of a share of Common Stock on
the NYSE -- Composite Transactions for the ten consecutive trading days selected
by the Company commencing not more than 20 trading days before, and ending not
later than, the date such payment is due. Interest on the outstanding principal
balance of the PIK Debenture is payable semiannually on November 15 and May 15,
beginning on November 15, 1997 and continuing until the payment in full of the
PIK Debenture.



                                       14
<PAGE>   17

           Beginning on May 15, 2002, and continuing until the business day
prior to the repayment of the PIK Debenture, the PIK Debenture is convertible,
in whole or in part, at the option of the holder, into shares of Common Stock.
The conversion will be at a price equal to the conversion price (the "Conversion
Price") of $3.75 per share, subject to adjustment under certain circumstances.

           During the period commencing on May 15, 2002, and continuing until
maturity, the Company has the option to prepay the PIK Debenture, in whole or in
part, only in cash, at the face amount of the PIK Debenture if the last reported
sales price of a share of Common Stock, as reported by the New York Stock
Exchange, equals or exceeds 120% of the Conversion Price for a period of at
least ten consecutive trading days prior to the date of such proposed
prepayment.

           Subject to the subordination provisions of the PIK Debenture, the
maturity of the PIK Debenture may be accelerated if a "Default" occurs. Under
the PIK Debenture a "Default" includes (i) a failure by the Company to pay the
principal or accrued interest of the PIK Debenture on its maturity date or any
interest payment date respectively, (ii) the voluntary or involuntary bankruptcy
of the Company or other insolvency proceedings involving the Company and (iii)
the acceleration of the maturity of the amounts outstanding under the Amended
and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of April 3, 1998, among Safety-Kleen
Services, Inc., a subsidiary of the Company, as borrower, the Toronto-Dominion
Bank, as agent, and the other financial institutions parties thereto (the
"Credit Facility") as a result of a default thereunder.

           The PIK Debenture ranks junior in right of payment to the amounts
outstanding under the Credit Facility and to substantially all other
indebtedness of the Company except (i) amounts owed (other than to banks,
insurance companies and other financing institutions and obligations under
capitalized leases) for goods, materials, services or operating lease rental
payments in the ordinary course of business or for compensation to employees and
(ii) any liability for federal, state, provincial, local or other taxes owed or
owing by the Company.

Service Arrangements

           Laidlaw Inc. and its affiliates have provided certain financial and
management services to the Company and its subsidiaries. Such services have
included providing general liability and workers' compensation insurance and
income tax management. Each of the service arrangements has been on arms-length
terms comparable to those available in transactions with unaffiliated parties.
During the fiscal year ended August 31, 1998, the Company paid Laidlaw Inc.
$11.3 million on account of such services.


Raymond James & Associates, Inc.

           Since September 1, 1997 Raymond James & Associates, Inc. has acted as
financial advisor to the Company for various transactions, including the
Safety-Kleen Corp. merger, and is expected to continue to act in such capacity
in the future.


                                       15
<PAGE>   18

                    INFORMATION AS TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

General

           During the fiscal year ended August 31, 1998, the Company's board of
directors held a total of 13 regular and special meetings. The board of
directors currently has two committees: the Audit Committee (which held three
meetings between September 1, 1997 and August 31, 1998) and the Human Resources
and Compensation Committee (which held five meetings between September 1, 1997
and August 31, 1998). Each incumbent director attended at least 75% of the
meetings of the board of directors and the meetings of committees on which he
served held during the period for which he was a director. The Company does not
have a nominating committee, rather the board of directors as a whole performs
those functions.

Committees of the Board Of Directors

           Audit Committee. The Audit Committee is responsible for the oversight
of the Company's financial reporting process and internal controls. Its duties
include reviewing results of external audits, management's responses to external
audit recommendations, internal audit reports and management's response to those
reports; reviewing annual financial statements and any significant disputes
between management and external auditors in connection with those financial
statements; considering major changes and major questions of choice regarding
appropriate auditing and accounting principles and practices to be followed when
preparing corporate financial statements; reviewing corporate procedures used in
preparing public financial statements and related management commentaries;
meeting periodically with management to review the Company's major financial
risk exposures; and considering indemnification issues.

           Human Resources and Compensation Committee. The Human Resources and
Compensation Committee is responsible for reviewing and recommending to the
board of directors of the Company annual salary, bonus, stock options and other
benefits, direct and indirect, of officers; reviewing new executive compensation
programs; periodically reviewing the coordination of the Company's executive
compensation programs; reviewing and recommending to the board of directors of
the Company compensation for directors; and establishing and periodically
reviewing policies in the area of management perquisites.


