KTI INC
10-K405, 1998-03-31
COGENERATION SERVICES & SMALL POWER PRODUCERS
Previous: CAPITAL MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT TRUST, 485BPOS, 1998-03-31
Next: UNIVERSAL STAINLESS & ALLOY PRODUCTS INC, 10-K, 1998-03-31



<PAGE>   1
 
================================================================================
 
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                              WASHINGTON, DC 20549
                            ------------------------
 
                                   FORM 10-K
 
              ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
                        SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
                  FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997
 
                          COMMISSION FILE NO. 0-25490
 
                                   KTI, INC.
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                            <C>
                  NEW JERSEY                                     22-2665282
</TABLE>
 
                              7000 BOULEVARD EAST
                          GUTTENBERG, NEW JERSEY 07093
                                 (201) 854-7777
 
       SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OF THE ACT:  NONE
 
          SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(G) OF THE ACT:
                           COMMON STOCK, NO PAR VALUE
 
     Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (l) has filed all reports
required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the
registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such
filing requirements for the past 90 days.  Yes [X]  No [ ]
 
     State the aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates
of the registrant. The aggregate market value shall be computed by reference to
the price at which the stock was sold, or the average bid and asked prices of
such stock, as of a specified date within 60 days prior to the date of filing:
 
     $159,940,457 at March 27, 1998
 
     Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the registrant's
classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date:
 
     9,477,953
 
     Documents incorporated by reference: the Company's 1998 Proxy Statement.
 
     Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item
405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the
best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statments
incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this
Form 10-K.  [X]
 
================================================================================
<PAGE>   2
 
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                             ITEM NUMBER                                 PAGE
                             AND CAPTION                                NUMBER
                             -----------                                ------
<S>       <C>                                                           <C>
PART I
 
Item 1.   Business....................................................     1
Item 2.   Properties..................................................    25
Item 3.   Legal Proceedings...........................................    26
Item 4.   Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.........    27
 
PART II
 
Item 5.   Market for Registrant's Common Equity and Related
            Stockholder Matters.......................................    27
Item 6.   Selected Financial Data.....................................    28
Item 7.   Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition     28
            and Results of Operations.................................
Item 8.   Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.................    46
Item 9.   Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting     46
            and Financial Disclosure..................................
 
PART III
 
Item 10.  Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant..........    46
Item 11.  Executive Compensation......................................    46
Item 12.  Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and
            Management................................................    46
Item 13.  Certain Relationships and Related Transactions..............    46
 
PART IV
 
Item 14.  Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules.....................    47
</TABLE>
 
                                        i
<PAGE>   3
 
                                     PART I
 
ITEM 1.  BUSINESS
 
GENERAL
 
BUSINESS OF ISSUER AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
 
     KTI, Inc. (individually and collectively with its subsidiaries, the
"Company") was incorporated in New Jersey in 1985. The Company is a holding
company, and substantially all of its operating assets are owned by corporate
and partnership subsidiaries.
 
     These operations include wholly-owned consolidated subsidiaries and
majority-owned consolidated subsidiaries. The Company's majority-owned
consolidated subsidiaries include Maine Energy Recovery Company ("Maine
Energy"), American Ash Recycling of Tennessee, Ltd., ("AART") and Penobscot
Energy Recovery Company, Limited Partnership ("PERC"). The Company's principal
wholly-owned operating subsidiaries are Timber Energy Resources, Inc. ("TERI"),
K-C International, Ltd. ("K-C"), Manner Resins, Inc. ("Manner") I. Zaitlin and
Sons, Inc. ("Zaitlin") Data Destruction Services ("DDS"), KTI Recycling of New
Jersey ("the Newark Facility"), KTI Recycling of Illinois, ("the Chicago
Facility"), KTI Recycling of New England, ("the Charlestown Facility"), KTI
Specialty Waste Services, Inc. ("KTI Specialty Waste") and KTI Ash Recycling of
New England.
 
     The Company's objectives are focused on the development of an integrated
waste handling business, providing wood, paper, corrugated, metals, plastic and
glass processing and recycling, municipal solid waste processing and disposal
capabilities, specialty waste disposal services, facility operations and
recycling of ash combustion residue. The Company's integrated waste handling
business emphasizes the use of low cost processing to add potential value to the
various waste products delivered and in certain cases the generation of electric
power. The Company believes that by adding these processing steps to its system,
it is competitive with traditional landfill alternatives while producing
superior environmental results and meeting social and political mandates. The
Company also markets recyclable metals, plastic, paper and corrugated processed
at its facilities and via third parties.
 
     As part of its integrated waste handling business, the Company operates
eleven processing facilities and seven marketing offices in the United States.
 
     Two of the Company's facilities in Maine are waste-to-energy facilities
which convert ordinary, non-hazardous solid waste from residential, commercial
and industrial sources ("municipal solid waste" or "MSW") into refuse derived
fuel ("RDF"), which in turn is combusted alone or with supplemental fuels (such
as wood chips, tire chips, natural gas and fuel oil) to dispose of the RDF and,
in the process, generate electrical power to be sold to electrical utilities.
These facilities process the MSW prior to combustion to separate for beneficial
reuse, non-combustible materials such as ferrous metals, glass and grit. The
remaining combustible material is further processed to increase the surface
volume and reduce size. Through such processing, the fuel value of the waste is
greatly enhanced, thereby allowing for a more efficient and cleaner combustion
process with substantially lower residues. The Company developed, and currently
owns majority interests in, these two facilities. The first facility is owned by
the Company's 74.15% owned subsidiary, Maine Energy, a Maine limited
partnership, which is located in Biddeford, Maine. Maine Energy commenced
operations in 1987. The other facility, owned by the Company's 71.29% owned
subsidiary PERC, Limited Partnership, a Maine limited partnership, is located in
Orrington, Maine. PERC commenced operations in 1988. Sources of revenues for the
facilities are from fees payable under waste handling agreements with over 280
municipalities and commercial waste sources for the right to dispose of MSW at
the Company's facilities ("tipping fees") and payments from electrical utilities
for electricity sold by the facilities. A third waste-to-energy facility located
in Telogia, Florida, which was acquired in late 1996, utilizes biomass waste as
its source of fuel to be combusted for the production of electricity for sale to
the local electric utility. During May and June of 1997, the Company retrofitted
this facility to increase its processing capabilities prior to combustion and
upgrade its combustion technologies for life extension to be in line with the
Company's other waste-to-energy facilities. This is the first example of the
Company's strategy of acquiring a troubled facility at substantial discounts to
replacement value, retrofitting the facility with increased processing capacity
and improved combustion technology, beneficially utilizing by-products of
processing and combustion and
 
                                        1
<PAGE>   4
 
financially re-engineering the facility's capital structure. (See -- "Waste to
Energy and Waste Processing Facilities -- TEII -- TERI")The Company also
operates two wood processing facilities in Lewiston, Maine and Cairo, Georgia.
The Company's facilities in Maine provide 60% of the long-term MSW disposal
capacity for the State of Maine.
 
     The Company also owns a 60% limited partnership interest in a limited
partnership which operates a permitted municipal waste combustor ("MWC") ash
recycling facility in Nashville, Tennessee (the "Nashville Facility"). This
facility, which commenced operations in 1993, is the first commercially
operational MWC ash recycling facility in the United States.
 
     To solidify its business base in Maine and expand its integrated waste
handling business vertically and geographically, the Company made a number of
strategic acquisitions and financings during 1997.
 
     The Company acquired the exclusive right to own and operate a MWC ash
recycling facility in the State of Maine, similar to the Nashville Facility,
utilizing certain proprietary technology developed by American Ash Recycling
Corp., a Florida corporation ("AAR").
 
     AAR's proprietary MWC ash recycling process, which is being utilized in the
Nashville Facility, recovers substantial quantities of metal contained in MWC
ash residue and, after removing unburned materials, converts the remainder of
the ash into a high grade aggregate which is sold for beneficial reuse in
commercial construction, asphalt, concrete and roadbed material applications.
AAR's process recovers both ferrous and non-ferrous metals, which are cleaned to
enhance their value in the scrap metal markets. AAR's process also removes
unburned combustibles through the utilization of proprietary air separation
processes. The Company is seeking the regulatory approvals required to utilize
the AAR as recycling technology at its waste-to-energy facilities in Maine. All
approvals have not been obtained and such ash residue is not currently being
recycled.
 
     In June 1997, the Company refinanced $13.4 million of tax-exempt debt
issued on behalf of TERI. The transaction resulted in the replacement of
variable rate bonds which bore interest at rates between 3 1/2% and 4 1/2% in
1997 with 7% fixed coupon rates notes with an average maturity of 4 years and
the elimination of the credit enhancement provided by the Bank of Montreal. The
credit enhancement elimination had been a condition in the original acquisition
of Timber Energy Investments, Inc. ("TEII") from Continental Casualty Company
together with its subsidiaries, ("CNA"), which was completed in November 1996.
 
     Also in June 1997, the Company sold its series A convertible preferred
stock, par value $8 ("Series A Convertible Preferred Stock"), to a fund managed
by First Analysis Corporation and certain individuals for $3.9 million.
 
     In August 1997, the Company acquired all of the outstanding common stock of
Zaitlin an environmental recycling company based in Biddeford, Maine. Zaitlin
operates processing, brokering and storage facilities in Maine and
Massachusetts. The acquisition also included the purchase by the Company of all
of the outstanding common stock of DDS, a company engaged in the destruction of
confidential records. The purchase price consisted of $500,000 in cash and
200,000 shares of the common stock of the Company ("Common Stock") and the
assumption of $2.3 million of existing debt. Zaitlin has been in the recycling
industry since 1917 and deals in all grades of waste paper, non-ferrous metals
and some plastics. Sam Zaitlin, the former president of Zaitlin, joined the
Company in an executive capacity. Mr. Zaitlin formerly served as a member and
chairman of Maine's Board of Environmental Protection. He is a recent past chair
of the Maine Chamber and Business Alliance, the state's leading business
organization.
 
     In August 1997, KeyBank, National Association ("KeyBank") increased the
Company's line of credit from $1 million to $6 million. The line with KeyBank
was further increased to $11 million in November 1997 and $22 million in March,
1998.
 
     In August 1997, the Company sold the facility of Timber Energy Plastics
Recycling, Inc. a wholly-owned subsidiary of TEII ("TEPRI"), in Tuscaloosa,
Alabama to a group of investors and employees for $280,000 in cash and notes.
TEPRI's Tuscaloosa facility was acquired in November 1996 as part of the TEII
acquisition transaction. The sale of the Tuscaloosa facility, which is engaged
in plastic film recycling, is consistent with management's strategy of focusing
on the Company's core businesses.
 
     In August, the Company completed a placement of 856,000 shares of its
series B convertible exchangeable preferred stock, par value $25 ("Series B
Preferred Stock") for $21,400,000.
 
                                        2
<PAGE>   5
 
     In September 1997, the Company acquired K-C Industries, Inc. ("K-C"), an
international marketing and trading company specializing in secondary fiber,
pulp and paper worldwide. K-C was established in 1976 and is headquartered in
Portland, Oregon with offices in Lakewood, New Jersey, Hartford, Connecticut,
Los Angeles, California, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Seoul, South Korea and
Barcelona, Spain. The purchase price included $1.85 million in cash and 425,014
shares of Common Stock. K-C's current sales volume approximates 460,000 tons per
year. K-C rounded out the Company's full service materials handling and
processing strategy by integrating K-C's marketing team with the Company's
existing operational and financial expertise. K-C broadens the Company's
marketing and distribution channels by adding to the capabilities which exist in
KTI Specialty, Zaitlin, the Charlestown Facility, the Chicago Facility, the
Newark Facility and Manner.
 
     In September and November 1997, the Company increased its ownership in PERC
to 71.29% by purchasing a 64.29% limited partnership interest from Prudential
Insurance Company of America ("Prudential") in two separate transactions for an
aggregate purchase price of approximately $14.5 million. The completion of these
transactions are part of the Company's ongoing strategy to maximize its
ownership of the waste to energy facilities which it operates.
 
     In October 1997, Wexford Management Company LLC of Greenwich, Connecticut
converted the entire principal amount of $5 million of the Company's 8%
convertible note which it held into 618,609 shares of Common Stock.
 
     In November 1997, the Company completed the acquisition of three
state-of-the-art high capacity recycling plants in Boston, Massachusetts,
Chicago, Illinois and Newark, New Jersey which collectively are capable of
processing and marketing approximately 50,000 tons per month of post consumer
and commercial recyclables. Purchased by virtue of an order to sell such plants
from a bankruptcy court, the plants are the former assets of Prins Recycling
Corp. ("Prins"). The purchase price of the acquisition was approximately $15.1
million and was financed in part by a term loan from KeyBank in the amount of
$7.5 million and borrowings under the KeyBank credit line. This acquisition
added municipal and commercial recycling programs to the Company's comprehensive
solid waste disposal services.
 
     On January 15, 1998, the Company acquired Vel-A-Tran Recycling, Inc.
("Vel-A-Tran") for approximately $1.1 million in cash. Vel-A-Tran is
headquartered in Billerica, Massachusetts. Vel-A-Tran is in the business of
recycling high-grade paper and fiber products in the New England area. The
Company expects to consolidate Vel-A-Tran's operations into the Company's
facilities in Charlestown, Massachusetts. Vel-A-Tran had revenues of
approximately $1.0 million in 1997. The management of Vel-A-Tran will be
responsible for managing the high grade paper and fiber recycling operations of
the Company in the New England area.
 
     On January 30, 1998, the partners in PERC, the Municipal Review Committee,
Inc., a Maine not-for-profit corporation (the "MRC"), which represents 130
municipalities served by PERC ("Charter Municipalities"), and Bangor-Hydro
Electric Company ("Bangor Hydro"), executed an agreement, dated as of December
31, 1997 (the "Restructuring Agreement"), outlining the principal terms of a
restructuring of PERC's power purchase agreement with Bangor Hydro (the "Bangor
Hydro PPA") and certain provisions relating to amendments to the waste disposal
agreements between PERC and the 130 municipalities represented by the MRC (the
"Waste Disposal Agreements"). At the same time, the partners in PERC and Bangor
Hydro entered into a commitment with The Finance Authority of Maine ("FAME") to
refinance the existing tax exempt bonds issued to finance the original
construction of the PERC facility. Both documents contain significant conditions
to closing, which are not entirely in the control of the parties to such
documents. Accordingly, no assurance can be given that the Company will be able
to complete the transactions contemplated by such documents.
 
     On February 4, 1998, the Company purchased Total Waste Management
Corporation ("Total Waste Management") for approximately $1.375 million in cash.
Total Waste Management is headquartered in Newington, New Hampshire. Total Waste
Management is in the business of emergency response, site remediation, tank
cleaning, assessment and removal, waste oil and waste water recycling and
hazardous and non-hazardous waste management in the New England area. Total
Waste Management had revenues of approximately $4.2 million in 1997.
 
                                        3
<PAGE>   6
 
     On February 5, 1998, all of the 447,500 issued and outstanding shares of
the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock were converted into 447,500 shares of
Common Stock.
 
     The Company's current business plan for its integrated waste handling
business includes the following elements: to (i) maximize the RDF production and
operating efficiencies at the Company waste-to-energy facilities, (ii) continue
to focus on lowering expenses of its waste-to-energy facilities by identifying
less costly means of disposing or recycling of MSW process and ash combustion
residues produced by its waste-to-energy facilities, (iii) utilize its expanded
specialty waste disposal capabilities (e.g. an increase in the amounts of
specialty waste processed by the Company is planned to offset the effects of the
seasonal nature of the traditional MSW market and the uncertainties of the MSW
spot market, which would increase revenue due to the higher tipping fees that
the Company believes its facilities will be able to charge for processing such
wastes), (iv) enhance the value of its wood waste processing business by
expanding the utilization of available capacity through the acquisition of
additional materials and expanding the menu of materials processed, (v) recycle
ash produced by waste-to-energy facilities, (vi) expand its waste brokerage
service, and (vii) utilize its experience gained in restructuring Maine Energy's
power supply contract, in waste handling and processing, turning around troubled
facilities and operating waste facilities by acquiring an interest in or
assuming operational responsibility for other waste disposal or recycling
facilities in financial or operational distress.
 
     The implementation of parts of the foregoing business plan has only
recently commenced and there can be no assurance that such plan will be
successful.
 
WASTE-TO-ENERGY TECHNOLOGY
 
     The two MSW waste-to-energy facilities developed by the Company utilize RDF
technology, which emphasizes both materials separation prior to the combustion
of MSW and the production of high quality fuel. In the RDF processes utilized by
the Company, non-combustible materials, such as ferrous metals, glass, grit and
fine organic materials, are separated from MSW, which allows for recycling of
non-combustible material and, in addition, yields a more homogeneous and
efficient fuel for electric power generation, more acceptable air emissions and
decreased quantities of ash residue from combustion. The use of supplemental
fuels, such as woodchips, tire chips, natural gas and fuel oil, allows the
Company to compensate for seasonal variations or temporary interruptions in MSW
deliveries or temporary fluctuations in the quality of the RDF used in the power
production process. The combustion of RDF either alone or with supplemental
fuels results in superheated steam that is delivered to a single steam turbine
generator in each facility, each of which generates electricity that is
transmitted through interconnection equipment to Central Maine Power Company
("Central Maine") and Bangor Hydro, respectively, pursuant to power purchase
agreements with Maine Energy and PERC.
 
     Ash residue is the remaining by-product of the Maine Energy and PERC
facilities' energy generation process. The facilities have disposed, and
currently dispose, of their ash residue at landfills located within the State of
Maine that are licensed by the Maine Department of Environmental Protection
("MDEP"). The Company has acquired the exclusive rights to utilize AAR's ash
recycling technology in the State of Maine and is seeking the regulatory
approvals required to recycle its ash residues at its facilities, but such ash
residue is not currently being recycled. There can be no assurance that the
Company will be able to recycle its ash residue. The Company currently utilizes
the AAR technology to recycle ash generated at the Nashville Facility.
 
WASTE-TO-ENERGY AND WASTE PROCESSING FACILITIES
 
  MAINE ENERGY
 
     General
 
     Maine Energy is a limited partnership organized in 1983 for the purpose of
developing and owning a waste-to-energy facility located in Biddeford, Maine.
The Company, through its subsidiaries, owns a 74.15% interest as the sole
general partner and one of three limited partners of Maine Energy. The other two
limited partners are CNA Realty Corp. ("CNA Realty"), a subsidiary of CNA
Financial Corporation, and Energy
 
                                        4
<PAGE>   7
 
National, Inc. ("ENI"), an affiliate of NRG Energy, Inc. ("NRG"), each of which
own a 9.6% and 16.25% interest in Maine Energy, respectively.
 
     Maine Energy Facility
 
     The Maine Energy facility occupies an approximately 9.1 acre site owned by
Maine Energy in the City of Biddeford, Maine. The facility provides waste
disposal services to municipalities in central and southern Maine. The nominal
waste disposal capacity of the facility is 245,000 tons per year. The volume of
waste processed at the Maine Energy facility in 1997 was 254,354 tons.
 
     Financing of Maine Energy Facility
 
     The construction of the Maine Energy facility was financed with the
proceeds from the sale of $85 million original principal amount of variable rate
demand resource recovery bonds issued by the city of Biddeford in two offerings
(the "Biddeford Bonds"), which were issued in 1985 and secured by a letter of
credit from a group of banks, and a $22 million equity investment by Maine
Energy's original limited partners, CNA Realty, ENI and Project Capital 1985
("Project Capital"). The partners subsequently made additional investments in
the aggregate amount of $24.7 million in the form of subordinated loans with an
interest rate of 12% per annum, which are payable solely out of distributable
cash flow of Maine Energy. In May 1996, the Biddeford Bonds and the associated
letter of credit were retired.
 
     During 1997, the Company acquired $2,456,000 principal amount of such
subordinated loans from Project Capital. Maine Energy also retired $2.0 million
of subordinated loans during 1997. The balance of the subordinated loans due to
CNA Realty and ENI at December 31, 1997 was $11,949,000. While the Company
believes that distributable cash flow from the facility's operations will be
adequate to cover future annual interest requirements on the subordinated loans,
there can be no assurance that this will occur.
 
     Management and Fees
 
     An indirect subsidiary of the Company, Kuhr Technologies, Inc. ("Kuhr"), is
the sole general partner and manager and has control of the day to day business
of Maine Energy.
 
     Under the terms and conditions of an operation and maintenance agreement
with Maine Energy, a subsidiary of the Company, KTI Operations, Inc.
("Operations"), also administers, operates and maintains the Maine Energy
facility and is paid an amount equal to the actual operating costs of the Maine
Energy facility plus a monthly fixed fee, currently set at approximately $43,000
and subject to an inflationary adjustment annually. The agreement also provides
for incentive payments to Operations employees at the Maine Energy facility in
the event expected performance standards are exceeded. As a result of such
expected performance standards being exceeded, aggregate incentive payments in
the amount of $127,000, $203,000 and $202,000 have been paid to Operations
employees during 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively.
 
     Power Purchase Agreement
 
     The electricity produced by the Maine Energy facility is sold to Central
Maine pursuant to the power purchase agreement (the "Central Maine PPA") with
Central Maine. Central Maine serves more than 490,000 customers in an 11,000
square mile service area in central and southern Maine and purchases substantial
amounts of power from Canadian utilities as well as independent power producers
such as Maine Energy. In 1997, the Company derived approximately $15,249,000, or
15.9% of its revenues, from the sale of electricity to Central Maine.
 
     In May 1996, Maine Energy restructured its agreement with Central Maine by
entering into a series of agreements (the "1996 Agreements") with CL Power Sales
One, L.L.C. ("CL One") and Central Maine, which provided for the purchase of
Maine Energy's available power generation capacity by CL One, and by amending
the Central Maine PPA (together with the 1996 Agreements, the "Agreements"). CL
One made an initial payment of $85 million and agreed to make additional
quarterly payments through May 31, 2007 to Maine Energy as a portion of the
purchase price and for reimbursement to Maine Energy of certain expenses.
 
                                        5
<PAGE>   8
 
In consideration of its payments to Maine Energy, CL One was assigned all rights
to capacity from the Maine Energy facility through May 31, 2007. In the
restructuring, the term of the Central Maine PPA was extended from May 31, 2007
to December 31, 2012. Pursuant to the Agreements, Maine Energy has agreed to
sell energy to Central Maine through May 31, 2007 at an initial rate of 7.18
cents per kilowatt hour ("kWh") which escalates annually by 2%. Beginning June
1, 2007 until the expiration date of the Central Maine PPA, Maine Energy is to
be paid market value for both its energy and capacity by Central Maine.
 
     Under the terms of the Central Maine restructuring, a $45 million letter of
credit was issued to Central Maine by ING (US) Capital Corporation ("ING"). If,
in any year, Maine Energy fails to produce 100,000,000 kWh of electricity (a
"100,000,000 kWh test") and Maine Energy does not have a force majeure defense
(such as physical damage to the plant and other similar events), Maine Energy
will be obligated to pay $3.75 million to Central Maine as liquidated damages.
Such payment obligation is secured by the ING letter of credit. In each year in
which 100,000,000 kWh is produced, the balance of the ING letter of credit is to
be reduced by $3.75 million. If, in any year, Maine Energy fails to produce
15,000,000 kWh of electricity (a "15,000,000 kWh test") and Maine Energy does
not have a force majeure defense, Maine Energy is obligated to pay the then
balance of the ING letter of credit to Central Maine as liquidated damages. In
1997, the 15,000,000 kWh test was met in January and the 100,000,000 kWh test
was met in August, resulting in a reduction of the amount of the ING letter of
credit to $37.5 million. With respect to 1998, the 15,000,000 kWh test was met
in February, although past performance is no indication of future performance.
 
     Management of the Company restructured its relationship with Central Maine
because it believes that the Agreements, which reduced the outstanding
indebtedness of Maine Energy, should allow the Company upon refinancing or
repayment of the reduced subordinated debt, access to Maine Energy's available
cash flow. The restructured Central Maine PPA will allow Maine Energy to be more
competitive when electric utility deregulation legislation passed during 1997 by
the State of Maine becomes effective in the year 2000. The foregoing estimate of
increases in cash flow and competitive advantage, however, are forward-looking
statements that are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause
actual results to differ materially from those set forth herein due to, among
other factors, (i) failure to achieve the levels of power production projected
by the Company or (ii) levels of expenses greater than those projected by the
Company, and, accordingly, there can be no assurance that the Company will
experience such an increase in cash flow and competitive advantage as a result
of such transactions.
 
     Long-Term Waste Handling Agreements
 
     Approximately 30% of the MSW provided to Maine Energy is delivered pursuant
to waste handling agreements with eighteen (18) municipalities with terms
expiring on June 30, 2007 or later. The agreements are substantially similar in
content except that (i) the sixteen (16) "charter" municipalities are entitled
to various concessions as a result of having participated in the financial
restructuring of Maine Energy in 1991, and (ii) the two "host" municipalities of
Biddeford and Saco (both of which are charter municipalities) pay tipping fees
in the amount of one-half of those paid by the other charter municipalities. The
municipalities currently pay tipping fees to Maine Energy for the disposal of
MSW ranging as of December 31, 1997 from $20.75 per ton, in the case of the two
host municipalities of Biddeford and Saco, to $41.50 per ton, which are subject
to adjustment. The annual tipping fees charged to the municipalities are
increased (but not decreased) each year for inflation and any increases in
variable "pass through" costs, such as interest costs and disposal fees for
residues. The municipalities are also responsible for costs associated with
changes in law. Maine Energy was not entitled to an increase in tipping fees in
1997 for variable "pass through" or change in law costs. Approximately 28% of
Maine Energy's total revenue in 1997 was attributable to these long-term waste
handling agreements.
 
     Under the Maine Energy long-term waste handling agreements, each
municipality has agreed to deliver acceptable waste to the Maine Energy facility
in an amount equal to its "Guaranteed Annual Tonnage." Maine Energy is required
to accept up to 110% of each municipality's Guaranteed Annual Tonnage. A
municipality is required to pay to Maine Energy the tipping fee for the amount
of any shortfall from its Guaranteed Annual Tonnage. As a corollary to the
"put-or-pay" delivery guarantee, each municipality enacted a flow control
ordinance pursuant to Maine law which designates the Maine Energy facility as
the
 
                                        6
<PAGE>   9
 
exclusive disposal or reclamation facility to which all acceptable waste
generated within the municipality must be delivered regardless of which entity
picks up waste in such municipality. See "Governmental Regulations -- Flow
Control."
 
     Each municipality has the right, once a year, to terminate its long-term
waste handling agreement on one year's prior notice. The Company does not
believe that currently there is a material risk that the municipalities would
exercise their respective rights to terminate their agreements, as the Company
does not believe that there are currently any less costly alternative long-term
means of MSW disposal available in Maine Energy's market area.
 
     Other Sources of Waste
 
     The Company has short-term MSW disposal contracts with additional
municipalities with terms expiring in 1998 through 2003 that provide Maine
Energy with approximately 64,000 tons per year of MSW, and short-term contracts
principally with one to three year terms with commercial and private waste
haulers that provide approximately 94,000 tons per year of MSW to the Company.
The balance of Maine Energy's capacity is utilized by spot market MSW and
specialty wastes.
 
     Bypass and Residue Disposal
 
     The processing of MSW at the Maine Energy facility generates materials such
as non-combustible material removed from the front-end processing of MSW
("front-end process residue") and ash residue resulting from the RDF combustion
process. These materials are disposed of by licensed third parties under
long-term agreements. Maine Energy is also required, in the event of a shutdown
of the Maine Energy facility, to dispose of MSW received by Maine Energy by
delivering such MSW to PERC or to third party waste disposal facilities.
 
  PERC
 
     General
 
     PERC is a limited partnership organized in 1983 for the purpose of
developing and owning a waste-to-energy facility located in Orrington, Maine. A
subsidiary of the Company, PERC Management Company ("PMC") owns a 71.29% general
and limited partnership interest in PERC. The other partner of PERC is ENI,
which has both a general and limited partnership interest representing an
aggregate 28.71% ownership percentage. During 1997, in two transactions, the
Company acquired its limited partnership interests representing a 64.29%
ownership percentage for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $14.5
million.
 
     Acquisition of Limited Partnership Interests
 
     On September 30, 1997, the Company purchased a 49.5% limited partnership
interest in PERC from Prudential for approximately $11.7 million in cash. In
addition, the Company assumed certain liabilities of Prudential in the amount of
$200,000 and issued letters of credit to Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New
York for approximately $3.9 million, replacing obligations of Prudential to
Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New York. At the same time, the Company paid
$300,000 for an option to buy the remaining 14.79% interest of Prudential in
PERC at a price of $2.1 million. On November 12, 1997, the Company exercised its
option and purchased the remaining 14.79% interest held by Prudential.
 
     Following these purchases, the Company's interest in PERC increased to
71.29%. ENI holds the remaining 28.71% interest in PERC, 3% as general partner
and 25.71% as a limited partner.
 
     Prior to the September 30, 1997 limited partnership interest acquisition,
the Company accounted for its 7% ownership interest under the equity method.
 
                                        7
<PAGE>   10
 
     PERC Facility
 
     The PERC facility occupies an approximately 40.3 acre site owned by PERC in
the town of Orrington. The facility provides waste disposal services to 230
municipalities in Penobscot, Hancock, Waldo, Piscataquis, Somerset, Knox,
Kennebec, Lincoln and Aroostook Counties, Maine. The nominal waste disposal
capacity of the facility is 325,000 tons per year. The PERC facility processed
275,406 and 253,523 tons of MSW in 1997 and 1996, respectively.
 
     Management and Fees
 
     ENI and PMC are both general partners of PERC. ENI and PMC each have one
representative on a management committee, which is generally given full
authority and discretion with respect to PERC's business, except as delegated to
PMC the managing general partner. However, certain matters acted upon by the
management committee, such as the addition of new partners or the transfer of
partnership interests and the approval of the terms and conditions of any
contract pursuant to which PERC would expend or receive $100,000 or more in any
year, must be presented to the general partners for approval or rejection.
 
     Primary day-to-day responsibility for operating the PERC facility has been
contracted to ESOCO Orrington, Inc. ("ESOCO"), a subsidiary of ENI, pursuant to
an operating and maintenance agreement. The term of the agreement is for five
years, with renewals for successive five year terms.
 
     PMC also earns an annual management fee from PERC. The base amount of the
fee was set in the PERC partnership agreement subject to annual adjustments on
the basis of the U.S. Consumer Price Index Urban Annual Percentage change as
published by the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor and Statistics from
year to year (the "Consumer Price Index") and was $431,000 for the year ended
December 31, 1997. The subsidiary of the Company was due $2,151,000 on account
of accrued management fees as of December 31, 1997, which represent the unpaid
portion of management fees earned by the Company through March 31, 1991.
However, this amount is eliminated in preparation of the Company's consolidated
balance sheet at December 31, 1997. Payment of the accrued management fees
currently are restricted by the terms of the PERC partnership agreement to the
extent of 10% of cash flow otherwise distributable to equity owners. The Company
also receives an annual cooperator's fee which was $55,000 for the year ended
December 31, 1997.
 
     In 1997, the Company was entitled to receive $686,000 as a result of PERC's
operations during 1996, $389,000 of which was paid to ENI in repayment of
contributions to PERC made by ENI on behalf of the Company. As of December 31,
1997, the balance due to ENI was $1,072,000.
 
     The Power Purchase Agreement
 
     The electricity produced by the PERC facility is sold to Bangor Hydro
pursuant to a power purchase agreement with Bangor Hydro ("the Bangor Hydro
PPA"). Bangor Hydro serves approximately 97,000 customers in a 4,900 square mile
service area in portions of the counties of Penobscot, Hancock, Washington,
Waldo, Piscataquis and Aroostook, Maine. In 1997, the Company derived
approximately $18,593,000 or 19.3% of its revenues, from the sale of electricity
to Bangor Hydro.
 
     Under the terms of the Bangor Hydro PPA, Bangor Hydro has agreed to
purchase all electricity generated by the PERC facility up to 25 megawatts (the
practical limit of the facility's equipment). The Bangor Hydro PPA rate formula
is currently favorable to PERC, providing a contract rate of 11.7 cents per kWh
for 1997 up to a maximum of approximately 166,000,000 kWh in a calendar year,
net of electricity consumed at the facility. PERC is paid at a lower rate for
electricity generated above this level. A portion of the contract rate is
adjusted annually to reflect changes in inflation. If PERC fails to deliver at
least 105,000,000 kWh to Bangor Hydro in any calendar year, PERC is obligated to
pay Bangor Hydro $4,000 for each 1,000,000 kWh by which such deliveries fall
below 105,000,000 kWh. Although future performance cannot be guaranteed by past
results, PERC has never failed to meet this delivery obligation. The
profitability of PERC is heavily dependent on the Bangor Hydro PPA.
 
                                        8
<PAGE>   11
 
     On January 30, 1998, the partners in PERC, the MRC, which represents
Charter Municipalities and Bangor Hydro, executed Restructuring Agreement,
outlining the principal terms of a restructuring of the Bangor Hydro PPA and
certain provisions relating to amendments to the Waste Disposal Agreements. At
the same time, the partners in PERC and Bangor Hydro entered into a commitment
with FAME to refinance the existing tax exempt bonds issued to finance the
original construction of the PERC facility. Both documents contain significant
conditions to closing, which are not entirely in the control of the parties to
such documents. Accordingly, no assurance can be given that the Company will be
able to complete the transactions contemplated by such documents.
 
     The Restructuring Agreement provides that Bangor Hydro will make a one time
payment of $6 million to PERC at the time of the closing of the refinancing of
the existing tax-exempt debt, and will make additional quarterly payments of
$250,000 per quarter for four years, for an additional total of $4 million, and
issue warrants for two million shares of Bangor Hydro common stock which will be
divided equally between the MRC on behalf of its member municipalities and the
PERC partners. The exercise price of such warrants is $7.00 per share and the
warrants will expire 10 years after issuance. The right to exercise such
warrants will vest over 4 years. In exchange for such consideration, Bangor
Hydro will be entitled, assuming performance of all of its obligations under the
Bangor Hydro PPA, to receive a rebate of a portion of its purchase price of
electric power from PERC, equal to one third of the cash available for
distribution from PERC. This transaction is contingent upon, among other things,
the closing of a reissuance of the tax-exempt bonds of FAME, pursuant to the
FAME commitment.
 
     The FAME commitment provides for a refinancing of the existing tax-exempt
debt which matures in 2004, with an adjustable rate tax-exempt security with an
extended maturity of 20 years, with customary fees. The FAME bonds would be
backed by the moral obligation of the State of Maine. The refinanced bonds will
be secured by substantially all of the assets of the PERC project (including the
$10 million to be received from Bangor Hydro), a guaranty of $3 million from the
Company and a guaranty of annual debt service, subject to a maximum amount of
$4.2 million, by Bangor Hydro. The guaranty by Bangor Hydro is dependent upon
receipt of all necessary orders and consents from the Maine Public Utility
Commission and Bangor Hydro's lenders.
 
     The amendments to the Waste Disposal Agreements will be effective upon
receipt of acceptance of not less than 50% of the Charter Municipalities (as
determined by tonnage delivered to PERC). PERC may terminate the transactions if
25% or more of the Charter Municipalities reject or otherwise object to the
transactions. The amendments permit the Charter Municipalities to: (a) make
equity contributions to PERC, only and to the extent of the MRC's share of
distributable cash from PERC (See -- "PERC -- Long-Term Waste Handling
Agreements") and one-half of the Bangor Hydro quarterly payment, of up to $31
million, which will be used to prepay the FAME bonds outstanding, (if all $31
million are contributed the municipalities will own a 50% partnership interest
in PERC); (b) purchase all of the remaining PERC interests in 2018 at the then
fair market value, in lieu of the existing right to purchase PERC at its then
book value in 2004; (c) extend the term of the Waste Disposal Agreements to
2018; and (d) reduce cash available for distribution to the Charter
Municipalities to one third from one half.
 
