WESTERN WASTE INDUSTRIES
S-4, 1995-04-12
REFUSE SYSTEMS
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  As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 12, 1995
                                                    Registration No. 33-    
 ===========================================================================
                 SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                            WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
                                  __________
                                   FORM S-4
                            REGISTRATION STATEMENT
                                    UNDER
                          THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
                                  __________
                           WESTERN WASTE INDUSTRIES
            (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

   CALIFORNIA                        4990                  95-1946054
 (State or other         (Primary Standard Industrial      (I.R.S. Employer
 jurisdiction of             Classification Code         Identification No.)
 incorporation or                  Number)
 organization)
                          21061 South Western Avenue
                          Torrance, California 90501
                                (310) 328-0900
        (Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including
           area code, of registrant's principal executive offices)
                             ____________________

                               Kosti Shirvanian
                     Chairman of the Board and President
                           Western Waste Industries
                          21061 South Western Avenue
                          Torrance, California 90501
                                (310) 328-0900
          (Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number,
            including area code, of agent for service of process)
                         Copies of Communications to:
                             ____________________

 Arnold J. Rothlisberger, Esq.           James J. Slaby, Esq.
 Vice President and General Counsel      Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton
 Western Waste Industries                333 South Hope Street
 21061 South Western Avenue              Los Angeles, California  90071
 Torrance, California 90501              (213) 620-1780
 (310) 328-0900
                             ____________________

 Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public:  From time
 to time after the Registration Statement becomes effective.
                             ____________________

      If any of the securities being registered on this form are to be
 offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the
 Securities Act of 1933, check the following box.  [X]

      If the securities being registered on this form are to be offered in
 connection with the formation of a holding company and there is compliance
 with General Instruction G, check the following box.  [ ]


                            EXHIBIT INDEX ON PAGE 24
                                  Page 1 of 29               <PAGE>    


                       CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE

                              Proposed       Proposed
 Title of each                maximum        maximum
   class of        Amount     offering       aggregate        Amount of
 securities to     to be      price per      offering        registration
 be registered   registered     share         price              fee
 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------


 Common Shares    3,000,000   $16.125<F1>    $48,375,000<F1>    $16,681

 ===========================================================================

 [FN]
 <F1> Estimated solely for the purpose of calculating the registration fee
      under Rule 457(c) based upon the average of the high and low prices of
      $16.25 and $16.00, respectively, for such shares as reported on the
      New York Stock Exchange on April 10, 1995.
                             ____________________

      The registrant hereby amends this Registration Statement on such date
 or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the
 registrant shall file a further amendment which specifically states that
 this Registration Statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance
 with Section 8(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 or until the Registration
 Statement shall become effective on such date as the Commission acting
 pursuant to said Section 8(a), may determine.

























                                     -2-

                                 Page 2 of 29                     <PAGE>    


                           WESTERN WASTE INDUSTRIES
                            CROSS-REFERENCE SHEET
                                   BETWEEN
                 ITEMS IN FORM S-4 AND LOCATION IN PROSPECTUS

     Form S-4 Item Number and Caption             Location in Prospectus
     --------------------------------             ----------------------
   1.   Forepart of the Registration Statement    Facing Page; Cross-Reference
          and Outside Front Cover Page of         Sheet; Outside Front Cover
          Prospectus . . . . . . . . . . . .      Page

   2.   Inside Front and Outside Back Cover       Inside Front and Outside Back
          Pages of Prospectus  . . . . . . .      Cover Pages

   3.   Risk Factors Ratio of Earnings to Fixed 
          Charges and Other Information  . .      Documents Incorporated By
                                                  Reference; The Company;
                                                  Selected Consolidated
                                                  Financial Information

   4.   Terms of the Transaction . . . . . .      <F*>

   5.   Pro Forma Financial Information  . .      <F*>

   6.   Material Contracts with the Company       <F*>
          Being Acquired . . . . . . . . . .

   7.   Additional Information Required for       <F*>
          Reoffering by Persons and Parties
          Deemed to be Underwriters  . . . .

   8.   Interests of Named Experts and            Legal Matters; Experts
          Counsel  . . . . . . . . . . . . .

   9.   Disclosure of Commission Position on      <F*>
          Indemnification for Securities Act
          Liabilities  . . . . . . . . . . .

   10.  Information with Respect to S-3           Documents Incorporated by
          Registrants  . . . . . . . . . . .      Reference; The Company;
                                                  Dividend Policy; Price Range
                                                  of Common Shares; Selected
                                                  Consolidated Financial
                                                  Information; Description of
                                                  Capital Stock

   11.  Incorporation of Certain Information by   Documents Incorporated by
          Reference  . . . . . . . . . . . .      Reference

   12.  Information with Respect to S-2 or S-3    <F*>
          Registrants  . . . . . . . . . . .

   13.  Incorporation of Certain Information by   <F*>
          Reference  . . . . . . . . . . . .



                                     -3-

                                 Page 3 of 29                     <PAGE>    


   14.  Information with Respect to               <F*>
          Registrants Other Than S-3 or S-2
          Registrants  . . . . . . . . . . .

   15.  Information with Respect to S-3           <F*>
          Companies  . . . . . . . . . . . .

   16.  Information with Respect to S-2 or S-3    <F*>
          Companies  . . . . . . . . . . . .

   17.  Information with Respect to Companies     <F*>
          Other Than S-2 or S-3 Companies  .

   18.  Information if Proxies, Consents          <F*>
          or Authorizations Are to be 
          Solicited  . . . . . . . . . . . .

   19.  Information if Proxies, Consents or       <F*>
          Authorizations Are Not to be Solicited
          or in an Exchange Offer  . . . . .

 [FN]
 <F*> Not applicable or answer negative upon the date of filing of this
      Registration Statement.  The Registrant may be required to provide
      information (or further information) in response to one or more of
      such items under certain circumstances by means of a post-effective
      amendment to this Registration Statement or supplement to the
      prospectus contained herein.





