                                       16
<PAGE>   19

                        PROPOSAL 1: ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

General Information

           The Company's Restated Certificate of Incorporation divides the board
of directors into three classes, the members of one class to be elected each
year for a three year term. The terms of the Class II directors will expire at
the Annual Meeting.

           Vacancies on the board of directors may be filled by the remaining
directors at any regular or special meeting thereof. Individuals selected to
fill such vacancies will serve until the expiration of the terms of office of
the directors in the class to which such director is appointed.

Nominees

           The following information is furnished with respect to the board of
directors' nominees for election as directors. The board of directors recommends
a vote "FOR" all the nominees. All of the nominees for election as directors are
currently serving as directors of the Company. Should any nominee for the office
of director become unable to serve, which is not anticipated, it is the
intention of the persons named in the proxy, unless otherwise specifically
instructed therein, to vote for the election in his stead of such other person
as the board of directors may recommend.

CLASS II NOMINEES - TERMS TO EXPIRE AT THE 2001 ANNUAL MEETING.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Name, Present Position(s) and                         Principal Occupation or Employment During the Last
Term With the Company                         Age     Five Years, Directorships of Public Companies
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<S>                                          <C>      <C>                                                  
John W. Rollins, Jr.                           56     President and Chief Operating Officer and a director
Director of the Company since 1982                    of Rollins Truck Leasing Corp., a truck leasing
                                                      company, for more than five years; Chairman of the
                                                      Board of Matlack Systems, Inc. for more than five
                                                      years.  Mr. Rollins was Senior Vice Chairman of the
                                                      Board of the Company from 1988 until May 15, 1997.
                                                      Mr. Rollins also is a director of Dover Downs
                                                      Entertainment, Inc.  Mr. Rollins is a member of the
                                                      Human Resources and Compensation Committee.  Mr.
                                                      Rollins is the son of John W. Rollins, Sr.

John R. Grainger                               49     Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer
Director of the Company since May 1997                of Laidlaw Inc., a transportation company, since
                                                      September 1997; President and Chief Operating Officer
                                                      of Laidlaw Transit, Inc. since May 1992.  Mr. Grainger
                                                      currently serves as Chairman of the Human Resources
                                                      and Compensation Committee.

Grover C. Wrenn                                55     President and Chief Executive Officer of Accent
Director of the Company since July 1997               Health, Inc., an educational media company, since June
                                                      1996; Chief Executive Officer of EnSys Environmental
                                                      Products, Inc. from April 1995 through December 1996;
                                                      and President and Chief Executive Officer of Applied
                                                      Bioscience International from 1991 through March
                                                      1995.  Mr. Wrenn also is a director of Strategic
                                                      Diagnostics, Inc. and Pharmakinetics Laboratories, Inc.
</TABLE>

           The board of directors recommends that stockholders vote "FOR" all of
the Class II nominees.


                                       17
<PAGE>   20

Continuing Directors

1.      CLASS III DIRECTORS - TERMS EXPIRING AT THE 1999 ANNUAL MEETING.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Name, Present Position(s) and                         Principal Occupation or Employment During the Last
Term With the Company                        Age      Five Years, Directorships of Public Companies
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<S>                                          <C>      <C>                                                  
John W. Rollins, Sr.                         81       Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Rollins
Director of the Company since 1982                    Truck Leasing Corp., a truck leasing company, for more than
                                                      five years.  Mr. Rollins was Chairman of the Board and Chief
                                                      Executive Officer of the Company from 1988 until May 15,
                                                      1997.  Mr. Rollins also is a director of Matlack Systems,
                                                      Inc., Rollins, Inc., RPC, Inc. and Dover Downs
                                                      Entertainment, Inc.  Mr. Rollins is the father of John W.
                                                      Rollins, Jr.

James R. Bullock                             54       President and Chief Executive Officer of Laidlaw Inc., a
Director of the Company and                           transportation company, since October 1993.  Mr. Bullock
Chairman of the Board since May 1997                  also is a director of Laidlaw Inc.