     The transactions are expected to close in May, 1998. The term sheet
provides that if the closing is after May 1, 1998, the financial terms of the
transaction are subject to retroactive adjustment. Both documents contain
sugnificant conditions, which are not entirely in the control of the parties to
such documents. No assurance can be given that the transactions contemplated by
such documents can be successfully completed.
 
     Long-Term Waste Handling Agreements.
 
     As of December 31, 1997, PERC had in place 127 long-term waste handling
agreements, of which 90 cover approximately 130 Charter Municipalities with
terms expiring on March 31, 2004, unless sooner terminated, and all of which are
substantially similar in content. The agreements provide PERC with approximately
195,000 tons per year of MSW. In addition, PERC receives approximately 18,000
tons per year of MSW from municipalities with whom PERC has short-term waste
handling agreements, 20,000 tons per year from commercial haulers and 30,000
tons per year from the spot market. As of December 31, 1997, the
 
                                        9
<PAGE>   12
 
municipalities with whom PERC had long-term waste handling agreements pay an
average tipping fee of $49.18 per ton to PERC for the disposal of their waste.
Total waste processing revenues of PERC in 1997 were approximately $12,593,000,
of which approximately 80% was attributable to MSW received from Charter
Municipalities.
 
     The PERC long-term waste handling agreements with the Charter
Municipalities are substantially similar to the Maine Energy long-term waste
handling agreements, including the inclusion of "Guaranteed Annual Tonnages" and
"put-or-pay" provisions and a variable tipping fee for "pass through" and change
in law costs.
 
     Each Charter Municipality has the right to receive a pro rata credit
against tipping fees, which credits are known as "Performance Credits" and may
be used to reduce future tipping fee payments at the option of the Charter
Municipalities in lieu of cash payment. Performance Credits for 1996 in the
amount of $619,000 were paid in 1997. The amount due for 1997 which will be paid
during 1998 is approximately $1,101,000.
 
     On one year's notice, a Charter Municipality may terminate its long-term
waste handling agreement as of March 31, 2000 or March 31, 2002. If, as a result
of such termination notices received from Charter Municipalities, the aggregate
Guaranteed Annual Tonnage of non-terminating municipalities would fall below
180,000 tons, PERC may elect to terminate all waste handling agreements with
Charter Municipalities. Currently no Charter Municipality has given any such
notice for March 31, 2000. Effective March 31, 2004, Charter Municipalities,
acting collectively, which have not previously terminated their PERC long-term
waste handling agreements will have three options: (i) to purchase the PERC
facility at its book value (as defined) as of March 31, 2004; (ii) to acquire,
for $1.00, 50% of all "Distributable Cash" (defined as the revenues of PERC less
expenses, amounts credited to reserve accounts and management fees) on or after
April 1, 2004; or (iii) to extend the existing waste handling agreements for a
period of 15 years. If the PERC Charter Municipalities are unable to agree on
the option to select, the option selected by a majority of such municipalities,
based upon Guaranteed Annual Tonnage, shall be the option selected. Upon
consummation of the Restructuring Agreement, all the options of the PERC Charter
Communities described in this paragraph will be terminated. There can be no
assurance, however, that the Restructuring Agreement will be consummated.
 
  TIMBER ENERGY INVESTMENTS, INC.
 
     General
 
     Timber Energy Investments, Inc. ("TEII") was formed in 1994 as a holding
company, which ultimately owned a majority of common stock of TERI and all of
the outstanding stock of Timber Energy Plastics Recycling, Inc. ("TEPRI") and
Timber Energy Trucking, Inc. ("TET").
 
     Acquisition by the Company
 
     On November 22, 1996, the Company acquired TEII from Continental Casualty
Company (together with its subsidiaries, "CNA") and a group of ten individual
investors. CNA sold its debt obligations of TEII and equity interests in TEII to
the Company for $1.85 million. The remaining ownership interest in TEII and the
minority interest in TERI were purchased from the group of ten individual
investors for an additional approximately $170,000.
 
     The Company acquired TERI subject to $13.4 million of tax exempt bonds. As
part of its purchase agreement with CNA the Company had also agreed to obtain
the release of CNA's reimbursement obligation to the Bank of Montreal, which
provided credit enhancement for the $13.4 million of outstanding bonds. On June
4, 1997, the outstanding bonds, together with accrued interest and associated
closing costs including the funding of a debt service reserve of $1,340,000 were
paid or retired from the proceeds of $13,736,000 of series 1997A and 1997B bonds
issued and from cash on hand. In connection therewith, the Bank of Montreal
credit enhancement was terminated.
 
                                       10
<PAGE>   13
 
     Timber Energy Plastic Recycling, Inc.
 
     TEPRI recycled post consumer low density plastic waste into products sold
to manufacturers of plastic products.
 
     On August 12, 1997, the Company sold TEPRI to the management of TEPRI for
$30,000 in cash and a $250,000 8% promissory note due on November 10, 1997 which
was paid in full when due. From January 1, 1997 to August 12, 1997, TEPRI had
revenue of approximately $1.1 million and a loss of approximately $244,000.
 
     TERI
 
     General
 
     TERI is a Texas corporation organized in July 1984 for the purpose of
constructing and operating biomass waste power plants. TERI owns and operates a
facility located on a 97 acre site in Telogia, Florida, which commended
operations in 1988 (the "Telogia Facility"). The Telogia Facility is fueled with
biomass wastes.
 
     Power Purchase Agreement
 
     Electricity generated by the Telogia Facility is sold to Florida Power
Corporation ("Florida Power") under a power purchase agreement (the "Florida
Power PPA"). Florida Power Corporation serves more than 1.3 million customers in
a 20,000 square mile service area in central and northern Florida. During 1997,
approximately 96.4% of TERI's revenue was derived from the sale of electricity
to Florida Power, with the majority of the remainder in the form of tipping fees
paid by third parties. Under the terms of the Florida Power PPA, Florida Power
has agreed to purchase all of the energy generated by the Telogia Facility, net
of energy consumed by the facility. The contract rate paid by Florida Power is
composed of a monthly capacity fee of $309,000 plus a short-term energy only
rate ("STEO") for each kWh delivered. STEO rates ranged from 1.69 cents to 2.09
cents per kWh during 1997. To earn the monthly capacity charge the Telogia
Facility must produce power at a rolling 12-month capacity factor of 70%. The
Telogia Facility had a 80% capacity factor for 1997. The Telogia Facility has
never failed to meet this delivery obligation, although past performance is no
indication of future results.
 
     Biomass Waste Supply
 
     In 1991, to further improve the supply and lower the cost of fuel for the
Telogia Facility, TERI constructed a waste paper densification line at the
Telogia site. This line produces a densified fuel pellet from incoming
feedstock, which has better burning characteristics than the undensified
material. The Company improved this processing line during the renovation of the
facility in 1997. The Telogia Facility is continually expanding its menu of
biomass waste products that it can process and ultimately dispose of through
combustion. Currently the facility receives waxed corrugated, non-recyclable
paper, construction and demolition wood wastes, residues from the wood
processing industry and waste plastics. The Company is looking to further expand
the menu of biomass waste products processed. When the Company acquired the
biomass facility, the fuel was procured through waste brokers. As a result, when
transportation costs were included, the Telogia Facility paid approximately $1.1
million in 1996 for fuel. The Company's objective is to convert this paid for
fuel into tipping fee based material improving the overall economics of the
facility. In 1997, the Telogia Facility's net cost of fuel including
transportation was reduced to approximately $421,000. The tipping fee material
is principally provided under short term contracts and the spot market. During
1997, the Telogia Facility processed approximately 112,000 tons of wood waste
and 35,000 tons of waste paper, and generated approximately 98,000
megawatt-hours of electricity, which represented 80% of its annual capacity.
 
                                       11
<PAGE>   14
 
  KTI BIO FUELS, INC.
 
     General
 
     The Company's Maine wood waste processing business is operated by the
Company's subsidiary, KTI Bio Fuels, Inc. ("KTI Biofuels"). KTI Bio Fuels owned
a 75% ownership interest in a predecessor partnership, KTI Bio Fuels, L.P. The
sole limited partner of KTI Bio Fuels L.P. was Maine Woodchips Associates, a
Maine partnership ("Woodchips Associates"), which held the remaining 25%
ownership interest in KTI Bio Fuels, L.P. In February 1997, the Company acquired
the 25% interest owned by Woodchips Associates for 10,000 shares of Common Stock
and a five year warrant to purchase 2,000 shares of Common Stock at $8.50 per
share having an aggregate fair market value of approximately $87,200. Upon
acquiring the 25% ownership interest, the Company liquidated the partnership and
moved the operation into its wholly owned subsidiary, KTI Bio Fuels. KTI Bio
Fuels was organized in 1986 for the purpose of developing and operating a plant
in Lewiston (the "Lewiston Facility") to convert treated and untreated wood
waste materials into woodchips used as boiler fuel. This facility also converts
oversized bulky wastes, such as furniture and mattresses into a biomass boiler
fuel.
 
     The principal source of revenue to KTI Bio Fuels is tipping fees from
parties disposing of wood waste at the Lewiston Facility, which is supplemented
by revenues from the sale of woodchips and recovered scrap metals. PERC and to a
lesser extent Maine Energy utilize woodchips produced by the Lewiston Facility
as a supplemental fuel for their RDF combustion processes. In addition to PERC
and Maine Energy, KTI Bio Fuels also sells its woodchips to third party biomass
power plants in Maine.
 
     Lewiston Facility
 
     The Lewiston Facility occupies an approximately 9.7 acre site which is
leased from an affiliate of the city of Lewiston for a term expiring 2015 . The
facility has the capacity to process up to three hundred (300) tons per day of
wood waste materials and consists of a waste processing building, including
equipment for the magnetic separation of ferrous metals, and a large storage
building where processed woodchips are stored. During 1997, KTI Biofuels
processed approximately 45,200 tons of wood waste material at the Lewiston
Facility.
 
  TERI CAIRO FACILITY
 
     TERI owns a 400,000 ton per shift wood chip mill located in Cairo, Georgia
(the "Cairo Facility"). The Cairo Facility was constructed in 1988 to produce
wood chips for Stone Container, Corp. ("Stone Container") and incidentally to
provide an additional source for a continuing, dependable and economical fuel
supply for the Telogia Facility. The Cairo Facility commenced operations in
December 1989. Pulpwood is processed for Stone Container under a "process or
pay" contract. The contract requires Stone Container to pay $3.40 per ton for up
to 240,000 tons per year and $3.00 per ton for all tons processed over 240,000
tons per year. Bark trimmings from the Cairo Facility could provide up to 20% of
the fuel requirement for the Telogia Facility. During 1997, the Cairo Facility
processed approximately 365,000 tons of virgin wood, which represented
approximately 91.3% of its single shift annual capacity, and produced
approximately 317,000 tons of wood chips and approximately 48,000 tons of bark
trimmings. During 1997, the Company began to market the bark produced to mulch
processors. As the Telogia Facility eliminates its need for the Cairo Facility's
bark by replacing its purchased biomass fuel with tipping fee material, the
Company will increase its marketing activities of the bark for alternative uses.
 
  KTI ASH RECYCLING, INC.
 
     Effective March 29, 1996, KTI Ash Recycling, Inc. ("KTI Ash") purchased a
60% interest as a limited partner in American Ash Recycling of Tennessee, a
Florida limited partnership ("AART"). The general partner, American Ash
Recycling Corp. of Tennessee, a Florida corporation, is the previous owner of
the Nashville Facility. AART is carrying on the business of the Nashville
Facility. The Company has a priority on the annual distributions of earnings and
cash flow from the Nashville Facility to the extent of 75% of the earning and
cash flow generated until it receives $315,000 for each year on a cumulative
basis.
 
                                       12
<PAGE>   15
 
     In April, 1996, the Company entered into agreements with American Ash
Recycling Corp., a Florida corporation ("AAR"), an affiliate of the general
partner in AART, pursuant to which the Company acquired a 60% limited
partnership interest in a limited partnership formed to operate a municipal
waste combuster ("MWC") ash recycling facility in the State of Maine (the "Maine
Partnership"). The Company had originally agreed to become a 60% limited
partner, if appropriate, in up to eight (8) more ash recycling facilities that
may be developed by AAR through December, 1999.
 
     The Company believes that its efforts to obtain operating permits for the
Maine Partnership's ash recycling facility were instrumental in Maine Energy's
ability to negotiate a reduced disposal fee with a third-party ash landfill
owner. Under the renegotiated contract, Maine Energy's ash disposal fee was
reduced to $46 per ton from $76 per ton. Maine Energy contractually agreed to
pay 30% of the ash disposal fee savings to the Maine Partnership.
 
     On October 31, 1997, KTI Specialty Waste acquired AAR's 40% general partner
interest in the Maine Partnership for $560,000, and the Maine Partnership has
been renamed KTI Ash Recycling of New England, L.P. Since the Company now owns
all of the interests in such partnership, the Company has received all of the
ash disposal fee savings payable to the Maine Partnership since November 1,
1997. In addition, the Company also obtained the exclusive right to use the AAR
technology in the State of Maine. After the consummation of the acquisition of
AAR's general partner interest, the Company's agreement to become a limited
partner in up to eight additional cash recycling facilities was terminated. In
addition, the Maine Partnership is developing a plan to construct an ash
recycling operation at one of the Company's waste-to-energy facilities. The
Maine Partnership has not yet received regulatory approval for such plan, and
there can be no assurance that such approval will be granted.
 
     AAR's proprietary MWC ash recycling process recovers substantial quantities
of metal contained in MWC ash residue and, after removing unburned materials,
converts the remainder of the ash into a high grade aggregate which is sold for
reuse in commercial construction, asphalt, concrete, and roadbed material
applications. AAR's process recovers both ferrous and non-ferrous metals, which
are cleaned to enhance their value in the scrap metal markets. AAR's process
also removes unburned combustibles through the utilization of proprietary air
separation processes.
 
RECYCLING FACILITIES
 
  KTI Post Consumer and Commercial Recycling Facilities
 
     Acquisition of I. Zaitlin and Sons, Inc.
 
     On August 1, 1997, KTI Recycling, Inc., a subsidiary of the Company ("KTI
Recycling"), acquired Zaitlin and DDS. The purchase of Zaitlin included two
parcels of real estate, used by Zaitlin in its operation.
 
     Zaitlin and DDS are headquartered in Biddeford, Maine. Zaitlin, formed in
1917, has a processing, brokering and storage facility in Biddeford, Maine (the
"Biddeford Facility"). Zaitlin also had a processing, brokerage and storage
facility in Woburn, Massachusetts. The Woburn facility has been closed and the
operations transferred to the Company's facility in Charlestown, Massachusetts.
Zaitlin buys and sells more than 100,000 tons of recycled materials in the
northeastern United States and Canada, handling all grades of waste paper,
non-ferrous metals and some plastics. In addition to the expansion of services
provided in the Maine market through the Biddeford Facility, Zaitlin's expertise
in non-ferrous metal processing and marketing expands the Company's ability to
market and process non-ferrous metals at its waste-to-energy plants and wood
processing facilities. Maine Energy is currently enhancing its frontend
processing to recover non-ferrous metals, such as aluminum. To date, Maine
Energy has recovered only ferrous metals from its waste stream. The Company's
focus is to utilize Zaitlin to increase Maine's recycling percentage which has
been historically low due to Maine's rural population. By utilizing the
Biddeford and Charlestown Facilities for recycling, the state of Maine can enjoy
the economies of scale more typical of large urban recycling units. The Company
also hopes to transfer MSW from the Boston area with the same vehicles used to
transfer recyclables from Maine to Charlestown.
 
                                       13
<PAGE>   16
 
     DDS is in the confidential records destruction business. DDS provides an
additional service for the Company's customers who desire their waste to be
confidentially destructed, including banks and law firms. DDS provides both on
and off-site document destruction. In certain circumstances, DDS's shredded
documents can either be recycled at the Company's paper recycling facilities or
utilized as processed fuel at the Company's waste-to-energy facilities.
 
     The operations of the Woburn, Massachusetts commercial paper recycling
facility have been consolidated into the Company's Charlestown commercial
recycling facility. This consolidation allowed for reductions in duplicative
administrative and operating costs.
 
     Acquisition of Prins Recycling Units
 
     On November 14, 1997, the Company completed the acquisition of three
recycling facilities located in Franklin Park, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago,
Charlestown, Massachusetts, a borough of Boston, and in Newark, New Jersey. The
facilities are operated by wholly owned subsidiaries of the Company. The three
facilities are large capacity facilities, capable of processing an aggregate of
approximately 50,000 tons of post consumer and commercial recyclables per month.
 
     The facilities were purchased as part of an asset purchase from Prins
pursuant to an order of the Bankruptcy Court for the District of New Jersey. In
addition to the facilities, the Company purchased substantially all of the
remaining assets of Prins, including cash, accounts receivable and certain
causes of action.
 
     The purchase price was approximately $15.1 million. The purchase was
financed in part by a term loan of $7.5 million provided by KeyBank bearing
interest at the bank's base rate plus 1.25%, with level monthly principal
payments over 84 months. The term loan is secured by a mortgage on the Franklin
Park, Illinois facilities, all property and equipment at the three facilities
not pledged to third parties and the accounts receivable generated by the three
facilities. The balance of the purchase price was paid by cash on hand and by a
temporary draw of a portion of the company's revolving line of credit, provided
by KeyBank.
 
     Charlestown Facility
 
     The Charlestown Facility consists of two buildings leased from two separate
landlords. One building, the residential building, is used to process
residential or post consumer recyclables and the other building, the commercial
building, is used to process commercial recyclables such as high grade paper
from printers. The residential building receives old newspaper ("ONP"), old
corrugated containers ("OCC") and commingled bottles and cans. These materials
are processed on a series of processing lines which separate various grades of
paper and OCC through the use of mechanical processes and labor at various
picking stations. The process also eliminates waste and non-recyclable paper and
plastics. The waste and non-recyclables are delivered to Maine Energy for
combustion. The resulting processed ONP and OCC is baled and shipped to domestic
and international paper mills.
 
     The commingled bottles and cans are processed on a separate set of
processing lines in the residential building. The material is separated by both
mechanical methods, such as eddy current separators for aluminum and belt
magnets for ferrous metal, and labor, at picking stations, to separate various
grades of plastic and glass by color. The separated products are baled in the
case of plastics, ferrous metal and aluminum or crushed in the case of glass.
These separated products are sold to manufacturers for use as raw material in
the production of intermediate and finished products. Any residual material is
either delivered to Maine Energy for combustion or, in the case of mixed color
glass, disposed of for use as aggregate or landfill cover.
 
     The Company has entered into a series of variable rate tipping contracts
with municipalities in the Boston area pursuant to which, the residential
building of the Charlestown Facility receives ONP, OCC and commingled bottles
and cans from several commercial haulers and local municipalities, including the
City of Boston and numerous surrounding municipalities. The municipalities
currently pay tipping fees for all ONP and OCC delivered to the Charlestown
Facility, which range from $18.00 per ton for Boston as host city to
 
                                       14
<PAGE>   17
 
$25.00 per ton. The municipalities are then entitled to receive rebates if the
selling prices of recycled paper exceed certain benchmark levels. By providing a
budgeting base to municipalities but offering potential revenues should markets
improve, the Company has been able to secure five to thirteen year contracts,
eliminating costly and time consuming annual or biennial bidding cycle. The
Company has structured these variable fee rebate contracts in order to obtain a
processing fee from the communities which will not be subject to the swings in
the commodity market. As a result of the historic volatility in ONP and OCC
prices, communities previously have chosen to bid the services required for
their recycling needs annually. The variable fee rebate structure also allows
the community to commit for longer periods of time. The commingled bottles and
cans delivered under contracts with the communities require a tipping fee per
ton to be paid which ranges from $20.00 per ton for Boston as host city to
$35.00 per ton. There is no rebate structure under this portion of the contract.
 
     The Charlestown commercial building processes high grade paper in order to
separate the incoming material into several grades ranging from direct pulp
substitutes to deinking grades, such as sorted office paper, print shop waste
and sorted white ledger. In addition, the facility handles overissue newsprint
and OCC, both of which are purchased from large commercial generators or from
commercial haulers.
 
     Incoming material is run over a sorting line, where contaminants are
removed and higher value items are extracted for upgrading and separate baling.
Thus, direct grades of secondary fiber are produced to meet the demands of
specific paper mills, and higher values are obtained. The graded paper is baled
and shipped to domestic and international paper mills.
 
     In addition to consolidating Zaitlin's Woburn facility into the Charlestown
commercial building, the Company also acquired Vel-A-Tran of Billerica,
Massachusetts in January 1998. Vel-A-Tran is also in the business of recycling
high grade paper and fiber in the New England area. Vel-A-Tran operations are
being consolidated into the Charlestown commercial building.
 
     Newark Facility
 
     The Newark Facility consists of three processing buildings, a small
separate office building, and a separate scalehouse, all located within an
industrial park. In one building, the Company processes ONP and OCC. In a second
building the Company processes post-consumer office wastes, as well as
pre-consumer papers from printers and document publishing houses. In a third
building, the Company is capable of processing either post-consumer or
pre-consumer paper. This facility also currently serves as a commingled
materials transloading site.
 
     Non-recyclable residuals in Newark are handled by third parties. A
substantial portion of the ONP received at the Newark Facility currently comes
from other recyclers as opposed to directly from municipalities. OCC principally
comes from commercial haulers. Almost all ONP and OCC pricing is determined each
month based on local end-market prices. The marketplace is highly competitive,
due to the presence of several other large operations within a 20 mile radius. A
third source of material is another recycling firm located nearby, which pays a
fixed fee to have its material processed and baled at the Company's facility,
then markets it directly from the Newark Facility. This firm provides up to 25%
of the total material processed in this building.
 
     The second building has two parallel sorting lines which are designed to
handle office waste and other mixed grades coming from commercial
establishments. The first sorting line accepts "dirty" office mixes which may
contain glass, cans, and other non-fiber material. The material is first passed
over a screening device which allows all small particles and objects to fall
through, while all the paper is carried over onto the sort line. Employees then
remove the corrugated and other mixed paper, leaving the higher quality office
papers to collect at the end. The second office paper line is designed for clean
office mixes with no cans, glass, grit or dirt. On this line, employees then
separate high grades such as computer paper and clean white ledger. The
remaining material is collected after processing to be sold as low grade paper.
 
                                       15
<PAGE>   18
 
     A section of the second building is also used both to cut books received
from printers to extract the high quality paper inside, and also to segregate
and store other high quality pre-consumer papers from printers. In some cases,
the Company is principally transloading clean, baled material.
 
     The third building has a sort line and several work areas which can be used
for either low grade or high grade paper as well as a tipping area for
commingled materials. While the facility currently does not process commingled
material, it accepts such materials if accompanied by newspapers. Commingled
materials are sold to a third party for $20.00 per ton. Most commingled
materials are tipped at no cost.
 
     Chicago
 
     The Chicago Facility currently serves the high-grade, pre-consumer market.
It consists of a single one-story building with two adjoining buildings that
enclose rail sidings, one on each side of the central structure. Each siding is
capable of storing six 40-foot boxcars.
 
     A significant portion of the material which arrives at the Chicago Facility
has been baled at the supplier's facility. Suppliers are generally large
printing operations with significant recycling and paper recovery activities.
Material which arrives loose is sorted and baled.
 
     The Company's contracts usually call for a rebate based on a percentage of
the Official Board Markets' (an industry publication) price for that material
for that month. Supplier contracts are for periods ranging from two to five
years. There are fewer suppliers for the Chicago Facility than for the Newark or
Boston commercial operations; this is due to the volume generated by the very
large printers with whom the Company has contracted. Almost all of Chicago's
material is sold to domestic paper mills, as compared to Boston and Newark,
which sell more than half of their materials to overseas customers.
 
MARKETING
 
     The Company's marketing activity was significantly broadened during 1997
with the acquisition of K-C and Zaitlin. The Company's marketing services have
expanded from its historical focus on contract acquisition for biomass,
municipal solid and specialty waste materials supply to the Maine Energy
facility, the Lewiston Facility, the Telogia and Cairo Facilities and the PERC
facility. The Company now markets a wide variety of recycled commodities,
including all grades of secondary fiber and ferrous and non-ferrous metals and
plastics. The Company currently is soliciting waste handling agreements for the
Maine Energy facility from municipalities and commercial waste generators in
Maine and in nearby areas such as northern Massachusetts and southern New
Hampshire. The Company intends to enter into contracts from one to six years in
duration in order to stabilize supply while retaining the ability to take
advantage of any upward movement in regional disposal fees. The Company has
recently assumed additional marketing responsibilities at PERC due to its
increased ownership under which the Company will attempt to fill the
approximately 75,000 tons of annual capacity of PERC currently being utilized by
combusting supplemental fuels. The Company intends to utilize the spot market
for MSW to fill the available capacity at PERC.
 
     Disposal of oil soaked wastes, industrial wastes, out-dated
pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and other commercial wastes, known generally as
"specialty wastes," is another large potential market for the Company. The MDEP
has granted a permit to Maine Energy that allows the Maine Energy facility to
accept a broad variety of specialty wastes for disposal by combustion. The
Company believes that tipping fees on specialty wastes are substantially higher
per ton than MSW delivered on a spot market basis and therefore provides an
opportunity for improved operating margins on Maine Energy's available capacity.
There can be no assurance that improved operating margins will result from
tipping fees on specialty wastes, or if so, to what extent.
 
     The Company markets its specialty waste capacity through retail brokers who
sign contracts with KTI Specialty Waste, a wholly owned subsidiary of the
Company. On October 18, 1996, KTI Specialty executed an Operating Agreement with
Pine Tree Waste, Inc. ("Pine Tree") establishing Specialties Environmental
Management Company, LLC, a Maine Limited Liability Company ("SEMCO"). On
February 4, 1998, the Company acquired Total Waste Management, a company engaged
in waste management in the New England area. SEMCO and Total Waste Management
provide services on a retail basis to municipal, commercial and
 
                                       16
<PAGE>   19
 
industrial customers to dispose of certain solid and liquid wastes in the New
England Region, concentrating on: (a) premium priced unusual or difficult to
dispose of wastes; (b) in and out of jurisdiction municipal solid waste; and (c)
construction and demolition waste, including treated and untreated wood waste.
Both SEMCO and Total Waste Management have entered into contracts with Maine
Energy to dispose of acceptable material at Maine Energy's Biddeford facility
for a term of five years which may be extended for an additional five year
period at set tipping fees, adjusted annually for changes in the consumer price
index.
 
     At the Lewiston Facility, most tipping contracts have durations of one year
or less. Most of the wood waste materials processed by the facility are acquired
as a result of bids on specific demolition or disposal projects concentrated in
Maine or in nearby states such as New Hampshire, Massachusetts and Connecticut.
 
     In order to mitigate the effects of competition in these areas from
companies that operate portable wood chipping equipment, KTI Bio Fuels has
expanded its marketing staff, initiated a waste brokerage business and entered
the oversized bulky waste ("OBW") market. KTI Bio Fuels is processing OBW such
as mattresses, box springs, furniture, wooden pallets and other similar waste
materials, which is shredded and blended with other process materials to be
delivered for ultimate disposal through incineration at the PERC facility.
 
     In marketing the services of the Lewiston Facility, the Company emphasizes
its integrated waste handling capabilities to ensure wood waste producers such
as electric and telephone utilities, railroads and other large scale wood waste
generators that their waste will be processed and completely destroyed through
ultimate incineration at either the Maine Energy or PERC facilities or at other
approved incinerator facilities that currently are doing or may do business with
KTI Bio Fuels. The Company's integrated disposal facilities provide wood waste
or OBW generators with disposal procedures that eliminate many potential future
liabilities associated with the disposal of wood wastes by conventional means
such as landfilling. Management of the Company believes that if landfill
capacity becomes scarcer, the availability of wood waste from within Maine for
use by the Lewiston Facility may increase. Through direct marketing and broker
affiliations, the Company plans to secure new regional accounts.
 
     Manner has a marketing staff of seven commission based recycled plastic
brokers. This staff identifies industrial customers with scrap plastic resins
which can be utilized in value added recycling plants. Manner manages the
movement of all material through internal truck brokers.
 
     The Telogia Facility historically marketed its biomass waste capacity to
brokers of waste materials resulting from the chipping of pulpwood. The Telogia
Facility has been receiving the biomass waste (bark mulch and wood fines) from
the Cairo Facility. Due to the requirement of transporting the material
approximately 60 miles to the Telogia Facility from the Cairo Facility, this
fuel supply actually costs TERI approximately $8.00 per ton. The Company is
currently directly marketing TERI's biomass waste capacity to generators of
residual waste from wood processing industries, clean construction and
demolition wood debris, and non-recyclable paper products. The Company's
objective is to convert the paid for fuel into tipping fee based material
thereby both reducing fuel costs and increasing revenues of the Telogia
Facility. The Company will initially attempt to bring the net costs of fuel
acquisition to zero for the Telogia Facility and ultimately attempt to produce
net revenues from the tipping fee based material. As the Telogia Facility
becomes less dependent on the Cairo Facility for fuel supply, the Cairo Facility
biomass waste, particularly bark mulch, can be marketed for sale to third
parties producing additional revenues for the Company.
 
     K-C markets secondary fiber, pulp and paper worldwide with offices in
Portland, Oregon, Lakewood, New Jersey, Hartford, Connecticut, Los Angeles,
California, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Seoul, South Korea and Barcelona, Spain. K-C
is responsible for marketing all of the Company's recycled paper and OCC,
including all domestic and international shipping requirements. K-C has
integrated into its operations marketing personnel from Zaitlin, Prins and
Vel-A-Tran. K-C also actively trades secondary fiber pulp and paper for third
party recyclers and paper producers.
 
COMPETITION
 
     The Company faces significant competition in each of its waste handling
markets. Maine Energy and PERC compete with landfills and several
waste-to-energy facilities and municipal incinerators in Maine and
 
                                       17
<PAGE>   20
 
the New England region. However, the volume of MSW produced in the New England
region has historically increased and the Company believes that it is likely to
continue to increase, while the availability of landfills for waste disposal is
likely to continue to decline. Even though the implementation of recycling
programs to reduce MSW has increased, the Company believes that there are limits
on the percentage of MSW that ultimately can be recycled and that alternatives
for disposal of MSW will continue to be needed. In addition, the Company has
begun to focus on the industrial waste market as an ancillary source of waste
for the Maine Energy and PERC facilities and as a means of reducing its reliance
upon the MSW market. Specifically, KTI Specialty and SEMCO have been formed to
acquire specialty waste products for these facilities.
 
     The Company believes that the RDF technology employed by the Maine Energy
and PERC facilities compares favorably with the mass-burn technology utilized by
many other waste-to-energy facilities. In RDF systems, MSW is preprocessed to
remove various non-combustible items which are recycled or landfilled. This
results in a significantly reduced volume of ash residue, thereby lowering
ultimate disposal costs, and is also complementary to current recycling
programs.
 
     The Lewiston Facility competes with landfills and operators of portable
wood chipping equipment.
 
     The Telogia Facility competes for biomass fuel supply with paper companies
which employ on-site power generation. As the Company moves toward tipping fee
based waste fuels, this facility's dependence on the current fuel supply will be
decreased. The Telogia Facility is permitted to combust 100% of such tipping fee
based fuels. Competition for tipping fee based material will principally come
from landfills whose cost structure is greater than that of the Telogia
Facility. Local landfill costs for biomass waste products range from $15.00 to
$25.00 per ton, while the cost of processing the material ranges from $5.00 to
$8.00 per ton at the Telogia Facility.
 
     Manner competes with several other recycled plastic brokers and direct
marketing from plastic recycling plants for the post industrial plastic scrap
and with materials recovery facilities for post consumer plastics. The Company
believes that Manner will continue to be competitive as a result of its
knowledge of the plastic recycling market and its reputation and relationship
with its customers.
 
     The Company's other recycling subsidiaries which are primarily involved in
the waste paper brokerage business face extensive competition. Such businesses
operate with relatively thin profit margins. In order to be profitable, the
waste paper broker must arrange to simultaneously buy and sell waste paper,
while providing a sufficient margin to cover transportation costs and insurance.
Generally, paper mills purchase paper under long-term contracts which provide
for purchase prices that are adjusted in accordance with a relevant paper price
index. A significant portion of the sales made by K-C are to foreign customers,
and such sales are contingent upon the availability of letters of credit for
such customers.
 
     KTI Recycling, which operates recycling plants in Boston, Chicago and
Newark (formerly owned by Prins), faces significant price competition in each of
its markets. The Newark recycling market is burdened with industry wide
overcapacity and continual price pressure. Combined with high labor costs, the
Newark market currently operates at very low profit margins. In the Chicago
market, the Company's recycling plant has relatively low utilization and price
competition is extensive. The Company does not believe there are any other
facilities in or near the city of Boston which compete directly with the
Charlestown Facility.
 
CUSTOMERS
 
     Maine Energy, TERI and PERC are contractually obliged to sell all of the
electricity generated at their facilities to Central Maine, Florida Power and
Bangor Hydro, respectively. The loss of these electricity customers would have a
material adverse affect on the business and financial condition of the Company.
 
     Maine Energy and PERC, along with approved wood burning energy production
facilities, purchase the majority of the output of woodchips from KTI Bio Fuel's
Lewiston Facility for use as a boiler fuel to supplement their combustion
processes.
 
     The Nashville Facility receives its entire supply of MWC ash from the City
of Nashville as a result of the operation of the city of Nashville's Thermal
Facility. If the city of Nashville reduces the current level of
 
                                       18
<PAGE>   21
 
appropriation or the Nashville Thermal Facility fails to continue to operate,
there would be a material adverse affect on the business and financial condition
of the Nashville Facility.
 
     Prins provides recycling services to municipalities, commercial haulers and
commercial waste generators whithin a geographic proximity of the respective
facilities.
 
     K-C sells its products, including recyclables processed at other Company
facilities, principally to paper manufacturers in the United States, Pacific Rim
Countries, Europe and South America.
 
     Manner sells its products principally to manufacturers in the United
States.
 
     DDS provides on- and off-site document destruction services for banks, law
firms and other commercial establishments who desire confidential destruction.
 
RAW MATERIALS
 
     The raw material demands of the PERC facility currently are met mainly by
PERC's long-term waste handling agreements with approximately 200 municipalities
in Maine. PERC received approximately 75% of its raw materials in 1997 from
these municipalities. Maine Energy received 29% of its raw materials in 1997
from 18 Maine municipalities under long-term waste handling agreements and the
majority of the balance from commercial and private waste haulers and
municipalities with short-term contracts. Maine Energy and PERC are currently
exploring other waste material opportunities in order to lessen their reliance
on the MSW spot market, including pursuing agreements with commercial waste
generators and entering new specialty waste markets. The Company believes that
diversifying its raw materials base could be an important factor in gaining
stability in the Company's waste material requirements if the MSW market
declines due to recycling or other factors. The Company currently has not
experienced a decline in the amounts of MSW raw material that it obtains from
its current market areas. Because of its attractive tipping fees in recent
years, Maine Energy has consistently received and processed waste at its nominal
capacity.
 
     KTI Bio Fuels mainly relies on short-term treated and untreated wood waste
disposal agreements for its raw materials requirements. Most of KTI Bio Fuel's
wood waste disposal agreements have durations of one year or less, with many of
such agreements resulting from bids on specific demolition or disposal projects
concentrated in Maine or in nearby states such as New Hampshire, Massachusetts
and Connecticut. KTI Bio Fuels is exploring additional wood waste markets in
other nearby states such as New York and New Jersey and is also actively seeking
additional sources of chemically treated wood waste and OBW for processing at
the Lewiston Facility, which would not only expand its raw materials base but
also would allow KTI Bio Fuels to charge higher disposal fees for such
materials.
 
     The Telogia Facility utilizes biomass fuels which are a by-product of the
paper pulp woodchip industry as its raw material. The Company plans to
supplement and ultimately replace this raw material with tipping fee based
biomass waste, such as construction and demolition debris and non-recyclable
paper products.
 