                                     -4-

                                 Page 4 of 29                     <PAGE>    


 PROSPECTUS   SUBJECT TO COMPLETION   Dated _____________, 1995       (Logo)

                               3,000,000 Shares

                                WESTERN WASTE

                          Common Stock No Par Value


           Western Waste Industries, a California corporation ("WW" or the
 "Company"), has registered 3,000,000 shares of its Common Stock, no par
 value (the "Common Shares"), which may from time to time be offered by this
 Prospectus in connection with acquisitions by the Company of various
 businesses or properties, or interests therein.  The Common Shares may be
 issued in exchange for the shares of capital stock, (by merger or
 otherwise), partnership interests or other assets representing an interest,
 direct or indirect, in other companies or other entities, in exchange for
 assets used in or related to the business of such entities or otherwise
 pursuant to the agreements providing for such acquisitions.  The terms of
 such acquisitions and of the issuance of the Common Shares under
 acquisition agreements will generally be determined by direct negotiations
 with the owners of the business or assets to be acquired or, in the case of
 entities which are more widely held, through exchange offers to stock-
 holders or documents soliciting the approval of statutory mergers,
 consolidations or sales of assets.  Underwriting discounts or commissions
 will generally not be paid by WW.  Under some circumstances, however, the
 Company may issue Common Shares covered by this Prospectus to pay brokers'
 commissions incurred in connection with acquisitions.

           This Prospectus, as amended or supplemented if appropriate, has
 also been prepared for use by the persons who have received or will receive
 shares issued by WW in acquisitions, including shares sold hereunder and
 who wish to offer and sell such shares, on terms then obtainable, in
 transactions in which they may be deemed underwriters within the meaning of
 the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Act").  Any profits realized
 on such sales by such persons may be regarded as underwriting compensation
 under the Act.

           Information contained herein is subject to completion or
 amendment.  A registration statement relating to these securities has been
 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.  These securities may
 not be sold nor may offers to buy be accepted prior to the time the
 registration statement becomes effective.  This prospectus shall not
 constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor
 shall there be any sale of these securities in any state in which such
 offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or
 qualification under the securities laws of any such state.

           The Common Shares offered hereby have been, or will be prior to
 their issuance, listed on the New York Stock Exchange, Inc. subject to
 official notice of issuance.  On ____________________, 1995, the closing
 price of WW Common Stock on the New York Stock Exchange, Inc. -- Composite
 Transactions was $______________.

           The Company's Common Stock is traded on the New York Stock
 Exchange, Inc. under the symbol "WW".

                                     -5-

                                 Page 5 of 29                     <PAGE>    



                 ____________________________________________

                  THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR
            DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
          OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE SECURITIES
          AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION
        PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS.  ANY
            REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.

                       ________________________________

               The date of this Prospectus is _________, 1995.












































                                     -6-

                                 Page 6 of 29                     <PAGE>    


                            AVAILABLE INFORMATION


           WW is subject to the informational requirements of the Securities
 Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), and in accordance
 therewith files reports, proxy statements and other information with the
 Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission").  Such reports, proxy
 statements and other information can be inspected and copied at the public
 reference facilities of the Commission at Room 1024, 450 Fifth Street, N.W.
 Washington, D.C. 20549; New York Regional Office, Public Reference Room,
 7 World Trade Center, 13th Floor, New York, New York 10048; and Chicago
 Regional Office, Suite 1400, 500 West Madison Street, Chicago, Illinois
 60661.  Copies of such material can be obtained from the Public Reference
 Section of the Commission at 450 Fifth Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20549,
 at prescribed rates.  WW's Common Stock is listed on the New York Stock
 Exchange, and reports, proxy statements and other information concerning WW
 may be inspected at the office of the New York Stock Exchange, 20 Broad
 Street, New York, New York 10005.  This Prospectus does not contain all of
 the information set forth in the Registration Statement, certain parts of
 which are omitted in accordance with the rules and regulations of the
 Commission.  The Registration Statement and any amendments thereto,
 including exhibits filed as a part thereof, are available for inspection
 and copying as set forth above.

                     DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

           The following documents heretofore filed by WW with the
 Commission under the Exchange Act are incorporated herein by reference: 
 (a) the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
 June 30, 1994, as amended, and (b) the Company's Quarterly Reports on
 Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 1994 and for the quarter
 ended December 31, 1994.

           All documents filed by WW pursuant to Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or
 15(d) of the Exchange Act after the date of this Prospectus and prior to
 the termination of the offering made by this Prospectus shall be deemed to
 be incorporated by reference in this Prospectus and to be a part hereof
 from the date of filing of such documents.  Any statements contained in a
 document incorporated by reference herein shall be deemed to be modified or
 superseded for purposes hereof to the extent that a statement contained
 herein (or in any other subsequently filed document which also is
 incorporated by reference herein) modifies or supersedes such statement. 
 Any statement so modified or superseded shall not be deemed to constitute a
 part hereof except as so modified or superseded.  All information appearing
 in this Prospectus is qualified in its entirety by the information and
 financial statements (including notes thereto) appearing in the documents
 incorporated herein by reference.

           THIS PROSPECTUS INCORPORATES DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE WHICH ARE NOT
 PRESENTED HEREIN OR DELIVERED HEREWITH.  THESE DOCUMENTS (OTHER THAN
 EXHIBITS THERETO) ARE AVAILABLE WITHOUT CHARGE, UPON WRITTEN OR ORAL
 REQUEST BY ANY PERSON TO WHOM THIS PROSPECTUS HAS BEEN DELIVERED, FROM
 INVESTOR RELATIONS, WESTERN WASTE INDUSTRIES, 21061 S. WESTERN AVENUE,
 TORRANCE, CALIFORNIA 90501 (TELEPHONE (310) 222-8723).  IN ORDER TO ENSURE
 TIMELY DELIVERY OF THE DOCUMENTS, ANY REQUEST SHOULD BE MADE AT LEAST FIVE
 DAYS PRIOR TO THE DATE ON WHICH A FINAL INVESTMENT DECISION IS TO BE MADE.

                                     -7-

                                 Page 7 of 29                     <PAGE>    


                                 THE COMPANY

           Western Waste Industries, ("WW" or the "Company") is a provider
 of integrated waste services to commercial, industrial and residential
 customers.  These services consist of the collection, processing, transfer
 and disposal of solid waste in certain areas of California, Texas, Florida,
 Colorado, Louisiana and Arkansas.  WW has approximately 90 franchise
 agreements, 82 of which designate the Company as the exclusive provider of
 certain waste services within a particular municipality or county.  As part
 of its business, WW operates six landfills, three transfer stations and
 four recycling facilities.  The Company does not operate hazardous waste
 landfills and limits its hazardous waste activities to the transportation
 of such materials for others which accounted for approximately 1% of the
 Company's revenue during fiscal year 1994.  The Company's business
 development strategy is to expand its existing operations through internal
 growth and acquisitions and to explore and develop other solid waste
 related business that management believes will utilize the Company's
 expertise in waste collection transportation and disposal.  The Company's
 executive offices are located at 21061 South Western Avenue, Torrance,
 California 90501 and its telephone number is (310) 328-0900.