David E. Thomas, Jr.                         41       Senior Managing Director and the Head of the Investment
Director of the Company since June 1997               Banking Group of Raymond James & Associates, Inc., an
                                                      investment banking firm, since July 1996; from 1991 until
                                                      July 1996, he was Managing Director of Raymond James. Mr.
                                                      Thomas also is a director of Reynolds, Smith and  Hills,
                                                      Inc. Mr. Thomas is a member of the Human Resources and
                                                      Compensation Committee.
</TABLE>

                                       18
<PAGE>   21

2. CLASS I DIRECTORS - TERMS TO EXPIRE AT THE 2000 ANNUAL MEETING.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Name, Present Position(s) and                         Principal Occupation or Employment During the Last
Term With the Company                         Age     Five Years, Directorships of Public Companies
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<S>                                          <C>      <C>                                                  
Kenneth W. Winger                             60      President, Chief Executive Officer and Director of the
President, Chief Executive Officer                    Company since May 1997. President, Chief Operating
and Director of the Company                           Officer and sole director of Laidlaw Environmental
since May 15, 1997                                    Services (US), Inc., now merged into a subsidiary of the  
                                                      Company, from July 1995 until May 1997; Executive Vice    
                                                      President for Business Development of Laidlaw Waste        
                                                      Systems, Ltd. from January 1995 until July 1995; from May  
                                                      1991 until December 1994, Senior Vice President for        
                                                      Corporate Development of Laidlaw Inc.                      

Leslie W. Haworth                             55      Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of
Director of the Company since May 1997                Laidlaw Inc., a transportation company, for more than
                                                      five years.  Mr. Haworth currently serves as Chairman
                                                      of the Audit Committee.

Henry B. Tippie                               71      For more than five years, Chairman of the Board and
Director of the Company since 1982                    President of Tippie Services, a management services
                                                      company; for more than five years, Chairman of the
                                                      Executive Committee and Vice Chairman of the Board of
                                                      Rollins Truck Leasing Corp. Mr. Tippie also is a
                                                      director of Matlack Systems, Inc., Dover Downs
                                                      Entertainment, Inc., RPC, Inc. and Rollins Inc. Mr.
                                                      Tippie is a member of the Audit Committee.

James L. Wareham                              59      President of AK Steel Corporation, a steel
Director of the Company since June 1997               manufacturing company, since March 1997; from 1992
                                                      until 1996, Chief Executive Officer of
                                                      Wheeling-Pittsburgh Steel Corporation.  Mr. Wareham is
                                                      a member of the Audit Committee.
</TABLE>


                           PROPOSAL 2: THE NAME CHANGE

           The board of directors believe that it would be advisable and in the
Company's best interest to amend the Company's Restated Certificate of
Incorporation to change the name of the Company to Safety-Kleen Corp. The
proposed amendment would restate Article First of the Company's Restated
Certificate of Incorporation as follows:

    FIRST: The name of the corporation is Safety-Kleen Corp. ("Corporation")

           Following the merger of the former Safety-Kleen Corp. with a
subsidiary of the Company on May 20, 1998, the Company changed the names of its
subsidiaries to eliminate the Laidlaw name and began doing business as
Safety-Kleen and trading its stock under the SK symbol. The Company believes the
Safety-Kleen name has significant franchise value, recognizable by customers
throughout North America and Western Europe. The Company believes it to be
advantageous in its target markets to build on the Safety-Kleen name recognition
and visibility. The board of directors also believes that the name change will
clearly distinguish the Company from its former parent, Laidlaw Inc.

           The board of directors recommends that stockholders vote "FOR"
approval of the Name Change.


                                       19
<PAGE>   22

                          PROPOSAL 3: THE REVERSE SPLIT

General

           The board of directors believes that it would be advisable and in the
Company's best interest to amend the Company's Restated Certificate of
Incorporation to effect a one-for-four reverse stock split of the Company's
Common Stock. The proposed amendment would amend Article Eighth of the Company's
Restated Certificate of Incorporation as follows:

                      Article EIGHTH of the Restated Certificate of
           Incorporation of the Corporation is hereby amended to include the
           following text after the last paragraph thereof:

                      5. Reverse Split. Effective as of the close of business on
           the date of filing this Amendment to the Restated Certificate of
           Incorporation (the "Effective Time"), the filing of this Amendment
           shall effect a Reverse Split (the "Reverse Split") pursuant to which
           each four shares of common stock, par value $1 per share, of the
           Corporation issued and outstanding, shall be combined into one
           validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable share of common stock,
           par value $1 per share, of the Corporation. The number of authorized
           shares, the number of shares of treasury stock and the par value of
           the common stock shall not be affected by the Reverse Split. Each
           stock certificate that prior to the Effective Time represented shares
           of common stock shall, following the Effective Time, represent the
           number of shares into which the shares of common stock represented by
           such certificate shall be combined. The Corporation shall not issue
           fractional shares or scrip as a result of the Reverse Split, but
           shall arrange for the disposition of shares on behalf of those record
           holders of common stock at the Effective Time who would otherwise be
           entitled to fractional shares as a result of the Reverse Split.