     The Charlestown Facility receives a majority of its recyclable material for
processing from local municipalities under long term contracts. These contracts
provide that all recyclables generated in the jurisdiction of each municipality
will be delivered to the Charlestown Facility. The quantity of material
delivered by these communities depends on the level of source separation at the
constituent households.
 
     Zaitlin, Vel-A-Tran and the Charlestown Facility's commercial building
receive high grade paper from printers and publishing houses. The Chicago
Facility's suppliers of high grade, pre-consumer recyclable paper are generally
large printing operations with significant recycling and paper recovery
operations of their own. The Newark Facility receives a majority of its OCC and
ONP from other recyclers and haulers and its pre-consumer paper is received from
printers and publishing houses.
 
     The Nashville Facility relies on the city of Nashville to deliver ash
produced by the city's waste-to-energy facility for its raw materials. If in any
year the city does not provide sufficient ash for the Nashville Facility, the
Nashville Facility may mine ash from the city's landfill.
 
                                       19
<PAGE>   22
 
     K-C obtains its products from other Company facilities, from waste
generators and from third party processors.
 
SEASONALITY
 
     The MSW market in Maine Energy's and PERC's market areas is seasonal, with
one-third more MSW generated in the summer months than is generated during the
rest of the year. Maine Energy and PERC rely on the spot MSW market and waste
from commercial sources as needed to meet their waste material needs over that
delivered pursuant to agreements with municipalities, and charge tipping fees
based on prevailing prices in their respective market areas. The Company
believes that its planned diversification of the waste material used by the
Maine Energy and PERC facilities, such as combusting specialty waste products,
will lessen any seasonality supply problems experienced by the facilities.
 
     KTI Bio Fuels is also affected by seasonal factors, as wood waste materials
from construction and demolition sites in its market areas are significantly
more widely available in the warmer months of the year, when construction and
demolition projects usually occur.
 
     K-C, Zaitlin, the Charlestown Facility and the Newark Facility experience
increased quantities of ONP and OCC in November and December, followed by
reduced quantities in January, due to increased newspaper advertising and retail
activity during the holiday season.
 
GOVERNMENTAL REGULATION
 
     General
 
     The operations of the Company's waste handling businesses are subject to
extensive governmental regulations at the federal, state and local levels. The
Company believes that its operations are in material compliance with existing
laws and regulations material to its business. The laws, rules and regulations
which govern the waste handling businesses are very broad and are subject to
continuing change and interpretation. No assurance can be given that the Company
will be able to obtain or maintain the licenses, permits and approvals necessary
to conduct its current business or possible future expansions of its business.
The failure to obtain or maintain requisite licenses, permits and approvals or
otherwise to comply with such existing or future laws, rules and regulations or
interpretations thereof could have a material adverse effect on the Company's
operations. The following discussion of statutes, regulations and court
decisions are brief summaries, are not intended to be complete and are qualified
in their entirety by reference to such statutes, regulations and court
decisions.
 
     Energy and Utility Regulation
 
     Each of the Maine Energy facility, the PERC facility and the Telogia
Facility has been certified by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission as a
"qualifying small power production facility" under The Public Utility Regulatory
Policies Act of 1978, as amended ("PURPA") and regulations promulgated
thereunder, which grants an exemption for such facilities from most federal and
state laws governing electric utility rates and financial organization. A
qualified small power production facility is exempt from the Public Utility
Holding Company Act of 1935 and from certain state laws and regulations
governing electric utility rates and financial organization and, the rates
charged by Maine Energy and PERC for their acceptance of waste at their
respective facilities are not subject to regulation under existing state and
federal law.
 
     PURPA requires that electric utilities purchase electricity generated by
qualifying facilities at a price equal to the purchasing utility's full "avoided
cost." Avoided costs are defined by PURPA as the incremental costs to the
electric utility of electric energy or capacity or both which, but for the
purchase from the qualifying facility, such utility would generate itself or
purchase from another source.
 
     The Company's waste-to-energy business, which accounted for approximately
66% of the Company's revenue during 1997, is dependent upon electric utilities
that purchase energy produced at the Company's waste-to-energy plants. Pursuant
to the Maine Energy PPA, the Bangor Hydro PPA and the Florida Power PPA, these
utilities have agreed to purchase electricity generated by the respective
waste-to-energy facility at
 
                                       20
<PAGE>   23
 
contractually agreed rates. Sales of electricity to these utilities accounted
for approximately 63%, 59% and 96% of revenues of Maine Energy, PERC and the
Telogia Facility, respectively, in 1997. In the event of the deregulation of
electric utilities, certain electric companies may no longer be financially
viable. To the extent that any of the electric utilities with whom the Company
has contracts is adversely impacted by deregulation, such utilities may not be
able to perform their obligations under such purchase power agreements. The
State of Maine has recently enacted deregulation legislation which will require
the local utilities to transfer their respective contracts with Maine Energy and
PERC to newly formed regulated transmission and distribution companies. The
costs of such contracts will be passed through to rate-payers beginning in the
year 2000 through these transmission and distribution companies.
 
     Further, there are certain risks that the terms of such power purchase
agreements may be altered or changed adversely to Maine Energy, PERC and TERI,
primarily due to a bankruptcy of the contracting utility. These risks are
particularly heightened at the present time because of the existence of excess
energy capacity in the New England area. The rates in the agreements were
established based upon predictions made more than ten years ago as to what each
of Central Maine and Bangor Hydro would spend to provide the same energy and
capacity as Maine Energy or PERC, as applicable, over the terms of the power
purchase agreements. Contrary to the assumptions built into the contract prices,
energy demand did not grow as fast as predicted and oil prices did not increase,
but rather decreased. Central Maine and Bangor Hydro may thus currently purchase
energy and capacity on the open market for significantly less than they are
obligated to pay Maine Energy and PERC, respectively, under the power purchase
agreements.
 
     Bangor Hydro has negotiated buy-outs of long-term power purchase agreements
with certain of its independent producers in order to eliminate or decrease its
purchase requirements at high rates.
 
     Flow Control
 
     One response by state and local governments to the increasing problems
associated with solid waste disposal was the enactment of flow control
ordinances which generally require that all waste generated in the municipality
enacting the ordinance be directed to a specified disposal site. The purpose of
these ordinances was to control the processing of solid waste from the enacting
municipalities as a means of controlling waste tipping fee revenues which were
relied upon as a means to support the financing and operation of solid waste
disposal facilities. The enactment of flow control ordinances was authorized
pursuant to Maine law and most of the municipalities with whom Maine Energy and
PERC executed long-term waste handling agreements enacted such ordinances. From
the municipality's perspective, having such an ordinance in place was a
corollary to its agreement to a "put-or-pay" waste handling agreement which
requires the municipality to pay a guaranteed annual minimum fee to the
waste-to-energy facility regardless of the actual amount of MSW delivered to the
facility.
 
     In May 1994, in C&A Carbone, Inc. v. Town of Clarkstown, the United States
Supreme Court struck down, as an unlawful violation of the "commerce clause" of
the United States Constitution, a flow control ordinance enacted by the Town of
Clarkstown, New York. The Company does not believe that loss of flow control
provisions would adversely impact operations at either the Maine Energy facility
or the PERC facility. The long-term waste handling agreements for such
facilities contractually require the municipalities to pay for waste disposal
whether or not the waste is delivered. Therefore, the municipalities have little
financial incentive to pay for the disposal of MSW at alternative sites even at
lower tipping fees. More significantly, however, the Company believes that the
tipping fees charged by both Maine Energy and PERC are less than the long-term
tipping fees currently being charged by landfills and other waste incinerators
in the region. In addition, the closing of landfills and the remoteness of Maine
from urban areas means that there are few disposal alternatives available to
Maine municipalities. Finally, as transportation costs are a significant part of
total disposal costs, it is unlikely that existing disposal facilities located
outside of the Maine Energy or PERC facility waste generation areas would be
able to lower their tipping fees to a point that would justify the incurrence of
the additional transportation expense. The Company believes that comparatively
low tipping fees at the Maine Energy and PERC facilities will make them
attractive alternatives to waste generators who may be free to look elsewhere if
flow control ordinances restricting their disposal opportunities become
unenforceable.
 
                                       21
<PAGE>   24
 
     Environmental Laws
 
     While increasing environmental regulation often presents new business
opportunities to the Company, Maine Energy, PERC and TERI, it likewise often
results in increased operating costs as well. The Company, Maine Energy, PERC
and TERI strive to conduct their operations in compliance with applicable laws
and regulations, including environmental rules and regulations, and have as
their goal 100% compliance with such laws and regulations. This effort requires
programs to promote compliance, such as training employees and customers,
purchasing health and safety equipment, and in some cases hiring outside
consultants and lawyers. Even with these programs, management of the Company
believes that in the ordinary course of doing business, companies in the
environmental services and waste disposal industry are faced with governmental
enforcement proceedings resulting in fines or other sanctions and will likely be
required to pay civil penalties or to expend funds for remedial work on waste
management facilities. At December 31, 1997, there were no pending governmental
environmental enforcement proceedings where the Company, Maine Energy, PERC or
TERI believe potential monetary sanctions will exceed $100,000. The possibility
always exists that substantial expenditures could result from governmental
proceedings, which would have a negative impact on earnings for a particular
reporting period. More importantly, federal, state and local regulators have the
power to suspend or revoke permits or licenses needed for operation of the
plants, equipment, and vehicles of the Company, Maine Energy, PERC or any other
operating subsidiary of the Company based on the applicable company's compliance
record, and customers may decide not to use a particular disposal facility or do
business with a company because of concerns about its compliance record.
Suspension or revocation of permits or licenses would have a negative impact on
the Company's business and operations and could have a material adverse impact
on the Company's financial results.
 
     The Company's waste-to-energy, ash recycling and wood processing business
activities at its facilities and its transportation and waste disposal business
activities are regulated pursuant to federal, state and local environmental
laws. Federal laws such as the Clean Air Act of 1990 as amended (the "Clean Air
Act"), and the Clean Water Act and their state analogs govern discharges of
pollutants from waste-to-energy facilities to air and water, and other federal,
state and local laws such as the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976,
as amended ("RCRA"), comprehensively govern the generation, transportation,
storage, treatment and disposal of solid waste. These environmental regulatory
laws, and others such as the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation
and Liability Act of 1980, as amended ("CERCLA"), may make the Company
potentially liable in the event of environmental contamination associated with
its activities, facilities or properties.
 
     The environmental regulatory laws and regulations or licenses and permits
issued thereunder also establish operational standards, including specific
limitations on emissions of certain air and water pollutants. Failure to meet
these standards could subject the facilities to enforcement actions and, unless
excused by particular circumstances, fines or other liabilities.
 
     Standards established pursuant to the environmental regulatory laws and
governmental policies governing their enforcement may change. For example, new
technology may be required or stricter standards may be established for the
control of discharges of air or water pollutants or for solid waste or ash
handling and disposal. Such future developments could affect the manner in which
the Company operates its facilities and could require significant additional
capital expenditures to achieve compliance with such requirements or policies.
In the case of Maine Energy and PERC, however, in most circumstances all or a
portion of these compliance costs may be recovered from the communities with
long-term waste handling agreements as a component of the variable portion of
the tipping fee pursuant to change-in-law provisions of such agreements.
 
     CERCLA, and other environmental remediation laws, may subject the Company
to strict joint and several liability for the costs of remediating contamination
associated with contaminated sites, including landfills, at which there has been
disposal of residue or other waste handled, transported or processed by the
Company and real property owned by the Company which may be contaminated. The
Company has no information that might indicate that it may be a potentially
responsible party under CERCLA or any other environmental remediation law.
 
                                       22
<PAGE>   25
 
     Timely applications have been made for the air emissions permits for the
Maine Energy, PERC and Telogia facilities. Under Maine regulatory law, a permit
continues in effect provided that a timely application for renewal is made. In
Maine Energy's case, the application was submitted in compliance with state
mandate during August 1996. Thereafter, in December 1996, a public hearing was
held by the MDEP on the application and to address the favorable results of an
independently conducted health risk assessment pertaining to Maine Energy. Final
adjudication is expected during mid to late 1998. In the case of PERC, a renewal
application was submitted in advance of the deadline. Final approval is expected
in December 1998. Management of the Company believes that the Maine Energy, PERC
and Telogia facilties are in compliance with the federal Clean Air Act, its
implementing regulations and all other applicable regulations and, therefore,
anticipates that the permits will be renewed following the hearings. There can
be no assurance, however, that new conditions will not be imposed in the permits
or that the permits will be renewed.
 
     Management of Maine Energy and PERC believe that relationships with Maine
environmental regulators are good and there are no pending or, to such
management's knowledge, any threatened enforcement actions. The Company, which
is responsible for operating the Maine Energy facility, monitors applicable
environmental standards and evaluates its selection of technology to ensure that
applicable standards are being met.
 
     The United States Supreme Court determined in City of Chicago v.
Environmental Defense Fund, a case interpreting provisions of RCRA, that the
generation of ash residue from waste-to-energy facilities in the incineration
process is not exempt from hazardous waste regulation. The Company believes that
the Supreme Court's decision will have no material adverse effect on operations
at the Maine Energy, PERC and Telogia facilities. The ash produced at the Maine
Energy and PERC facilities is and always has been tested for hazardous wastes
and has generally met the requirements of non-hazardous material according to
the regulations implementing RCRA promulgated by the Environmental Protection
Agency since their adoption. Any ash residue that is designated as hazardous
material is disposed of according to regulations governing the disposal of such
material. Moreover, the Company's ash residue is disposed in landfills
segregated to accept ash residue only, and, to the Company's knowledge, the
landfill facilities at which the ash residue is disposed meet or exceed the
applicable standards for such facilities under RCRA. Further, the Company
receives indemnification from Waste Management of Maine, Inc. with respect to
potential environmental liabilities relating to ash residue delivered for
disposal by Maine Energy. There can be no assurance, however, that the current
regulations governing the testing and disposition of ash residue will not be
modified and made more stringent and require operational or technological
adjustments at the Maine Energy and PERC facilities, which adjustments could
have a material adverse effect on the operation of such facilities and the
financial viability or profitability of the Company.
 
     Maine Energy's waste handling agreements with its host communities of
Biddeford and Saco prescribe a set of standards for noise, odor and ash
emissions from the Maine Energy facility and impose penalties in the event of
non-compliance. Since the Maine Energy facility is sited directly in the
commercial area of Biddeford, the Company has implemented stringent operational
practices to mitigate the escape of odors from the Maine Energy facility
including the use of air lock doors at the waste-hauling trucks' entrance to,
and exit from, the facility's tipping floor. Management believes that the Maine
Energy facility has been in compliance with noise, odor and ash emission
standards.
 
     In order to operate the Lewiston Facility, KTI Bio Fuels is required to
maintain a site location and solid waste permit issued by MDEP and a junkyard
permit issued by the City of Lewiston, Maine. The site location and solid waste
permit has expired, but a timely application for the renewal of same was filed
and the Lewiston Facility continues to operate under the grandfather provisions
of Maine law.
 
     Maine state law and an ordinance of the City of Lewiston forbid the
operation of "junkyards" without obtaining a permit. The nature of the Lewiston
Facility's operation puts it within the definition of a junkyard. The permit is
issued on a yearly basis and local officials have the authority to impose
conditions in the permit consistent with public health and safety. Renewal is
subject to a public hearing. The KTI Bio Fuels permit contains numerous special
conditions, the majority of which were inserted in response to two fires that
occurred at the Lewiston Facility, including, without limitation, restrictions
on the number and size of wood waste piles which may be maintained on the
premises and the requirement that fire hydrants and an additional
 
                                       23
<PAGE>   26
 
access road to the Lewiston Facility from the main road be provided. The permit
was most recently renewed on February 4, 1997. The Company believes that the
Lewiston Facility is in compliance with the provisions of the permit.
 
     Total Waste Management ("TWM") is involved in the transportation of both
liquid and solid waste. TWM is a fully licensed hazardous waste transporter and
operates both a hazardous waste and a special waste transfer facility at its
Newington, New Hampshire site. TWM also operates a 700,000 gallon used oil
processing and marketing facility at the Newington site. TWM's operations staff
is fully trained for emergency response work, industrial service work and tank
cleaning, removal and maintenance services. Its compliance and training
department is fully staffed to deal with all Occupational Safety and Health
Administration, Department of Transportation , US EPA and state rules and
regulations.
 
     TWM is a defendant in a lawsuit filed in the United States District Court
of New Hampshire on October 17, 1991 by Kleen Laundry and Dry Cleaning Corp. in
Lebanon, New Hampshire. The plaintiff alleges that TWM caused subsurface
contamination during the removal operations of several underground petroleum
storage tanks. TWM denies the allegation and has retained counsel to defend the
lawsuit. The former shareholders of TWM have indemnified the Company against any
claims relating to such lawsuit, other than for legal fees.
 
DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
 
     During 1996, the Company disposed of its computer services segment which
was composed entirely of Convergent Solutions, Inc. ("CSI"). The sale was
completed in two separate transactions. On July 26, 1996, certain assets and
liabilities of CSI were sold to CIBER, Inc. ("CIBER")for $5,000,000. Also, on
July 29, 1996, after the transfer of certain of CSI's remaining assets and
liabilities to CIBER, all of the outstanding common stock of CSI was sold to
certain members of CIBER's management for $5,000. In addition, the Company
provided cash advances in the form of notes receivable to the buyers of CSI
aggregating $444,643 at December 31, 1996. The notes receivable are due on July
29, 2000, but were prepaid on September 24, 1997.
 
EMPLOYEES
 
     As of December 31, 1997, the Company had a total of 493 full time
employees, comprised of twenty-two (22) full time employees on its corporate
staff, eighty (80) full time employees at the Maine Energy facility, sixteen
(16) full time employees at the Lewiston Facility, thirty-one (31) full time
employees at the Telogia Facility, six (6) full time employees at the Cairo
Facility, fifteen (15) full time employees at the Manner facility in Annapolis,
Maryland, ninety five (95) full time employees at the Charlestown Facility, one
hundred forty seven (147) full time employees at the Newark Facility, twenty
three (23) full time employees at the Chicago Facility, twenty seven (27) full
time employees at the Biddeford Facility, thirteen (13) full time employees at
the DDS Facility and eighteen (18) full time employees at the K-C facilities.
The employees at the PERC Facility and the Nashville Facility are not Company
employees. None of the Company's employees are covered by collective bargaining
agreements and the Company considers its employee relations to be good.
 
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
 
     All statements contained herein and in "Management's Discussion and
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" that are not
historical facts, including but not limited to statements regarding the
Company's current business strategy, prospective joint ventures, and plans for
future development and operations and predictions of future tipping fees,
management fees payable to KTI, future compliance with applicable laws and
governmental regulations, future capacity and processing amounts and cash flow
and its uses, are based upon current expectations. These statements are
forward-looking in nature and involve a number of risks and uncertainties, many
of which are not within the Control of the Company. Actual results may differ
materially. Among the factors that could cause actual results to differ
materially are the following: (i) the availability of sufficient capital to
finance the Company's business plan and its other capital needs on terms
satisfactory to the Company; (ii) competitive factors such as availability of
less expensive waste disposal outlets or expanded recycling programs that may
significantly reduce the amount of waste products available
 
                                       24
<PAGE>   27
 
to the Company's facilities; (iii) restructuring of the Company's power purchase
agreements with Bangor Hydro; (iv) changes in labor, equipment and capital
costs; (v) the ability of the Company to consummate any contemplated joint
ventures and/or restructuring on terms satisfactory to the Company; (vi) changes
in regulations affecting the waste disposal and recycling industries; (vii) the
ability of the Company to comply with the restrictions imposed upon it in
connection with its outstanding indebtedness; (viii) future acquisitions or
strategic partnerships; (ix) general business and economic conditions; and (x)
other factors described from time to time in the Company's reports filed with
the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company wishes to caution readers
not to place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements, which
statements are made pursuant to the Private Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and,
as such, speak only as of the date made.
 
ITEM 2:  PROPERTIES
 
     The following is a description of the Company's facilities as of December
31, 1997:
 
  MAINE ENERGY FACILITY
 
     The Maine Energy facility occupies an approximately 9.1 acre site owned by
Maine Energy in the city of Biddeford, Maine and borders the west bank of the
Saco River. See "Item 1 -- Waste-to-Energy Facilities -- Maine Energy -- Maine
Energy Facility."
 
  PERC FACILITY
 
     The PERC facility occupies an approximately 40.3 acre site owned by PERC in
the town of Orrington, Maine. See "Item 1 -- Waste to Energy
Facilities -- PERC -- PERC Facility."
 
  LEWISTON FACILITY
 
     The Lewiston Facility occupies an approximately 9.7 acre site which is
leased from South Park Company, an affiliate of the city of Lewiston, Maine,
under a long term ground lease for a term expiring in 2015. Current annual
rental charges are approximately $16,000. See "Item 1 -- Wood Waste
Processing -- KTI BioFuels -- Lewiston Facility."
 
  TERI FACILITIES
 
     The Telogia Facility occupies an approximately 97 acre site under long term
lease from St. Joseph Land and Development Company in Telogia, Florida. See
"Item 1 -- Waste-to-Energy Facilities -- TEII -- Biomass Waste Supply." The
Cairo Facility occupies a 60 acre site in Cairo, Georgia owned by TERI. Total
annual rent charges for the Telogia Facility are approximately $58,000 and the
term of the lease expires in 2009. See "Item 1 -- Wood Waste Processing -- TERI
Cairo Facility.".
 
  KTI RECYCLING INC.
 
     KTI Recycling of New England, Inc. occupies two leased properties within
the same industrial park in Charlestown, Massachusetts. Post-consumer materials
are processed in a 75,000 sq.ft. building sited on approximately 4 acres under a
long term lease with annual rental charges of approximately $377,000 including
taxes. Pre-consumer materials are processed in a 62,000 sq.ft. building on
approximately 2 acres under a long term lease with annual rental charges of
approximately $328,000, including taxes. The leases expire in 2003 and 2005,
respectively.
 
     KTI Recycling of New Jersey, Inc. leases three processing buildings and a
small office in an industrial park in Newark, New Jersey's Ironbound section.
The total leased processing area is approximately 135,000 square feet on a site
which is approximately 13.5 acres. The current annual lease cost, including
taxes, for the processing and office areas is $500,000. The lease expires in
2006.
 
     KTI Recycling of Illinois Inc. owns a 72,000 square foot building on a
4-acre site in Franklin Park, Illinois, which is used as a recycling facility.
Taxes are approximately $85,880 annually.
 
                                       25
<PAGE>   28
 
  ZAITLIN FACILITIES
 
     Zaitlin owns two properties: an approximately 1.6 acre site with a building
comprising approximately 30,000 square feet of production and warehouse space,
and an approximately 50 acre site with a 12,000 square foot production facility,
both in Biddeford, Maine.
 
  MANNER FACILITY
 
     Manner and Powership Transport lease 1,500 square feet of office space in
an Annapolis, Maryland office park. Annual rent charges are approximately
$12,000. The term of the lease expires in 1998.
 
  K-C FACILITIES
 
     K-C leases office space in Portland, Oregon, 2,352 square feet, and
Lakewood, New Jersey, 1,865 square feet, with annual rent charges of
approximately $33,000 and $21,000, respectively. The Portland, Oregon lease is
with an individual who is an employee and shareholder of the Company. The
remaining sales office leases are not considered material to the Company. The
lease expires in 2000.
 
  NASHVILLE FACILITY
 
     The Nashville Facility, an ash recycling facility, occupies a site provided
by the City of Nashville adjacent to the City's ash landfill as part of its
contractual relationship with AART. The term of the current contract is through
June 30, 1998.
 
  CORPORATE OFFICES
 
     The Company's executive offices are located in Guttenberg, New Jersey. The
aggregate floor area of these facilities is approximately 5,500 square feet. The
lease provides for a base annual rent of approximately $96,000, plus a
proportionate share of the increase of expenses such as real property taxes,
utilities and maintenance costs. The lease on these offices expires on September
30, 2001 and is renewable by August 1, 2001 for an additional five year term.
The lease is from an affiliated party. See "Item 13 -- Certain Relationships and
Related Transactions."
 
     The Company also maintains offices in Saco, Maine consisting of
approximately 6,000 square feet of leased office space. The lease provides for
an annual rental of approximately $52,500 which increases 3% annually during the
term of the lease. The lease expires on December 31, 2002 and is renewable
through 2007.
 
ITEM 3.  LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
 
     Anthony Buonaguro, a former officer of the Company, instituted arbitration
proceedings in New York, New York against the Company on July 1, 1996 for
alleged breaches of an employment agreement between Mr. Buonaguro and the
Company more than five years prior to the filing of the arbitration proceedings.
Pursuant to a settlement agreement, the Company paid Buonaguro $85,000 in
December 1997.
 
     Maine Energy is the plaintiff in a suit in the State of Maine against
United Steel Structures, Inc. under a warranty to recover the costs, which were,
or will be incurred to replace the roof and walls of the Maine Energy tipping
and processing building. The judge in the case entered an order awarding Maine
Energy $3,334,400 plus interest from May 10, 1994, to the date of the filing of
the lawsuit, and court costs. The defendant filed an appeal on December 19,
1997. There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to collect any
amount of this judgement.
 
     Two lawsuits have been filed on September 30, 1997 and March 6, 1998 by
Capital Recycling of Connecticut ("Capital") in a Connecticut State Court
against K-C, certain officers of K-C and other parties. The suits allege fraud,
tortious interference with business expectancy and violations of the Connecticut
Unfair Trade Practices Act. The actions are based on two contracts between
Capital and K-C. The contracts require all disputes to be resolved by
arbitration in Portland, Oregon. Pursuant to this requirement, K-C has initiated
the arbitration process in Portland, Oregon. The Company has retained counsel to
defend the suits and has
 
                                       26
<PAGE>   29
 
requested the Court to dismiss the suits or stay the proceedings until the
arbitration in Portland, Oregon has been concluded. The Company believes that it
has valid defenses to the lawsuits and in the arbitration proceedings.
 
     TWM is a defendant in a lawsuit filed in the United States District Court
of New Hampshire on October 17, 1991 by Kleen Laundry and Dry Cleaning Corp. in
Lebanon, New Hampshire. The plaintiff alleges that TWM caused subsurface
contamination during the removal operations of several underground petroleum
storage tanks. TWM denies the allegation and has retained counsel to defend the
lawsuit. The former shareholders of TWM have indemnified the Company against any
claims relating to such lawsuit, other than for legal fees.
 
     The Company is a defendant in certain other lawsuits alleging various
claims incurred in the ordinary course of business, none of which, either
individually or in the aggregate, the Company believes are material to its
financial conditions, results of operations or cash flows.
 
     Management of the Company does not believe that the outcome of the
foregoing matters, individually or in the aggregate, will have a materially
adverse effect on the Company's financial condition, cash flows or results of
operations.
 
ITEM 4.  SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
 
     Not applicable.
 
ITEM 5.  MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCK HOLDER MATTERS
 
     The Company became a public company on February 8, 1995. From February 8,
1995, until February 14, 1996, the Common Stock was traded in the
over-the-counter market on the NASDAQ SmallCap Market under the symbol KTIE.
Since February 14, 1996, the Company's Common Stock has traded on the NASDAQ
National Market tier of The NASDAQ Stock Market under the symbol KTIE. The
following table sets forth the high and low sale prices for the Common Stock for
the periods indicated, as reported on the NASDAQ Small Cap Market and the NASDAQ
National Market System.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              HIGH       LOW
                                                              PRICE     PRICE
                                                              -----     -----
<S>                                                           <C>       <C>
February 8, 1995 through March 31, 1995.....................   $ 6 3/8   $ 5 1/4
April 1, 1995 through June 30, 1995.........................     6 1/8     5 3/8
July 1, 1995 through September 30, 1995.....................     8 7/8     5 3/8
October 1, 1995 through December 31, 1995...................     9         8 1/4
January 1, 1996 through March 31, 1996......................     8 5/8     6
April 1, 1996 through June 30, 1996.........................     7 3/8     6 1/4
July 1, 1996 through September 30, 1996.....................     8 1/2     6 1/4
October 1, 1996 through December 31, 1996...................    11 1/4     7
January 1, 1997 through March 31, 1997......................     9 1/8     7 3/16
April 1, 1997 through June 30, 1997.........................     9 1/2     7 1/2
July 1, 1997 through September 30, 1997.....................    14 7/8     8 5/8
October 1, 1997 through December 31, 1997...................    17 1/2    13 1/2
</TABLE>
 
     On March 27, 1998, the last reported sale price of the Common Stock as
reported on the NASDAQ National Market System was $8.75 per share. There were
196 record owners of the Company's 9,477,953 outstanding shares of Common Stock
as of March 27, 1998.
 
     The Company has not paid any cash dividends on its Common Stock or the
Series A Convertible Preferred Stock during the period such Series A Convertible
Preferred Stock was outstanding, and the Company does not anticipate paying any
cash dividends on its Common Stock in the foreseeable future. In February 1998,
all shares of the Company's Series A Convertible Preferred Stock were converted
into shares of Common Stock. The Company is required to pay aggregate annual
dividends of $1,872,500 in the aggregate on the Series B Preferred Stock. In
November 1997, the Company paid aggregate dividends of $395,472 to its
 
                                       27
<PAGE>   30
 
holders of Series B Preferred Stock, representing the dividends earned from the
date of issue through the end of the third quarter of 1997. In February 1998,
the Company paid the full aggregate quarterly dividend of $468,125 to the
holders of Series B Preferred Stock, representing the dividends earned in the
fourth quarter of 1997.
 
     On February 28, 1997, a 5% stock dividend was declared, payable on March
28, 1997 to holders of Common Stock of record on March 14, 1997. The Company's
bank credit facility and the Series B Preferred Stock contain restrictions on
the payment of cash dividends on the Common Stock. It is anticipated that for
the forseeable future, the Company will use its capital for strategic
opportunities and to reduce debt and not pay cash dividends on its Common Stock.
 
ITEM 6.  SELECTED HISTORICAL CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                               ---------------------------------------------------
                                               1997(3)      1996       1995       1994      1993
                                               --------   --------   --------   --------   -------
                                                    (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
<S>                                            <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA
REVENUES:
  Operating revenues.........................  $ 96,157   $ 35,305   $ 38,083   $ 37,783   $11,290
  Sale of capacity, net......................               33,203
                                               --------   --------   --------   --------   -------
     Total revenues..........................    96,157     68,508     38,083     37,783    11,290
  Total costs and expenses...................    84,320     33,603     38,459     37,615    10,740
  Equity in net income of partnerships.......                  333        335        324       133
                                               --------   --------   --------   --------   -------
  Income (loss) from continuing operations
     before minority interest, income taxes
     and extraordinary item..................    11,837     35,238        (41)       492       683
  Minority interest (1)......................    (6,331)   (18,610)    (1,287)    (1,920)
                                               --------   --------   --------   --------   -------
  Income (loss) from continuing operations
     before income taxes and extraordinary
     item....................................     5,506     16,628     (1,328)    (1,428)      683
  Income taxes (benefit).....................    (2,586)                   65
                                               --------   --------   --------   --------   -------
  Income (loss) from continuing operations
     before extraordinary item...............     8,092     16,628     (1,393)    (1,428)      683
  Loss from discontinued operations..........                 (714)       (86)
  Extraordinary item -- net..................               (2,248)       148
                                               --------   --------   --------   --------   -------
  Net income (loss)..........................     8,092     13,666     (1,331)    (1,428)      683
  Accretion and paid and accrued dividends on
     preferred stock.........................    (1,408)
                                               --------   --------   --------   --------   -------
  Net income (loss) available for common
     shareholders............................  $  6,684     13,666     (1,331)    (1,428)      683
                                               ========   ========   ========   ========   =======
PER SHARE DATA:
Basic:
  Income (loss) from continuing operations...  $   0.90   $   2.73   $  (0.26)  $  (0.42)  $  0.19
  Loss from discontinued operations..........                (0.11)     (0.02)
                                               --------   --------   --------   --------   -------
  Income (loss) before extraordinary item....      0.90       2.62      (0.28)     (0.42)     0.19
     Extraordinary item......................                (0.37)      0.03
                                               --------   --------   --------   --------   -------
  Net income (loss)..........................  $   0.90   $   2.25   $  (0.25)  $  (0.42)  $  0.19
                                               ========   ========   ========   ========   =======
  Weighted average number of shares used in
     computation(2)..........................     7,404      6,082      5,264      3,409     3,506
                                               ========   ========   ========   ========   =======
</TABLE>
 
                                       28
<PAGE>   31
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                               ---------------------------------------------------
                                               1997(3)      1996       1995       1994      1993
                                               --------   --------   --------   --------   -------
                                                    (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
<S>                                            <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
Diluted:
  Income (loss) from continuing operations...  $   0.83   $   2.47   $  (0.26)  $  (0.42)  $  0.19
  Loss from discontinued operations..........                (0.10)     (0.02)
                                               --------   --------   --------   --------   -------
  Income (loss) before extraordinary item....      0.83       2.37      (0.28)     (0.42)     0.19
  Extraordinary item.........................                (0.32)      0.03
                                               --------   --------   --------   --------   -------
  Net income (loss)..........................  $   0.83   $   2.05   $  (0.25)  $  (0.42)  $  0.19
                                               ========   ========   ========   ========   =======
  Weighted average number of shares used in
     computation(2)..........................     8,426      6,934      5,264      3,409     3,665
                                               ========   ========   ========   ========   =======
BALANCE SHEET DATA
  Total assets...............................  $242,483   $123,074   $132,906   $131,383   $21,171
  Debt.......................................    94,267     39,073    115,376    127,348    15,348
  Minority interest..........................    22,105     10,872      1,840        553
  Deferred revenue...........................    37,500     41,250
  Shareholders' equity (deficit).............    72,740     25,704      6,881     (3,911)   (1,905)
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
(1) Minority interest for the year ended December 31, 1997, includes $4,620 and
    $102 for preacquisition earnings of PERC and AARNE, respectively. Minority
    interest for the year ended December 31, 1994 includes $1,367 of
    preacquisition earnings of Maine Energy.
 
(2) All periods reflect the effect of a 5% dividend payable in common stock
    declared by the board of directors on February 28, 1997 and paid on March
    28, 1997.
 
(3) See "Item 7 -- Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
    and Results of Operations" for a discussion of factors such as accounting
    changes, business combinations and dispositions of business operations that
    materially affect the comparability of the information reflected herein.
 
ITEM 7.  MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS
 
                                    GENERAL
 
     The Company is a holding company that derives its revenues from its
subsidiaries. During 1997, as part of its integrated waste management strategy,
the Company acquired several businesses and additional partnership interests.
 
     To expand into additional post industrial and post consumer waste handling
and recycling, the Company acquired the assets of Prins, Zaitlin, and DDS. As a
result of these acquisitions, the Company now operates recycling facilities in
Biddeford, Maine, Charlestown, Massachusetts (a borough of Boston), Newark, New
Jersey and Franklin Park, Illinois (a suburb of Chicago).
 
     To strengthen the Company's ability to market these recycled materials, the
Company acquired K-C, a worldwide marketer of secondary fiber and pulp
substitutes. In addition, the acquisition of Zaitlin gave the Company a
marketing presence in ferrous and non-ferrous metals. These operations
complement Manner's plastics marketing operations and Powership Transports'
transportation brokerage, which were acquired in November, 1996.
 
     To forward the Company's strategy of increasing its ownership of
waste-to-energy plants, the Company acquired additional partnership interests in
PERC. On September 29, 1997 and November 12, 1997, the Company acquired,
respectively, 49.5% and 14.8% additional partnership interests in PERC, bringing
its ownership interest to 71.3% at December 31, 1997. Because the Company's
interests in PERC were acquired in two separate transactions, the consolidated
statements of operations for the year ended December 31, 1997 include the
operations of PERC from January 1, 1997 and include adjustments to eliminate
minority interest
 
                                       29
<PAGE>   32
 
and the pre-acquisition earnings of PERC attributable to the partnership
interest acquired on September 29, 1997. Prior to 1997, PERC was accounted for
under the equity method of accounting. For presentation purposes, this section
will discuss and analyze, in addition to the Company's results, the results of
PERC for the periods which it was accounted for under the equity method.
 