                                 RISK FACTORS

           Investors should carefully consider the following factors, among
 others, in connection with an investment in the Common Shares:

           GOVERNMENT REGULATION.  The waste services business is subject to
 extensive and frequently changing federal, state and local laws and
 substantial regulation under these laws by governmental agencies, including
 the United States Environmental Protection Agency (the "EPA"), various
 state agencies and county and local authorities acting in conjunction with
 such federal and state entities.  Companies engaged in waste services are
 typically required to obtain and maintain permits in connection with a
 significant portion of their operations.  The extensive regulatory
 framework applicable to waste services companies imposes on them
 significant compliance burdens and risks.  The Company believes that it is
 in compliance in all material respects with all federal, state and local
 laws and regulations governing its operations.  However, amendments to
 existing statutes and regulations, changes in regulatory policies, adoption
 of new statutes and regulations and the Company's expansion into other
 jurisdictions and waste services could require the Company and others in
 the industry to continually modify waste disposal facilities and alter
 methods of operations at costs that may be substantial, which could
 adversely affect the Company.  There can be no assurance that the Company
 will be able, for financial reasons or otherwise, to comply with applicable
 laws, regulations and permitting requirements.

           COMPETITION.  The solid waste industry is highly competitive and
 requires substantial labor and capital resources.  The industry is
 characterized by large national waste management companies as well as
 numerous local and regional companies of varying sizes and financial
 resources.  Certain national waste management companies have significantly
 greater resources than the Company.  The Company also competes with those
 counties and municipalities that maintain their own waste collection or
 landfill operations.  These counties and municipalities may have financial
 advantages due to their access to tax revenues and tax-exempt financing.

                                     -8-

                                 Page 8 of 29                     <PAGE>    


           COMPETITIVE PROPOSALS.  The Company generally obtains contracts
 for its services or for the operation of certain waste management
 facilities through the process of competitive proposals.  Contracts from
 which the Company has derived and expects to derive a significant portion
 of its revenues were obtained through competitive bidding.  There can be no
 assurance that the Company will continue to be successful in having its
 bids accepted or, if accepted, that once awarded, contracts will generate
 sufficient revenues to result in profitability for the Company.

           RISK OF POTENTIAL LITIGATION.  Although the Company strives to
 conduct its operations in compliance with applicable laws and regulations,
 the Company believes that in the existing climate, with heightened legal,
 political and citizen awareness and concerns, companies in the
 environmental services industry will face in the normal course of operating
 their businesses, judicial and administrative proceedings involving
 federal, state and local agencies, and may be subject to fines and
 penalties and the need to expend funds for remedial work and related
 activities with respect to waste collection, transportation and disposal. 
 While the Company does not anticipate that fines, penalties and
 expenditures for remedial work and related activities, if any, at Company
 facilities will have a material adverse effect on the Company's operations
 or financial condition, the possibility remains that technological,
 regulatory or enforcement developments, the result of environmental studies
 or other factors could materially alter this expectation at any time.  Such
 matters could have an adverse impact on earnings for one or more fiscal
 quarters or years or on the Company's operations.

                The Company is currently involved in the following legal
 proceedings:

                On or about October 13, 1993, the Company was served with a
 class action lawsuit now entitled In re Western Waste Industries Securities
                                   -----------------------------------------
 Litigation, Case No. CV-93 6126 KN filed in the United States District
 ----------
 Court for the Central District of California.  The complaint alleges that
 the Company violated federal securities laws with regard to certain
 disclosures and representations made by the Company and certain alleged
 omissions on the part of the Company in connection with merger negotiations
 between the Company and Browning-Ferris Industries ("BFI"). The plaintiffs
 allege that they and all other persons or entities that bought the stock of
 the Company during the period of September 2, 1993 through October 7, 1993
 suffered damages as a result of changes in the market price of the
 Company's common stock.  In an Order dated October 4, 1994, the Court
 granted the Company's request for a limitation in the class period, and
 certified a class of persons who purchased the Company's common stock
 during the period from October 1, 1993 through October 7, 1993, inclusive. 
 The Court further ordered that plaintiff Neil Haltrecht should be the class
 representative, and denied class representative status to plaintiffs Isaac
 Mayer and Croyden Associates.  The Company does not believe that it has
 violated any laws with regard to the BFI matter and intends to vigorously
 defend the lawsuit.





                                     -9-

                                 Page 9 of 29                     <PAGE>    


                On or about August 9, 1994, a complaint was filed in Rancho
                                                                     ------
 Disposal Services, Inc., et al. v. Western Waste Industries, et al., San 
 -------------------------------------------------------------------
 Bernardino Superior Court Case No. SCB 14473.  The Complaint seeks damages
 and an injunction for the alleged violation of California Business and
 Professions Code Sections 17047, 17200, and 17500 and for intentional
 interference with existing and prospective economic relations.  The
 complaint alleges that the Company does not hold a validly issued permit to
 operate within a certain geographic area in the County of San Bernardino
 and that the Company has engaged in predatory pricing.  The complaint also
 alleges that the Company has violated a San Bernardino County ordinance by
 engaging in discriminatory and non-uniform pricing of its refuse hauling
 services.  In addition to the injunction, the complaint demands three times
 the actual damages incurred by plaintiffs, punitive and exemplary damages
 in an amount to be proven at the time of trial, reasonable attorneys' fees
 and costs of suit.  The Company believes it has valid defenses to the
 allegations and intends to vigorously defend the suit. The Company has
 filed a cross-complaint against the plaintiffs for engaging in improper
 pricing activities.