           If the Reverse Split is approved by the stockholders, each four
shares of Common Stock outstanding on the Effective Date (as defined below) will
be converted automatically into one share of new common stock, par value $1 per
share (the "New Common Stock"). To avoid the existence of fractional shares of
New Common Stock, stockholders who would otherwise be entitled to receive
fractional shares of New Common Stock will receive a cash distribution in lieu
thereof. See "Exchange of Stock Certificates." The "Effective Date" of the
Reverse Split will be the date on which the amendment is filed with the
Secretary of State of Delaware, which is anticipated to be as soon as
practicable following the date of the Annual Meeting.



                                       20
<PAGE>   23

Background Of And Reasons For The Reverse Split


           The board of directors has observed the following:

           a.   many brokers or other "margin loan" lenders are unwilling to
                lend against stocks that trade below $4.00 per share therefore
                restricting certain investors who otherwise would purchase the
                Common Stock;

           b.   many institutional investors or brokerage firms either require
                additional approval to purchase stocks trading below a $5.00 or
                $10.00 per share threshold or prohibit their purchase entirely
                and as a result, many brokerage firms will not initiate sell
                side research coverage due to these restrictions on the clients;
                and

           c.   brokerage commissions are levied on a per share, rather than
                trade value, basis and thus lower share price stocks result in
                larger commission costs as a percentage of amount invested.


           Therefore, the board of directors has concluded that in order to
attract the broadest spectrum of investors, the target share price trading range
is $10.00 to $15.00 per share and that the current per share price of the
Company's Common Stock may serve to reduce the effective marketability of the
shares.

           The board of directors believes that the Reverse Split should result
in a stock price of approximately four times the current price range, a price
range that is expected to eliminate or mitigate the negative marketability
factors described above. As a result, the board of directors believes that the
Common Stock would be more effectively priced, better reflecting the underlying
equity value of the Company.

           There can be no assurance, however, that the foregoing will occur or
as to what the market price of the Common Stock will be after implementation of
the Reverse Split or at any other time.

           Dissenting stockholders have no appraisal rights under Delaware law
or under the Company's Restated Certificate of Incorporation or Bylaws in
connection with Reverse Split.



                                       21
<PAGE>   24

Effects Of The Reverse Split

           General Effects. If the Reverse Split is approved by the
stockholders, the principal effect of the Reverse Split will be to decrease the
number of outstanding shares of Common Stock from 350,984,971 shares to
approximately 87,746,242 shares, based on share information available as of
October 16, 1998. The Reverse Split would not affect the proportionate equity
interest in the Company of any holder of Common Stock, except as may result from
the provisions for the elimination of fractional shares as described below. The
Reverse Split will not affect the registration of the Common Stock under the
Exchange Act or the listing of the Common Stock on the NYSE. The relative rights
and preferences of the New Common Stock will be identical to the relative rights
and preferences of the Common Stock.

           In order that the Company may avoid the expense and inconvenience of
issuing and transferring fractional shares of New Common Stock, stockholders who
would otherwise be entitled to receive a fractional share of New Common Stock
(the "Fractional Stockholders") will receive payment in cash in lieu of
receiving a fractional share of New Common Stock. See "Exchange of Stock
Certificates."

           The Reverse Split may leave certain stockholders with one or more
"odd lots" of New Common Stock, i.e., stock in amounts of less than 100 shares.
These odd lots may be more difficult to sell or require greater transactions
costs per share to sell, than shares in even multiples of 100.

           Effect on Stock Option Plans. As of October 16, 1998, there were
outstanding options to purchase shares under the Company's stock option plans
relating to an aggregate of 3,021,250 shares of Common Stock. On that date
approximately 3,766,250 million shares of Common Stock remained available for
grant under such plans. All of the stock option plans of the Company include
provisions for adjustments in the number of shares covered by, the number of
shares subject to and the exercise price of outstanding options granted under
said plans, in the event of a Reverse Split by appropriate action of the Human
Resources and Compensation Committee of the Company's board of directors. If the
Reverse Split is approved and effected, there would be reserved for issuance
upon exercise of all outstanding options a total of approximately 1.8 million
shares of New Common Stock. Each of the outstanding options would thereafter
evidence the right to purchase that number of shares of New Common Stock equal
to 25% of the shares of Common Stock previously covered thereby and the exercise
price per share would be four times the previous exercise price. The number of
shares available for grant under the Company's stock option plans would be
decreased to approximately 941,562 shares of New Common Stock.



                                       22
<PAGE>   25

Changes In Stockholders' Equity

           As a result of the Reverse Split, the Company's stated capital, which
consists of the par value per share of Common Stock multiplied by the number of
shares of Common Stock issued, will be reduced by approximately $263 million to
$87.7 million on the Effective Date. Correspondingly, the Company's capital in
excess of par value, which consists of the difference between the Company's
stated capital and the aggregate amount paid to the Company upon the issuance by
the Company of all currently outstanding Common Stock, will be increased by
approximately $263 million.