WASTE-TO-ENERGY
 
     The Company, since inception, has developed and managed waste-to-energy
facilities. The Company's subsidiaries, Maine Energy and PERC, both take in
municipal solid waste and convert it into fuel which is consumed in the
generation of electric power. A subsidiary of the Company is the operator of
Maine Energy on a cost-plus basis and a co-operator of PERC on an annual fee
basis.
 
     On November 22, 1996, the Company purchased its third waste-to-energy
facility by acquiring TEII from CNA and a group of ten investors. TEII owned
these operating assets through subsidiaries. The waste-to-energy facility is
located in Telogia, Florida. This facility takes in biomass wastes to be
combusted to produce electric power.
 
     Maine Energy, PERC and the Telogia Facility principally derive their
revenues from sale of electric power generated from the combustion of waste
products and sold under long-term contracts with local utilities and, in the
case of Maine Energy and PERC, from tipping fees received under long-term,
short-term and commercial waste disposal contracts with municipalities and spot
market waste received from haulers. During 1997, the Telogia Facility began
taking a portion of its fuel supply under short-term tipping fee contracts with
biomass waste generators and haulers. The Telogia Facility is focused on
increasing the receipt of tipping fee biomass wastes to supplant paid for fuel.
The utilities pay each facility based on the kilowatts delivered to the utility
in accordance with rates agreed to at the inception of the contracts. PERC's and
the Telogia Facility's rates are adjusted annually for expected or actual
increases in inflation.
 
     The disposal fees paid by the municipalities and waste haulers to Maine
Energy, PERC and the Telogia Facility are based on the tons of waste delivered.
The rate charged by each of Maine Energy and PERC under its long-term contracts
for each ton of MSW delivered is based on the contractual tipping fee rate
consisting of a fixed component and a variable component which is adjusted as a
result of inflation, changes in law and changes in operating costs of the
applicable facility. The fixed fee component escalates annually with changes in
the local consumer price index. Maine Energy's and PERC's variable fee is
determined by comparing certain of the then current operating and financing
costs against contractually agreed to base operating and financing costs. In the
case of Maine Energy, the cumulative net increases of all of these cost items is
divided by a total tonnage factor for the facility to determine the per ton
variable component. PERC's variable component is calculated in a similar fashion
but takes into account not only net increases, but also net decreases in these
costs. This can cause the variable component to be a negative amount effectively
reducing PERC's fixed fee component. Based on PERC's long-term contracts, any
decreases or increases in operating or financing costs are passed through to the
affected municipal customers with no benefit or detriment to PERC. The rate
charged by each of Maine Energy, PERC and Telogia for short-term municipal and
commercial contracts (usually one to six years) and spot market contracts are
based on the general market conditions for MSW.
 
ANALYSIS OF TONNAGE RECEIVED
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                              -----------------------------
                       MAINE ENERGY:                           1997       1996       1995
                       -------------                          -------    -------    -------
<S>                                                           <C>        <C>        <C>
Long-Term Municipal Contracts...............................   72,765     71,203     68,380
Short-Term Municipal Contracts..............................   39,151     45,445     36,214
Spot Market.................................................   56,759     72,634     83,647
Commercial..................................................   85,677     56,352     36,452
                                                              -------    -------    -------
          Total.............................................  254,352    245,634    224,693
                                                              =======    =======    =======
</TABLE>
 
                                       30
<PAGE>   33
 
     Growth in Maine Energy's tonnage received was 3.5% and 9.3% in 1997 and
1996, respectively, due to improved processing techniques, resulting in higher
throughput, allowing for increased MSW receipts. Maine Energy is at capacity for
MSW processing and uses supplemental fuels only for flame stabilization.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                              -----------------------------
                           PERC:                               1997       1996       1995
                           -----                              -------    -------    -------
<S>                                                           <C>        <C>        <C>
Long-Term Municipal Contracts...............................  205,524    203,875    200,908
Short-Term Municipal Contracts..............................   17,703     18,341     17,614
Spot Market.................................................   32,188     13,163     16,703
Commercial..................................................   19,991     18,144     13,396
                                                              -------    -------    -------
          Total.............................................  275,406    253,523    248,621
                                                              =======    =======    =======
</TABLE>
 
     Growth in PERC's tonnage received was 8.6% and 2.0% in 1997 and 1996,
respectively, due primarily to increased activity in the out-of-state market for
MSW. PERC still has capacity for approximately an additional 75,000 tons of MSW.
Obtaining additional MSW is a principal company goal for 1998.
 
     The Company's MSW waste disposal operations are subject to seasonal
fluctuations. Reduced volumes of waste are generated during the winter months.
At Maine Energy, this requires reductions in spot market tipping fees seasonally
and, at PERC, increased reliance on supplemental fuel, principally woodchips.
The Company's Maine facilities are located in summer vacation areas and larger
volumes of waste are generated during that season enabling increases in the spot
market tipping fees charged to the customers of Maine Energy and PERC and
decreases in their reliance on supplemental fuel. General economic conditions of
the surrounding area also have an impact on the availability of waste, with
greater levels of waste usually generated during periods of good economic
conditions. The waste-to-energy plants also have periodic scheduled shutdowns
each year, usually two weeks in April or May, for major maintenance and capital
projects. During 1997, the Telogia Facility was shutdown for an extended period
of 50 days for retrofits and major maintenance to upgrade the facility with
improved combustion technology and expanded waste processing capabilities. As a
result of the retrofit, the expected life of the facility has been extended.
 
     In May 1996, Maine Energy restructured its agreement with Central Maine by
entering into a series of agreements with CL One and Central Maine, which
provided for the purchase of Maine Energy's available power generation capacity
by CL One, and amending the Central Maine PPA (together with the agreement, the
"Agreements"). CL One made an initial payment of $85 million and agreed to make
additional quarterly payments through May 31, 2007 to Maine Energy as a portion
of the purchase price and for reimbursement to Maine Energy of certain expenses.
In consideration of its payments to Maine Energy, CL One was assigned all rights
to capacity from the Maine Energy facility through May 31, 2007. In the
restructuring, the term of the Central Maine PPA was extended from May 31, 2007
to December 31, 2012. Pursuant to the Agreements, Maine Energy has agreed to
sell energy to Central Maine through May 31, 2007 at an initial rate of 7.18
cents per kWh which escalates by 2% per annum. Beginning June 1, 2007 until the
expiration date of the contract, Maine Energy is to be paid market value for
both its energy and capacity by Central Maine. Maine Energy retired the
outstanding principal amount of $64.5 million of the Biddeford Bonds with the
proceeds of the sale of its capacity. Utilizing the balance of the proceeds and
a portion of the reserve funds available, the Company substantially reduced the
outstanding principal amount of Maine Energy's subordinated indebtedness by
paying off $29.5 million of subordinated debt. During 1997, Maine Energy made an
additional $2 million payment of principal and interest on subordinated debt.
Also in October, 1997 the Company acquired approximately $2.4 million of the
subordinated notes from one of the former limited partners. As of December 31,
1997 the net balance of the subordinated debt at Maine Energy was $11,949,000.
 
     Under the terms of the Central Maine restructuring, a $45 million letter of
credit was issued to Central Maine by ING (US) Capital Corporation, ("ING"). If,
in any year, Maine Energy fails to produce 100,000,000 kWh of electricity (a
"100,000,000 kWh test") and Maine Energy does not have a force majeure defense
(physical damage to the plant and other similar events), Maine Energy is
obligated to pay $3.75 million to Central Maine as liquidated damages. Such
payment obligation is secured by the ING letter of credit. In each year in which
100,000,000 kWh is produced, the balance of the ING letter of credit is
 
                                       31
<PAGE>   34
 
reduced by $3.75 million. If, in any year, Maine Energy fails to produce
15,000,000 kWh of electricity (a "15,000,000 kWh test") and Maine Energy does
not have a force majeure defense, Maine Energy is obligated to pay the then
balance of the ING letter of credit to Central Maine as liquidated damages. In
1997, the 15,000,000 kWh and the 100,000,000 kWh tests were met, resulting in a
reduction of the amount of the ING letter of credit to $37.5 million.
 
     On January 30, 1998, the partners in PERC, the MRC, which represents 130
municipalities served by PERC, and Bangor Hydro, executed an Restructuring
Agreement, outlining the principal terms of a restructuring of the Power
Purchase Agreement between PERC and Bangor Hydro and certain provisions relating
to amendments to the Waste Disposal Agreements between PERC and the 130
municipalities represented by the MRC. At the same time, the partners in PERC
and Bangor Hydro entered into a commitment with FAME to refinance the existing
tax exempt bonds issued to finance the original construction of the PERC
facility. Both documents contain significant conditions at closing, which are
not entirely in the control of the parties to such documents. Accordingly, no
assurance can be given that the Company will be able to complete the
transactions contemplated by such documents.
 
     The Restructuring Agreement provides that Bangor Hydro will make a one time
payment of $6 million to PERC at the time of the closing of the refinancing of
the existing tax-exempt debt, and will make additional quarterly payments of
$250,000 per quarter for four years, for an additional total of $4 million, and
issue warrants to purchase two million shares of Bangor Hydro common stock which
will be divided equally between the MRC on behalf of its member municipalities
and the PERC partners. The exercise price of such warrants is $7.00 per share
and the warrants will expire 10 years after issuance. The right to exercise such
warrants will vest over 4 years. In exchange for such consideration, Bangor
Hydro will be entitled, assuming performance of all of its obligations under the
Bangor Hydro PPA, to receive a rebate of a portion of its purchase price of
electric power from PERC, equal to one third of the cash available for
distribution from PERC. This transaction is contingent upon, among other things,
the closing of a reissuance of the tax-exempt bonds of FAME, pursuant to the
FAME commitment.
 
     The FAME commitment provides for a refinancing of the existing tax-exempt
debt which matures in 2004, with an adjustable rate tax-exempt security with an
extended maturity of 20 years, with customary fees. The FAME bonds would be
backed by the moral obligation of the State of Maine. The refinanced bonds will
be secured by substantially all of the assets of the PERC project (including the
$10 million to be received from Bangor Hydro), a guaranty of $3 million from the
Company and a guaranty of annual debt service, subject to a maximum amount of
$4.2 million, by Bangor Hydro. The guaranty by Bangor Hydro is dependent upon
receipt of all necessary orders and consents from the Maine Public Utility
Commission and Bangor Hydro's lenders.
 
     The amendments to the Waste Disposal Agreement will be effective upon
receipt of acceptance of not less than 50% of the Charter Municipalities (as
determined by tonnage delivered to PERC). PERC may terminate the transactions if
25% or more of the Charter Municipalities reject or otherwise object to the
transactions. The amendments permit the Charter Municipalities: (a) to make
equity contributions to PERC, only and to the extent of the MRC's share of
distributable cash from PERC and one-half of the Bangor Hydro quarterly payment,
of up to $31 million, which will be used to prepay the FAME bonds outstanding,
(if all $31 million are contributed, the municipalities will own a 50%
partnership interest in PERC); (b) purchase all of the remaining PERC interests
in 2018 at the then fair market value, in lieu of the existing right to purchase
PERC at its then book value in 2004; (c) extend the term of the Waste Disposal
Agreements to 2018, and (d) to reduce cash available for distribution to the
Charter Municipalities to one third from one half.
 
     The transactions are expected to close in May, 1998. The term sheet
provides that if the closing is after May 1, 1998, the financial terms of the
transaction are subject to retroactive adjustment. Both documents contain
significant conditions to closing, which are not entirely in the control of the
parties to such documents. No assurance can be given that the transactions
contemplated by such documents can be successfully completed.
 
                                       32
<PAGE>   35
 
  Wood Processing
 
     The Company owns and operates two wood processing facilities. KTI BioFuels,
located in Lewiston, Maine, accepts hard-to-handle materials such as railroad
ties, telephone poles, bulky wood items, and construction/demolition ("C&D")
debris, processes them into wood chips, and sells the wood chips to PERC, as a
supplemental fuel, or to third parties. The plant processed 40,510 and 48,093
tons of these materials in 1997 and 1996 respectively. The Company will seek to
expand this business in 1998 via acquisition of other C&D processors.
 
     A second plant acquired in the TEII transaction, which is located in Cairo,
Georgia, processes pulpwood logs into woodchips and other wood by-products such
as bark trimmings. Currently, the Cairo Facility processes exclusively for Stone
Container under a long-term tolling agreement, operating on a single shift. The
approximately 100 acre site has the capacity for the storage and staging of
additional raw materials and finished goods; the Company is therefore actively
seeking expansion of its operation. During 1997, the Cairo facility processed
approximately 365,000 tons for Stone Container producing approximately 317,000
tons of wood chips and approximately 48,000 tons of bark trimmings.
 
  Specialty Waste Handling
 
     Effective March 29, 1996, KTI Ash purchased a 60% interest as a limited
partner in American Ash Recycling of Tennessee, Ltd., a Florida limited
partnership ("AART"). The general partner American Ash Recycling Corp. of
Tennessee, a Florida corporationis the previous owner of the Nashville Facility.
The partnership is carrying on the business of the predecessor corporation. The
Company has a priority on the distributions of earnings and cash flow from the
Nashville Facility to the extent of 75% of the earning and cash flow generated
until it receives $315,000 per annum on a cumulative basis. The purchase price
was $2,100,000. AART recycles MWC ash at its Nashville Facility converting the
ash principally into construction aggregate after recovering recyclable metals.
 
     The Company also acquired all of the partnership interests in two separate
transactions of American Ash Recycling of New England ("AARNE") which had been
formed to operate a similar facility in the State of Maine (the "Maine
Partnership"). The Company purchased this partnership for $1,060,000. As a
result of the receipt of permits to operate an ash recycling facility in Maine,
Waste Management of Maine, Inc., the current provider of ash disposal services
for Maine Energy, agreed to lower its disposal rate to the approximate cost
which would have been charged by AARNE to Maine Energy a portion of which are
passed along to AARNE. As a result, Maine Energy and AARNE benefited from the
savings of $1,130,000 and $1,150,000 during 1997 and 1996, respectively. The
Company, as a result of this acquisition has the exclusive right to own and
operate a MWC ash recycling facility in the State of Maine utilizing American
Ash Recycling technology. Utilizing the existing permits, the Company expects to
install this technology at Maine Energy and/or PERC.
 
     KTI Specialty Waste was formed to procure materials for processing and
combustion at Maine Energy and PERC. While spot market MSW at Maine Energy and
PERC is tipped at rates between $25 and $35 per ton, certain specialty
materials, such as off-spec over the counter pharmaceuticals, oily rags and
absorbents, off-spec paints, and other industrial and commercial wastes, command
tipping fees between $65 to $350 per ton. Maine Energy and PERC's RDF processing
lines and environmental permits allow each plant to accept many of these
hard-to-handle wastes. During 1997, KTI Specialty Waste marketed Maine Energy's
and PERC's specialty waste capacity directly to waste generators and to waste
brokers. As a result, Maine Energy processed approximately 12,000 tons of
specialty waste during each of 1997 and 1996.
 
  Recycling
 
  Recycling Facilities
 
     As part of the TEII acquisition, the Company acquired a plastics recycling
facility in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. The Company determined that this facility did
not fit with its operating strategy. The operations were sold to the plant's
managers in July, 1997 for $280,000 in cash. The Company recorded a loss on sale
of
 
                                       33
<PAGE>   36
 
approximately $20,000 from this transaction. In addition, the operations
generated a $244,000 operating loss for the year.
 
     On August 1, 1997, the Company purchased Zaitlin and DDS. Zaitlin operates
a secondary fiber recycling facility in Biddeford, Maine. Sam Zaitlin, the
former president, has joined the executive management team of KTI in a senior
marketing position. DDS accepts, shreds, and bales sensitive documents from
banks, brokerage firms and law firms, and other companies, then sells the baled
materials to paper mills. The Zaitlin facility and DDS facility in Woburn,
Massachusetts were consolidated into the Charlestown Facility.
 
     On November 14, 1997, the Company acquired the assets of Prins, as part of
a plan of reorganization filed with the US Bankruptcy Court for the District of
New Jersey. The acquisition was accounted for as a purchase. The Company paid
approximately $15 million in cash, substantially all of which was provided by
two separate loans from KeyBank. In addition, the Company assumed approximately
$1 million of liabilities. The assets are located in Charlestown, Massachusetts,
Newark, New Jersey and Franklin Park, Illinois.
 
     KTI had operated the assets of Prins under a management agreement with
Prins' principal lender from May 1997 until the acquisition date. Subsequent to
the acquisition, the Company has entered into a series of variable rate tipping
contracts with municipalities in the Boston area. These contracts provide for
the Company to be paid a tipping fee by the municipalities to cover processing
costs and to provide a predictable profit margin. The municipalities are then
entitled to receive rebates if the selling prices of recycled paper exceed
certain benchmark levels. By providing a budgeting base to municipalities but
offering potential revenues should markets improve, the Company has been able to
secure five to thirteen year contracts, eliminating the costly and time
consuming annual or biennial bidding cycle.
 
     At the Newark Facility, the Company installed experienced management, and
is prepared to bid on municipal contracts for post-consumer recyclables in the
30 mile radius around the plant. Management reduced operating costs by
reconfiguring the workforce to match plant capacity and installing tighter
controls on repair and maintenance budgets. The Company made significant
equipment retrofits to allow processing of recyclables not handled by other
firms in the area. In addition, a major capital expenditure is budgeted for
1998, which will increase throughput capacity on all existing processing lines,
streamline material flow through the facility, and expand the menu of
recyclables which can be handled profitably.
 
     In Franklin Park, the Company has installed senior management familiar with
the mid-west marketplace, and is renegotiating its contracts with current
suppliers. In addition, two other major recyclers/haulers in the area have
inquired regarding toll processing of their recyclables at the Chicago Facility;
these negotiations are expected to lead to a significant increase of throughput
by the end of the second quarter of 1998.
 
  Marketing Operations
 
     On September 19, 1997, the Company purchased K-C. K-C operates a worldwide
secondary fiber and pulp brokerage operation from its offices in Portland,
Oregon and Lakewood, New Jersey. In addition, K-C has representatives in major
cities around the world. Over the remainder of 1997, K-C assumed full
responsibility for marketing all materials generated at the Company's recycling
facilities.
 
     Zaitlin has a ferrous and non-ferrous metals brokerage business. Manner
Resins more than doubled the tonnage brokered in 1997 compared to 1996 and
continues to broaden its market outreach. Powership Transport, formed in 1997,
generated $1 million in revenues from transportation brokerage operations. The
company intends to use Powership Transport's resources to lower its shipping
costs.
 
     KTI BioFuels initiated a waste brokerage business, whose function is to
secure additional municipal solid waste for Maine Energy and PERC.
 
     The Company receives a management fee from Maine Energy and PERC. Since
Maine Energy and PERC are still partially owned by third parties, the management
fee permits the Company to derive additional cash flow from operations. During
1997, prior to the acquisition of the Prins facilities the Company earned fees
of $700,000 under a management agreement with Prins' principal secured lender.
As part of its overall
 
                                       34
<PAGE>   37
 
strategy, the Company is seeking to acquire other distressed businesses, and
expects to operate some of those businesses for some time before acquiring them.
 
DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
 
     On February 8, 1995, the Company acquired Computer Services, Inc.
("Computer Services"). As a result of the acquisition the Company participated
in two business segments, waste handling and computer services.
 
     The Company's operations in the Computer Services segment were carried out
principally by its wholly-owned subsidiary DataFocus. DataFocus is primarily
engaged in client-server systems software engineering and application
development services.
 
     On July 19, 1996, DataFocus executed an agreement with CIBER, Inc.
("CIBER"). Pursuant to the Agreement, DataFocus sold substantially all of the
assets of DataFocus' Business Systems Division, other than cash and accounts
receivable, to CIBER for $5,000,000, subject to customary prorations. DataFocus
retained cash, accounts receivables and substantially all of the liabilities of
its Business Systems Division that arose prior to July 26, 1996. The net
proceeds of such sale, including cash and accounts receivable retained, less
related liabilities, were approximately $4,250,000.
 
     Additionally, on July 29, 1996, the Company sold the stock of DataFocus to
certain members of the management of DataFocus. Pursuant to the sale, the
Company received $5,000 in cash, the cancellation of stock options issued to
DataFocus management to purchase 132,328 shares of the Company's Common Stock,
the cancellation of an option to purchase 20% of the common stock of DataFocus
and a royalty agreement. Under the royalty agreement, the Company receives a
monthly base royalty payment of $5,000 and quarterly payments of additional
royalties, equal to 5% of net revenue from the sale of NuTCRACKER software
product in excess of $4,000,000 per year. The Company received $60,000 in
royalties in 1997. DataFocus will have the right to repurchase the Company's
rights under the royalty agreement from the Company for the following payments:
three times the royalty payments due to the Company for the twelve months
immediately prior to the date of notice of repurchase, if given before July 29,
1998; two times the royalty payments due to the Company for the twelve months
immediately prior to the date of notice of repurchase, if given on or after July
29, 1998 but before July 29, 1999; or an amount equal to the royalty payments
due to the Company for the twelve months immediately prior to the date of notice
of repurchase, if given after July 29, 1999.
 
     As part of the sale of DataFocus to its management, the Company agreed to
loan up to $500,000 to certain members of the management of DataFocus, including
Thomas A. Bosanko, who was a director of the Company through August 13, 1996.
The loan carried interest at 8% per annum and provided for level quarterly
principal payments over a four year period. The loan was secured by shares of
the Company's Common Stock owned by such members of management of DataFocus. The
loan was repaid during 1997.
 
     Loss from discontinued operations of $714,000 for the year ended December
31, 1996, resulted from the sale and disposal of the Company's computer service
division.
 
                                       35
<PAGE>   38
 
                             RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
  YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997 COMPARED WITH YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                   YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                              ----------------------------------
                                                                   1997               1996
                                                              ---------------    ---------------
<S>                                                           <C>       <C>      <C>       <C>
Revenue:
  Waste-to-energy:
     Electric power.........................................  $38,968    40.5%   $20,821    30.4%
     Sale of capacity, net..................................                      33,203    48.5%
     Waste processing.......................................   31,545    32.8%    13,975    20.4%
  Recycling.................................................   25,644    26.7%       509     0.7%
                                                              -------   -----    -------   -----
       Total revenues.......................................   96,157   100.0%    68,508   100.0%
Costs and expenses:
  Electric power and waste processing operating costs.......   47,654    49.6%    19,610    28.6%
  Recycling.................................................   20,099    20.9%       508     0.8%
  Selling, general and administrative.......................    2,978     3.1%     2,389     3.5%
  Depreciation and amortization.............................    8,893     9.2%     6,336     9.2%
  Interest expense, net.....................................    5,086     5.3%     4,464     6.5%
  Other income..............................................     (390)   (0.4%)
                                                              -------   -----    -------   -----
       Total costs and expenses.............................   84,320    87.7%    33,307    48.6%
  Equity in net income of PERC..............................                         333     0.5%
  Loss on sale of investments...............................                        (296)   (0.4%)
                                                              -------   -----    -------   -----
  Income from continuing operations before minority
     interest, income taxes and extraordinary item..........   11,837    12.3%    35,238    51.4%
  Minority interest.........................................   (6,331)   (6.6%)  (18,610)  (27.2%)
  Income from continuing operations before income taxes and
     extraordinary item.....................................    5,506     5.7%    16,628    24.3%
  Income tax (benefit)......................................   (2,586)   (2.7%)
                                                              -------   -----    -------   -----
  Income from continuing operations before extraordinary
     item...................................................    8,092     8.4%    16,628    24.3%
  Discontinued operations Loss from discontinued
     operations.............................................       --               (714)   (1.0%)
                                                              -------   -----    -------   -----
  Income before extraordinary item..........................    8,092     8.4%    15,914    23.2%
  Extraordinary item........................................       --             (2,248)   (3.3%)
                                                              -------   -----    -------   -----
       Net income...........................................    8,092     8.4%    13,666    19.9%
  Accretion and paid and accrued dividends on preferred
     stock..................................................   (1,408)   (1.4%)
                                                              -------   -----    -------   -----
       Net income available to common shareholders..........  $ 6,684     7.0%   $13,666    19.9%
                                                              =======   =====    =======   =====
</TABLE>
 
  REVENUES
 
     Waste-to-Energy
 
     The Company's electric power revenues increased by $18,147,000, or 87.2%,
for the year ended December 31, 1997 compared to 1996. This increase principally
resulted from the consolidation of PERC in 1997 which accounted for an increase
of $18.6 million and the inclusion of Telogia Facility for the entire year in
1997 compared to only five weeks in 1996 which resulted in an increase of $4.6
million offset by a decrease in Maine Energy's electric power revenues of
approximately $5.0 million for 1997 compared to 1996, substantially all of which
was due to the change in power rates in accordance with the restructuring of the
Central Maine PPA. In 1996, Maine Energy's overall average power rate for the
year was 9.75c/kWh (16.52c/kWh through May 3, and 6.57c/kWh thereafter). In
1997, the average power rate was $6.864/kWh.
 
                                       36
<PAGE>   39
 
     As a result of certain contingencies in connection with the sale of
capacity under the Central Maine PPA, the Company deferred $45 million of
revenue from this transaction which is being amortized through May 31, 2007, of
which $3,750,000 was recognized in each of 1996 and 1997.
 
     Sale of capacity, net was $33,203,000 for the year ended December 31, 1996
arising from the sale of capacity under Central Maine PPA. No such transaction
occurred in 1997.
 
     Revenues from waste processing increased $17,570,000, or 126%, for the year
ended December 31, 1997 compared to 1996. The increase was principally due to
the consolidation of PERC, which accounted for $12.8 million of revenue in 1997,
the inclusion of results from TERI's Cairo, Georgia bio-mass facility for all of
1997 compared to only five weeks in 1996 which resulted in an increase of $1.5
million and the inclusion of results from AART for the entire year of 1997
compared to only eight months in 1996 which resulted in an increase of $480,000
in 1997. Maine Energy waste processing revenues also increased by $340,000 in
1997 compared to 1996 principally due to higher tonnage being processed. In
addition, revenues for KTI BioFuels increased $1.8 million for 1997 compared to
1996 due principally to its brokerage of bio-mass waste in 1997. KTI BioFuels
had no brokerage business in 1996. Also, during 1997, the Company earned
$700,000 in management fees related to its operating agreement with Prins'
principal lender.
 
     Recycling
 
     Sales of recyclables increased to $25,644,000 from approximately $509,000
in 1996 resulting from the acquisitions of Zaitlin, K-C and the Prins facilities
in 1997 and the inclusion of Manner for all of 1997 compared to only one month
in 1996. Recycling included sales of waste paper, ferrous and non-ferrous metals
and plastic materials.
 
COSTS AND EXPENSES
 
     Electric Power and Waste Processing Operating Costs
 
     Electric power waste handling operating costs increased by $28,044,000, or
143% for the year ended December 31, 1997 compared to 1996. The increase
resulted from the consolidation of PERC in 1997, which had costs and expenses of
$17.8 million in 1997, the inclusion of TERI's Telogia Facility and Cairo,
Georgia bio-mass facility for all of 1997 compared to only five weeks in 1996
which resulted in an increase of $5.1 million, the 1997 acquisitions of Zaitlin,
K-C and the Prins facilities which resulted in operating costs of $4.1 million
in 1997. Costs of $1.4 million were incurred in connection with KTI BioFuels'
brokerage business in 1997. Maine Energy's operating costs decreased by
approximately $300,000 in 1997 compared to 1996 resulting principally from lower
supplemental fuel costs and maintenance costs associated with the annual plant
outage.
 
     Recycling
 
     The increase in recycling costs of $19,591,000 principally resulted from
the 1997 acquisitions of K-C, Zaitlin and the Prins facilities, as well as the
inclusion of Manner for the entire year of 1997 compared to only one month in
1996. These costs principally include the costs of acquired recyclables for
resale.
 
     Other Items
 
     Selling, general and administrative expenses increased by approximately
$589,000 or 24.7% for the year ended December 31, 1997 compared to 1996. This
increase was principally due to salaries of additional management personnel and
associated expenses resulting from the acquisitions of K-C, Zaitlin and the
Prins assets in 1997, as well as the inclusion of TERI and Manner for a full
year in 1997 compared to only five weeks for 1996.
 
     Depreciation and amortization for the year ended December 31, 1997
increased by approximately $2.5 million or 40% compared to 1996. The increase is
the result of the consolidation of PERC in 1997 which resulted in an increase of
$3.5 million and the inclusion of TERI for a full year in 1997 compared to only
five weeks in 1996. These increases where partially offset by a decrease in
depreciation at Maine Energy of $1.5
 
                                       37
<PAGE>   40
 
million due to the full year effect of the change in estimated useful lives of
property, plant and equipment which was effective beginning in the fourth
quarter of 1996.
 
     Interest, net, increased by $622,000, or 13.9% for the year ended December
31, 1997 as compared to the year ended December 31, 1996. This increase resulted
from the consolidation of PERC which had interest expense of $2.5 million, a
full year of interest at TERI in 1997 compared to only five weeks in 1996 which
results in an increase of $560,000 and interest on indebtedness related to the
acquisitions of the Prins facilities and on K-C's and Zaitlin's existing
indebtedness. These increases were partially offset by a decrease in interest
expense of $2.1 million at Maine Energy, as a result of the repayments of $64.5
million in bonds payable and $29.5 million in subordinated debt in the second
quarter of 1996 and a continued reduction in outstanding debt at the Company
level during 1997 compared to 1996.
 
     Equity in net income of PERC was eliminated as a result of the
consolidation of PERC for 1997. Pre-acquisition minority earnings of $4,620,000
for the nine month period ended September 30, 1997 are included in minority
interest in 1997.
 
     Loss on sale of investments in 1996 was related to sales of securities in
connection with the early retirement of debt at Maine Energy. No such
transactions occurred in 1997.
 
     Minority interest decreased approximately $12.3 million, or 66% for the
year ended December 31, 1997 as compared to the year ended December 31, 1996.
Minority interest in Maine Energy decreased due principally to the non-recurring
minority interest gain on sale of capacity recorded at Maine Energy in 1996 of
$17,709,000. In addition, minority interest was reduced due to the full year
effect of the purchase of additional partnership interest in Maine Energy by the
Company in 1996 to its current 74.15% ownership level. These increases are
offset in 1997 by the inclusion of $4,620,000 of pre-acquisition earnings in
PERC and $685,000 minority interest in earnings after the acquisition of the
additional partnership interest.
 
     The tax benefit of $2,586,000 is the result of reduction in the Company's
valuation allowance on net deferred tax assets. The Company's ability to utilize
its net operating loss carryforwards is limited as discussed below. The tax
benefit recorded in 1997 is based on management's evaluation that the Company
will be able to utilize all net operating loss and alternative minimum credit
carryforwards which are available to offset 1998 and 1999 income.
 
                                       38
<PAGE>   41
 
RESULTS OF CONTINUED OPERATIONS
 
  YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996 COMPARED WITH YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                          ------------------------------------
                                                                1996                1995
                                                          ----------------    ----------------
                                                                     ($ THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                       <C>        <C>      <C>        <C>
Revenue:
  Waste-to-energy:
  Electric power........................................  $20,821     30.4%   $26,470     69.5%
  Sale of capacity, net.................................   33,203     48.5%
  Waste processing......................................   13,975     20.4%    11,613     30.5%
  Recycling.............................................      509      0.7%
                                                          -------    -----    -------    -----
     Total revenues.....................................   68,508    100.0%    38,083    100.0%
Costs and expenses:
  Electric power and waste processing operating costs...   19,610     28.6%    18,634     48.9%
  Recycling.............................................      508      0.8%
  Selling, general and administrative:..................    2,389      3.5%     2,941      7.7%
  Depreciation and amortization.........................    6,336      9.2%     7,505     19.7%
  Interest expense -- net...............................    4,464      6.5%     9,379     24.7%
                                                          -------    -----    -------    -----
     Total costs and expenses...........................   33,307     48.6%    38,459    101.0%
  Equity in net income of PERC..........................      333      0.5%       335      0.9%
  Loss on sale of investments...........................     (296)    (0.4)%
                                                          -------    -----    -------    -----
  Income (loss) from continuing operations before
     minority interest, income taxes and extraordinary
     item...............................................   35,238     51.4%       (41)    (0.1)%
  Minority interest.....................................  (18,610)   (27.2)%   (1,287)    (3.4)%
                                                          -------    -----    -------    -----
  Income (loss) from continuing operations before income
     taxes and extraordinary item.......................   16,628     24.3%    (1,328)    (3.5)%
  Income taxes..........................................                          (65)    (0.2)%
                                                          -------    -----    -------    -----
  Income (loss) from continuing operations before
     extraordinary item.................................   16,628     24.3%    (1,393)    (3.7)%
  Discontinued operations
     Loss from discontinued operations..................     (714)    (1.0)%      (86)    (0.2)%
                                                          -------    -----    -------    -----
  Income (loss) before extraordinary item...............   15,914     23.2%    (1,479)    (3.9)%
  Extraordinary item -- gain (loss) on early
     extinguishment of debt, net of minority interest...   (2,248)    (3.3)%      148      0.4%
                                                          -------    -----    -------    -----
  Net income (loss).....................................  $13,666     19.9%   $(1,331)    (3.5)%
                                                          =======    =====    =======    =====
</TABLE>
 
     Revenues
 
     Electric power revenues decreased by $5,649,000, or 21.3%, for the year
ended December 31, 1996 compared to 1995. The decrease principally resulted from
a reduced contract rate under the amended PPA from 16.52c per kWh to 7.18c per
kWh for all power produced after May 3, 1996. As a result of certain
contingencies required by the sale of capacity under the PPA, the Company has
deferred $45,000,000 of revenue from this transaction which is being amortized
through May 31, 2007, of which $3,750,000 has been amortized into revenues in
1996. As a result of the purchase of TEII on November 22, 1996, $484,000 of
electric power revenue is included for the year ended December 31, 1996.
 
     Net revenues from the sale of capacity, were $33,203,000 for the year ended
December 31, 1996 resulting from the sale of capacity under Maine Energy's PPA.
 
                                       39
<PAGE>   42
 
     Revenues from waste processing increased $2,362,000, or 20.3%, for the year
ended December 31, 1996 compared to 1995. This increase is primarily the result
of the acquisition of the Nashville Facility which had revenues of approximately
$2,529,000 and increased revenues from the Company's specialty waste subsidiary
of approximately $900,000 which is a direct result of the increase of 8,786 tons
in specialty waste processed at Maine Energy. The total tonnage increase at
Maine Energy of 21,000 tons which resulted in increased revenues of $768,000 for
1996 was entirely offset by the permanent tipping fee reduction in charter and
host community tipping fees of $7.27 per ton as required by Maine Energy's
long-term waste supply contracts upon the retirement of the $64.5 million in
bonds at Maine Energy. These increases were offset by decreases in KTI BioFuels
revenues of $749,000 principally resulting from a 22,353 ton, or 29.2% decrease
in woodwaste compared to 1995 and a decrease in lease revenue from
transportation equipment of $239,000 as a result of previous equipment sales.
The decrease in KTI BioFuels revenues was primarily the result of diminished
supply of wastewood due to severe weather conditions during the first quarter of
1996.
 
     Recycling revenues in 1996 represent sales by Manner from the date of
acquisition. No such revenues existed in 1995.
 
     Costs and Expenses
 
     Electric power and waste processing operating costs increased by $976,000,
or 5.2%, for the year ended December 31, 1996 compared to 1995. The principal
cause of the increase in 1996 is the purchase of TEII and AART resulting in
increased costs of $2,401,000 during 1996. These increases were partially offset
by decreased net disposal costs of plant residues of $410,000 primarily as a
result of the renegotiated ash disposal contract; a decrease in the need for
supplemental fuels of $273,000 as a result of an increase in the MSW received at
the facility; and, decreased maintenance and related costs of $346,000 all from
the Maine Energy Facility. Additional decreased costs arose from the
transportation division which during 1995 suspended operations. Also, during
1995, the transportation division recorded a provision of $521,000 to reduce the
carrying value of certain transportation equipment. No such provision was
required during 1996.
 