           On or about February 2, 1995, a complaint was filed in a taxpayer
 lawsuit entitled David Sarosi, et al. vs. County of Riverside, et al.,
                  ----------------------------------------------------
 Riverside County Superior Court Case No. 261315.  The complaint does not
 name the Company as a defendant.  The plaintiffs allege that the County and
 the other defendants, in connection with a contract with the Company,
 regarding the operation and management of the El Sobrante Landfill (the
 "Landfill") located within the County (the "Agreement"), engaged in various
 improper actions, including the unlawful sale of public property, wasting
 public funds, and making an unconstitutional gift of public property and
 funds.  The complaint seeks an order voiding the Agreement and an
 injunction ordering the defendants to pay to the County allegedly unlawful
 revenues earned from the Landfill, to cease further dumping at the Landfill
 of out-of-county waste, return of alleged windfall profits and limiting
 dumping fees charged to in-county residents.  The complaint also seeks
 general damages of $10 million and special and punitive damages, attorneys'
 fees and costs.  The Company believes the taxpayer suit is based upon
 erroneous assumptions and that there are valid defenses available to the
 County to each of the claims asserted in the complaint.

           In addition to the above-described litigation, there are a number
 of claims and suits pending against the Company for alleged damages to
 persons and property, alleged violation of certain laws and for alleged
 liabilities arising out of matters occurring during the normal operation of
 the waste services business.  In the opinion of management of the Company,
 the uninsured liability, if any, under these claims and suits would not
 materially affect the financial position of the Company.

           SIGNIFICANT BONDING REQUIREMENTS.  The Company is required, in
 most instances, to post either or both bid and performance bonds in
 connection with contracts or projects primarily with government entities
 and to provide other financial assurances covering the closure,
 post-closure monitoring and corrective activities for certain waste
 management facilities.  A significant portion of the Company's revenue is 


                                     -10-

                                Page 10 of 29                     <PAGE>    


 derived from contracts or projects which require the Company to post either
 or both bid and performance bonds.  There can be no assurance that bonding
 coverage will be available in the future or that the Company will be able
 to obtain bonds in the amounts required or have the ability to increase its
 required bonding capacity.  Any inability by the Company to obtain bonding
 coverage could materially adversely affect the Company's operations.

           POTENTIAL LIABILITY AND INSURANCE.  The waste management industry
 involves potentially significant risks of statutory, contractual and common
 law liability.  The Company carries a broad range of insurance coverage,
 which the Company considers sufficient to meet regulatory and customer
 requirements and to protect the Company's assets and operations.  The
 Company attempts to operate in a professional and prudent manner and to
 reduce its liability risks through specific risk management efforts. 
 Nevertheless, a partially or completely uninsured claim against the
 Company, if successful and of sufficient magnitude, could have a material
 adverse effect on the Company.

           The Company believes that its insurance coverage is adequate to
 cover potential claims for the relatively limited amounts of hazardous
 waste it believes it handles.  There can be no assurance, however, that
 the.Company will not incur liability with respect to the hazardous waste it
 handles.

           The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and
 Liability Act of 1980, as amended ("CERCLA"), imposes strict, joint and
 several liability on the present and former owners and operators of
 facilities which release hazardous substances into the environment. 
 Similar liability is imposed upon the generators and transporters of waste
 which contains hazardous substances.  All such persons may be liable for
 waste site investigation, waste site cleanup costs and natural resource
 damages, which costs could be substantial, regardless of whether they
 exercised due care and complied with all relevant laws and regulations. 
 There can be no assurance that the Company will not face claims under
 CERCLA resulting in substantial liability for which the Company is
 uninsured, which could have a material adverse effect on the Company.


                               USE OF PROCEEDS

           This Prospectus relates to shares of Common Stock of the Company
 which may be offered and issued by the Company from time to time in
 connection with the acquisition of other businesses or properties, or
 interests therein.  Other than the businesses or properties acquired, there
 will be no proceeds to the Company from the offering.  When this Prospectus
 is used in a public reoffering or resale of the Common Stock acquired
 pursuant to this Prospectus, such selling shareholders shall receive the
 proceeds derived from such resale and not the Company.


                              OFFERED SECURITIES

           The Prospectus relates to up to 3,000,000 Common Shares which WW
 proposes to issue in its continuing program of acquisitions of entities,
 assets or interests engaged in the collection, processing, transportation 


                                     -11-

                                Page 11 of 29                     <PAGE>    


 and disposal of solid waste.  The consideration for any acquisition may
 consist of cash, notes or other evidence of debt, assumptions of
 liabilities, equity securities, or a combination thereof, as determined
 from time to time by negotiations between WW and the owners of businesses
 or properties to be acquired.  WW intends to concentrate its acquisitions
 in the solid waste industry, with primary emphasis on acquiring waste
 collection companies and landfills.  If the opportunity arises, however, WW
 will attempt to make acquisitions which are either complementary to its
 present operations or which it considers advantageous even though they may
 be dissimilar to its present activities.  In general, the terms of
 acquisitions will be determined by direct negotiations between the
 representatives of WW and the owners of the businesses or properties to be
 acquired or, in the case of entities more widely held, through exchange
 offers to stockholders or documents soliciting approval of statutory
 mergers, consolidations or sales of assets.  Underwriting discounts or
 commissions will generally not be paid by WW.  However, under some
 circumstances, the Company may issue Common Shares covered by this
 Prospectus to pay brokers' commissions incurred in connection with
 acquisitions.

           This Prospectus, as appropriately amended or supplemented, has
 also been prepared for use by persons who receive shares issued by WW in
 acquisitions, including Common Shares received upon conversion of other
 equity securities that may be issued in acquisitions, and who wish to offer
 and sell such shares, on terms then available, in transactions in which
 they may be deemed affiliates or underwriters within the meaning of the
 Securities Act of 1933 (such persons being referred to under this caption
 as "Selling Shareholders").  Resales may be made pursuant to this
 Prospectus, as amended or supplemented, pursuant to Rule 145(d) under the
 Act, or pursuant to an exemption from the Act.  Profits realized on resales
 by Selling Shareholders under certain circumstances may be regarded as
 underwriting compensation under the Act.

           Resales by Selling Shareholders may be made directly to investors
 or through a securities firm acting as an underwriter, broker or dealer. 
 When resales are to be made through a securities firm, such securities firm
 may be engaged to act as the Selling Shareholder's agent in the sale of
 shares by such Selling Shareholder, or such securities firm may purchase
 shares from the Selling Shareholder as principal and thereafter resell such
 shares from time to time.  The fees earned by or paid to such securities
 firm may be the normal stock exchange commission or negotiated commissions
 or underwriting discounts to the extent permissible.  In addition, such
 securities firm may effect resales through other securities dealers, and
 customary commissions or concessions to such other dealer may be allowed. 
 Sales of shares may be at negotiated prices, at fixed prices, at market
 prices or at prices related to market prices then prevailing.  Any such
 shares may be made on the New York Stock Exchange or other exchange on
 which such shares may be traded, in the over-the-counter market, by block
 trade, in special or other offerings, directly to investors or through a
 securities firm acting as agent or principal, or a combination of such
 methods.  Any participating securities firm may be indemnified against
 certain civil liabilities, including liabilities under the Act.  Any
 participating securities firm may be deemed to be an underwriter within the
 meaning of the Act, and any commissions earned by such firm may be deemed
 to be underwriting discounts or commissions under the Act.