           The following table illustrates the principal effects of the Reverse
Split discussed in the preceding paragraphs as of the date hereof:



                                    Prior To Reverse Split   After Reverse Split
                                      And Amendment To        And Amendment To
Number Of Shares Of Common Stock         Certificate             Certificate
- --------------------------------         -----------             -----------

Authorized                                750,000,000            750,000,000

Outstanding                               350,984,971             87,746,242(1)

Reserved for future issuance
under Company plans and the
Company's PIK Debenture
                                          113,533,139             28,383,284(1)
Available for future issuance by
action of the Board of Directors
(after giving effect to the above
reservations)                             285,481,890            633,870,474(1)

- ---------
(1) Does not consider cash in lieu of fractional shares.

           If the Reverse Split is approved at the Annual Meeting, the amendment
to the Restated Certificate of Incorporation will be filed with the Secretary of
State of the State of Delaware as promptly as practicable thereafter. The
Reverse Split would become effective upon the close of business on the date of
such filing (the "Effective Time").

                                       23
<PAGE>   26

Federal Income Tax Consequences

           The following summary of the federal income tax consequences of the
Reverse Split is based on current law, including the Internal Revenue Code of
1986, as amended (the "Code"), and is for general information only. The tax
treatment of a stockholder may vary depending upon the particular facts and
circumstances of such stockholder and the discussion below may not address all
the tax consequences for a particular stockholder. Certain stockholders,
including insurance companies, tax-exempt organizations, financial institutions,
broker-dealers, non-resident aliens, foreign corporations and persons who do not
hold the Common Stock as a capital asset, may be subject to special rules not
discussed below. Furthermore, no foreign, state or local tax consequences are
discussed below.

           Accordingly, each stockholder should consult his or her tax advisor
to determine the particular tax consequences to him or her of the Reverse Split,
including the application and effect of federal, state, local or foreign income
tax and other laws.

           The receipt of shares of New Common Stock (except to the extent that
cash is received in lieu of fractional shares of New Common Stock) in the
Reverse Split will be a nontaxable transaction under the Code for federal income
tax purposes. Consequently, except with respect to cash received in lieu of
fractional shares of New Common Stock, a stockholder receiving shares of New
Common Stock will not recognize either gain or loss with respect to shares of
New Common Stock received as a result of the Reverse Split. In addition, the
aggregate tax basis (excluding the portion of such basis allocable to fractional
shares of New Common Stock) of such stockholder's shares of Common Stock prior
to the Reverse Split will carry over as the tax basis of the stockholder's
shares of New Common Stock. Each stockholder will be required to allocate such
stockholder's basis in such stockholder's shares of Common Stock ratably among
the total number of shares of New Common Stock owned following the Reverse
Split. The holding period of the shares of New Common Stock will also include
the holding period during which the stockholder held the Common Stock, provided
that such Common Stock was held by the stockholder as a capital asset on the
Effective Date.

           The receipt by a stockholder of cash in lieu of a fractional share of
New Common Stock pursuant to the Reverse Split will be a taxable transaction for
federal income tax purposes. The receipt of cash in lieu of fractional shares of
New Common Stock will generally result in gain or loss to the stockholders
measured by the difference between the amount of cash received and the adjusted
basis of the fractional share. Stockholders owning a substantial interest in the
Company, however, should consult their tax advisors as to the possibility of
dividend treatment upon the receipt of cash in lieu of a fractional share
pursuant to Section 302 of the Code. Assuming that the receipt of cash in lieu
of a fractional share is not treated as a dividend and that the Common Stock was
held by the stockholder as a capital asset on the Effective Date, any such gain
or loss will be capital gain or loss, and will be long term capital gain or loss
if on the Effective Date the shares of Common Stock have been held by the
stockholder for more than one year.

           Based on certain exceptions contained in regulations issued by the
Internal Revenue Service, the Company does not believe that it or stockholders
will be subject to backup withholding or information reporting with respect to
the cash distributed to a stockholder unless the amount of cash distributed to
the stockholder is $20.00 or more.



                                       24
<PAGE>   27

Exchange Of Stock Certificates

           If the proposal to implement the Reverse Split is adopted,
stockholders will be required to exchange their stock certificates for new
certificates representing the shares of New Common Stock. Stockholders of record
on the Effective Time will be furnished the necessary materials and instructions
for the surrender and exchange of share certificates at the appropriate time by
the Company's Transfer Agent (the "Transfer Agent"). Stockholders will not have
to pay a transfer fee or other fee in connection with the exchange of
certificates. Stockholders should not submit any certificates until requested to
do so.