     Recycling costs in 1996 represent the cost of purchased materials sold by
Manner from the date of acquisition. No such costs were incurred in 1995.
 
     Depreciation decreased by $1,169,000 or 15.6% as a result of a change in
useful lives of plant assets at Maine Energy and a reduction of transportation
related assets in 1996 compared to 1995 offset by additional depreciation of
$954,000 related to TEII and AART in 1996.
 
     Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased by $552,000, or
18.8%, for the year ended December 31, 1996 as compared to the year ended
December 31, 1995. The decrease was principally a result of a decrease in
amortization expense resulting from the write off of deferred costs related to
the PPA restructuring at Maine Energy.
 
     Interest and Other Items
 
     Interest -- net decreased by $4,915,000 or 52.4% for the year ended
December 31, 1996 as compared to 1995. The principal decreases for the year were
$1,728,000 resulting from the retirement of $64,500,000 of bonds at Maine
Energy, $2,010,000 resulting from the payment of $29,500,000 of subordinating
debt at Maine Energy and $1,177,000 resulting from decreased letter of credit
fees at Maine Energy due to the retirement of the bonds.
 
     The increase in minority interest of $17,323,000 for the year ended
December 31, 1996 compared to 1995 principally resulted from the minority
interest of 49.62% in Maine Energy's gain from sale of capacity.
 
     Loss from sale of investments of $296,000 for the year ended December 31,
1996, resulted from the sale of longterm fixed rate municipal bonds pledged by
Maine Energy to the letter of credit banks immediately prior to the sale of
capacity on May 3, 1996.
 
     Extraordinary item of $2,248,000 for the year ended December 31, 1996,
resulted from the early extinguishment of the Biddeford Bonds at Maine Energy,
net of minority interest.
 
                                       40
<PAGE>   43
 
     Equity in the net income of PERC decreased by $2,000, or .6%, for the year
ended December 31, 1996. The Company's ownership interest in PERC was 7%.
 
     PERC
 
     Revenues from electric power for 1996 increased by $210,000 or 1.1% over
1995, as a result of a 2.8% increase in contract rate per kilowatt for 1996,
offset by a decrease in power production of 2,635 mWh or 1.6%. Waste processing
revenues for 1996 increased $625,000, or 5.6%, compared to 1995. This resulted
principally from a $1.68 per ton, or 3.7%, increase in PERC's average tipping
fee arising principally as the result of increases in spot market disposal rates
and a 4,900 ton, or 1.9% increase in MSW received in 1996. PERC's tipping fee
revenues are principally derived under long-term contracts, and increases or
decreases in revenues will principally be a result of inflation adjustments,
increases or decreases in passthrough facility costs and change in law pricing
provisions. Operating expenses for the year ended December 31, 1996 increased
$1,007,000, or 5.0%, as compared with the year ended December 31, 1995,
principally due to increased disposal costs of $626,000, maintenance costs
$669,000 and operating and fuel costs $511,000. These increases were offset by a
decrease of $799,000 in performance credits payable to the Charter
Municipalities. Beginning in 1994, PERC, in accordance with agreement with its
charter municipality customers, paid an amount representing 50% of
"distributable cash," as defined in the agreements, to the charter
municipalities. Expense with respect to these agreements was $619,000 in the
year ended December 31, 1996, compared to $1,418,000 in 1995.
 
     Net interest expense for the year ended December 31, 1996 decreased by
$634,000, or 16.6%, as compared with the year ended December 31, 1995. This
decrease was primarily due to lower interest rates on the variable rate bond
debt as well as a reduction in outstanding principal on such bonds. Interest
expense on the variable rate bond debt is a passthrough cost to municipal
customers. As a result, changes in interest expense did not have a significant
effect on net income.
 
                        LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
 
     The Company is a holding company and receives certain of its cash flow from
its subsidiaries. Receipt of cash flow from PERC is currently restricted by
covenants under loan agreements, distribution restrictions under partnership
agreements with PERC's equity investors, and put-or-pay agreements with
municipalities. Maine Energy's cash flow is required to retire the remaining
outstanding subordinated debt balance of $11,949,000 as of December 31, 1997
before partners' cash distributions can begin. TERI's cash flow is restricted by
covenants under its bond agreements. As a result, the following discussion is
organized to present liquidity and capital resources of the Company separate
from Maine Energy, PERC and TERI and liquidity and capital resources of each of
Maine Energy, PERC and TERI independently.
 
THE COMPANY
 
     PERC has significant restrictions on the amount of cash flow that can be
distributed to the Company. Also, PERC management fees are paid annually and
only if PERC meets certain operating results set forth in its loan documents.
Through December 31, 1997, the Company has accumulated management fees
receivable from PERC in the amount of $2.2 million. These fees are payable by
PERC only out of cash flow after all current operating costs and debt service
payments. In addition, the Company has pledged to ENI, the other general partner
of PERC, a portion of the Company's share of PERC management fees as a means of
repaying the remaining outstanding balance of $1,072,000 of an advance ENI made
on the Company's behalf to PERC to cover the Company's additional partnership
capital requirement in 1989. While no assurance can be given, based upon current
conditions, management expects annual management fees to be received on a
current basis and accrued management fees from prior years to be paid from
PERC's distributable cash flow as the project continues its recent trend of
distribution of cash to its partners. The future operating results of PERC will
determine the exact term over which the accrued management fees will be received
by the Company. During 1997, the Company received $686,000 in current and
accrued management fees on account of 1996 operations
 
                                       41
<PAGE>   44
 
of which $389 was paid to ENI. The Company anticipates receipt of cash from PERC
during 1998 on account of 1997 operations of $2,825,000 of which $431,000 will
be paid to ENI.
 
     Since February 28, 1991, the Company has been receiving operating and
management fees from Maine Energy on a current basis. During 1997, the Company
received $501,000 for operating and management fees from Maine Energy on account
of 1997 operations.
 
     On October 24, 1996 the Company executed a Note Purchase Agreement with
WEXFORD KTI LLC, a Delaware limited liability company ("WEXFORD"). Pursuant to
the Note Purchase Agreement, the Company issued an 8%, $5,000,000 convertible
subordinated note (the "Note") to WEXFORD. The Note was due on October 31, 2002
and was convertible by WEXFORD into the Common Stock at a conversion price of
$8.095 per share. On October 9, 1997 Wexford converted the entire balance of the
note into 618,609 shares of the Common Stock.
 
     On June 4, 1997, the Company consummated the private placement of 487,500
shares of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock for gross proceeds of $3,900,000.
The Series A Convertible Preferred Stock was convertible into shares of the
Common Stock, at a price of $8.00 per share, subject to adjustment. Purchasers
of the shares of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock also received, in the
aggregate, warrants to purchase 243,750 shares of Common Stock at $9.00 per
share and warrants to purchase 32,500 shares of Common Stock at $10.00 per
share. During 1997, 40,000 of the shares of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock
were converted to 40,000 shares of Common Stock. The remaining shares of Series
A Convertible Preferred Stock were converted into 447,500 shares of Common Stock
in February 1998.
 
     During August 1997, the Company consummated the offering of 856,000 shares
of its 8.75% Series B Preferred Stock. The gross proceeds of the offering were
$21.4 million and the net proceeds to the Company were $19,984,000.
 
     The Series B Preferred Stock is convertible into Common Stock at $11.75 of
liquidation value per share and is redeemable, at the option of the Company: (a)
on August 15, 1999 for $26.47 per share if the bid price of the Common Stock has
averaged not less than 1.5 times the then conversion price during the preceding
twenty (20) consecutive trading days; and (b) at $26.10 on August 15, 2000 and
declining at approximately $0.37 per share as of August 15 on each subsequent
year until August 15, 2003 when the Series B Preferred Stock may be called at
$25.00 per share. The Series B Preferred Stock is subject to mandatory
redemption at $25.00 per share on August 15, 2004. At the option of the Company,
such mandatory redemption of the Series B Preferred Stock may be made in cash or
in shares of Common Stock, valued at 95% of the average closing price of the
Common Stock during the twenty (20) trading days prior to such redemption date.
 
     So long as any shares of the Series B Preferred Stock are outstanding, the
Company may not issue any new securities in parity with, or senior to, the
Series B Preferred Stock unless (a) the proforma ratios for the latest twelve
months of net income available for preferred dividends is not less than 1:1; and
(b) earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, exclusive of
non-recurring items, less capital expenditures, securities amortization and
redemption, cash, taxes and changes in working capital to preferred dividends is
not less than 1.2:1, unless an affirmative vote or consent of the majority of
the outstanding shares of Series B Preferred Stock has been received.
 
     The Company, at its option, may exchange all, but not less than all, or the
then outstanding shares of Series B Preferred Stock into 8.75% convertible
subordinated notes due August 15, 2004 (the "8.75% Convertible Subordinated
Notes") on the first business day of February, May, August or November of any
year. If the 8.75% Convertible Subordinated Notes are issued, the Company is
obligated to qualify the trust indenture for the 8.75% Convertible Subordinated
Notes and the trustee appointed thereby under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939,
as amended.
 
     The Company has financed its operations and capital expenditures primarily
from cash flow from its subsidiaries which are not contractually restricted from
making distributions, collateralized equipment financing, unsecured subordinated
debt and proceeds from the sale of Common Stock.
 
                                       42
<PAGE>   45
 
     The Company and its subsidiaries, other than Maine Energy, PERC and TERI,
at December 31, 1997 had indebtedness maturing in 1998 of $11,829,000, including
borrowings under existing revolving credit facilities.
 
     As of December 31, 1997, the Company had cash on hand without regard to
Maine Energy, PERC and TERI of approximately $2,386,000 and $6,000,000 available
in lines of credit from a bank. On March 23, 1998 the Company received a
commitment from KeyBank to increase its credit line from $11 million to $22
million. This line of credit can be utilized to fund acquisitions, capital
expenditures and for working capital. There can be no assurance such
acquisitions or capital expenditires will take place, or that working capital
will be increased. Management of the Company believes that cash flow from its
subsidiaries and the increased line of credit will meet its current needs for
liquidity. Moreover, management believes that the Company has the ability to
access additional borrowing facilities if needed, although no assurance can be
given in this regard.
 
MAINE ENERGY
 
     Maine Energy has financed its operations and capital expenditures from cash
flows from operations. Cash provided by operations was $3,175,000 in 1997, as
compared to $89,281,000 in 1996. During 1996, Maine Energy sold its generating
capacity to CL One for a period through May 31, 2007. In exchange, CL One agreed
to make a series of quarterly payments to Maine Energy and an initial payment of
$85 million. During May 1996, Maine Energy retired the entire outstanding
principal balance of $64.5 million of its tax exempt variable rate revenue bonds
and $29.5 million of its subordinated loan accrued interest and principal from
the proceeds from the sale of capacity. As of December 31, 1997 Maine Energy had
total indebtedness of $11,949,000
 
     As of December 31, 1997 and December 31, 1996, Maine Energy had operating
cash of $737,000 and $1,648,000, respectively, and as required under the terms
of the credit agreement underlying its letter of credit, Maine Energy has on
account an additional $7,669,000 and $7,433,000, respectively, of reserves to be
used under certain circumstances for capital improvements, debt service,
operating shortfalls and working capital requirements. Maine Energy's capital
expenditures were $2,559,000 and $3,049,000 during 1997 and 1996, respectively.
 
     Management of the Company believes Maine Energy's cash flows from
operations and cash resources available will be sufficient to fund anticipated
capital expenditures and debt service requirements. Capital expenditures for
Maine Energy for the year ending December 31, 1998 are expected to be
approximately $2,672,000, which has principally been set aside in the above
mentioned reserve accounts.
 
PERC
 
     PERC has financed its operations and capital expenditures primarily by cash
flow from operations. Cash provided by operations was $11,313,000 in 1997 as
compared to $8,493,000 in 1996. PERC's capital expenditures were $391,000 and
$1,192,000 during 1997 and 1996, respectively.
 
     At December 31, 1997 and December 31, 1996, PERC had outstanding
tax-exempt, variable rate revenue bonds backed by bank letters of credit in the
aggregate amounts of $47,900,000 and $53,500,000, respectively. The variable
interest rate on the bonds at December 31, 1997 and 1996 was 4.40% and 4.25%,
respectively. The bonds are payable pursuant to a schedule through May 2003.
During 1997 and 1996 PERC made principal payments to bondholders in the amounts
of $5,600,000 and $5,900,000, respectively. As of December 31, 1997 PERC had
total indebedness of $47.9 million.
 
     As of December 31, 1997 and 1996, in addition to PERC's operating cash of
$7,125,000 and $5,440,000, respectively, and as required under the terms of the
credit agreement with its letter of credit banks and the trust indenture
governing the bonds, had on account an additional $9,849,000 and $8,482,000,
respectively, of cash reserves to be used for capital improvements, debt
service, operating shortfalls and working capital requirements.
 
                                       43
<PAGE>   46
 
     Company management believes PERC's cash flows from operations and cash
resources available will be sufficient to fund anticipated capital expenditures
and debt service requirements. PERC plans capital expenditures for the year
ending December 31, 1998 of approximately $998,000. PERC intends to finance the
requirements through cash flow from operations.
 
TERI
 
     TERI has financed its operations and capital expenditures primarily by cash
flows from operations. Cash provided by operations was $1,807,000 in 1997.
TERI's capital expenditures were $1,329,000 for additions to property, plant and
equipment during 1997.
 
     During 1997, TERI retired $13.4 million of variable rate revenues bonds and
paid certain debt financing costs with $13,708,000 of proceeds from two 1997
Industrial Development Revenue Bond issues (the "1997 Bonds") and cash on hand.
The outstanding 1997 Bonds carry interest at a fixed rate of 7% and have annual
sinking fund payments due each December 1 ($1,765,000 due December 1, 1998) with
a final payment of $4,620,000 due December 1, 2002. During 1997, TERI repaid
$308 which represented the entire balance of one of the 1997 Bond issuances. As
of December 31, 1997 TERI had total indebtedness of $13.4 million.
 
     As of December 31, 1997 and December 31, 1996, in addition to TERI's
operating cash of $933,000 and $558,000, respectively, TERI, as required under
the terms of its then existing debt agreements, had on account an additional
$2,051,000 and $499,000, respectively, of reserves to be used under certain
circumstances for capital improvements, debt service, operating shortfalls and
working capital requirements.
 
     Management believes TERI's cash flows from operations and cash resources
available will be sufficient to fund anticipated capital expenditures and debt
service requirements. Capital expenditures for TERI for the year ending December
31, 1998 are expected to be approximately $200,000. TERI intends to finance the
requirements through cash flow from operations.
 
                             TAX LOSS CARRYFORWARDS
 
     At December 31, 1997, the Company had net operating loss carryforwards of
approximately $46.1 million for income tax purposes that expire in years 2002
through 2010 and are subject to the limitations as described below. In addition,
the Company has general business credit carryforwards of approximately $530,000
that expire in the years 1999 through 2006 and alternative minimum tax credits
of approximately $815,000 which do not expire. For financial reporting purposes,
such amounts are treated as deferred tax assets and a valuation allowance has
been recognized to offset these deferred tax assets.
 
     These deferred tax assets can be utilized against future net income of the
Company. When utilized by the Company, net income will not be reduced by income
tax provisions.
 
     The Tax Reform Act of 1986 enacted a complex set of rules limiting the
potential utilization of net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards in
periods following a corporate "ownership change." In general, for federal income
tax purposes, an ownership change is deemed to occur if the percentage of stock
of a loss corporation owned (actually, constructively and, in some cases,
deemed) by one or more "5% shareholders" has increased by more than fifty (50)
percentage points over the lowest percentage of such stock owned during a
three-year testing period.
 
     During 1994, such a change in ownership occurred. As a result of the
change, the Company's ability to utilize its net operating loss carryforwards
and general business credits will be limited to approximately $1,200,000 of
taxable income, or approximately $375,000 of equivalent credit per year. This
limitation may be increased if the Company recognizes a gain on the disposition
of an asset which had a fair market value greater than its tax basis on the date
of the ownership change.
 
     During 1996, the Company acquired TERI. As a result of this acquisition,
the Company recorded additional net operating loss carryforwards of $25,580,000,
which are also subject to a corporate "ownership change". As a result of the
change, the Company's ability to utilize the net operating loss carryforwards of
TERI is limited to approximately $988,000 per year.
 
                                       44
<PAGE>   47
 
                          ENVIRONMENTAL CONTINGENCIES
 
     While increasing environmental regulation often presents new business
opportunities to the Company, Maine Energy, PERC and TERI, it likewise often
results in increased operating costs as well. The Company, Maine Energy, PERC
and TERI strive to conduct their operations in compliance with applicable laws
and regulations, including environmental rules and regulations, and have as
their goal 100% compliance with such laws and regulations. This effort requires
programs to promote compliance, such as training employees and customers,
purchasing health and safety equipment, and in some cases hiring outside
consultants and lawyers. Even with these programs, management of the Company
believes that in the ordinary course of doing business, companies in the
environmental services and waste disposal industry are faced with governmental
enforcement proceedings resulting in fines or other sanctions and will likely be
required to pay civil penalties or to expend funds for remedial work on waste
management facilities. At December 31, 1997, there were no pending governmental
environmental enforcement proceedings where the Company, Maine Energy, PERC or
TERI believe potential monetary sanctions will exceed $100,000. The possibility
always exists that substantial expenditures could result from governmental
proceedings, which would have a negative impact on earnings for a particular
reporting period. More importantly, federal, state and local regulators have the
power to suspend or revoke permits or licenses needed for operation of the
plants, equipment, and vehicles of the Company, Maine Energy, PERC or any other
operating subsidiary of the Company based on the applicable company's compliance
record, and customers may decide not to use a particular disposal facility or do
business with a company because of concerns about its compliance record.
Suspension or revocation of permits or licenses would have a negative impact on
the Company's business and operations and could have a material adverse impact
on the Company's financial results.
 
                                   INFLATION
 
     The effect of inflation on operating costs has been minimal in over the
past three (3) years. Most of the Company's operating expenses are inflation
sensitive, with increases in inflation generally resulting in increased costs of
operation. The effect of inflation-driven cost increases on each of the
Company's project's overall operating costs is not expected to be greater for
such project than for its respective competitors. In addition, each of Maine
Energy and PERC can contractually increase its waste processing fees to
municipal customers annually based on inflation.
 
                                YEAR 2000 ISSUE
 
     Until recently computer programs were written to store only two digits of
date-related information in order to more efficiently handle and store data.
Thus the programs were unable to properly distinguish between the year 1900 and
the year 2000. This is frequently referred to as the "Year 2000 Problem". During
1997, the Company initiated a Year 2000 Project to begin to address this issue.
Utilizing both internal and external resources, the Company is in the process of
defining, assessing and converting, or replacing, various programs, hardware and
instrumentation systems including those at its subsidiaries and its facilities
to make them Year 2000 compatible. The Company's Year 2000 project is comprised
of several components including, business applications, computer hardware and
facilities equipment. The business applications component consists of the
Company's business computer systems, as well as the computer systems of
customers whose Year 2000 problems could potentially impact the Company.
Equipment exposures consist of the micro-processors with the power of small
computers that are embedded within operating, control and safety equipment
utilized within the Company's facilities. Should the Company not be able to
convert or replace all such programs, hardware and instrumentation systems it
could have a material adverse effect on the Company's results of operations and
financial position. No assurance can be given that the Company will be able to
successfully convert or replace all such programs, hardware and instrumentation
systems. The cost of the Year 2000 initiatives is not expected to be material to
the Company's results of operations or financial position.
 
                                       45
<PAGE>   48
 
       RECENT PRONOUNCEMENTS OF THE FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING STANDARDS BOARD
 
     Recent pronouncements of the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB")
which are not required to be adopted at December 31, 1997, include the following
Statements of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS"):
 
     SFAS No. 130, "Reporting Comprehensive Income," establishes standards for
reporting and display of comprehensive income (all changes in equity during a
period except those resulting from investments by and distributions to owners)
and its components in the financial statements. This new standard which will be
effective for the Company for the year ending December 31, 1998, is not
currently anticipated to have a significant impact on the Company's financial
statements based on the current financial structure and operations of the
Company.
 
     SFAS No. 131, "Disclosure about Segments of an Enterprise and Related
Information," which will be effective for the Company for the year ending
December 31, 1998, establishes standards for reporting information about
operating segments in the annual financial statements, selected information
about operating segments in interim financial reports and disclosures about
products and services, geographic areas and major customers. This new standard
may require the Company to report financial information on the basis that is
used internally for evaluating segment performance and deciding how to allocate
resources to segments, which may result in more detailed information in the
notes to the Company's financial statements than is currently required and
provided. The Company has not yet determined the effects, if any, of
implementing SFAS No. 131 on its reporting of financial information.
 
ITEM 8.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
 
     The consolidated financial statements of the Company for the year ended
December 31, 1997 and 1996 with regard to consolidated balance sheets, and the
years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995, with regard to consolidated
statements of operations, shareholders' equity (deficit) and cash flows,
together with the reports of independent auditors thereon and related schedules
appear on pages F-1 to F-37.
 
ITEM 9.  CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND
FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
 
     Not applicable.
 
                                    PART III
 
ITEM 10.  DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT
 
     Incorporated by reference to the Company's definitive proxy statement for
the 1998 Annual Meeting of Shareholders which will be filed with the Securities
and Exchange Commission on or before April 30, 1998.
 
ITEM 11.  EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
 
     Incorporated by reference to the Company's definitive proxy statement for
the 1998 Annual Meeting of Shareholders which will be filed with the Securities
and Exchange Commission on or before April 30, 1998.
 
ITEM 12.  SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
 
     Incorporated by reference to the Company's definitive proxy statement for
the 1998 Annual Meeting of Shareholders which will be filed with the Securities
and Exchange Commission on or before April 30, 1998.
 
ITEM 13.  CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS.
 
     Incorporated by reference to the Company's definitive proxy statement for
the 1998 Annual Meeting of Shareholders which will be filed with the Securities
and Exchange Commission on or before April 30, 1998.
 
                                       46
<PAGE>   49
 
                                    PART IV
 
ITEM 14.  EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES.
 
     (a) The following financial statements are filed as a part of this report:
 
     Consolidated Financial Statements of KTI, Inc.:
     Report of Independent Auditors
     Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 1997 and 1996
     Consolidated Statements of Operations for each of the three years in the
       period ended December 31, 1997
     Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders Equity (Deficit) for
     each of
       the three years in the period ended December 31, 1997
     Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for each of the three years in the
       period ended December 31, 1997
     Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
     Financial Statements of Penobscot Energy Recovery Company:
     Report of Independent Auditors
     Balance Sheet at December 31, 1996
     Statements of Operations for each of the two years in the period ended
       December 31, 1996
     Statements of Changes in Partners' Capital for each of the two years in
       the period ended December 31, 1996
     Statements of Cash Flows for each of the two years in the period ended
       December 31, 1996
     Notes to Financial Statements
 
     (b) The following consolidated financial statement schedule of the Company
is filed as part of this report:
 
        Schedule II -- Valuation of Qualifying Accounts
 
        All other schedules for which provision is made in the applicable
accounting regulations of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 are not required
under the related instructions or are inapplicable, and therefore have been
omitted.
 
     (c) The following exhibits which are furnished with this report or
incorporated herein by reference, are filed as part of this report:
 
                                 EXHIBIT INDEX
 
<TABLE>
<S>      <C>
   2.1   Agreement of Reorganization and Merger among KTI, Inc., a
         New Jersey corporation, K-C Industries, Inc., an Oregon
         corporation and KES, Inc., a Delaware corporation, dated
         September 22, 1997(1)
   4.1   Specimen Form of Common Stock Certificate(2)
   4.3   Certificate of Amendment to Registrant's Restated
         Certificate of Certificate of Incorporation, filed August 8,
         1997(3)
   4.4   Certificate of Correction to Certificate of Amendment to
         Registrant's Restated Certificate of Certificate of
         Incorporation, filed October 31, 1997(23)
  10.1   Loan Agreement dated as of June 1, 1985 between City of
         Biddeford, Maine and Maine Energy Recovery Company, as
         amended(4)
  10.2   Subordinated Note of Maine Energy Recovery Company dated as
         of December 1, 1990 in the original principal amount of
         $14,252,338.39 payable to CNA Realty Corp.(4)
</TABLE>
 
                                       47
<PAGE>   50
<TABLE>
<S>      <C>
  10.3   Subordinated Note of Maine Energy Recovery Company dated as
         of December 1, 1990 in the original principal amount of
         $9,495,327.45 payable to Energy National, Inc.(4)
  10.4   Subordinated Note of Maine Energy Recovery Company dated as
         of December 1, 1990 in the original principal amount of
         $4,737,517.54 payable to Project Capital 1985(4)
  10.5   Loan Agreement dated as of April 1, 1986 between Town of
         Orrington, Maine and Penobscot Energy Recovery Company, as
         amended(4)
  10.6   Credit Agreement dated as of May 15, 1986 by and among
         Penobscot Energy Recovery Company, PERC Management Company
         and Energy National, Inc. and The Banking Institutions
         Signatory Hereto and Bankers Trust Company, as Agent, as
         amended(4)
  10.7   Second Amended and Restated Agreement and Certificate of
         Limited Partnership of Penobscot Energy Recovery Company
         dated May 15, 1986, as amended(2)
  10.8   Agreement between Penobscot Energy Recovery Company and
         Bangor Hydro-Electric Company dated June 21, 1984, as
         amended(2)
  10.9   Form of Penobscot Energy Recovery Company Waste Disposal
         Agreement (City of Bangor) dated April 1, 1991 and Schedule
         of Substantially Identical Waste Disposal Agreements(2)
  10.10  Operation and Maintenance Agreement Between Esoco Orrington,
         Inc. and Penobscot Energy Recovery Company dated June 30,
         1989(2)
  10.11  Residue Disposal Agreement between Penobscot Energy Recovery
         Company and Sawyer Environmental Recovery Facilities, Inc.
         dated September 19, 1985, as amended(2)
  10.12  Amended and Restated Bypass Agreement between Sawyer
         Environmental Recovery Facilities, Inc. and Penobscot Energy
         Recovery Company dated April 4, 1994(2)
  10.13  Second Amended and Restated Agreement and Certificate of
         Limited Partnership of Maine Energy Recovery Company dated
         June 30, 1986, as amended(2)
  10.14  Power Purchase Agreement Between Maine Energy Recovery
         Company and Central Maine Power Company dated January 12,
         1984, as amended(2)
  10.15  Operation and Maintenance Agreement Between Maine Energy
         Recovery Company and KTI Operations, Inc. dated December 1,
         1990(2)
  10.16  Host Municipalities' Waste Handling Agreement among
         Biddeford-Saco Solid Waste Committee, City of Biddeford,
         City of Saco and Maine Energy Recovery Company dated June 7,
         1991(2)
  10.17  Form of Maine Energy Recovery Company Waste Handling
         Agreement (Town of North Berwick) dated June 7, 1991 and
         Schedule of Substantially Identical Waste Disposal
         Agreements(2)
  10.18  Material Disposal and Transportation Agreement among
         Consolidated Waste Service, Inc., Waste Management of New
         Hampshire and Maine Energy Recovery Company dated October
         21, 1991(2)
  10.19  Front-End Process Residue Agreement between Arthur
         Schofield, Inc. and Maine Energy Recovery Company dated May
         27, 1994(2)
  10.20  Second Amended and Restated Agreement and Certificate of
         Limited Partnership of FTI Limited Partnership dated
         December 11, 1986, as amended(2)
  10.21  Land Lease dated November 25, 1985 between City of Lewiston
         and Fuel Technologies, Inc. as amended(2)
  10.22  KTI, Inc. 1994 Long-Term Incentive Award Plan(2)
  10.23  Employment Agreement between KTI, Inc. and Martin J. Sergi
         dated May 1, 1994(2)
  10.24  Registration Rights Agreement between Davstar Managed
         Investments Corp. and KTI Environmental Group, Inc. dated
         March 17, 1993(2)
</TABLE>
 
                                       48
<PAGE>   51
<TABLE>
<S>      <C>
  10.25  Registration Rights Agreement among KTI Environmental Group,
         Inc., Martin J. Sergi and Midlantic National Bank dated May
         10, 1994(2)
  10.26  Registration Rights Agreement among KTI Environmental Group,
         Inc., Nicholas Menonna, Jr. and Midlantic National Bank
         dated May 10, 1994(2)
  10.27  KTI, Inc. Directors Stock Option Plan(5)
  10.28  Form of Registration Rights between KTI, Inc. and Mona
         Kalimian, Mark D. Kalimian, and Linda Berley dated July 27,
         1995 and Schedule of Substantially Identical Registration
         Rights Agreements(4)
  10.29  Letter Agreement dated as of November 10, 1995 among Central
         Maine Power, Maine Energy Recovery Company and Citizens
         Lehman Power(6)
  10.30  Global Agreement dated December 28, 1995 between
         Environmental Capital Holdings, Inc. and KTI, Inc.(6)
  10.31  Agreement of Limited Partnership of American Ash Recycling
         of Tennessee, Ltd. dated December 28, 1995(6)
  10.32  Agreement of Limited Partnership of American Ash Recycling
         of New England, Ltd. dated December 28, 1995(6)
  10.33  First Amendment to Agreement of Limited Partnership of
         American Ash Recycling of Tennessee, Ltd., dated March 16,
         1996(7)
  10.34  Agreement dated as of July 19, 1996 by and among KTI, Inc.,
         DataFocus Incorporated and CIBER, Inc.(8)
  10.35  Agreement dated July 19, 1996 by and among KTI, Inc., Thomas
         Bosanko and Patrick B. Higbie(8)
  10.36  Operating Agreement of Specialties Environmental Management
         Company, LLC dated as of October 18, 1996(9)
  10.37  Amendment to Employment Agreements between KTI, Inc. and
         Nicholas Menonna, Jr. and Martin J. Sergi(10)
  10.38  Note Purchase Agreement dated as of October 23, 1996 between
         KTI, Inc. and WEXFORD KTI LLC(11)
  10.39  Registration Rights Agreement dated as of October 23, 1996
         between KTI, Inc. and WEXFORD KTI LLC(11)
  10.40  Escrow Agreement dated as of October 23, 1996 between KTI,
         Inc. and WEXFORD KTI LLC and Key Trust of Ohio, N.A.(11)
  10.41  Securities Purchase Agreement by and among KTI Plastic
         Recycling, Inc., Continental Casualty Company, CNA Realty
         Corp., CLE, Inc. and Timber Energy Investment, Inc. dated as
         of November 22, 1996(12)
  10.42  Securities Purchase Agreement by and among KTI Plastic
         Recycling, Inc. and Diane Goodman and Seth Lehner dated as
         of November 25, 1996(13)
  10.43  Loan and Security Agreement between KTI, Inc., KTI
         Environmental Group, Inc., Kuhr Technologies, Inc., KTI
         Limited Partners, Inc., KTI Operations, Inc. and PERC, Inc.,
         Borrowers, and Key Bank of New York, Lender, dated October
         29, 1996(14)
  10.44  Pledge Agreement between each Borrower and Key Bank of New
         York dated October 29, 1996(14)
  10.45  Key Trust Company PRISM(R) Prototype Retirement Plan and
         Trust adopted as of December 11, 1996(14)
  10.46  Option and Consulting Agreement by and among KTI, Inc. and
         L.T. Lawrence & Co., Inc. dated as of June 1, 1996(14)
</TABLE>
 
                                       49
<PAGE>   52
<TABLE>
<S>      <C>
  10.47  First Amendment to Option and Consulting Agreement by and
         among KTI, Inc. and L.T. Lawrence & Co., Inc. dated as of
         December 18, 1996(14)
  10.48  Warrant to purchase 200,000 shares of KTI, Inc. common stock
         at $7.50 per share issued to L.T. Lawrence & Co., Inc. dated
         as of December 18, 1996(14)
  10.49  Warrant to purchase 6,000 shares of KTI, Inc. common stock
         at $8.50 per share issued to Thomas E. Schulze dated as of
         January 2, 1997(14)
  10.50  Warrant to purchase 3,000 shares of KTI, Inc. common stock
         at $8.50 per share issued to John E. Turner dated as of
         January 2, 1997(14)
  10.51  Warrant to purchase 6,000 shares of KTI, Inc. common stock
         at $8.50 per share issued to Robert E. Wetzel dated as of
         January 2, 1997(14)
  10.52  Warrant to purchase 15,000 shares of KTI, Inc. common stock
         at $6.00 per share issued to The Baldwin & Clarke Companies
         dated as of January 2, 1997(14)
  10.53  Warrant to purchase 15,000 shares of KTI, Inc. common stock
         at $7.00 per share issued to The Baldwin & Clarke Companies
         dated as of January 2, 1997(14)
  10.54  Third Amendment to Second Amended and Restated Certificate
         and Agreement of Limited Partnership of FTI Limited
         Partnership dated as of January 23, 1997(14)
  10.55  Warrant to purchase 2,000 shares of KTI, Inc. common stock
         at $8.50 per share issued to Maine Woodchips Associates
         dated as of January 23, 1997(14)
  10.56  Registration Rights Agreement by and between KTI, Inc. and
         Maine Woodchips Associates dated as of January 23, 1997(14)
  10.57  Securities Purchase Agreement by and among KTI Plastic
         Recycling, Inc., Continental Casualty Company, CNA Realty
         Corp., CLE, Inc. and Timber Energy Investment, Inc., dated
         as of November 22, 1996(15)
  10.58  Term sheet (Purchase of assets of Prins Recycling Corp. and
         subsidiaries)(16)
  10.59  Agreement, dated as of April 21, 1997 between KTI Recycling,
         Inc. and its subsidiaries and PNC Bank(16)
  10.60  Operations and Maintenance Agreement, dated as of April 21,
         1997, by and between Prins Recycling Corp. and its
         subsidiaries and KTI Operations, Inc.(16)
  10.61  Order of the Bankruptcy Court for the District of New Jersey
         dated June 19, 1997(16)
  10.62  Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of June 24, 1997, between
         Prins Recycling Corp. and its subsidiaries and KTI
         Recycling, Inc. and its subsidiaries(16)
  10.63  Securities Purchase Agreement by and among I. Zaitlin &
         Sons, Inc., a Maine corporation, Data Destruction Services,
         Inc., a Maine corporation, Samuel M. Zaitlin, Steven G.
         Suher and George G. Deely and KTI Recycling, Inc., a
         Delaware corporation(17)
  10.64  First amendment, dated as of August 14, 1997, to the Loan
         and Security Agreement between KTI, Inc., KTI Environmental
         Group, Inc., Kuhr Technologies, Inc., KTI Limited Partners,
         Inc., KTI Operations, Inc. and PERC, Inc.(18)
  10.65  Securities Purchase Agreement, dated as of August 12, 1997,
         by and among KTI, Inc., and Wenoha Corporation, John G.
         Mills, L. Don Norton, Glen Wade Stewart, Bruce D. Wentworth
         and Donald E. Wentworth(18)
  10.66  Placement Agreement dated August 7, 1997 between KTI, Inc.
         and Credit Research & Trading LLC(19)
  10.67  Warrant Agreement dated August 7, 1997 between KTI, Inc. and
         Credit Research & Trading LLC(19)
  10.68  Registration Rights Agreement dated August 15, 1997 between
         KTI, Inc. and the purchases named therein(19)
</TABLE>
 
                                       50
<PAGE>   53
<TABLE>
<S>      <C>
  10.69  Purchase and Option Agreement by and between PERC Management
         Company Limited Partnership and The Prudential Insurance
         Company of America dated September 30, 1997(20)
  10.70  Second Amendment to the Second Amended and Restated
         Agreement and Certificate of Limited Partnership of
         Penobscot Energy Recovery Company, Limited Partnership dated
         as of September 29, 1997(20)
  10.71  Assignment and Assumption Agreement between The Prudential
         Insurance Company of America and PERC Management Company
         Limited(20) Partnership dated as of September 29, 1997 re
         Penobscot Energy Recovery Company, Limited Partnership(20)
  10.72  Amendment No. 1 to Reimbursement Agreement and Release of
         Assignment dated as of September 29, 1997 to the
         Reimbursement Agreement dated as of May 28, 1991 of
         Penobscot Energy Recovery Company, Limited Partnership in
         favor of Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New York re
         Penobscot Energy Recovery Company, Limited Partnership(20)
  10.73  Assignment and Assumption Agreement between The Prudential
         Insurance Company of America and PERC Management Company
         Limited Partnership dated as of September 29, 1997 re
         Orrington Waste Ltd., Limited Partnership(20)
  10.74  Amendment no. 1 to Reimbursement Agreement and Release of
         Assignment dated as of September 29, 1997 to the
         Reimbursement Agreement dated as of May 28, 1991 of
         Penobscot Energy Recovery Company, Limited Partnership in
         favor of Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New York re
         Orrington Waste Ltd.(20)
  10.75  Securities Purchase Agreement dated as of January 1, 1998,
         by and among Vel-A-Tran Recycling, Inc., a Massachusetts
         corporation, Raymond Vellucci and KTI Recycling of New
         England, Inc., a Delaware corporation(21)
  10.76  Securities Purchase Agreement dated as of January 27, 1998
         among Total Waste Management Corporation, Donald A.
         Littlefield, William Kaylor and KTI Specialty Waste
         Services, Inc., a Maine corporation(22)
  21     List of all subsidiaries of Registrant
 *23     Consent of Ernst & Young LLP
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
 (1) Filed as an Exhibit to Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K dated
     September 16, 1997
 
 (2) Filed as an Exhibit to Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-4 (No.
     33-85234) dated January 6, 1995.
 