                                     -12-

                                Page 12 of 29                     <PAGE>    


           A Prospectus Supplement, if required, will be filed under
 Rule 424(b) under the Act, disclosing the name of the Selling Shareholder,
 the participating securities firm, if any, the number of shares involved,
 and other details of such resales, if appropriate.

                               DIVIDEND POLICY

           WW is limited with respect to the amount of cash dividends which
 can be paid, by certain terms of its revolving credit agreement with
 certain financial institutions.  No cash dividends have been paid to date
 by the Company.  The current policy of the Company is to retain earnings to
 provide funds for the operation and expansion of its business.  The Company
 does not anticipate paying dividends in the foreseeable future.

                         PRICE RANGE OF COMMON SHARES

           The high and low sales prices of the Common Shares on the New
 York Stock Exchange, as reported by the Dow Jones News Service were as
 follows:

 Fiscal Year                                        Common Shares   
 -----------                                        High      Low   
                                                 --------  --------
 1995
     First Quarter   . . . . . . . . . . . .      20 5/8    17 3/8
     Second Quarter  . . . . . . . . . . . .      18 5/8    13 3/8
     Third Quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . .      17        14 7/8
     Fourth Quarter (through
         __________, 1995) . . . . . . . . .

 1994
     First Quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . .      22 1/2     9 5/8
     Second Quarter  . . . . . . . . . . . .      19 3/4    10 3/8
     Third Quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . .      16 1/2    13 3/8
     Fourth Quarter  . . . . . . . . . . . .      20 1/2    13 5/8

 1993
     First Quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . .      12 1/4     9 5/8
     Second Quarter  . . . . . . . . . . . .      12 3/4     8 3/4
     Third Quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . .      11 5/8     8 3/4
     Fourth Quarter  . . . . . . . . . . . .      12         9

           On April __, 1995, the closing price of the Common Shares on the
 New York Stock Exchange was $_____________ per share.  On April __, 1995,
 there were _____________ record holders of the Company's Common Shares.


                     SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA

           The following selected financial data for the five years ended
 June 30, 1994, are derived from the consolidated financial statements of
 WW.  The financial date for the six month periods ended December 31, 1994
 and 1993 are derived from unaudited financial statements.  The unaudited
 financial statements include all adjustments, consisting of normal 


                                     -13-

                                Page 13 of 29                     <PAGE>    


 recurring accruals, which WW considers necessary for a fair presentation of
 the financial position and the results of operations for these periods. 
 Operating results for the six months ended December 31, 1994 are not
 necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the entire
 year ending June 30, 1995.  The data should be read in conjunction with the
 consolidated financial statements, related notes, and other financial
 information incorporated by reference herein.  See "Documents Incorporated
 by Reference."


 <TABLE>                                        (In thousands, except per share data)
 <CAPTION>
                                                                                                   Six Months Ended
                                                     Year Ended June 30,                             December 31,
                                  -----------------------------------------------------------   ---------------------
 <S>                              <C>         <C>       <C>           <C>            <C>         <C>         <C>

 OPERATING RESULTS                  1990        1991       1992         1993           1994        1993        1994
                                    ----        ----       ----         ----           ----        ----        ----
                                                                                                       (Unaudited)
   Revenue                        $172,009    $199,820  $219,376      $231,205       $257,005    $126,234    $134,818

   Income (loss) from               21,257      22,476    19,083       (14,562)<F**>   26,423      11,107      17,902
      operations

   Interest expense, net            (5,041)     (5,982)   (3,379)       (2,639)        (3,035)     (1,450)     (1,999)

   Other nonoperating income/          (62)      1,385   (11,444)<F*>    2,735           (767)         (1)     (1,084)
      (expense)

   Income (loss) before income      16,154      17,879     4,260       (14,466)        22,621       9,656      14,819
      taxes

   Net income (loss)                 9,962      11,234     2,370       (10,116)        12,941       5,811       8,225

   Net income (loss) per share         .78         .81       .17          (.73)           .86         .40         .53
      - primary

   Average number of shares         12,428      13,854    14,031        13,818         15,048      14,725      15,546
      outstanding

 No cash dividends have been declared to date.
 </TABLE>


 [FN]
 <F*>      Includes a $6,600 writedown related to G.I. Industries and a
           provision of $4,050 related to an estimated loss on disposal of a
           division.

 <F**>     Includes $21,043 of special charges and other charges of:  $6,000
           related to an estimated loss on a municipal contract, $4,000
           related to increased self-insurance loss reserves and $1,000 for
           other reserves.


                                    -14-

                                Page 14 of 29                     <PAGE>    


 <TABLE>
 <CAPTION>
                                                     At June 30,                           At December 31,
                                 --------------------------------------------------------   ------------
 <S>                             <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>
 OTHER FINANCIAL AND                1990        1991        1992        1993        1994        1994  
 STATISTICAL DATA                   ----        ----        ----        ----        ----        ----
                                                                                            (Unaudited)
   Working Capital               $ 19,918    $ 28,655    $ 18,847    $ 13,261    $ 20,660    $ 21,002

   Total assets                   195,652     225,874     248,509     268,386     284,681     303,407

   Property and equipment, net    112,537     127,306     155,316     172,662     185,598     189,864

   Total long-term debt            60,197      75,405      90,037      91,618      93,390     102,664

   Shareholders' equity           103,470     116,004     122,556     122,421     139,177     149,366

 </TABLE>


                         DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK

           The authorized capital stock of the Company consists of
 (i) 50,000,000 shares of Common Stock, no par value __________ shares of
 which were issued and outstanding as of April __, 1995 and,
 (ii) 2,000,000 shares of Preferred Stock, no par value, none of which are
 outstanding.  The following summary description of the capital stock of the
 Company is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Restated Articles
 of Incorporation (the "Articles") and Restated Bylaws (the "Bylaws") of the
 Company, copies of which are incorporated by reference herein.  See
 "Documents Incorporated by Reference."