           As soon as practicable after the Effective Time, the Transfer Agent
will send a letter of transmittal to each stockholder advising such holder of
the procedure for surrendering stock certificates in exchange for new
certificates representing the ownership of New Common Stock. No certificates
representing fractional shares shall be issued. In lieu thereof, a certificate
or certificates evidencing the aggregate of all fractional shares otherwise
issuable (rounded, if necessary, to the next higher whole share) shall be issued
to the Transfer Agent or its nominee, as agent for the accounts of all holders
of Common Stock otherwise entitled to have a fraction of a share issued to them
in connection with the Reverse Split. Sales of fractional interests will be
effected by the Transfer Agent as soon as practicable on the basis of prevailing
market prices of the New Common Stock on the NYSE at the time of sale. After the
Effective Date, the Transfer Agent will pay to such stockholders their pro rata
share of the net proceeds derived from the sale of their fractional interests
upon surrender of their stock certificates. No service charges or brokerage
commissions will be payable by stockholders in connection with the sale of
fractional interests, all of which costs will be borne by the Company.

           Until they have surrendered their stock certificates for exchange,
stockholders will not be entitled to receive any dividends or other
distributions that may be declared and payable to holders of record of New
Common Stock. Upon the surrender of certificates representing Common Stock,
certificates representing New Common Stock together with any such withheld
dividends or other distributions, without interest, will be delivered. At the
same time or as soon as possible thereafter, any cash payment for a fractional
share will be paid (without interest).

           Any stockholder whose certificate for Common Stock has been lost,
destroyed or stolen will be entitled to issuance of a certificate representing
the shares of New Common Stock into which such shares will have been converted
upon compliance with such requirements as the Company and the Transfer Agent
customarily apply in connection with lost, stolen or destroyed certificates.


           The board of directors recommends that stockholders vote "FOR"
approval of the Reverse Split.



                                       25
<PAGE>   28

                            PROPOSAL 4: THE DECREASE

General

           In the event that the Reverse split is approved by the stockholders,
the board of directors believe that it would be advisable and in the Company's
best interest to amend the Company's Restated Certificate of Incorporation to
decrease the number of authorized shares of Common Stock available for issuance
from 750,000,000 to 250,000,000.

           The proposed amendment would restate Article Fourth of the Company's
Restated Certificate of Incorporation as follows:

                     FOURTH: The total number of shares of stock which the
           Corporation is authorized to issue is two hundred fifty-one million
           (251,000,000) shares, divided into two classes. The designation of
           each class and the par value of the shares of each class are as
           follows:

           CLASS                 NUMBER OF SHARES           PER SHARE PAR VALUE
           -----                 ----------------           -------------------

           Common                250,000,000                $1.00 per share

           Preferred             1,000,000                  $1.00 per share

                     All preferred stock authorized for issuance by the
           Corporation may be issued in series or without series from time to
           time with the designations, preferences and relative, participating,
           optional or other special rights of the class or series of the class
           fixed by resolution or resolutions of the board of directors. Such
           resolutions may also provide for the convertibility of the preferred
           stock or any series thereof into any other classes of stock of the
           company, including the common stock, upon such terms and ratios as
           shall be determined by the Board of Directors.

           If the Decrease is approved at the Annual Meeting, the amendment to
the Restated Certificate of Incorporation will be filed with the Secretary of
State of the State of Delaware as promptly as practicable thereafter. The
Decrease will become effective upon the close of business on the date of such
filing (the "Filing Date"). In the event that the Reverse Split is not approved
by the stockholders, Proposal number 4 will not be voted upon and the number of
authorized shares of Common Stock will remain at 750,000,000 shares.



                                       26
<PAGE>   29

Background and Reasons for the Decrease

           If approved, the Reverse Split, will result in a decrease in the
number of shares of Common Stock that are issued and outstanding. The board of
directors of directors believes that 250,000,000 shares of Common Stock is
sufficient to meet the Company's present and anticipated future needs.