 (3) Filed as an Exhibit to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated
     August 15, 1997.
 
 (4) Filed with the Registration Statement on Form S-1 dated December 6, 1995.
 (5) Filed as an Exhibit to Registrant's Proxy Statement dated June 5, 1995.
 
 (6) Filed with the Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1
     dated February 2, 1996.
 
 (7) Filed as an Exhibit to Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K dated April
     15, 1996.
 
 (8) Filed as an Exhibit to Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K dated July
     19, 1996.
 
 (9) Filed as an Exhibit to Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K dated
     October 18, 1996.
 
(10) Filed as an Exhibit to Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K dated
     October 23, 1996.
 
(11) Filed as an Exhibit to Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K dated
     October 24, 1996.
 
(12) Filed as an Exhibit to Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K dated
     November 22, 1996.
 
(13) Filed as an Exhibit to Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K dated
     November 25, 1996.
 
(14) Filed as an Exhibit to Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year
     ended December 31, 1996.
 
(15) Filed as an Exhibit to Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K dated
     November 26, 1996.
 
(16) Filed as an Exhibit to Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K dated June
     19, 1997
 
(17) Filed as an Exhibit to Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K dated July
     29, 1997.
 
                                       51
<PAGE>   54
 
(18) Filed as an Exhibit to Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K dated August
     12, 1997.
 
(19) Filed as an Exhibit to Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K dated August
     15, 1997.
 
(20) Filed as an Exhibit to Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K dated
     September 30, 1997.
 
(21) Filed as an Exhibit to Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K dated
     January 15, 1998.
 
(22) Filed as an Exhibit to Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K dated
     February 4, 1998.
 
(23) Filed with the Registration Statement on Form S-2 dated February 11, 1998.
 
  *  Filed herewith.
 
REPORTS ON FORM 8-K FILED DURING THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1997.
 
     Three Reports on Form 8-K were filed in the fourth quarter of 1997, one of
which was amended by a Form 8-K/A also filed during the quarter. No financial
statements were included with such Forms 8-K. The following is a list of the
Forms 8-K filed and the dates thereof.
 
     (i) A Form 8-K was filed on October 15, 1997 reporting that the Company
purchased a 49.5% limited partnership interest in PERC from The Prudential
Insurance Company of America for approximately $11.7 million cash.
 
     (ii) A Form 8-K/A was filed on December 8, 1997 in connection with a
previous Form 8-K filed on October 15, 1997, reporting certain financial
information in connection with the acquisition of its 49.5% limited partnership
interest in PERC from the Prudential Insurance Company of America for
approximately $11.7 million cash, which as permitted was not provided in the
initial 8-K dated October 15, 1997.
 
     (iii) A Form 8-K was filed on December 8, 1997 reporting that the Company
completed the acquisition of three recycling facilities as part of an asset
purchase from Prins Recycling Corp.
 
     (iv) A Form 8-K was filed on December 12, 1997 reporting that the Company
exercised its option to purchase an additional 14.8% limited partnership
interest in PERC from the Prudential Insurance Company of America for $2.1
million cash.
 
                                       52
<PAGE>   55
 
     Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on
its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
 
                                          KTI, INC. (Registrant)
 
                                          By:
                                          --------------------------------------
                                                       Ross Pirasteh
                                                   Chairman of the Board
 
Date: March   , 1998
 
     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this
report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the
registrant and in the capacities and on the date indicated.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                  SIGNATURE                                   TITLE                        DATE
                  ---------                                   -----                        ----
<C>                                            <S>                                   <C>
 
                                               Chairman of the Board                    March   , 1998
- ---------------------------------------------
                Ross Pirasteh
 
                                               Vice Chairman, President                 March   , 1998
- ---------------------------------------------  Chief Financial Officer
               Martin J. Sergi                 and Director (Principal Executive
                                               Financial and Accounting Officer)
 
                                               Director                                 March   , 1998
- ---------------------------------------------
               Paul Kleinaitis
 
                    *By:
   ---------------------------------------
               Martin J. Sergi
              Attorney-in-Fact
 
                                               Director                                 March   , 1998
- ---------------------------------------------
              Jeffrey R. Power
 
                    *By:
   ---------------------------------------
               Martin J. Sergi
              Attorney-in-Fact
 
                                               Director                                 March   , 1998
- ---------------------------------------------
                 Wilbur Ross
 
                    *By:
   ---------------------------------------
               Martin J. Sergi
              Attorney-in-Fact
 
                                               Director                                 March   , 1998
- ---------------------------------------------
                 Dibo Attar
</TABLE>
 
                                       53
<PAGE>   56
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                  SIGNATURE                                   TITLE                        DATE
                  ---------                                   -----                        ----
<C>                                            <S>                                   <C>
                    *By:
   ---------------------------------------
               Martin J. Sergi
              Attorney-in-Fact
 
                                               Director                                 March 28, 1997
- ---------------------------------------------
                 Jack Polak
 
                    *By:
   ---------------------------------------
               Martin J. Sergi
              Attorney-in-Fact
</TABLE>
 
                                       54
<PAGE>   57
 
                                   KTI, INC.
 
                         INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
     The following consolidated financial statements and schedules of KTI, Inc.
are included in Item 8:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              PAGE
                                                              ----
<S>                                                           <C>
Consolidated Financial Statements of KTI, Inc.:
  Report of Independent Auditors............................   F-2
  Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 1997 and         F-3
     1996...................................................
  Consolidated Statements of Operations for each of the        F-4
     three years in the period ended December 31, 1997......
  Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Equity   F-5
     for each of the three years in the period ended
     December 31, 1997......................................
  Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for each of the        F-6
     three years in the period ended December 31, 1997......
  Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements................   F-7
Financial Statements of Penobscot Energy Recovery Company:
  Report of Independent Auditors............................  F-29
  Balance Sheet at December 31, 1996........................  F-30
  Statements of Income for each of the two years in the       F-31
     period ended December 31, 1996.........................
  Statements of Changes in Partners' Capital for each of the  F-32
     two years in the period ended December 31, 1996........
  Statements of Cash Flows for each of the two years in the   F-33
     period ended December 31, 1996.........................
  Notes to Financial Statements.............................  F-34
     The following consolidated financial statement schedule
      of KTI, Inc. is included in Item 14(d):
  II  Valuation and Qualifying Accounts.....................  F-38
</TABLE>
 
     All other schedules for which provision is made in the applicable
accounting regulations of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 are not required
under the related instructions or are inapplicable, and therefore have been
omitted.
 
                                       F-1
<PAGE>   58
 
                         REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
 
The Board of Directors
KTI, Inc.
 
     We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of KTI, Inc.
and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1997 and 1996, and the related consolidated
statements of operations, shareholders' equity (deficit) and cash flows for each
of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1997. Our audits also
included the financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 14(a).
These financial statements and schedule are the responsibility of the Company's
management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial
statements and schedule based on our audits.
 
     We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
 
     In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly,
in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of KTI, Inc. and
subsidiaries at December 31, 1997 and 1996, and the consolidated results of
their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period
ended December 31, 1997 in conformity with generally accepted accounting
principles. Also, in our opinion, the financial statement schedule referred to
above, when considered in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a
whole, presents fairly in all material respects the information set forth
therein.
 
                                          ERNST & YOUNG LLP
 
Hackensack, New Jersey
March 6, 1998 except for
  Note 18, as to which
  the date is March 23, 1998
 
                                       F-2
<PAGE>   59
 
                                   KTI, INC.
 
                           CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
               (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              DECEMBER 31,    DECEMBER 31,
                                                                  1997            1996
                                                              ------------    ------------
<S>                                                           <C>             <C>
                                          ASSETS
Current Assets
  Cash and cash equivalents.................................    $ 11,181        $  5,227
  Restricted funds -- current portion.......................      13,103           5,164
  Accounts receivable, net of allowances of $294 and $241...      22,126           4,081
  Management fees receivable affiliates -- current
    portion.................................................                         567
  Consumables and spare parts...............................       4,041           2,100
  Inventory.................................................       1,219
  Notes receivable -- officers/shareholders and
    affiliates -- current...................................          29              58
  Other receivables.........................................         461             398
  Deferred taxes............................................       2,751
  Other current assets......................................         793             480
                                                                --------        --------
         Total current assets...............................      55,704          18,075
Restricted funds............................................       6,527           2,904
Management fees receivable -- affiliates....................                       2,175
Notes receivable -- officers/shareholders and affiliates....          81             213
Other receivables...........................................         271             712
Investment in PERC..........................................                       3,792
Deferred costs, net of accumulated amortization of $676 and
  $208......................................................       2,911           1,020
Goodwill and other intangibles, net of accumulated
  amortization of $778 and $298.............................      17,483           2,179
Other assets................................................       1,768             239
Deferred project development costs..........................         937             910
Property, equipment and leasehold improvements, net of
  accumulated depreciation of $17,837 and $12,672...........     156,801          90,855
                                                                --------        --------
         Total assets.......................................    $242,483        $123,074
                                                                ========        ========
                           LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current Liabilities
  Accounts payable..........................................    $  8,779        $  2,371
  Accrued expenses..........................................       3,825           1,830
  Debt, current portion.....................................      19,794           4,124
  Income taxes payable......................................         165             200
  Other current liabilities.................................       1,184             466
                                                                --------        --------
         Total current liabilities..........................      33,747           8,991
Other liabilities...........................................       1,918           1,308
Debt, less current portion..................................      74,473          34,949
Minority interest...........................................      22,105          10,872
Deferred revenue............................................      37,500          41,250
Commitments and contingencies
Shareholders' equity
Preferred stock; 10,000,000 shares authorized;
  Series A, par value $8 per share, 447,500 shares
    authorized, issued and outstanding in 1997..............       3,732
  Series B, par value $25 per share, 8.75%, 880,000 shares
    authorized, 856,000 shares issued and outstanding in
    1997....................................................      21,400
Common stock, no par value (stated value $.01 per share);
  authorized 20,000,000 in 1997 and 13,333,333 in 1996;
  issued and outstanding 8,912,630 in 1997 and 6,836,766 in
  1996......................................................          89              68
Additional paid-in capital..................................      52,762          38,576
Accumulated (deficit).......................................      (5,243)        (12,940)
                                                                --------        --------
Total shareholders' equity..................................      72,740          25,704
                                                                --------        --------
         Total liabilities and shareholders' equity.........    $242,483        $123,074
                                                                ========        ========
</TABLE>
 
                            See accompanying notes.
 
                                       F-3
<PAGE>   60
 
                                   KTI, INC.
 
                      CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
               (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                   YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                            --------------------------------------
                                                               1997          1996          1995
                                                            ----------    ----------    ----------
<S>                                                         <C>           <C>           <C>
Revenues:
  Waste-to-energy:
    Electric power........................................  $   38,968    $   20,821    $   26,470
    Sale of capacity, net.................................                    33,203
    Waste processing......................................      31,545        13,975        11,613
  Recycling...............................................      25,644           509
                                                            ----------    ----------    ----------
         Total revenues...................................      96,157        68,508        38,083
Costs and expenses:
  Electric power and waste processing operating costs.....      47,654        19,610        18,634
  Recycling...............................................      20,099           508
  Selling, general and administrative.....................       2,978         2,389         2,941
  Depreciation and amortization...........................       8,893         6,336         7,505
  Interest -- net.........................................       5,086         4,464         9,379
                                                            ----------    ----------    ----------
         Total costs and expenses.........................      84,710        33,307        38,459
Other income..............................................         390
Equity in net income of PERC..............................                       333           335
(Loss) on sale of investments.............................                      (296)
                                                            ----------    ----------    ----------
Income (loss) from continuing operations before minority
  interest, income taxes and extraordinary item...........      11,837        35,238           (41)
Minority interest.........................................       1,609        18,610         1,287
Pre-acquisition earnings..................................       4,722
                                                            ----------    ----------    ----------
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income
  taxes and extraordinary item............................       5,506        16,628        (1,328)
Income taxes (benefit)....................................      (2,586)                         65
                                                            ----------    ----------    ----------
Income (loss) from continuing operations before
  extraordinary item......................................       8,092        16,628        (1,393)
Discontinued operations
  Loss from discontinued operations (including a loss on
    disposal of $549 and income taxes of $200 in 1996)....                      (714)          (86)
                                                            ----------    ----------    ----------
Income (loss) before extraordinary item...................       8,092        15,914        (1,479)
  Extraordinary item -- gain (loss) on early
    extinguishment of debt, net of minority interest......                    (2,248)          148
                                                            ----------    ----------    ----------
Net income (loss).........................................       8,092        13,666        (1,331)
  Accretion and paid and accrued dividends on preferred
    stock.................................................      (1,408)           --            --
                                                            ----------    ----------    ----------
  Net income (loss) available for common shareholders.....  $    6,684    $   13,666    $   (1,331)
                                                            ==========    ==========    ==========
Earnings (loss) per common share:
Basic:
  Income (loss) from continuing operations................  $     0.90    $     2.73    $    (0.26)
  Loss from discontinued operations.......................                     (0.11)        (0.02)
                                                            ----------    ----------    ----------
  Income (loss) before extraordinary item.................        0.90          2.62         (0.28)
  Extraordinary item......................................                     (0.37)         0.03
                                                            ----------    ----------    ----------
  Net income (loss).......................................  $     0.90    $     2.25    $    (0.25)
                                                            ==========    ==========    ==========
  Weighted average number of shares used in computation...   7,403,681     6,081,503     5,263,797
                                                            ==========    ==========    ==========
Diluted:
  Income (loss) from continuing operations................  $     0.83    $     2.47    $    (0.26)
  Loss from discontinued operations.......................                     (0.10)        (0.02)
                                                            ----------    ----------    ----------
  Income (loss) before extraordinary item.................        0.83          2.37         (0.28)
  Extraordinary item......................................                     (0.32)         0.03
                                                            ----------    ----------    ----------
  Net income (loss).......................................  $     0.83    $     2.05    $    (0.25)
                                                            ==========    ==========    ==========
  Weighted average number of shares used in computation...   8,426,190     6,933,688     5,263,797
                                                            ==========    ==========    ==========
</TABLE>
 
                            See accompanying notes.
 
                                       F-4
<PAGE>   61
 
                                   KTI, INC.
 
            CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT)
                (IN THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS, EXCEPT SHARE AMOUNTS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                       SERIES A           SERIES B
                                   PREFERRED STOCK     PREFERRED STOCK       COMMON STOCK      ADDITIONAL
                                   ----------------   -----------------   ------------------    PAID IN     ACCUMULATED
                                   SHARES    AMOUNT   SHARES    AMOUNT     SHARES     AMOUNT    CAPITAL       DEFICIT      TOTAL
                                   -------   ------   -------   -------   ---------   ------   ----------   -----------   -------
<S>                                <C>       <C>      <C>       <C>       <C>         <C>      <C>          <C>           <C>
Balance at December 31, 1994.....                                         3,376,617    $33      $21,330      $(25,275)    $(3,912)
  Net loss.......................                                                                              (1,331)     (1,331)
  Issuance of common stock for:
    Exercise of options..........                                            73,980      1          256                       257
    Business combinations........                                         1,801,044     18        8,984                     9,002
  Sale of common stock...........                                           695,332      7        2,857                     2,864
                                   -------   ------   -------   -------   ---------    ---      -------      --------     -------
Balance at December 31, 1995.....                                         5,946,973     59       33,427       (26,606)      6,880
  Net income.....................                                                                              13,666      13,666
  Issuance of common stock for:
    Exercise of options..........                                            55,346      1          280                       281
    Exercise of warrants.........                                            41,183                 225                       225
    Conversion of debt...........                                           725,015      7        4,045                     4,052
    Business combinations........                                            68,249      1          455                       456
  Issuance of stock purchase
    warrants.....................                                                                   144                       144
                                   -------   ------   -------   -------   ---------    ---      -------      --------     -------
Balance at December 31, 1996.....                                         6,836,766     68       38,576       (12,940)     25,704
  Net income.....................                                                                               8,092       8,092
  Issuance of Series A Preferred
    Stock and common stock
    purchase warrants............  487,500   $3,376                                                 422                     3,798
  Accretion of Series A Preferred
    Stock........................              700                                                 (700)
  Issuance of Series B Preferred
    Stock and common stock
    purchase warrants............                     856,000   $21,400                          (1,416)                   19,984
  Issuance of common stock and
    common stock purchase
    warrants for:
    Exercise of options..........                                            85,353      1          502                       503
    Exercise of warrants.........                                           692,771      7        3,611                     3,618
    Conversion of debt...........                                           618,609      6        4,901                     4,907
    Conversion of preferred
      stock......................  (40,000)   (344)                          40,000      1          343
    Employee savings plan
      contribution...............                                             4,117                  35                        35
    Business combinations........                                           635,014      6        6,488                     6,494
  Dividends paid on Series B
    Preferred Stock..............                                                                                (395)       (395)
                                   -------   ------   -------   -------   ---------    ---      -------      --------     -------
Balance at December 31, 1997.....  447,500   $3,732   856,000   $21,400   8,912,630    $89      $52,762      $ (5,243)    $72,740
                                   =======   ======   =======   =======   =========    ===      =======      ========     =======
</TABLE>
 
            See accompanying notes
 
                                       F-5
<PAGE>   62
 
                                   KTI, INC.
 
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                                 (IN THOUSANDS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                              ------------------------------
                                                                1997       1996       1995
                                                              --------    -------    -------
<S>                                                           <C>         <C>        <C>
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income (loss)...........................................  $  8,092    $13,666    $(1,331)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash
  provided by operating activities:
  Loss on disposal of discontinued operations...............                  550
  Extraordinary loss (gain).................................                2,247       (148)
  Depreciation and amortization.............................     6,249      6,336      7,505
  Minority interest.........................................     1,609     18,610      1,287
  Deferred revenue..........................................    (3,750)    41,250
  Deferred income taxes.....................................    (2,751)
  Provision for losses on accounts receivable...............       193                   323
  Provision for asset valuation.............................                   24        521
  Interest accrued and capitalized on debt..................       906      1,451      2,238
  Non-cash contribution to employee savings plan............        35
  Other non-cash (credits) charges..........................      (139)       144         52
  Equity in net income of PERC, net of distributions........                 (198)      (258)
  Loss on sale of assets, net...............................        15         94         84
  Loss on sale of debt securities...........................                  296
  Changes in operating assets and liabilities increasing
    (decreasing) cash:
    Accounts receivable.....................................    (2,458)     4,703     (2,343)
    Management fees receivable..............................                  191         99
    Consumables, spare parts and inventory..................        71       (842)       (23)
    Notes receivable and other receivables..................       244       (258)       603
    Other assets............................................      (503)       814        (93)
    Accounts payable and accrued expenses...................     1,285     (3,283)      (318)
    Income taxes............................................                  (90)
    Other liabilities.......................................       224        (96)       157
                                                              --------    -------    -------
Net cash provided by operating activities...................     9,322     85,609      8,355
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Additions to property, equipment and leasehold
  improvements..............................................    (5,072)    (3,412)    (2,916)
Proceeds from sale of assets................................       203        469        468
Proceeds from sale of discontinued operation................                5,005
Deferred project development costs..........................       (45)      (910)
Net change in restricted funds:
  Cash equivalents..........................................    (2,149)        (3)     5,144
  Debt securities available-for-sale........................                5,579     (5,876)
Costs incurred in connection with merger....................                            (450)
Cash acquired in merger with Convergent Solutions, Inc......                           2,838
Purchase of additional partnership interests................   (14,532)      (792)
Cash acquired in purchase of additional partnership
  interests.................................................     5,375
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired.............   (17,548)    (2,956)
Notes receivable -- officers/shareholders and affiliates....       340         (9)        28
                                                              --------    -------    -------
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities.........   (33,428)     2,969       (764)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Deferred financing costs....................................    (1,265)    (1,188)    (2,091)
Proceeds from issuance of debt..............................    30,107      8,786        400
Proceeds from sale of common stock..........................     4,121        506      2,973
Proceeds from issuance of preferred stock...................    23,782
Dividends paid..............................................      (395)
Principal payments on debt and costs related to early
  extinguishment............................................   (26,290)   (97,909)    (9,805)
                                                              --------    -------    -------
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities.........    30,060    (89,805)    (8,523)
                                                              --------    -------    -------
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents.......................     5,954     (1,227)      (932)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period............     5,227      6,454      7,386
                                                              --------    -------    -------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period..................    11,181    $ 5,227    $ 6,454
                                                              ========    =======    =======
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION
Interest paid...............................................  $  2,792    $ 6,145    $ 6,620
                                                              ========    =======    =======
Taxes paid..................................................  $     75    $    --    $    --
                                                              ========    =======    =======
NON CASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Debt issued in connection with:
  Purchase of additional partnership interest in Maine
    Energy..................................................              $   164
Common Stock issued in connection with the merger with
  Convergent Solutions, Inc.................................                         $ 9,002
Liquidation of debt payable to Convergent Solutions, Inc....                          (4,666)
Conversion of debt to equity................................  $  4,907      4,052
Common Stock and common stock purchase warrants issued in
  connection with acquisition of businesses.................     6,494        456
</TABLE>
 
                             See accompanying notes
 
                                       F-6
<PAGE>   63
 
                                   KTI, INC.
 
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
         (IN THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS, EXCEPT SHARES AND PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
 
1.  ORGANIZATION
 
     KTI, Inc. ("KTI") and subsidiaries (collectively, the "Company"), are
engaged in the development of an integrated waste handling business providing
waste paper, metals, plastic, glass and wood processing and recycling, municipal
solid waste processing and disposal capabilities, specialty waste disposal
services, facility operations and recycling of ash combustion residue. The
Company also markets recyclable metals, plastic, and waste paper processed at
its facilities and by third parties.
 
     These operations include its wholly-owned consolidated subsidiaries and its
majority-owned consolidated subsidiaries, including Maine Energy Recovery
Company ("Maine Energy"), American Ash Recycling of Tennessee, Ltd. ("AART"),
Penobscot Energy Recovery Company ("PERC"). Timber Energy Resources, Inc.
("TERI") is a wholly-owned subsidiary. There are significant restrictions on the
ability of certain of the Company's subsidiaries to distribute assets to the
Company. These restrictions result from the terms of certain indebtedness and
provisions of other agreements with third parties.
 
     Maine Energy, PERC and TERI are subject to the provisions of various
federal and state energy laws and regulations, including the Public Utility
Regulatory Policy Act of 1978, as amended. In addition, federal, state and local
environmental laws establish standards governing certain aspects of the
Company's operations. The Company believes it has all permits, licenses and
approvals necessary to operate.
 
2.  SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION
 
     The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of KTI and its
wholly-owned and majority-owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany
accounts and transactions are eliminated in consolidation. As described in Note
5, during 1997 the Company acquired in two transactions certain limited
partnership interests in PERC aggregating 64.29%. Prior to these transactions,
the Company was a 7% owner and the managing general partner of PERC. As a result
of the Company's aggregate ownership interest, PERC's financial statements have
been included in the Company's consolidated statement of operations for the year
ended December 31, 1997. In accordance with Accounting Research Bulletin No. 51,
the consolidated statement of operations includes PERC's operations for the year
ended December 31, 1997 as though the acquisition had occurred at the beginning
of the year and includes adjustments to eliminate minority interest and the
pre-acquisition earnings of PERC attributable to the partnership interests
acquired as of the respective dates. The Company's investment in PERC was
previously accounted for under the equity method based on the Company's
significant influence over its financial and operating policies.
 
     The ownership interest of minority owners in the equity and earnings of the
Company's less than 100 percent-owned consolidated subsidiaries is recorded as
minority interest.
 
CASH EQUIVALENTS
 
     The Company considers all highly liquid investments with a maturity of 90
days or less when purchased to be cash equivalents.
 
RESTRICTED FUNDS
 
     Restricted funds consist of cash and cash equivalents held in trust, all of
which are available, under certain circumstances, for current operating
expenses, debt service, capital improvements and repairs and maintenance in
accordance with certain contractual obligations and cash deposited in a bank in
connection with certain of the Company's debt obligations. Restricted funds
available for current operating and debt service purposes are classified as
current assets.
 
                                       F-7
<PAGE>   64
                                   KTI, INC.
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
SIGNIFICANT CUSTOMERS AND CONCENTRATIONS OF CREDIT RISK
 
     Maine Energy, PERC and TERI each sell electricity to the local electric
utility in their respective geographic locations (Central Maine Power Company,
("CMP"), Bangor Hydro Electric Company ("BHE") and Florida Power Company
("FPC"), respectively). Electric power revenue from such utilities during 1997
totaled approximately $15,249, $18,593 and $5,126 respectively. Accounts
receivable at December 31, 1997 included $2,163, $3,212 and $454 from CMP, BHE
and FPC, respectively. In addition, Maine Energy and PERC earn substantial
portions of their waste handling revenues from municipalities in their
respective geographic regions in the state of Maine. TERI also earns a
significant portion of its revenue from a large national paper manufacturer
under the terms of a long-term agreement. AART earns a substantial portion of
its revenues as the result of a contract with the City of Nashville, Tennessee.
 
     Although less than 10% of consolidated revenue, a significant portion of
sales of recyclables are to international (including Pacific Rim countries,
South America and Europe) and domestic paper manufacturers. The Company performs
periodic credit evaluations of these customers. Although the Company's exposure
to credit risk associated with non-payment by paper manufacturers is affected by
conditions within the paper industry and the general economic condition of
countries within the Pacific Rim, South America and Europe, a significant
portion of outstanding receivables are supported through letters of credit
issued by banks located in the United States. No single paper manufacturer
customer exceeded 5% of the Company's total accounts receivable at December 31,
1997.
 
     Other financial instruments which subject the Company to concentrations of
credit risk are cash and cash equivalents including restricted funds. The
Company restricts its cash investments to financial institutions with high
credit standings and securities backed by the United States Government.
 
INVENTORIES
 
     Inventories, consisting of secondary fibers and other recyclables ready for
sale are stated at the lower of cost (firstin, first-out) or market.
 
PROPERTY, EQUIPMENT AND LEASEHOLD IMPROVEMENTS
 
     Property, equipment and leasehold improvements are stated at cost, less
accumulated depreciation and amortization. All costs incurred for additions and
improvements, including interest during construction, are capitalized. The
Company capitalized net interest costs of $20 and $110 in 1997 and 1996,
respectively. Related interest costs were not material in 1995. Depreciation of
property and equipment is provided using the straight-line method over the
estimated useful lives ranging from three to twenty six years. Assets under
capital leases are amortized using the straight-line method over the estimated
useful lives ranging from five to seven years. Leasehold improvements are
amortized on a straight-line basis over the shorter of the term of the lease or
the estimated useful life of the improvement.
 
GOODWILL
 
     Goodwill represents costs in excess of net assets of businesses acquired in
purchase transactions. Goodwill is being amortized on a straight-line basis
principally over periods of five to fifteen years.
 
DEFERRED FINANCING AND OTHER DEFERRED COSTS
 
     Costs incurred in connection with debt and letter of credit financings are
deferred and are being amortized over the life of the related debt or letter of
credit issues using the interest method. The unamortized portion of such costs
related to the previously outstanding Maine Energy bonds was included in the
determination of the extraordinary loss in 1996.
 
                                       F-8
<PAGE>   65
                                   KTI, INC.
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
     In addition, during 1997, PERC deferred approximately $242 incurred in
connection with negotiating a proposed amendment to its Power Purchase Agreement
("PPA"). While management expects to complete this transaction in 1998, should
the PPA not be amended the deferred costs will be expensed.
 
     Costs incurred in connection with renegotiation of certain municipal waste
contracts were deferred and were amortized over 60 months, which represented the
minimum period covered by the new agreements. These costs were fully amortized
during 1995.
 
DEFERRED PROJECT DEVELOPMENT COSTS
 
     The Company defers certain external costs incurred in the development of
new projects. Amortization of these costs begins when the project becomes
operational. If management concludes that the related project will not be
completed, the deferred costs are expensed immediately.
 
REVENUE RECOGNITION
 
     Electric power revenues are earned from the sale of electricity to local
utilities under the specific agreements with the utilities. Revenue is recorded
at the contract rate specified in each entities power purchase agreement as it
is delivered. Electric power revenue also includes the portion of the deferred
gain on sale of electric generating capacity recognized during the respective
period.
 
     Waste processing revenues consist principally of fees charged to customers
for waste disposal. Substantially all waste processing revenues are earned from
customers located in a geographic region proximate to the respective facility.
Revenue is generally recorded upon acceptance and in certain cases is based on
rates specified in long-term contracts. Certain of these rates are subject to
adjustment based on the levels of certain costs and expenses, as defined, of
Maine Energy and PERC.
 
     Management fees from affiliates as of December 31, 1996, related to
providing general partner services to PERC, were recognized in accordance with
the partnership agreement and were included in waste processing revenues. Such
amounts have been eliminated in consolidation in 1997. Service and other
revenues in connection with transportation and waste management are recognized
upon completion of the services and are included in waste processing revenues.
Sales of recyclables are recognized at the time of shipment.
 
INCOME TAXES
 
     Deferred income taxes are determined using the liability method. Under this
method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on differences
between financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities and are
measured using the enacted tax rates and laws that will be in effect when the
differences are expected to reverse.
 
BUSINESS COMBINATIONS
 
     The Company has accounted for all business combinations under the purchase
method of accounting. Under this method, the purchase price is allocated to the
assets and liabilities of the acquired enterprise as of the acquisition date (to
the extent of the Company's ownership interest) based on their estimated
respective fair values and are subject to revision for a period not to exceed
one year from the date of acquisition. The results of operations of the acquired
enterprise are included in the Company's consolidated financial statements for
the period subsequent to the acquisition.
 
                                       F-9
<PAGE>   66
                                   KTI, INC.
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
NET INCOME (LOSS) AVAILABLE FOR COMMON SHAREHOLDERS
 
     Net income (loss) available for common shareholders represents net income
(loss) adjusted by accretion of preferred stock to redemption value ($700),
preferred stock dividends paid ($395) and dividends earned but not paid or
accrued at December 31, 1997 ($313).
 
EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE
 
     In 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement No. 128,
Earnings per Share. Statement 128 replaced the calculation of primary and fully
diluted earnings per share with basic and diluted earnings per share. Unlike
primary earnings per share, basic earnings per share excludes any dilutive
effects of options, warrants and convertible securities. Diluted earnings per
share is very similar to the previously reported fully diluted earnings per
share. All earnings per share amounts for all periods have been presented, and
where appropriate, restated to conform to the Statement 128 requirements.
 
EVALUATION OF LONG-LIVED ASSETS
 
     The Company assesses long-lived assets for impairment under FASB Statement
No. 121, Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived
Assets to Be Disposed Of. Under those rules, goodwill associated with assets
acquired in a purchase business combination is included in impairment
evaluations when events or circumstances exist that indicate the carrying amount
of those assets may not be recoverable. The Company's evaluation at December 31,
1997 has been based on projected operating results of the businesses giving rise
to the goodwill. Management believes that these projections are reasonable,
however actual future operating results may differ.
 
COMMON STOCK DIVIDEND
 
     On February 28, 1997, a 5% stock dividend was declared by the Board of
Directors. The stock dividend was payable March 28, 1997. All stock related data
in the consolidated financial statements reflect the stock dividend for all
periods presented.
 
USE OF ESTIMATES
 
     The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and
assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and
accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
 
RECENT ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES
 
     In June 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of
Accounting Standards No. 130, (SFAS 130), Reporting Comprehensive Income. This
statement establishes the standards for the reporting and display of
comprehensive income and its components in a full set of general purpose
financial statements. The Company is required to adopt the provisions of SFAS
130 for 1998.
 
RECLASSIFICATIONS
 
     Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform with the
current year presentation.
 
3.  SALE OF ELECTRIC GENERATION CAPACITY AND RESTRUCTURE OF POWER PURCHASE
    AGREEMENT
 
     On May 3, 1996, Maine Energy completed a restructuring of its PPA with CMP
and the sale of the rights to its electrical generating capacity to CL Power
Sales One, L.L.C. ("CL One"). At closing, Maine Energy received a payment from
CL One of $85,000 ("Capacity Payment") and the PPA was amended to reflect a
 
                                      F-10
<PAGE>   67
                                   KTI, INC.
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
reduction in CMP's purchase price for electric power. In addition, the term of
the PPA was extended from 2007 to 2012. The Company also received reimbursement
of certain transaction costs, including interest on the Capacity Payment from
November 6, 1995 to closing and certain other payments.
 
     Under the terms of the agreements, Maine Energy will be liable to CMP for
liquidated damages of $3,750 for any calendar year through the year 2006 and on
a pro rata basis for the period from January 1, to May 31, 2007 in which it does
not deliver at least 100,000,000 kWh. Also, if during the same period, Maine
Energy fails to deliver at least 15,000,000 kWh in any calendar year through the
year 2006 and on a pro rata basis for the period from January 1 to May 31, 2007
it will be liable to CMP for liquidated damages of $3,750 times the number of
years remaining in the term of the agreement. Both the 100,000,000 kWh and the
15,000,000 kWh levels are adjusted in the case of a force majeure event, as
defined. Maine Energy produced approximately 170,000,000 kWh of electricity in
each of 1997 and 1996. In order to secure CMP's right to liquidated damages,
Maine Energy has obtained an irrevocable letter of credit in the initial amount
of $45,000 which will be reduced by $3,750 for each completed year in which no
event requiring the payment of liquidated damages occurs. Under the terms of the
letter of credit agreement, Maine Energy is required to maintain certain
restricted funds. The letter of credit is collateralized by liens on
substantially all of Maine Energy's assets. Based on these contingencies, Maine
Energy deferred an amount totaling $45,000 on the date of the transaction. This
amount is being recognized as revenue as the contingencies are eliminated. As of
December 31, 1997, the letter of credit and remaining deferred revenue equaled
$37,500.
 
     Maine Energy used the proceeds from the sale of its capacity to repay
$64,500 of the then outstanding Maine Energy Resource Recovery Bonds and to
retire the related bank letter of credit. This prepayment resulted in the
recognition of an extraordinary loss of $2,247 (net of minority interest of
$2,213) in 1996. The remaining proceeds were used together with certain
unrestricted cash balances on hand to repay $29,500 of outstanding subordinated
notes payable to Maine Energys limited partners other than the Company.
 