           COMMON STOCK.  Subject to the rights of the holders of any
 Preferred Stock which may be outstanding, each holder of Common Stock on
 the applicable record date is entitled to receive such dividends as may be
 declared by the Board of Directors out of funds legally available therefor,
 and, in the event of liquidation, to share pro rata in any distribution of
 the Company's assets after payment or providing for the payment of
 liabilities and the liquidation preference of any outstanding Preferred
 Stock.  Each holder of Common Stock is entitled to one vote for each share
 held of record on the applicable record date on all matters presented to a
 vote of stockholders, including the election of directors.  Holders of
 Common Stock have no cumulative voting rights or preemptive rights to
 purchase or subscribe for any stock or other securities and there are no
 conversion rights or redemption or sinking fund provisions with respect to
 such stock.  All outstanding shares of Common Stock are, and the shares of
 Common Stock offered hereby will be when issued, fully paid and
 nonassessable.

           PREFERRED STOCK.  The Company's Restated Articles of
 Incorporation authorize a class of 2,000,000 shares of Preferred Stock. 
 The Company's Board of Directors has the authority to issue shares of such
 Preferred Stock in one or more series and to fix, by resolution, the voting
 powers, full or limited or no voting powers, and such designations,
 preferences and relative, participating, optional or other rights, if any,

                                     -15-

                                Page 15 of 29                     <PAGE>    


 and the qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof, if any,
 including the number of shares in such series (which the Board may increase
 or decrease as permitted by California law), liquidation preferences,
 dividend rates, conversion rights and redemption provisions of the shares
 of Preferred Stock constituting any series, without any further vote or
 action by the stockholders.  Any shares of Preferred Stock so issued would
 have priority over the Common Stock with respect to dividend and
 liquidation rights.  Because of its broad discretion with respect to the
 creation and issuance of any series of Preferred Stock without stockholder
 approval, the Board of Directors of the Company could adversely affect the
 voting power of the holders of Common Stock, and, by issuing shares of
 Preferred Stock with certain voting, conversion and/or redemption rights,
 could discourage any attempt to obtain control of the Company in any
 transaction not approved by the Board of Directors, including a hostile
 tender offer.

 GENERAL
 -------
           All issued and outstanding Common Shares are fully paid and
 nonassessable, and all Common Shares offered hereby will be fully paid and
 nonassessable when issued.

           The Transfer Agent and Registrar for the Company's Common Shares
 and Preferred Shares is Chemical Trust Company of California, Los Angeles,
 California.

           WW has and will continue to distribute annual reports to its
 shareholders which will contain its audited financial statements.


                                LEGAL MATTERS

           The validity of the WW common Shares offered hereby will be
 passed upon for WW by Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton, Los Angeles,
 California.


                                   EXPERTS

           The consolidated financial statements of Western Waste Industries
 appearing in Western Waste Industries' Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the
 year ended June 30, 1994, have been audited by Ernst & Young LLP,
 independent auditors, as set forth in their report thereon included therein
 and incorporated herein by reference.  Such consolidated financial
 statements are incorporated herein by reference in reliance upon such
 report given upon the authority of such firm as experts in accounting and
 auditing.

           No dealer, salesperson or other person has been authorized to
 give any information or to make any representation, other than those
 contained in this Prospectus, in connection with the offer made by this
 Prospectus, and if given or made, such information or representations must
 not be relied upon as having been authorized by the Company.  Neither the
 delivery of this Prospectus nor any sale made hereunder shall, under any 



                                     -16-

                                Page 16 of 29                     <PAGE>    



 circumstances, create an implication that there has been no change in the
 affairs of the Company since the date hereof.  This Prospectus does not
 constitute an offer or solicitation by anyone in any jurisdiction in which
 such offer or solicitation is not authorized or in which the person making
 such offer is not qualified to do so or to anyone to whom it is unlawful to
 make such offer or solicitation.


















































                                     -17-

                                Page 17 of 29                     <PAGE>    


                                   PART II

                    INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS


 Item 20.  INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS.  Pursuant to
 provisions of the California General Corporation Law, the Company's
 Restated Articles of Incorporation include a provision that eliminates the
 personal liability of its directors to the Company and its shareholders for
 monetary damages to the fullest extent permissible under California law. 
 This limitation has no effect on a director's liability (i) for acts or
 omissions that involve intentional misconduct or a knowing and culpable
 violation of the law, (ii) for acts or omissions that a director believes
 to be contrary to the best interests of the Company or its shareholders or
 that involve the absence of good faith on the part of the director,
 (iii) for any transaction from which a director derived an improper
 personal benefit, (iv) for acts or omissions that show a reckless disregard
 for the director's duty to the Company or its shareholders in circumstances
 in which the director was aware, or should have been aware, in the ordinary
 course of performing a director's duties, of a risk of a serious injury to
 the Company or its shareholders, (v) for acts or omissions that constitute
 an unexcused pattern of inattention that amounts to an abdication of the
 directors duty to the Company or its shareholders (vi) under Section 310 of
 the California General Corporation Law (concerning contracts or trans-
 actions between the corporation and a director) or (vii) under Section 316
 of the California General Corporation Law (directors' liability for
 improper dividends, loans and guarantees).  The provision does not elim-
 inate liability of a director for any act or omission which occurred prior
 to August 8, 1988, the effective date of the amendment of the Company's
 Restated Articles of Incorporation and it does not eliminate or limit the
 liability of an officer for any act or omission as an officer, notwith-
 standing that the officer is also a director or that his or her actions, if
 negligent or improper, have been ratified by the Board of Directors. 
 Further, the provision has no effect on claims arising under federal or
 state securities laws and does not affect the availability of injunctions
 and other equitable remedies available to the Company's shareholders for
 any violation of a director's fiduciary duty to the Company or its
 shareholders.  Although the validity and scope of the legislation
 underlying the provision has not yet been interpreted to any significant
 extent by the California courts, the provision may relieve directors of
 monetary liability to the Company for grossly negligent conduct, including
 conduct in situations involving attempted takeovers of the Company.