           If the Decrease is approved by the stockholders at the Annual
Meeting, 500,000,000 fewer shares of authorized Common Stock will be available
for future issuance. As of the date hereof, the Company has 350,984,971 shares
of Common Stock issued and outstanding, and 113,533,139 shares of unissued
Common Stock reserved for future issuance for various purposes, leaving
285,481,890 shares of Common Stock presently unreserved and otherwise available
for issuance. If the Reverse Split and the Decrease are approved by the
stockholders at the Annual Meeting, approximately 133,870,474 shares of New
Common Stock will be unreserved and otherwise available for issuance. If the
authorized Common Stock was to be reduced in the same proportion as the Reverse
Split, only approximately 71,370,474 shares of New Common Stock would be
unreserved and otherwise available for issuance. Such amount is less than the
board of directors believes is prudent to have available to maintain flexibility
for possible future issuances. Accordingly, if the stockholders approve the
Reverse Split and the Decrease, the proportion of unreserved authorized shares
of Common Stock to issued and reserved shares of Common Stock will be
effectively increased, but to a much lesser extent than would be the case if the
Reverse Split is approved and this Decrease is not approved; in the latter case,
the authorized Common Stock would remain at the present 750,000,000 share level.
Authorized but unissued shares of Common Stock will be available for issuance
from time to time upon the exercise of options which may in the future be
granted to, among others, employees, consultants and members of the board of
directors, to take advantage of opportunities in which the issuance of shares of
Common Stock may be deemed advisable such as in equity financings or in
acquisition transactions, and for such other purposes and consideration, and on
such terms, as the board of directors may approve.

           No further vote of the stockholders will be required with respect to
any such issuance. The timing of the actual issuance of additional shares of
Common Stock will depend upon market conditions, the specific purpose for which
the stock is to be issued and other similar factors. Other than as previously
described in this Proxy Statement and for issuances upon exercise, if any, of
presently issued or authorized options and the PIK, the Company currently has no
plans, agreements, arrangements, understandings or commitments for the issuance
of Common Stock. The board of directors believes it is in the Company's best
interest to have such additional shares authorized as such shares will provide
the Company added flexibility in the future to issue Common Stock for working
capital purposes, acquisitions, employee benefit compensation or otherwise.

           The consummation of the Reverse Split without a corresponding
decrease in the authorized Common Stock may be viewed as having the effect of
discouraging or impeding hostile takeovers of the Company or of making it more
difficult to replace management because the issuance of additional shares of
Common Stock could be made at the discretion of the board. While the board of
directors is not aware of any proposals to acquire the Company and this proposal
is not being made as a means to deter or prohibit hostile takeovers or to make
it more difficult to remove current management, the board of directors would be
able to issue additional shares of Common Stock thereby, among other things,
diluting stockholders ownership interests, increasing the costs of a hostile
takeover bid offer or placing shares of Common Stock with individuals or
entities who would support management positions. By potentially discouraging
initiation of an unsolicited takeover attempt, the effective increase of the
authorized shares of Common Stock may limit the opportunity for the stockholders
to dispose of their shares at the higher price generally available in takeover
attempts or that may be available under a merger proposal. The effective
increase of the authorized shares of Common Stock may also have the effect of
permitting the Company's current management, including the current board, to
retain its position, and place it in a better position to resist changes that
stockholders may wish to make if they are dissatisfied with the conduct of the
Company's business.



                                       27
<PAGE>   30

General Effects of the Decrease

           Approval of the Decrease and the reduction in the number of
authorized shares of Common Stock would have no effect on the powers,
designations, preferences or relative, participating, optional or other special
rights, qualifications or restrictions of shares of the Common Stock of the
Company.

           The following table illustrates the principal effects of the Decrease
discussed in the preceding paragraphs as of the date hereof:


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                            Prior To Decrease               After Decrease
                                     And Amendment To Certificate  And Amendment To Certificate
Number Of Shares Of Common Stock       (Assuming Reverse Split)       (Assuming Reverse Split)

<S>                                  <C>                           <C>        
Authorized                                  750,000,000                    250,000,000

Outstanding                                  87,746,242(1)                  87,746,242(1)

Reserved for future issuance
under Company plans and
the Company's PIK Debenture                  28,383,284(1)                  28,383,284(1)

Available for future issuance
by action of the board of
directors of Directors (after
giving effect to the
above reservations)                         633,870,474(1)                 133,870,474(1)
</TABLE>

- -----------------------

(1) Does not consider payment of cash in lieu of fractional shares as a
    result of the Reverse Split.

           The board of directors recommends that stockholders vote "FOR"
approval of the Decrease.


                                       28
<PAGE>   31

           SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE

           Pursuant to Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
directors and executive officers of the Company and beneficial owners of 10% or
more of the Common Stock are required to file reports with the Securities and
Exchange Commission indicating their holdings of and transactions in the Common
Stock. To the Company's knowledge, based solely on a review of the copies of
such reports furnished to the Company and written representations that no other
reports were required, all such persons have complied with all such filing
requirements with respect to the fiscal year ended August 31, 1998, except for
one Form 4 report of Mr. Bullock's for one transaction which, due to
administrative error, was filed late.