4.  PROPERTY, EQUIPMENT AND LEASEHOLD IMPROVEMENTS
 
     Property, equipment and leasehold improvements consist of the following at
December 31:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                1997        1996
                                                              --------    --------
<S>                                                           <C>         <C>
Land........................................................  $  2,171    $    908
Buildings and site improvements.............................    40,942      15,397
Machinery and equipment.....................................   128,700      85,454
Furniture and fixtures......................................     2,075       1,338
Leasehold improvements......................................       750         430
                                                              --------    --------
                                                               174,638     103,527
Less allowances for depreciation and amortization...........   (17,837)    (12,672)
                                                              --------    --------
                                                              $156,801    $ 90,855
                                                              ========    ========
</TABLE>
 
     Beginning October 1, 1996 Maine Energy revised the estimated average useful
lives used to compute depreciation for substantially all of its plant and
equipment. These revisions were made to more properly reflect the remaining
useful lives of the assets. The change had the effect of increasing income
before extraordinary item and net income by approximately $432 ($.07 per share,
basic and $.06 diluted per share) for 1996.
 
5.  ACQUISITIONS
 
  1997 Acquisitions
 
     On September 30, 1997 and November 12, 1997, the Company purchased certain
limited partnership interests in PERC aggregating 64.29% from one of the
existing limited partners. The aggregate cost of the
 
                                      F-11
<PAGE>   68
                                   KTI, INC.
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
acquisitions was $14.5 million. The transaction has been accounted for under the
purchase method of accounting. Accordingly, the purchase price has been
allocated to the assets and liabilities of PERC (to the extent of the Company's
additional ownership interest) based on their estimated fair values as of the
date of acquisition and resulted in a reduction in the carrying value of
property and equipment of approximately $8,038. PERC is a 25 megawatt
waste-to-energy project which began operations in 1988. Prior to the acquisition
of the additional 64.29% limited partnership interest, the Company accounted for
its 7% ownership under the equity method. The excess between the Company's
actual capital contributions and its original 7% ownership interest in the
partnership's total contributed capital is being amortized over the term of the
partnership's PPA. This amount is included in goodwill at December 31, 1997.
 
     In November, 1997, the Company acquired certain assets and assumed certain
liabilities of Prins Recycling Corp. and its subsidiaries ("Prins") pursuant to
an order of the Bankruptcy Court for the District of New Jersey. Prins was
engaged in the operation of three material recycling facilities located in or
proximate to Newark, New Jersey, Chicago, Illinois and Boston, Massachusetts.
The aggregate purchase price, including all direct costs, was approximately
$15.1 million and included warrants to purchase 92,250 shares of the Company's
common stock at exercise prices ranging from $8.10 to $9.25 per share. The
warrants are exercisable at any time and expire on various dates between
December 31, 1999 and April 30, 2002. At December 31, 1997, 74,925 of these
warrants remain outstanding. In connection with the transaction, the Company
assumed certain administrative claims against Prins. At December 31, 1997,
approximately $857 remained in accrued liabilities related to such claims. The
cost of the acquisition exceeded the fair value of the acquired net assets by
approximately $6,374 which has been recorded as goodwill.
 
     On September 19, 1997, the Company acquired all of the outstanding common
stock of K-C Industries, Inc. ("K-C"). KTI is engaged in the marketing of paper
and secondary fibers. The aggregate purchase price, including all direct costs,
was approximately $6,739 and included 425,014 shares of the Company's common
stock. The cost of the acquisition exceeded the fair value of the acquired net
assets by approximately $5,035 which has been recorded as goodwill.
 
     In August, 1997, the Company acquired all of the outstanding common stock
of I. Zaitlin and Sons, Inc. ("Zaitlin"), a company engaged in the recycling
business in Maine and Data Destruction Services, Inc., a company engaged in the
destruction of confidential records. The aggregate purchase including all direct
costs was approximately $2,245 and included 200,000 shares of the Company's
common stock. The cost of the acquisition exceeded the fair value of the
acquired net assets by approximately $2,498 which was recorded as goodwill.
 
     In June, 1997, the Company acquired the entire general partnership interest
in AARNE from the existing general partner. The aggregate cost of the
acquisition was $560 which exceeded the carrying value of the minority interest
by approximately $328 which was recorded as goodwill. Subsequent to the
acquisition, the Company owns 100% of AARNE.
 
     In connection with certain of the transactions described above, the Company
has adopted, although in certain cases not finalized, plans to relocate the
operations of certain of the businesses acquired during 1997. The Company has
recorded estimated liabilities aggregating approximately $150 related
principally to remaining lease obligations, of which $83 remains at December 31,
1997.
 
  1996 Acquisitions
 
     On May 3, 1996, the Company purchased additional limited partnership
interests in Maine Energy aggregating 23.77% from certain other existing limited
partners. The aggregate cost of the acquisitions was approximately $485.
Subsequent to this acquisition, the Company's ownership in Maine Energy
aggregated 74.15%. The acquisition resulted in a reduction in the carrying value
of property and equipment of approximately $7,800. Prior to September 16, 1994
(the date at which the Company acquired its initial
 
                                      F-12
<PAGE>   69
                                   KTI, INC.
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
limited partnership interests and became majority owner in Maine Energy), the
Company accounted for its 10% ownership interest under the equity method. The
difference between the Company's actual capital contributions and its ownership
interest in the partnership's total contributed capital is being amortized over
the term of the partnership's energy sales contract. This amount is included in
goodwill.
 
     During the fourth quarter of 1996, the Company acquired all of the
outstanding common stock of Timber Energy Investments, Inc. ("TEII"). TEII ,
through its subsidiaries, is engaged in the generation of electricity and the
processing of wood and plastic materials. The purchase price, including all
direct costs, was approximately $2,142. The cost of the acquisition exceeded the
fair value of TEII's net assets by approximately $2,035 which has been recorded
as goodwill. During 1997, the Company finalized its allocation of the purchase
price which resulted in certain changes in the fair values assigned to property,
plant and equipment and the reduction of certain assumed liabilities. Such
adjustments resulted in an increase of goodwill of approximately $229.
 
     On March 31, 1996, the Company acquired a 60% limited partnership interest
in American Ash Recycling Co. of Tennessee, a limited partnership, ("AART").
AART is engaged in the processing of ash residue from a waste-to-energy facility
located in Nashville, Tennessee. The purchase price for the limited partnership
interest was $2,100. The cost of the acquisition exceeded the fair value of
AART's net assets by approximately $800 which has been recorded as goodwill.
 
     On November 25, 1996, the Company acquired all of the outstanding common
stock of Manner, Inc. ("Manner") a company engaged in the purchase and sale of
recyclable plastic materials. The purchase price was approximately $456 in the
form of 65,000 shares of the Company's common stock. The cost of the acquisition
exceeded the fair value of Manner's net assets by approximately $421 which has
been recorded as goodwill.
 
     The following unaudited pro forma summary presents selected operating data
as if the acquisitions described above had occurred as of January 1, 1996, and
does not purport to be indicative of the results that would have occurred had
the transactions been completed as of those dates or of results which may occur
in the future.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                1997        1996
                                                              --------    --------
<S>                                                           <C>         <C>
Net revenues................................................  $150,952    $204,375
Net income from continuing operations before extraordinary
  item......................................................     7,697       6,132
Net income..................................................     7,697       3,199
Net income available for common shareholders................     5,125       1,326
Net income per share-basic..................................      0.66        0.20
Net income per share-diluted................................      0.61        0.19
</TABLE>
 
6.  DISPOSAL OF COMPUTER SERVICES SEGMENT
 
     During 1996, the Company disposed of its computer services segment which
was comprised entirely of its wholly-owned subsidiary Convergent Solutions, Inc.
("CSI"). The sale was completed in two separate transactions. On July 26,1996
certain assets and liabilities of CSI were sold to Ciber, Inc. for $5,000. Also,
on July 29, 1996, all of the outstanding common stock of CSI was sold to certain
members of its management for $5. In addition, the Company had notes receivable
from the buyers aggregating $445 at December 31, 1996. The notes receivable were
repaid during 1997. The results of operations of CSI for 1996 and 1995 have been
classified as discontinued operations in the accompanying financial statements.
CSI's revenues for 1996 and 1995 were $5,785 and $10,199, respectively.
 
                                      F-13
<PAGE>   70
                                   KTI, INC.
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
7.  DEBT
 
     The Company's debt consists of the following:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             DECEMBER 31,    DECEMBER 31,
                                                                 1997            1996
                                                             ------------    ------------
<S>  <C>                                                     <C>             <C>
(A)  Revolving and term loan payable.......................    $12,411         $   590
(B)  Revolving credit facility.............................      4,000
(C)  Secured note payable at bank..........................      1,555
(D)  Note payable to Energy National, Inc..................      1,072           1,353
(E)  Term loan payable.....................................        489
(F)  Secured term notes payable............................        359             780
(G)  Secured term note payable.............................        333             400
(H)  Term note payable to bank.............................        304           1,657
(I)  Secured term notes payable............................         72             179
(J)  Note payable to former shareholder....................         66             127
(K)  Convertible subordinated note payable.................                      5,000
(L)  Notes payable to limited partners of Maine Energy.....                        490
(M)  Bank line of credit...................................                        220
(N)  Secured term notes payable............................                        190
                                                                   357             111
     Other.................................................
                                                               -------         -------
                                                                21,018          11,097
 
Revenue Bonds Payable by TERI..............................     13,400          13,400
Resource Recovery Revenue Bonds payable by PERC............     47,900
Subordinated notes payable to Maine Energy Limited
  Partners.................................................     11,949          14,576
                                                               -------         -------
                                                                94,267          39,073
     Less current portion..................................     19,794           4,124
                                                               -------         -------
                                                               $74,473         $34,949
                                                               =======         =======
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
(A) During 1997, the Company entered into an Amended and Restated Revolving and
    Term Loan and Security Agreement with a bank (the "Credit Agreement") which
    provides an $11 million revolving credit facility and $7.5 million term
    loan. At December 31, 1997, $5.0 million and $7,411 were outstanding under
    the revolving credit facility and term loan, respectively. The revolving
    line of credit bears interest at the bank's prime rate plus .75% (8.75% at
    December 31, 1997) payable monthly, and expires in June 1998. The term loan
    bears interest at the bank's prime rate plus 1.25% (9.25% at December 31,
    1997), and is due in monthly installments of $89 plus interest. All
    borrowings under the Credit Agreement are secured by substantially all of
    the Company's assets not used to secure other borrowings. Among other
    things, the Credit Agreement restricts the Company's ability to incur
    additional indebtedness and requires it to maintain certain financial
    ratios. The balance outstanding at December 31, 1996 was under the terms of
    the original revolving credit agreement with the same bank. Interest was at
    the bank's prime rate plus .25% (8.5% at December 31, 1996).
 
(B)  A subsidiary of the Company has an $8 million revolving line of credit
     (including $1.0 million available for letters of credit) with a bank (the
     "Revolving Credit Agreement") which expires in May 1998. Borrowings under
     the Revolving Credit Agreement are based on eligible collateral which
     includes specified percentages of certain accounts receivable, as defined.
     Interest on borrowings is at the bank's prime rate plus 2.25% (10.5% at
     December 31, 1997). Among other things, the Revolving Credit Agreement
     restricts the subsidiary's ability to incur additional indebtedness and
     requires it to maintain
 
                                      F-14
<PAGE>   71
                                   KTI, INC.
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
     certain financial ratios, as defined. The outstanding balance of the
     Revolving Credit Agreement is currently guaranteed by certain
     officers/employees of the subsidiary.
 
(C) During 1997, a subsidiary of the Company entered into a working capital and
    term financing agreement (the "Financing Agreement") with a bank. The
    Financing Agreement includes: a term loan with an outstanding principal
    balance of $780 at December 31, 1997, which bears interest at the bank's
    prime rate plus 1.25% (9.75% at December 31, 1997) and is payable in monthly
    payments of principal and interest in the amount of $19 through December,
    2002 and is secured by equipment with a carrying value of approximately $1.3
    million at December 31, 1997; a 5 year mortgage loan with an outstanding
    principal balance of $670 at December 31, 1997, which bears interest at the
    bank's prime rate plus 1.25% and is payable in monthly installments of $7
    plus interest through December, 2002 when the remaining principal balance is
    due and is secured by certain real estate with a carrying value of
    approximately $715 at December 31, 1997; and $105 outstanding under a $500
    working capital loan which carries interest at the bank's prime rate plus
    .75% (9.25% at December 31, 1997) and is secured by substantially all of the
    assets of the subsidiary and which expires in April 1998.
 
(D) This debt arose when Energy National Inc., a co-general partner in PERC,
    made an advance on behalf of the Company to meet a capital call by PERC.
    Interest and principal are payable annually on the date PERC distributes its
    annual and any accrued general partner fees. Annual principal payments are
    due in amounts equal to 60 percent of the Company's current and accrued
    general partner fees paid from PERC after payment of interest at 10% on the
    outstanding balance of this obligation. The unpaid balance is secured by all
    future general partner fee payments to be made to the Company by PERC.
 
(E)  A subsidiary has a term loan payable to a private lender. The principal
     payments are $7 per month plus interest at 12.5% through May 2007.
 
(F)  Notes payable to a commercial lender bearing interest at 9.94%, with
     monthly payments of principal and interest in the amount of $43. The note
     matures on August 20, 1998. The balance is secured by equipment with an
     aggregate net carrying value of $2,484 at December 31, 1997.
 
(G) In December 1996, a subsidiary of the Company entered into a secured term
    note with a commercial lender. The note bears interest at 8.63% with monthly
    principal and interest payments of $8. The note matures on December 31,
    2001. The balance is secured by equipment with an aggregate net carrying
    value of $1,861 at December 31, 1997.
 
(H) On April 1, 1997, the Company and a bank entered into a Second Amended and
    Restated Term Note for $607. This note replaced a portion of the remaining
    outstanding balance due under the previous Amended and Restated Term Note
    with the same bank. The bank agreed to forgive $150 of the outstanding
    balance under the previous Amended and Restated Term Note. This amount is
    included in other income. The Second Amended and Restated Term Note is due
    in monthly installments of $38 plus interest at the bank's prime rate (8.5%
    at December 31, 1997).
 
(I)  Secured term notes payable to a commercial lender with original terms of 48
     months. The notes bear interest at 9.5% payable in monthly installments of
     principal and interest aggregating approximately $11. Secured by equipment
     with an aggregate net carrying value of approximately $250 at December 31,
     1997.
 
(J)  Non-interest bearing note payable to former shareholder in connection with
     the repurchase and retirement of certain shares of the Company's common
     stock. The note is payable in equal monthly installments of $6. The note
     has been discounted using an effective interest rate of 8%. The note is
     secured by cash deposited in an escrow account with a balance of $51 and
     $117 at December 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively.
 
(K) During 1996, the Company issued a $5 million convertible subordinated note
    to a private lender to fund certain designated acquisitions. The note
    carried interest at 8%. In October 1997, the holder converted
 
                                      F-15
<PAGE>   72
                                   KTI, INC.
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
    the entire $5 million outstanding principal amount and accrued interest of
    $7 into 618,609 shares of the Company's common stock.
 
(L)  Aggregate balance due to limited partners of Maine Energy in connection
     with the purchase of certain limited partnership interests. The outstanding
     balance was fully paid in 1997.
 
(M) Represents balance outstanding under a revolving line of credit. Interest
    was at the bank's prime rate plus 1.5% (9.75% at December 31, 1996).
    Borrowings were secured by accounts receivable of a subsidiary.
 
(N) Secured term note payable in monthly installments of principal and interest
    at 9.9% of approximately $18. This obligation was fully paid in 1997.
 
  TERI Revenue Bonds Payable
 
     On June 1, 1997, TERI retired the amount outstanding on the $15,685 of
Liberty County, Florida Resource Recovery Revenue Bonds with the proceeds of two
1997 Industrial Development Revenue Bond issues. Series A in the amount of
$13,400 and Series B in the amount of $308. The Series B bonds carried interest
at 10% and were paid in full in December 1997. The Series A bonds bear interest
at 7%. The Series A bonds have an annual sinking fund payment due each December,
($1,765 due December 1, 1998), with final payment of $4,620 due December 2002.
The bond agreements require, among other things, maintenance of various
insurance coverages and restricts the borrowers ability to incur additional
indebtedness. The bonds are collateralized by liens on TERI's electric
generating facility located in Telogia, Florida.
 
  PERC Resource Recovery Revenue Bonds Payable
 
     On May 22, 1986, the Town of Orrington, on behalf of PERC, issued $50,400
of Floating Rate Demand Resource Recovery Revenue Bonds to finance the Project.
Commencing May 1, 1988, the bonds became variable rate obligations based on
rates for certain tax-exempt obligations, as determined weekly by the
remarketing agent for the bonds (4.275% at December 31, 1997).
 
     Additionally, on December 3, 1986, the Town of Orrington, on behalf of
PERC, issued $30,600 of Floating Rate Demand Resource Recovery Revenue Bonds to
supplement the previous financing of the Project. These bonds also bear interest
based on rates for certain tax-exempt obligations, as determined weekly by the
remarketing agent for the bonds (4.40% at December 31, 1997).
 
     The bonds are subject to mandatory redemption in quarterly installments of
varying amounts through November 2003 and are subject to redemption at the
option of PERC at the redemption price of 100% of the principal amount thereof
plus accrued interest.
 
     The bonds are fully secured by irrevocable letters of credit from a group
of banks. The bonds and letter of credit are collateralized by liens on
substantially all of PERC's assets, contain certain restrictive covenants which
require PERC, among other things, to maintain certain working capital, as
defined, and restrict PERC's ability to incur additional indebtedness, make
loans and acquire investments. If necessary, the limited partners of PERC are
obligated to fund up to $5,000 to reimburse any shortfalls in principal and
interest payments under the bond and related letter of credit agreements.
 
  Subordinated Notes Payable to Maine Energy Limited Partners
 
     These notes, as amended, bear interest at 12%. Payments of principal and
interest are made solely at the discretion of Maine Energy's general partner.
However, all principal and interest must be repaid prior to any partner
distributions. To the extent interest is not paid, accrued interest is
capitalized. As a holder of a portion of the Subordinated Notes Payable, the
Company is entitled to receive a proportionate share of such payments.
 
                                      F-16
<PAGE>   73
                                   KTI, INC.
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
     Excluding any amounts which may be paid on the subordinated notes payable
to the Maine Energy Limited Partners, aggregate maturities as of December 31,
1997 of the Company's debt for each of the next five years are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                  <C>
1998...............................................  $19,794
1999...............................................   10,508
2000...............................................   11,569
2001...............................................   12,871
2002...............................................   15,558
</TABLE>
 
8.  PREFERRED STOCK
 
  Series A Preferred Stock
 
     In June 1997 the Company sold 487,500 shares of Series A Preferred Stock
(the "Original Series A Preferred") and issued 243,750 common stock purchase
warrants with an exercise price of $9.00 per share, subject to adjustment, (the
"$9.00 Warrants") and 32,500 common stock purchase warrants with an exercise
price of $10.00 per share, subject to adjustment (the "$10.00 Warrants"). Both
the $9.00 Warrants and the $10.00 Warrants are exercisable at any time and until
June 4, 2003. The $9.00 Warrants and the $10.00 Warrants had an aggregate fair
value of $524 at the date of issuance which has been accounted for as additional
paid in capital. The Original Series A Preferred were convertible into shares of
common stock at an initial rate of $8.00 per share. During 1997, 40,000 shares
of the Original Series A Preferred were converted into 40,000 shares of common
stock. In December 1997, the remaining outstanding Original Series A Preferred
were converted into newly issued Series C Preferred Stock. The Series C
Preferred Stock were subsequently renamed Series A Preferred Stock ("Series A
Preferred"). Series A Preferred Stock receives no fixed dividends, but is
entitled to receive on an equal basis any dividends declared on the Company's
common stock. Liquidation value is equal to the aggregate of (i) $8.00 per
share, (ii) interest at 8.19% per annum and (iii) any unpaid dividends which
have been declared.
 
     The Series A Preferred is convertible at the option of the holder, at any
time, into a number of shares determined by dividing the liquidation value by
$8.00, subject to adjustment (the "Conversion Price"). The Series A Preferred is
subject to automatic conversion at the Conversion Price upon the completion of
certain public offerings of the Company's common stock, as defined. Adjustments
to the Conversion Price for both optional and automatic conversions would result
principally form the issuance or sale of certain equity investments, as defined,
at less than the Conversion Price per share by the Company prior to the date of
such conversions.
 
     The Company must redeem all outstanding shares of Series A Preferred on the
fifth anniversary of the original issuance of such shares. The redemption price
is equal to $12.00 per share in cash or, at the Company's option, shares of the
Company's common stock. In the event of a redemption for stock, the number of
shares of common stock to be issued is determined by dividing the redemption
price by a number equaling 95% of the average closing price, as defined, of the
Company's common stock for the 20 trading days prior to the date of redemption.
The holders of the Series A Preferred may elect to require the Company to
convert all or part of the Series A Preferred Stock into common stock at the
Conversion Price. Upon the occurrence of a change in control event, as defined,
the holder of Series A preferred could require the Company to redeem all shares
of Series A Preferred in cash or common stock at the option of the Company. In
the event of a cash redemption, the redemption price is equal to liquidation
value. In the event of a redemption for common stock, the number of shares of
common stock to be issued would be determined by dividing the liquidation value
by a number equaling 95% of the average closing price, as defined, of the
Company's common stock for the 20 trading days prior to the date of redemption.
 
                                      F-17
<PAGE>   74
                                   KTI, INC.
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
     During 1997, the Company accreted the carrying value of the Series A
Preferred by $472 which represents the difference between the initial allocated
value of the Series A Preferred and the initial conversion rate, and $228
representing periodic accretion to the mandatory redemption value of $12.00 per
share.
 
     The holders of Series A Preferred are entitled to vote together with the
holders of common stock as a single class. Each holder of Series A Preferred
stock is entitled to that number of votes such holder would be entitled if the
holder had converted the shares of Series A Preferred into shares of common
stock.
 
  Series B Preferred Stock
 
     In August 1997, the Company sold 856,000 shares of Series B Convertible
Preferred Stock (the "Series B Preferred"). Dividends at an annual rate of 8.75%
are cumulative and are payable quarterly.
 
     The Series B Preferred is convertible at the holder's option at any time
into shares of common stock at an initial conversion price of $11.75 per share,
subject to adjustment. The Series B Preferred is subject to automatic conversion
in the event the Company or substantially all of its assets are sold. Potential
adjustments to the initial conversion price for both optional and automatic
conversions would result principally from the issuance or sale by the Company of
certain equity instruments, as defined, at less than the conversion price per
share prior to the date of conversion.
 
     The Company must redeem all outstanding shares of Series B preferred on
August 15, 2004. The redemption price is equal to $25.00 per share in cash, or
shares of the Company's common stock at the Company's option. In the event of a
redemption for stock, the number of shares of common stock to be issued is
determined by dividing the redemption price by a number equal to 95% of the
average closing price, as defined of the Company's common stock for the 20
trading days prior to the date of redemption. The Company, at its option, at any
time on or after August 15, 2000, may elect to redeem, in whole or in part, any
or all shares of Series B Preferred at the following redemption prices, plus any
unpaid dividends, during the 12 month period beginning on August 15 of each of
the years:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    REDEMPTION
                                                      PRICE
                                                    ----------
<S>                                                 <C>
2000..............................................    $26.10
2001..............................................     25.73
2002..............................................     25.37
2003..............................................     25.00
</TABLE>
 
     Notwithstanding the above, on or after August 15, 1999, the Company may, at
its option, redeem all shares the Series B Preferred at $26.47 per share plus
accumulated and unpaid dividends, if the common stock bid price has averaged not
less than 1.5 times the conversion price during the preceding 20 consecutive
days.
 
     The Company at its option may, at any dividend date, exchange all, but not
less than all, shares of Series B Preferred into 8.75% Convertible Subordinated
Notes due August, 2004 (the "Exchange Notes"). In the event of an exchange the
holders of Series B Preferred are entitled to receive $1 principal amount of
exchange notes for each 40 shares of Series B Preferred, plus an amount in cash
equal to any accumulated unpaid dividends.
 
     Except under certain circumstances, principally resulting from the
non-payment of dividends or a change of control of the Company, as defined, the
Series B Preferred is non-voting. The Series B Preferred placed certain
restrictions on the Company's ability to issue securities in parity with, or
senior to, the Series B Preferred. These restrictions principally involve the
Company satisfying certain financial ratios, as defined.
 
                                      F-18
<PAGE>   75
                                   KTI, INC.
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
9.  SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
     During 1997, the Company issued warrants to purchase 149,750 shares of its
common stock at prices ranging from $5.71 to $10.00 as consideration for
services rendered in connection with certain equity issuances. These warrants
are exercisable at any time and expire at various dates ranging from April 30,
2001 to August 15, 2002. All such warrants remain outstanding at December 31,
1997.
 
     In February 1997, the Company issued 10,000 shares of its common stock and
warrants to purchase an additional 2,100 shares at a price of $8.10 in
connection with the purchase of certain minority interests in a subsidiary.
These warrants are exercisable at any time and expire on January 31, 2000. All
such warrants remain outstanding at December 31, 1997.
 
     In connection with certain debt obligations issued during 1996, the Company
issued warrants to purchase 420,572 shares of common stock at $5.71 per share.
The aggregate original issue discount representing the fair value of the
warrants was $144. These warrants are exercisable at any time and expire at
various dates from March 31, 2001 to June 30, 2001. At December 31, 1997,
warrants to purchase 161,557 common shares issued in connection with these
transactions remain outstanding.
 
     During 1996, the Company issued warrants to purchase 210,000 shares of its
common stock at a price of $7.10 as consideration for consulting services. These
warrants are exercisable at any time and expire on June 1, 1999. At December 31,
1997, warrants to purchase 50,000 shares remain outstanding.
 
     During July and August of 1995, in a private transaction, the Company sold
650,412 shares of its common stock and warrants to purchase an additional
382,031 common shares exercisable during the period commencing from the date of
grant of the warrants and terminating not more than five years from the date of
grant at an exercise price of $5.48. The proceeds of this transaction were
$2,512, net of expenses of approximately $225. As of December 31, 1997, all of
the warrants issued in connection with this transaction had been exercised or
surrendered.
 
     In December 1995, in a private transaction, the Company sold 44,920 shares
of its common stock to an officer of the Company. The cash proceeds of this
transaction were $300 and the Company recognized compensation expense of $52.
 
     In connection with the Company's acquisition of CSI, warrants issued by CSI
in exchange for certain consulting services were converted into warrants to
purchase 87,500 shares of the Company's common stock at a price of $5.71. These
warrants expire on March 27, 2000. All such warrants remain outstanding at
December 31, 1997.
 
     As of December 31, 1997, the Company has reserved shares of common stock
for issuance as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              NUMBER OF SHARES
                                                              ----------------
<S>                                                           <C>
Conversion of Series A Preferred Stock......................       447,500
Conversion of Series B Preferred Stock......................     1,861,117
Exercise of common stock purchase warrants..................       802,082
Exercise of common stock options............................     1,240,998
Employee savings plan.......................................       195,883
                                                                 ---------
                                                                 4,547,580
                                                                 =========
</TABLE>
 
     Certain of the Company's outstanding warrants contain provisions which
allow for the conversion of such warrants into a lesser number of shares without
the payment of cash into the Company (so-called "cashless exercise" provisions).
Accordingly, there can be no assurance that, even if all such warrants are
exercised, the Company will receive all the aggregate gross proceeds.
 
                                      F-19
<PAGE>   76
                                   KTI, INC.
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
10.  STOCK OPTION PLANS
 
     The Company has four stock option plans; the 1986 Stock Option Plan of KTI,
Inc. (the "1986 Plan"), the KTI, Inc. 1994 Long-Term Incentive Award Plan and
the DataFocus Long-Term Incentive Plan (collectively, the "1994 Incentive
Plans") and the KTI, Inc. Directors Stock Option Plan (the "Directors Plan").
All plans are administered by the Compensation Committee of the Board of
Directors.
 
     The Company has elected to follow Accounting Principles Board Opinion No.
25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees" ("APB 25") and related
Interpretations in accounting for its employee stock options because, as
discussed below, the alternative fair value accounting provided for under FASB
Statement No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation," ("SFAS No. 123")
requires use of option valuation models that were not developed for use in
valuing employee stock options. Under APB 25, because the exercise price of the
Company's employee stock options equals the market price of the underlying stock
on the date of grant, no compensation expense is recognized.
 
ELEMENTS OF THE VARIOUS PLANS INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING:
 
     THE 1986 PLAN.  A maximum of 66,190 shares are subject to the 1986 Plan.
Options were granted at prices not less than the fair market value at the date
of grant. All options granted had 10 year terms and vested immediately. No new
options can be granted under this plan.
 
     THE 1994 INCENTIVE PLANS.  A maximum of 966,666 shares are subject to grant
under the 1994 Incentive Plans. Options may be granted at prices not less than
the fair market value at the date of grant and normally vest at 20% per year
beginning one year from the date of grant. Vested options may be exercised at
any time until their expiration which may be up to ten years from the date of
grant. Unvested options are forfeited upon termination of the employee. As a
result of the merger with CSI, options issued under CSI's previously existing
plans were replaced by options to purchase the Company's common stock having
essentially the same terms and conditions.
 
     THE DIRECTORS PLAN.  A maximum of 100,000 shares are subject to the
Directors Plan. Under the Directors Plan, nonemployee Directors are
automatically granted non-statutory options on August 1 of each year, commencing
on August 1, 1995. Effective August 13, 1996, the amount of these grants was
increased to the lesser of (i) 7,500 shares or (ii) a number of shares having a
maximum market value of $68. Options granted may not be exercised within one
year of grant and have 10 year terms.
 
     In addition to the Plans described above, the Company's Board of Directors
from time to time has granted key employees non-plan options. During 1995 and
1997, the Board of Directors made non-plan option grants. These non-plan options
have a ten year term, were granted at the then current fair market value. The
1995 grants vest 20% per year commencing on the first anniversary of the grant
date and the 1997 grants vested on the date of grant.
 
                                      F-20
<PAGE>   77
                                   KTI, INC.
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
     Option activities under the plans and for the non-plan options are detailed
in the following table:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                  1994                                     WEIGHTED
                                                INCENTIVE                              AVERAGE EXERCISE
                                    1986 PLAN     PLANS     DIRECTOR PLAN   NON PLAN   PRICE PER SHARE
                                    ---------   ---------   -------------   --------   ----------------
<S>                                 <C>         <C>         <C>             <C>        <C>
Outstanding at January 1, 1995....   15,263           --           --        28,350         $ 3.46
  Granted.........................       --      161,866       16,800        52,500         $ 7.18
  Assumed.........................       --      445,507           --            --         $ 5.66
  Exercised.......................       --       (1,603)          --       (28,350)        $ 3.49
  Forfeited.......................       --      (63,204)          --            --         $ 4.63
                                     ------     --------       ------       -------         ------
Outstanding at January 1, 1996....   15,263      542,566       16,800        52,500         $ 6.28
  Granted.........................       --      225,475       31,500            --         $ 7.23
  Exercised.......................       --      (55,346)          --            --         $ 5.38
  Forfeited.......................       --     (238,355)          --            --         $ 6.15
                                     ------     --------       ------       -------         ------
Outstanding at January 1, 1997....   15,263      474,340       48,300        52,500         $ 6.82
  Granted.........................               169,500       37,500       175,000         $10.03
  Exercised.......................               (85,353)                                   $ 5.89
  Forfeited.......................               (46,356)                                   $ 7.75
                                     ------     --------       ------       -------         ------
Outstanding at December 31,
  1997............................   15,263      512,131       85,800       227,500         $ 8.33
                                     ======     ========       ======       =======         ======
Exercisable at December 31,
  1997............................   15,263      113,561       48,300       171,000         $ 7.61
                                     ======     ========       ======       =======         ======
Exercisable at December 31,
  1996............................   15,263      132,601       16,800        10,500         $ 5.84
                                     ======     ========       ======       =======         ======
</TABLE>
 
     The weighted-average fair value of options granted was $4.95, $5.12 and
$5.11 for 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively.
 
     At December 31, 1997, for each of the following classes of options as
determined by range of exercise price, information regarding weighted-average
exercise prices and weighted-average remaining contractual lives of each class
is as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                     WEIGHTED-AVERAGE     WEIGHTED-AVERAGE      NUMBER OF    WEIGHTED-AVERAGE
                        NUMBER OF    EXERCISE PRICE OF        REMAINING          OPTIONS     EXERCISE PRICE OF
                         OPTIONS        OUTSTANDING      CONTRACTUAL LIFE OF    CURRENTLY    OPTIONS CURRENTLY
    OPTION CLASS       OUTSTANDING        OPTIONS        OUTSTANDING OPTIONS   EXERCISABLE      EXERCISABLE
    ------------       -----------   -----------------   -------------------   -----------   -----------------
<S>                    <C>           <C>                 <C>                   <C>           <C>
Price of $3.46.......     15,263          $ 3.46                   6              15,263           $3.46
Prices ranging from
  $5.48 to $8.10.....    423,481          $ 6.97                8.07             177,324           $6.76
Price ranging from
  $8.33 to $10.18....    351,950          $ 9.15                9.50             155,537           $8.98
Price of $14.75......     50,000          $14.75                9.97                  --              --
</TABLE>
 
     Pro forma information regarding net income and earnings per share is
required by SFAS No. 123, and has been determined as if the Company had been
accounting for its employee stock options under the fair value method of that
statement. The fair value for these options was estimated at the date of grant
using a Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following assumptions for
1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively: weighted average risk-free interest rates of
5.9%, 6.5% and 6.4%; no dividends; volatility factors of the expected market
price of the Company's common stock of .494, .642 and .642; and weighted-average
expected life of 5 years, 8 years and 8 years.
 
     The Black-Scholes option valuation model was developed for use in
estimating the fair value of traded options which have no vesting restrictions
and are fully transferable. In addition, option valuation models require the
input of highly subjective assumptions including the expected stock price
volatility. Because the
 
                                      F-21
<PAGE>   78
                                   KTI, INC.
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
Company's employee stock options have characteristics significantly different
from those of traded options, and because changes in the subjective input
assumptions can materially affect the fair value estimate, in management's
opinion, the existing models do not necessarily provide a reliable single
measure of the fair value of its employee stock options.
 
     For purposes of pro forma disclosures, the estimated fair value of the
options granted subsequent to 1994 is amortized to expense over the options'
vesting period. The Company's pro forma information follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              1997     1996      1995
                                                             ------   -------   -------
<S>                                                          <C>      <C>       <C>
Pro forma net income (loss) available for common
  shareholders.............................................  $5,892   $13,302   $(1,436)
Pro forma basic earnings (loss) per share..................  $ 0.80   $  2.19   $ (0.27)
Pro forma diluted earnings (loss) per share................  $ 0.74   $  2.00   $ (0.27)
</TABLE>
 
     The pro forma disclosures presented above reflect compensation expense only
for options granted subsequent to 1994. These amounts may not necessarily be
indicative of the pro forma effect of SFAS No. 123 for future periods in which
options may be granted.
 