           The Company's Restated Articles of Incorporation also include a
 section authorizing the Company to indemnify its officers, directors and
 other agents through bylaw provisions, agreements, vote of shareholders or
 disinterested directors or otherwise, to the fullest extent permitted by
 law.  The Company's Bylaws permit the Company to indemnify its directors,
 officers, employees and other agents to the fullest extent permitted by
 law.  The Company's Bylaws and Restated Articles of Incorporation expressly
 authorize the use of indemnity agreements.  The Company's Bylaws and
 Articles of Incorporation may require the Company, among other things, to
 indemnify such directors, officers, employees and other agents for certain
 liabilities that may arise by reason of service of directors, officers, 
 employees or agents (other than liabilities from willful misconduct of a 


                                     II-1

                                Page 18 of 29                     <PAGE>    


 culpable nature), to advance expenses to them as they are incurred,
 provided that they undertake to repay the amount advanced if it is
 ultimately determined by a court that they are not entitled to
 indemnification and to obtain directors' and officers' insurance.  The
 Company has entered into indemnification agreements with all of its
 directors and executive officers whereby the Company will indemnify each
 such person (an "Indemnitee") against certain claims arising out of certain
 past, present or future acts, omissions or breaches of duty committed by an
 Indemnitee while serving in his or her employment capacity.  Such
 indemnification does not apply to acts or omissions which are knowingly
 fraudulent, deliberately dishonest or arise from willful misconduct. 
 Indemnification will only be provided to the extent that the Indemnitee has
 not already received payments in respect of such claim from the Company or
 from an insurance company.

           Section 317 of the California General Corporation Law makes
 provision for the indemnification of officers, directors and other
 corporate agents in terms sufficiently broad to indemnify such persons,
 under certain circumstances, for liabilities (including reimbursement of
 expenses incurred) arising under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended
 (the "Act").

           Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Act
 may be permitted to directors, officers or persons controlling the
 registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, the registrant has been
 informed that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such
 indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act and
 therefore unenforceable.  In the event that a claim for indemnification
 against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of
 expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of
 the registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding)
 is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection
 with the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless in the
 opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling
 precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question
 whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in
 the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

 Item 21.  EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES.

           (a)  Exhibits
 Exhibit
   No.     Description of Document
 -------   -----------------------
 4.1       Restated Articles of incorporation, as amended.<F1>

 4.2       Restated By-laws, as amended.<F1>

 5         Opinion of Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton

 23.1      Consent of Ernst & Young LLP

 23.2      Consent of Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton (see Exhibit 5
           above)

 24        Powers of Attorney

                                     II-2

                                Page 19 of 29                     <PAGE>    


 [FN]
 <F1> Incorporated herein by reference to the Company's Registration
      Statement on Form S-1, Registration No. 2-83121.


           All schedules are omitted because they are not applicable or not
 required or because the required information is shown in the financial
 statements or notes thereto.

 Item 22.  UNDERTAKINGS.

           (a)  The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:

                (1)  To file, during any period in which offers or sales are
      being made, a post-effective amendment to this registration statement:

                     (i)  To include any prospectus required by
             section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act of 1933 (the "Act");

                    (ii)  To reflect in the prospectus any facts or
             events arising after the effective date of the registration
             statement (or the most recent post-effective amendment
             thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent
             a fundamental change in the information set forth in the
             registration statement; and

                   (iii)  To include any material information with
             respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed
             in the registration statement or any material change to such
             information in the registration statement.

                (2)  That, for the purpose of determining any liability
      under the Act, each post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a
      new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein,
      and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be
      the initial bona fide offering thereof.

                (3)  To remove from registration by means of a post-
      effective amendment any of the securities being registered which
      remain unsold at the termination of the offering.

           (b)  Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the
 Act may be permitted to directors, officers or persons controlling the
 registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, the registrant has been
 informed that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such
 indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act and
 therefore unenforceable.  In the event that a claim for indemnification
 against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of
 expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of
 the registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding)
 is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection
 with the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless in the
 opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling 




                                      II-3

                                Page 20 of 29                     <PAGE>    


 precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question
 whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in
 the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

           (c)  The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that, for
 purposes of determining any liability under the Act, each filing of the
 registrant's annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of
 the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (and, where applicable, each filing of
 an employee benefit plan's annual report pursuant to Section 15(d) of the
 Securities Exchange Act of 1934) that is incorporated by reference in the
 registration statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement
 relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such
 securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide
 offering thereof.

           (d)  The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes as follows: 
 prior to any public offering of the securities registered hereunder through
 use of a prospectus which is a part of this registration statement, by any
 person or party who is deemed to be an underwriter within the meaning of
 Rule 145(c), the issuer undertakes that such reoffering prospectus will
 contain the information called for by the applicable registration form with
 respect to reofferings by persons who may be deemed underwriters, in
 addition to the information called for by the other items of the applicable
 form.

           (e)  The undersigned registrant undertakes that every prospectus
 (i) that is filed pursuant to the immediately preceding paragraph or
 (ii) that purports to meet the requirements of Section 10(a)(3) of the Act
 and is used in connection with the offering of securities subject to
 Rule 415, except to the extent permitted to be filed as a prospectus
 supplement, will be filed as a part of an amendment to the registration
 statement and will not be used until such amendment is effective, and that,
 for purposes of determining any liability under the Act, each such post-
 effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement
 relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such
 securities at that time shall be deemed to be the bona fide offering
 thereof.

           (f)  The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to respond to
 requests for information that is incorporated by reference into the
 prospectus pursuant to items 4, 10(b), 11, or 13 of this Form, within one
 business day of receipt of such request, and to send the incorporated
 documents by first class mail or other equally prompt means.  This includes
 information contained in documents filed subsequent to the effective date
 of the registration statement through the date of responding to the
 request.

           (g)  The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to supply by
 means of a post-effective amendment all information concerning a
 transaction, and the company being acquired involved therein, that was not
 the subject of and included in the registration statement when it became
 effective, except where the transaction in which the securities being
 offered pursuant to this registration statement would itself qualify for an
 exemption from Section 5 of the Act, absent the existence of other similar
 (prior or subsequent) transactions.


                                     II-4

                                Page 21 of 29                     <PAGE>    


                                  SIGNATURES

           Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as
 amended, the Registrant has duly caused this Registration Statement or
 Amendment to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly
 authorized, in the City of Torrance, State of California on the 12th day of
 April, 1995.

                               WESTERN WASTE INDUSTRIES



                               By: /s/ Kosti Shirvanian
                                   -------------------------
                                        Kosti Shirvanian
                                   Chairman of the Board and
                                          President


           Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
 Registration Statement or Amendment has been signed below by the following
 persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.