                    INDEPENDENT CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

           Representatives of PriceWaterhouseCoopers LLP, which audited the
financial statements of the Company for the most recently completed fiscal year
and which has been selected to audit such statements for the current fiscal
year, are expected to be present at the Annual Meeting and will have an
opportunity to make such statements as they may desire. Such representatives are
expected to be available to respond to appropriate questions from stockholders.

                PROPOSALS FOR 1999 ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS

           Stockholders who intend to present proposals for consideration at
next year's annual meeting are advised that any such proposal must be received
by the Secretary of the Company no later than the close of business on June 29,
1999, if such proposal is to be considered for inclusion in the proxy statement
and form of proxy relating to that meeting.

                                 OTHER BUSINESS

           The board of directors is not aware of any other matter which will be
presented for action at the Annual Meeting, but if any other business is
properly brought before the meeting, it is intended that the proxies received
from this solicitation will be voted by the persons named therein in accordance
with their best judgment.


                                       29
<PAGE>   32

                                                                      APPENDIX A

                      LAIDLAW ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES, INC.
                            d/b/a SAFETY-KLEEN CORP.

           This Proxy Is Solicited On Behalf Of The Board Of Directors

      The undersigned hereby appoints James R. Bullock and Kenneth W. Winger, or
either of them, the attorney or attorneys and proxy or proxies of the
undersigned with full power of substitution to attend the 1998 Annual Meeting of
Stockholders of Laidlaw Environmental Services, Inc. d/b/a Safety-Kleen Corp.
(the "Company") to be held at the Adam's Mark Hotel, 1200 Hampton Street,
Columbia, South Carolina, at 9:30 a.m., E.S.T. on November 24, 1998, and at any
adjournment thereof, to vote all shares of stock of the Company that the
undersigned shall be entitled to vote. Said proxies are instructed to vote on
the matters set forth in the proxy statement as specified below. The board of
directors recommends a vote "FOR" all nominees listed below; "FOR" approval of
an amendment to the Company's Restated Certificate of Incorporation to change
the Company's name to Safety-Kleen Corp.; "FOR" approval of an amendment to the
Company's Restated Certificate of Incorporation to effect a one-for-four reverse
split of the Company's Common Stock; and if the Reverse Split is approved, "FOR"
approval of an amendment to the Company's Restated Certificate of Incorporation
to decrease the number of shares of Common Stock available for issuance from
750,000,000 to 250,000,000 shares.

1.    Election of Directors.

      FOR all nominees listed below (except as marked to the contrary below)
      ______ check

                Class II - Terms to Expire at 2001 Annual Meeting

          John W. Rollins, Jr.     John R. Grainger     Grover C. Wrenn

      (Instructions: to withhold authority for any individual nominee write that
      nominee's name in the blank space below.)

      --------------------------------------------------------------------------

      WITHHOLD AUTHORITY to vote for all nominees listed above __________ check

2.    Approval of an amendment to the Company's Restated Certificate of
      Incorporation to change the Company's name to Safety-Kleen Corp.

               For __________ Against __________ Abstain __________

3.    Approval of an amendment to the Company's Restated Certificate of
      Incorporation to effect a one-for-four reverse split of the Company's
      Common Stock.

               For __________ Against __________ Abstain __________

4.    If Proposal Number 3 is approved, approval of an amendment to the
      Company's Restated Certificate of Incorporation to decrease the number of
      shares of Common Stock available for issuance from 750,000,000 to
      250,000,000 shares.

               For __________ Against __________ Abstain __________

5.    In their discretion, the proxies are authorized to vote upon such other
      business as may properly come before the meeting.

This proxy when properly signed and dated will be voted in the manner directed
herein by the undersigned stockholder. If no direction is made, this proxy will
be voted for all nominees listed above, for approval of an amendment to the
Company's Restated Certificate of Incorporation to change the Company's name to
Safety-Kleen Corp., for approval of an amendment to the Company's Restated
Certificate of Incorporation to effect a one-for-four reverse split of the
Company's Common Stock and, if the reverse split is approved, for approval of an
amendment to the Company's Restated Certificate of Incorporation to decrease the
number of shares of Common Stock available for issuance from 750,000,000 to
250,000,000 shares.

                                    Dated _______________________, 1998

                                    _____________________________(L.S.)

                                    _____________________________(L.S.)

                                    Please sign exactly as name appears to the
                                    left. When shares are held by joint tenants,
                                    both should sign. When signing as attorney,
                                    executor, administrator, trustee or
                                    guardian, please give full title. If a
                                    corporation, please sign in full corporate
                                    name by authorized officer. If a
                                    partnership, sign in partnership name by
                                    authorized person. If more than one trustee,
                                    all should sign. This proxy may be revoked
                                    any time prior to its exercise.


                Please sign, date and return this proxy promptly.


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