 /s/ Kosti Shirvanian        Chairman of the Board of       April 12, 1995
 -----------------------     Directors and President
 Kosti Shirvanian            (Principal Executive Officer)


 /s/ Ramsey G. DiLibero      Chief Operating Officer and    April 12, 1995
 -----------------------     Director
 Ramsey G. DiLibero


 /s/Lawrence F. McQuaide     Executive Vice President,      April 12, 1995
 -----------------------     Finance (Principal Financial
 Lawrence F. McQuaide        and Accounting Officer)


                             Executive Vice President,      April __, 1995
 -----------------------     Secretary-Treasurer and
 Savey Tufenkian             Director


 /s/ John W. Simmons         Director                       April 12, 1995
 -----------------------
 John W. Simmons*


 /s/ Harry S. Derbyshire     Director                       April 12, 1995
 -----------------------
 Harry S. Derbyshire*





                                     II-5

                                Page 22 of 29                     <PAGE>    





 /s/ Dr. A.N. Mosich         Director                       April 12, 1995
 -----------------------
 Dr. A.N. Mosich*



 *By: /s/ Kosti Shirvanian
     ------------------------------
           Kosti Shirvanian
           Attorney-in-Fact
           April 12, 1995











































                                     II-6

                                Page 23 of 29                     <PAGE>    


                              INDEX TO EXHIBITS



 Exhibit
   No.                     Description of Document                      Page
 --------                  -----------------------                      ----

  5        Opinion of Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton  . . .          25

 23.1      Consent of Ernst & Young LLP  . . . . . . . . . . . .          27

 23.2      Consent of Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton  . . .          28

 24        Powers of Attorney  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          29










































                                     II-7

                                Page 24 of 29                     <PAGE>    


                         SHEPPARD, MULLIN, RICHTER & HAMPTON
                                 ATTORNEYS AT LAW
                                FORTY-EIGHTH FLOOR
                              333 SOUTH HOPE STREET
                         LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA 90071-1448

                           TELEPHONE:  (213) 620-1780
                                     --------
                             FACSIMILE (213) 620-1398
                                  CABLE SHEPLAW
                                  TELEX 19-4424
                                     --------


                                    EXHIBIT 5


                                  April 12, 1995
                                                         Our File Number
                                                            LFE-51322



     Western Waste Industries
     21061 South Western Avenue
     Torrance, California 90501


          Re:  Registration Statement on Form S-4


     Ladies and Gentlemen:

               We have acted as counsel for Western Waste Industries, a
     California corporation (the "Company"), in connection with the
     registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, of 
     3,000,000 shares of the Company's Common Stock, no par value (the
     "Shares"), pursuant to a Registration Statement on Form S-4 (the
     "Registration Statement").

               As your counsel, we have examined such documents as we have
     considered necessary for purposes of this opinion, including without
     limitation the Restated Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws of the
     Company and resolutions adopted by the Board of Directors of the
     Company.  In such examination, we have assumed the genuineness of all
     signatures, the authenticity of all documents submitted to us as
     originals and the conformity to authentic originals of all documents
     submitted to us as certified copies or photocopies.  In rendering the
     opinions expressed below, we have relied on factual representations by
     Company officials and statements of fact contained in the documents we
     have examined.








                                Page 25 of 29                     <PAGE>    


     Western Waste Industries
     April 12, 1995
     Page 2





               On the basis of the foregoing and having regard for legal
     considerations we deem relevant, we are of the opinion that the
     Shares, when sold in the manner described in the Registration
     Statement, will be legally and validly issued, fully paid and
     nonassessable.

               We consent to the use of this opinion as an exhibit to the
     Registration Statement, and further consent to the use of our name
     wherever appearing in the Registration Statement, including the
     prospectus constituting a part thereof, and any amendment thereto,
     which has been approved by us.

                              Very truly yours,


                          /s/ SHEPPARD, MULLIN, RICHTER & HAMPTON



































                                Page 26 of 29                     <PAGE>    


                                 Exhibit 23.1



                       CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS



           We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption
 "Experts" included in the Proxy Statement of Western Waste Industries which
 is made part of the Registration Statement (Form S-4, No. 33-XXXXX) and
 Prospectus of Western Waste Industries for the registration of 3,000,000
 shares of its common stock and to the incorporation by reference therein of
 our report dated August 26, 1994, with respect to the consolidated
 financial statements of Western Waste Industries included in its Annual
 Report (Form 10-K/A No. 2) for the year ended June 30, 1994, filed with the
 Securities and Exchange Commission.



                                    /s/  ERNST & YOUNG LLP




 Long Beach, California
 April 12, 1995
































                                Page 27 of 29                     <PAGE>    


                                 Exhibit 23.2



                CONSENT OF SHEPPARD, MULLIN, RICHTER & HAMPTON

                            (See Exhibit 5 above)




















































                                Page 28 of 29                     <PAGE>    


                                  Exhibit 24



                              POWER OF ATTORNEY

           KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned hereby
 constitutes and appoints Kosti Shirvanian and Savey Tufenkian, and each of
 them, his true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power of
 substitution and resubstitution, for him, and in his name, place and stead,
 in any and all capacities, to sign a Registration Statement on  Form S-4
 (the "Registration Statement") relating to the registration of up to
 3,000,000 shares of the Common Stock of Western Waste Industries ("WW"),
 and all amendments (including post-effective amendments) thereto, to the
 extent permitted by Item 601(b)(24) of Regulation S-K under the Securities
 Act of 1933, as amended, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto,
 and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and
 Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and
 each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act
 and thing requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises, as
 fully and to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person,
 hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents
 or their substitute or substitutes may lawfully do or cause to be done by
 virtue hereof.

           Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as
 amended, this Power of Attorney and the Registration Statement and any
 amendments thereto have been signed below by the following person in the
 capacity and as of the date indicated.


 Signature                     Title          Date
 ---------                     -----          ----

 /s/ Harry S. Derbyshire
 -----------------------       Director       April 7, 1995
     Harry S. Derbyshire



 /s/ A.N. Mosich
 -----------------------       Director       April 7, 1995
     A.N. Mosich



 /s/ John W. Simmons
 -----------------------       Director       April 7, 1995
     John W. Simmons










                                Page 29 of 29                     <PAGE>    




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