11.  EARNINGS PER SHARE
 
     The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted
earnings per share:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                        1997         1996         1995
                                                     ----------   ----------   ----------
<S>                                                  <C>          <C>          <C>
Numerator:
  Income from continuing operations................  $    8,092   $   16,628   $   (1,393)
  Preferred stock dividends........................        (708)
  Accretion of preferred stock.....................        (700)
                                                     ----------   ----------   ----------
  Numerator for basic earnings per share -- income
     from continuing operations available to common
     stockholders..................................       6,684       16,628       (1,393)
  Effective of dilutive securities(1):
     Convertible subordinated notes payable........         345          514
                                                     ----------   ----------   ----------
  Numerator for diluted earnings per share --income
     from continuing operations available to common
     stockholders after assumed conversions........  $    7,029   $   17,142   $   (1,393)
                                                     ==========   ==========   ==========
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-22
<PAGE>   79
                                   KTI, INC.
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                        1997         1996         1995
                                                     ----------   ----------   ----------
<S>                                                  <C>          <C>          <C>
Denominator:
  Denominator for basic earnings per
     share -- weighted average shares..............   7,403,681    6,081,503    5,263,797
  Effect of dilutive securities:
     Employee stock options........................     203,883       55,043
     Warrants......................................     342,382      109,089
     Convertible preferred stock(1)................
     Convertible subordinated notes payable........     476,244      688,053
                                                     ----------   ----------
                                                      1,022,509      852,185
  Dilutive potential common shares
     Denominator for diluted earnings per share --
       adjusted weighted-average shares and assumed
       conversions.................................   8,426,190    6,933,688    5,263,797
                                                     ----------   ----------   ----------
Income from continuing operations per
  share -- Basic...................................  $     0.90   $     2.73   $    (0.26)
                                                     ==========   ==========   ==========
Income from continuing operations per
  share -- Diluted.................................  $     0.83   $     2.47   $    (0.26)
                                                     ==========   ==========   ==========
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
(1) Preferred shares issued during the year are anti-dilutive in 1997.
 
     For additional disclosures regarding the outstanding preferred stock, the
employee stock options, the warrants and the contingent purchase arrangement,
see Notes 8 and 9, respectively.
 
12.  INCOME TAXES
 
     At December 31, 1997 the Company has net operating loss carryforwards of
approximately $46,104 for income tax purposes that expire in years 2002 through
2010 and general business credit carryovers of approximately $530 which expire
in years 1999 through 2006. All of these carryforwards are subject to limitation
as described below. In addition, the Company has $815 of minimum tax credit
carryovers available that are not subject to limitation.
 
                                      F-23
<PAGE>   80
                                   KTI, INC.
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
     Significant components of the Company's deferred tax assets and liabilities
are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                   DECEMBER 31
                                                           ----------------------------
                                                            1997       1996      1995
                                                           -------   --------   -------
<S>                                                        <C>       <C>        <C>
Deferred tax assets
Current:
  Alternative minimum tax credit carryforwards...........  $   815
  Net operating loss carryforwards.......................    1,930
  Reserve on notes and accounts receivable...............       65   $     37   $    50
  State taxes, net.......................................       14         14        27
  Other liabilities......................................       22         47       223
                                                           -------   --------   -------
     Total current deferred tax assets...................    2,846         98       300
  Valuation allowance for current deferred tax assets....      (95)       (98)     (300)
                                                           -------   --------   -------
                                                             2,751         --        --
                                                           =======   ========   =======
Non-current:
  Deferred revenues......................................    9,830     10,814
  Basis difference in partnership interests..............   14,555        118    17,993
  State taxes, net.......................................    1,266      1,783       923
  General business credit carryforwards..................      530        530       850
  Alternative minimum tax credit carryforwards...........                 687       687
  Deferred development fees..............................      110        117       120
  Net operating loss carryforwards.......................   13,098     16,655     7,702
                                                           -------   --------   -------
     Total non-current deferred tax assets...............   39,389     30,704    28,275
  Valuation allowance for non-current deferred tax
     assets..............................................   (7,160)   (13,883)  (10,344)
                                                           -------   --------   -------
     Net non-current deferred tax assets.................   32,229     16,821    17,931
                                                           -------   --------   -------
Non-current deferred tax liabilities
Depreciation.............................................   32,229     16,821    17,931
                                                           -------   --------   -------
Net non-current deferred taxes...........................  $    --   $     --   $    --
                                                           =======   ========   =======
</TABLE>
 
     Significant components of the provision for income taxes are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                       YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                      -------------------------
                                                       1997      1996     1995
                                                      -------   -------   -----
<S>                                                   <C>       <C>       <C>
Current:
  Federal...........................................  $    65   $    --      --
  State.............................................      100        --   $  65
                                                      -------   -------   -----
Total current.......................................      165        --      65
Deferred:
  Federal...........................................    2,118   $ 5,075   $(274)
  State.............................................      240       863    (128)
  Valuation allowance...............................   (5,109)   (5,938)    402
                                                      -------   -------   -----
Total deferred......................................   (2,751)       --      --
                                                      -------   -------   -----
                                                      $(2,586)  $    --   $  65
                                                      =======   =======   =====
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-24
<PAGE>   81
                                   KTI, INC.
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
     The components of the benefit from deferred income taxes from continuing
operations for the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996, and 1995 are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                          YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31
                                                      -------------------------------
                                                       1997        1996        1995
                                                      -------    --------    --------
<S>                                                   <C>        <C>         <C>
Deferred revenues...................................  $   984    $(10,814)
Net operating loss carryforwards....................    1,627        (635)   $  1,364
General business and minimum tax credit
  carryforwards.....................................     (128)        320          --
Basis difference in partnership interests...........     (388)     17,875     (19,208)
State taxes, net....................................      240         110        (128)
Deferred development fees...........................        7           3           6
Depreciation........................................     (757)     (1,110)     17,596
Change in reserve on receivables....................      (28)         13          25
Accrued and other expenses..........................       25         176         (57)
Change in valuation allowance.......................   (5,109)     (5,938)        402
                                                      -------    --------    --------
Provision for deferred income taxes.................  $(2,751)   $     --    $     --
                                                      =======    ========    ========
</TABLE>
 
     The reconciliation of income tax computed at the federal statutory tax
rates to income tax expense is:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31
                                                          ---------------------------
                                                           1997       1996      1995
                                                          -------    -------    -----
<S>                                                       <C>        <C>        <C>
Tax (benefit) at US statutory rates.....................  $ 1,940    $ 5,033    $(452)
State income taxes, net of federal tax benefit..........      333        863      (85)
Amortization of goodwill................................      250         42      191
Change in valuation allowance...........................   (5,109)    (5,938)     402
Other...................................................       --         --        9
                                                          -------    -------    -----
                                                          $(2,586)   $    --    $  65
                                                          =======    =======    =====
</TABLE>
 
     The Tax Reform Act of 1986 enacted a complex set of rules limiting the
potential utilization of net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards in
periods following a corporate "ownership change". In general, for federal income
tax purposes, an ownership change is deemed to occur if the percentage of stock
of a loss corporation owned (actually, constructively and, in some cases,
deemed) by one or more "5% shareholders" has increased by more than 50
percentage points over the lowest percentage of such stock owned during a
three-year testing period. During 1994, such a change in ownership occurred. As
a result of the change, the Company's ability to utilize certain of its net
operating loss carryforwards and general business credits will be limited to
approximately $1,200 of taxable income, or approximately $375 of equivalent
credit per year. This limitation may be increased if the Company recognizes a
gain on the disposition of an asset which had a fair market value greater than
its tax basis on the date of the ownership change.
 
     During 1995, the Company acquired Convergent Solutions, Inc. As a result of
this combination, the Company recorded deferred tax assets of $1,203 and a
related valuation allowance for the same amount.
 
     During 1996, the Company acquired Timber Energy Investments, Inc. ("TEII").
As a result of this acquisition, the Company recorded additional net operating
loss carryforwards of $25,580, which are also subject to a corporate "ownership
change". As a result of the change, the Company's ability to utilize the net
operating loss carryforwards of TEII is limited to approximately $988 per year.
For financial reporting purposes, a valuation allowance of $10,232 was
recognized to offset the deferred tax assets related to these carryforwards on
the date of acquisition. When realized ($400 in 1997), the tax benefit for these
carryforwards is applied to reduce goodwill related to the acquisition of TEII.
 
                                      F-25
<PAGE>   82
                                   KTI, INC.
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
13.  COMMITMENTS
 
     The Company has entered into various facility and equipment operating
leases. The facility lease agreements generally require the Company to pay
certain expenses including maintenance costs and a percentage of real estate
taxes. The leases expire at various times ranging from 1998 to 2014. The Company
entered into a sublease agreement for certain of its office facilities. Rental
expense, net of sublease income, for all operating leases including facilities,
amounted to approximately $1,192, $145 and $133 for the years ended December 31,
1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively. As of December 31, 1997, future minimum
rental commitments on non-cancelable operating leases, net of sublease income
are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                   <C>
1998................................................  $2,188
1999................................................   1,746
2000................................................   1,544
2001................................................   1,508
2002................................................   1,509
</TABLE>
 
     As a result of its limited partnership interests in PERC the Company has a
contingent obligation to make additional capital contributions to PERC of
approximately $3.7 million. The Company has obtained an irrevocable letter of
credit from a bank securing this commitment.
 
     The Company has entered into employment agreements with certain of its key
employees which provide for fixed compensation and bonuses based on operating
results, as defined. These agreements generally continue until terminated by the
employee or the Company and, under certain circumstances, provide for salary
continuation for a specified period. At December 31, 1997 the Company's maximum
aggregate liability under the agreements if all the employees were terminated by
the Company is $7,125.
 
     In connection with their operations, Maine Energy, TERI and PERC have
entered into certain contractual agreements with respect to the supply and
acceptance of municipal solid waste and the sale of electric power.
 
     In 2007, certain of Maine Energy's municipal customers have the right to
obtain a 20% interest in Maine Energy's cash flows, as defined in certain
agreements, to be applied against the municipalities' future waste disposal
costs.
 
     Certain of PERC's long-term put-pay contracts with municipalities for
disposal of solid waste contain provisions which, at the date the related
Floating Rate Demand Resource Recovery Bonds are fully paid, allow the
municipalities to purchase the facility or terminate or extend the contracts, or
receive 50% of the partnerships' cash flows, as defined, to be applied against
the municipalities future waste disposal costs.
 
14.  EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLAN
 
     The Company has established a defined contribution employee savings and
investment retirement plan under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code.
All employees are eligible to participate in the plan after satisfying certain
eligibility requirements. The Company contributes on behalf of each
participating employee an amount equal to 100% of the amount contributed by an
eligible employee up to 6 2/3% of the employee's eligible compensation. Prior to
1997, the Company contributed up to 4% of the employee's eligible compensation.
The Company's contribution was approximately $290, $164 and $146 for the years
ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively. Included in the 1997 and
1996 Company contributions were 4,117 and 4,322 shares, respectively, of the
Company's common stock. The 4,322 shares contributed for 1996 were purchased by
the Company from third parties. The aggregate fair value of the stock was $35
and $32, respectively.
 
                                      F-26
<PAGE>   83
                                   KTI, INC.
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
15.  RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
 
     The Company receives an annual management fee (adjusted annually for
changes in the Consumer Price Index) as co-general partner of PERC. During the
years ended December 31, 1996 and 1995, the Company earned management fees of
approximately $418, and $407 respectively. The receivable from PERC was
approximately $2,279 at December 31, 1996. All such amounts are eliminated in
consolidation in 1997.
 
     The Company leases its administrative offices from a company whose
principals include certain officers and shareholders of KTI. Rents for the years
ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995 were $96, $110 and $101, respectively.
The Company also leases certain other office facilities from an individual who
is a shareholder and an employee. Rent expense in connection with these
facilities was approximately $33 in 1997.
 
16.  FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
 
     The estimated fair values of financial instruments have been determined by
the Company using available market information and appropriate valuation
methodologies. However, considerable judgment is required in interpreting market
data to develop the estimates of fair value. Accordingly, the estimates
presented herein are not necessarily indicative of the amounts the Company could
realize in a current market exchange. The carrying amount and estimated fair
values of financial instruments at December 31, 1997 and 1996 are summarized as
follows:
 
     The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value
of financial instruments:
 
          Cash, restricted cash and accounts receivable -- the carrying amounts
     reported in the balance sheet for cash, cash equivalents, and restricted
     funds including debt securities approximate their fair value.
 
          Management fees receivable -- the fair value is estimated using
     discounted cash flow analyses, using estimates of current market interest
     rates and periods in which the receivables will be realized.
 
          Notes and other receivables -- the fair value is estimated using
     discounted cash flow analyses, using appropriate interest rates.
 
          Resource Recovery Revenue Bonds Payable -- the fair value of bonds
     payable is estimated using discounted cash flow analyses, using appropriate
     interest rates.
 
          Other Debt -- the fair value is estimated based on discounting the
     estimated future cash flows using the Company's incremental borrowing rate
     for similar debt instruments.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                              DECEMBER 31, 1997         DECEMBER 31, 1996
                                            ----------------------    ----------------------
                                            CARRYING    ESTIMATED     CARRYING    ESTIMATED
                                             AMOUNT     FAIR VALUE     AMOUNT     FAIR VALUE
                                            --------    ----------    --------    ----------
<S>                                         <C>         <C>           <C>         <C>
ASSETS
Cash......................................  $11,181      $11,181      $ 5,227      $ 5,227
Restricted cash...........................   19,630       19,630        8,068        8,068
Accounts receivable (net).................   22,126       22,126        4,081        4,081
Management fee receivable.................       --           --        2,742        2,098
Notes receivable (net)....................      110           90          271          250
Other receivables.........................      732          618        1,110          913
LIABILITIES
Resources Recovery
  Revenue Bonds Payable...................   61,300       61,300       13,400       13,400
Other debt................................   32,967       27,625       25,673       24,793
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-27
<PAGE>   84
                                   KTI, INC.
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
17.  CONTINGENCIES
 
     The Company is involved in certain litigation arising from the normal
course of its business. In the opinion of Management, the outcome of these
matters individually and in the aggregate will not have a material effect on the
Company's financial position, cash flows or results of operations.
 
18.  SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
 
     Subsequent to December 31, 1997, in separate transactions, the Company
completed the acquisitions of Vel-A-Tran Recycling, Inc. and Total Waste
Management Corporation. Both entities are engaged in waste management and
recycling industries. The aggregate purchase price was approximately $2.5
million.
 
     Subsequent to December 31, 1997, all of the outstanding shares of the
Company's Series A Preferred Stock were converted into 447,500 shares of the
Company's common stock. This conversion was made in accordance with the original
terms of the Series A Preferred Stock.
 
     On January 21, 1998, the partners in PERC (including the Company through
its subsidiary PERC Management Company) and certain other parties, including
BHE, entered into an agreement which outlines the principal terms of a proposed
restructuring of the PPA between PERC and BHE and certain provisions relating to
amendments to the long-term waste handling agreements between PERC and
approximately 130 municipalities. In connection with this agreement, PERC and
BHE entered into a commitment with the Finance Authority of Maine to refinance
the existing Floating Rate Demand Resource Recovery Bonds. Both documents
contain significant conditions, which are not entirely in the control of the
parties to such documents. No assurance can be given that the transactions
contemplated by such documents can be successfully completed.
 
     On March 23, 1998, the Company received a commitment from one of its bank
lenders to increase its existing $11.0 million revolving credit facility to
$22.0 million and to extend its term to June 1999.
 
                                      F-28
<PAGE>   85
 
                         REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
 
Partners
Penobscot Energy Recovery Company
 
     We have audited the accompanying balance sheet of Penobscot Energy Recovery
Company, Limited Partnership as of December 31, 1996 and the related statements
of income, changes in partners' capital and cash flows for each of the two years
in the period ended December 31, 1996. These financial statements are the
responsibility of the Partnership's management. Our responsibility is to express
an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
 
     We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
 
     In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly,
in all material respects, the financial position of Penobscot Energy Recovery
Company at December 31, 1996 and the results of its operations and its cash
flows for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 1996 in
conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
 
                                          ERNST & YOUNG LLP
 
February 7, 1997
 
                                      F-29
<PAGE>   86
 
             PENOBSCOT ENERGY RECOVERY COMPANY, LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
 
                                 BALANCE SHEET
                               DECEMBER 31, 1996
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               DECEMBER 31,
                                                                   1996
                                                              --------------
                                                              (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                           <C>
                                   ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents...................................     $ 5,440
Accounts receivable.........................................       4,696
Restricted funds............................................       8,481
Prepaid expenses and other assets...........................         481
Property, plant and equipment, net..........................      71,321
Deferred costs, less accumulated amortization of $4,519.....       1,341
                                                                 -------
          Total.............................................     $91,760
                                                                 =======
                     LIABILITIES AND PARTNERS' CAPITAL
Accounts payable............................................     $ 1,641
Accrued expenses and other liabilities......................       1,271
Management and development fees payable to general
  partners..................................................       3,256
Bonds payable...............................................      53,500
                                                                 -------
          Total liabilities.................................      59,668
Partners' capital:
  Contributed capital.......................................      23,605
  Retained earnings.........................................       8,487
                                                                 -------
          Total partners' capital...........................      32,092
                                                                 -------
          Total.............................................     $91,760
                                                                 =======
</TABLE>
 
                            See accompanying notes.
 
                                      F-30
<PAGE>   87
 
             PENOBSCOT ENERGY RECOVERY COMPANY, LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
 
                              STATEMENTS OF INCOME
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                              ------------------------
                                                                1996           1995
                                                              ---------      ---------
                                                                   (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                           <C>            <C>
Revenues:
  Electric power revenues...................................   $18,487        $18,277
  Waste processing revenues.................................    11,807         11,182
                                                               -------        -------
          Total.............................................    30,294         29,459
Operating expenses:
  Supplemental fuels........................................     1,026            873
  Electric power purchases..................................       124            110
  Disposal costs............................................     4,880          4,253
  Operating and management fees.............................     5,353          5,165
  Equipment and maintenance costs...........................     3,196          2,527
  Depreciation..............................................     3,680          3,690
  Real estate taxes.........................................       556            521
  Insurance.................................................       350            380
  Other.....................................................     1,849          2,488
                                                               -------        -------
          Total.............................................    21,014         20,007
                                                               -------        -------
Operating income............................................     9,280          9,452
Interest and other financing costs, net.....................    (3,170)        (3,804)
                                                               -------        -------
Net income..................................................   $ 6,110        $ 5,648
                                                               =======        =======
</TABLE>
 
                            See accompanying notes.
 
                                      F-31
<PAGE>   88
 
             PENOBSCOT ENERGY RECOVERY COMPANY, LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
 
                   STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN PARTNERS' CAPITAL
                     YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996 AND 1995
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                         GENERAL PARTNERS          LIMITED PARTNERS                TOTAL
                                      -----------------------   -----------------------   -----------------------
                                                    RETAINED                  RETAINED                  RETAINED
                                      CONTRIBUTED   EARNINGS    CONTRIBUTED   EARNINGS    CONTRIBUTED   EARNINGS
                                        CAPITAL     (DEFICIT)     CAPITAL     (DEFICIT)     CAPITAL     (DEFICIT)
                                      -----------   ---------   -----------   ---------   -----------   ---------
                                                                    (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                   <C>           <C>         <C>           <C>         <C>           <C>
Balance, January 1, 1995............     3,017         (328)       27,089       (2,943)      30,106       (3,271)
  Capital distributions.............      (109)                    (4,058)                   (4,167)          --
  Net income........................                    566                      5,082           --        5,648
                                        ------        -----       -------      -------      -------      -------
Balance, December 31, 1995..........     2,908          238        23,031        2,139       25,939        2,377
  Distributions.....................      (193)                    (2,141)                   (2,334)
  Net income........................                    611                      5,499                     6,110
                                        ------        -----       -------      -------      -------      -------
Balance, December 31, 1996..........    $2,715          849       $20,890      $ 7,638      $23,605      $ 8,487
                                        ======        =====       =======      =======      =======      =======
</TABLE>
 
                            See accompanying notes.
 
                                      F-32
<PAGE>   89
 
             PENOBSCOT ENERGY RECOVERY COMPANY, LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
 
                            STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31
                                                              ----------------------
                                                                1996          1995
                                                              --------      --------
                                                                  (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                           <C>           <C>
Operating activities
Net income..................................................  $ 6,110       $ 5,648
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by
  operating activities:
  Depreciation and amortization.............................    4,085         4,208
  Changes in asset and liability accounts:
     Increasing (decreasing) cash:
     Accounts receivable....................................     (729)           52
     Prepaid expenses and other assets......................      (91)         (142)
     Accounts payable.......................................      327           (50)
     Accrued expenses and other liabilities.................   (1,010)          716
     Management and development fees payable................     (199)         (105)
                                                              -------       -------
Net cash provided by operating activities...................    8,493        10,327
Investing activities
Additions to property, plant and equipment..................   (1,192)       (1,172)
Net change in restricted funds..............................     (117)         (384)
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment.........       25
                                                              -------       -------
Net cash used in investing activities.......................   (1,284)       (1,556)
Financing activities
Payment of bond principal...................................   (5,900)       (4,900)
Distributions...............................................   (2,334)       (4,167)
                                                              -------       -------
Net cash used in financing activities.......................   (8,234)       (9,067)
                                                              -------       -------
(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents............   (1,025)         (296)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year..............    6,465         6,761
                                                              -------       -------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year....................  $ 5,440       $ 6,465
                                                              =======       =======
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information
Interest paid...............................................  $ 2,426       $ 2,980
                                                              =======       =======
</TABLE>
 
                            See accompanying notes.
 
                                      F-33
<PAGE>   90
 
             PENOBSCOT ENERGY RECOVERY COMPANY, LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
 
                         NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                               DECEMBER 31, 1996
 
1.  ORGANIZATION AND DESCRIPTION OF OPERATIONS
 
     Penobscot Energy Recovery Company, Limited Partnership ("PERC") is a
limited partnership formed on December 28, 1983 and organized to design,
construct, operate, own and manage a facility located in Orrington, Maine for
the conversion of solid waste and supplemental fuel to electric power (the
"Project"). Certain contractual agreements relating to this facility have been
entered into, including agreements with respect to the supply of solid waste,
the sale of electric power, and operation and maintenance of the facility.
 
     PERC Management Company ("PMC"), which is ultimately owned by KTI, Inc.
("KTI"), and Energy National, Inc. ("ENI") are general partners. As of December
31, 1996, ENI and another entity were limited partners. As of December 31, 1996,
the ownership interests of the partners were as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            OWNERSHIP INTERESTS
                                                            --------------------
                                                            GENERAL     LIMITED
                                                            PARTNERS    PARTNERS
                                                            --------    --------
<S>                                                         <C>         <C>
PMC.......................................................      7%
ENI.......................................................      3         25.7%
Other limited partner.....................................                64.3%
                                                               --         ----
                                                               10%        90.0%
                                                               ==         ====
</TABLE>
 
     Profits and losses are to be allocated 10% to the general partners and 90%
to the limited partners until such time that the return on equity, as defined in
the Partnership Agreement, of the limited partners exceeds their aggregate
capital contributions. Commencing on that date and continuing through the
remaining term of the Partnership, such allocations, including gains and losses
upon net sale or refinancing, shall be 40% to the general partners and 60% to
the limited partners.
 
     According to the Partnership agreement, the Partnership has a limited life
extending to December 31, 2018, unless further extended by a vote of all of the
partners.
 
     The Project is subject to the provisions of various federal and state
energy laws and regulations including the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act
of 1978, as amended. In addition, federal, state and local environmental laws
establish standards governing certain aspects of the Project's operations. The
Company believes it has all permits, licenses and approvals necessary to operate
the facility.
 
2.  SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
 
     Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost, less accumulated
depreciation. All costs incurred for additions and improvements to the facility,
including interest during construction, are capitalized.
 
     Depreciation is provided on the straight-line method over estimated useful
lives.
 
DEFERRED COSTS
 
     Costs incurred by PERC in connection with permanent financings have been
deferred and are being amortized over the life of the related debt issues using
the interest method.
 
     During 1991, PERC finalized negotiations with municipalities and entered
into new long-term waste handling agreements which resulted in higher waste
handling fees. Costs associated with the renegotiation were deferred and
amortized over 60 months which represented the minimum period covered by the new
agreements.
 
                                      F-34
<PAGE>   91
 
RESTRICTED FUNDS
 
     Restricted funds consist of cash and cash equivalents held in trust which
are available for debt service, certain capital improvements and repairs and
maintenance.
 
REVENUES
 
     Electric power revenues are earned from the sale of electricity to Bangor
Hydro-Electric Company ("BHE"), a utility serving a portion of the State of
Maine, under a Power Purchase Agreement (the "Agreement"). Revenue is recorded
at the contract rate specified in the Agreement as the electricity is delivered.
 
     Waste processing revenues consist principally of fees charged to customers
for waste disposal. Substantially all waste processing revenues are earned from
customers located in a geographic region proximate to the facility. Revenue is
generally recorded upon delivery based on rates specified in the applicable
long-term contracts. Certain of these contract rates are adjusted quarterly
based on actual costs incurred in the prior quarter.
 
USE OF ESTIMATES
 
     The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and
assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and
accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
 
INCOME TAXES
 
     There is no provision in the financial statements for income taxes as the
income or loss is included in the income tax returns of the partners.
 
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
     For purposes of the statements of cash flows, PERC considers all highly
liquid debt instruments purchased with a maturity of three months or less to be
cash equivalents.
 
FAIR VALUES OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
 
     The following methods and assumptions were used by the Company in
estimating its fair value disclosures for financial instruments:
 
  Cash, cash equivalents and restricted funds
 
     The carrying amounts reported in the balance sheet for cash, cash
equivalents and restricted funds approximate their fair value.
 
  Bonds payable
 
     The carrying amount of the Company's borrowings under its bonds payable
approximates their fair value.
 
3.  PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
 
     Property, plant and equipment consists of the following:
 
                                      F-35
<PAGE>   92
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                           <C>
Machinery and equipment.....................................  $ 66,727
Buildings and site improvements.............................    30,426
Furniture and fixtures......................................       800
Parts and supplies..........................................     2,042
Land........................................................       322
                                                              --------
Total.......................................................   100,317
Less accumulated depreciation...............................   (28,996)
                                                              --------
Property, plant and equipment, net..........................  $ 71,321
                                                              ========
</TABLE>
 
4.  FINANCING TRANSACTIONS
 
     On May 22, 1986, the Town of Orrington, on behalf of PERC, issued $50,400
of Floating Rate Demand Resource Recovery Revenue Bonds to finance the Project.
Commencing May 1, 1988, the bonds became variable rate obligations based on
rates for certain tax-exempt obligations, as determined weekly by the
remarketing agent for the bonds (4.125% at December 31, 1996).
 
     Additionally, on December 3, 1986, the Town of Orrington, on behalf of
PERC, issued $30,600 of Floating Rate Demand Resource Recovery Revenue Bonds to
supplement the previous financing of the Project. These bonds also bear interest
based on rates for certain tax-exempt obligations, as determined weekly by the
remarketing agent for the bonds (4.25% at December 31, 1996).
 
     The bonds are subject to mandatory redemption in quarterly installments of
varying amounts through November 2003 and are subject to redemption at the
option of PERC at the redemption price of 100% of the principal amount thereof
plus accrued interest.
 
     Aggregate principal maturities for the next five years and thereafter are
as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                  <C>
1997...............................................  $ 4,800
1998...............................................    6,200
1999...............................................    7,000
2000...............................................    7,800
2001...............................................    8,800
Thereafter.........................................   18,900
                                                     -------
Total..............................................  $53,500
                                                     =======
</TABLE>
 
     The bonds are fully secured by irrevocable letters of credit from a group
of banks. The bonds and letter of credit are collateralized by liens on
substantially all of PERC's assets and contain certain restrictive covenants
which require, among other things, maintenance of working capital, as defined,
and restrict PERC's ability to incur additional indebtedness, make loans and
acquire investments. If necessary, the limited partners are obligated to fund up
to $5,000 to reimburse any shortfalls in principal and interest payments under
the bond and related letter of credit agreements.
 
5.  INTEREST AND OTHER FINANCING COSTS -- NET
 
     Interest and other financing costs for the years ended December 31, 1996
and 1995 consist of:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               1996      1995
                                                              ------    ------
<S>                                                           <C>       <C>
Interest expense............................................  $2,263    $2,963
Letter of credit fees.......................................     976     1,075
Amortization of deferred bond financing costs...............     351       377
Remarketing and bank fees...................................     288       153
Interest income.............................................    (708)     (764)
                                                              ------    ------
Interest and other financing costs -- net...................  $3,170    $3,804
                                                              ======    ======
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-36
<PAGE>   93
 
6.  RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
 
     PERC incurred management fees payable to the general partners of $595 and
$580 in 1996 and 1995, respectively, in accordance with the Partnership
Agreement. PERC purchases a portion of its supplemental fuel (wood chips) from
KTI Biofuels, L.P., an affiliate of PMC. During 1996 and 1995, these purchases
totaled approximately $279, $153, respectively. Accounts payable includes $21
due to KTI Biofuels, L.P. at December 31, 1996.
 
     Effective May 1, 1989, PERC entered into an Operation and Maintenance
Agreement with ESOCO Orrington, Inc., an affiliate of ENI. For the years ended
December 31, 1996 and 1995, PERC paid operating and maintenance fees to ESOCO of
approximately $4,500 and $4,400, respectively, plus additional approved pass
through operating costs. The amounts payable as of December 31, 1996 was $346.
 
     PERC had waste processing revenue of approximately $615 and $603 from
Orrington Waste Ltd. (a limited partnership including certain general and
limited partners of PERC) (OWL) in 1996 and 1995, respectively. OWL and PERC
have a long-term put-pay agreement under which OWL pays waste disposal fees to
PERC equivalent to those charged to other municipalities. Included in accounts
receivable at December 31, 1996 is approximately $60 related to the waste
processing revenue recognized.
 
7.  WASTE HANDLING AGREEMENTS
 
     Certain of PERC's long-term, put-pay contracts with municipalities for
disposal of solid waste contain provisions which, at the date the bonds are
fully paid, allow the municipalities to purchase the facility or terminate or
extend the contracts.
 
     Certain of the long-term, put-pay contracts with municipalities contain
provisions which allow the municipalities to receive a portion of PERC's annual
cash flows, as defined. Based on PERC's cash flows, as defined, approximately
$619 and $1,418 was payable to these municipalities for 1996 and 1995,
respectively. These amounts are included in other expenses.
 
                                      F-37
<PAGE>   94
 
                                                                     SCHEDULE II
 
                           KTI, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                       VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
<TABLE>
<S>                            <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>
          COLUMN A             COLUMN B          COLUMN C          COLUMN D    COLUMN E
 
                                                      ADDITIONS
                                           --------------------
 
<CAPTION>
                               BALANCE     CHARGED     CHARGED
                                  AT          TO          TO                   BALANCE
                               BEGINNING    COSTS       OTHER                     AT
                                  OF         AND       ACCOUNTS -- DEDUCTIONS --  END OF
         DESCRIPTION            PERIOD     EXPENSES    DESCRIBE    DESCRIBE     PERIOD
- -----------------------------  --------    --------    --------    --------    --------
<S>                            <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997
Deducted from asset accounts:
Allowance for doubtful
  accounts...................  $241,939    193,000                 $140,939(1) $294,000
 
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996
Deducted from asset accounts:
Allowance for doubtful
  accounts...................  480,662      23,632                 262,355(1)   241,939
 
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995
Deducted from asset accounts:
Allowance for doubtful
  accounts...................  156,912     323,750                              480,662
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------
 
(1) Uncollectible accounts written off, net of recoveries.
 
                                      F-38
<PAGE>   95
 
                                 EXHIBIT INDEX
 
<TABLE>
<S>      <C>
   2.1   Agreement of Reorganization and Merger among KTI, Inc., a
         New Jersey corporation, K-C Industries, Inc., an Oregon
         corporation and KES, Inc., a Delaware corporation, dated
         September 22, 1997(1)
   4.1   Specimen Form of Common Stock Certificate(2)
   4.3   Certificate of Amendment to Registrant's Restated
         Certificate of Certificate of Incorporation, filed August 8,
         1997(3)
   4.4   Certificate of Correction to Certificate of Amendment to
         Registrant's Restated Certificate of Certificate of
         Incorporation, filed October 31, 1997(23)
 **5     Opinion of McDermott, Will & Emery re: legality
  10.1   Loan Agreement dated as of June 1, 1985 between City of
         Biddeford, Maine and Maine Energy Recovery Company, as
         amended(4)
  10.2   Subordinated Note of Maine Energy Recovery Company dated as
         of December 1, 1990 in the original principal amount of
         $14,252,338.39 payable to CNA Realty Corp.(4)
  10.3   Subordinated Note of Maine Energy Recovery Company dated as
         of December 1, 1990 in the original principal amount of
         $9,495,327.45 payable to Energy National, Inc.(4)
  10.4   Subordinated Note of Maine Energy Recovery Company dated as
         of December 1, 1990 in the original principal amount of
         $4,737,517.54 payable to Project Capital 1985(4)
  10.5   Loan Agreement dated as of April 1, 1986 between Town of
         Orrington, Maine and Penobscot Energy Recovery Company, as
         amended(4)
  10.6   Credit Agreement dated as of May 15, 1986 by and among
         Penobscot Energy Recovery Company, PERC Management Company
         and Energy National, Inc. and The Banking Institutions
         Signatory Hereto and Bankers Trust Company, as Agent, as
         amended(4)
  10.7   Second Amended and Restated Agreement and Certificate of
         Limited Partnership of Penobscot Energy Recovery Company
         dated May 15, 1986, as amended(2)
  10.8   Agreement between Penobscot Energy Recovery Company and
         Bangor Hydro-Electric Company dated June 21, 1984, as
         amended(2)
  10.9   Form of Penobscot Energy Recovery Company Waste Disposal
         Agreement (City of Bangor) dated April 1, 1991 and Schedule
         of Substantially Identical Waste Disposal Agreements(2)
  10.10  Operation and Maintenance Agreement Between Esoco Orrington,
         Inc. and Penobscot Energy Recovery Company dated June 30,
         1989(2)
  10.11  Residue Disposal Agreement between Penobscot Energy Recovery
         Company and Sawyer Environmental Recovery Facilities, Inc.
         dated September 19, 1985, as amended(2)
  10.12  Amended and Restated Bypass Agreement between Sawyer
         Environmental Recovery Facilities, Inc. and Penobscot Energy
         Recovery Company dated April 4, 1994(2)
  10.13  Second Amended and Restated Agreement and Certificate of
         Limited Partnership of Maine Energy Recovery Company dated
         June 30, 1986, as amended(2)
  10.14  Power Purchase Agreement Between Maine Energy Recovery
         Company and Central Maine Power Company dated January 12,
         1984, as amended(2)
  10.15  Operation and Maintenance Agreement Between Maine Energy
         Recovery Company and KTI Operations, Inc. dated December 1,
         1990(2)
  10.16  Host Municipalities' Waste Handling Agreement among
         Biddeford-Saco Solid Waste Committee, City of Biddeford,
         City of Saco and Maine Energy Recovery Company dated June 7,
         1991(2)
</TABLE>
<PAGE>   96
<TABLE>
<S>      <C>
  10.17  Form of Maine Energy Recovery Company Waste Handling
         Agreement (Town of North Berwick) dated June 7, 1991 and
         Schedule of Substantially Identical Waste Disposal
         Agreements(2)
  10.18  Material Disposal and Transportation Agreement among
         Consolidated Waste Service, Inc., Waste Management of New
         Hampshire and Maine Energy Recovery Company dated October
         21, 1991(2)
  10.19  Front-End Process Residue Agreement between Arthur
         Schofield, Inc. and Maine Energy Recovery Company dated May
         27, 1994(2)
  10.20  Second Amended and Restated Agreement and Certificate of
         Limited Partnership of FTI Limited Partnership dated
         December 11, 1986, as amended(2)
  10.21  Land Lease dated November 25, 1985 between City of Lewiston
         and Fuel Technologies, Inc. as amended(2)
  10.22  KTI, Inc. 1994 Long-Term Incentive Award Plan(2)
  10.23  Employment Agreement between KTI, Inc. and Martin J. Sergi
         dated May 1, 1994(2)
  10.24  Registration Rights Agreement between Davstar Managed
         Investments Corp. and KTI Environmental Group, Inc. dated
         March 17, 1993(2)
  10.25  Registration Rights Agreement among KTI Environmental Group,
         Inc., Martin J. Sergi and Midlantic National Bank dated May
         10, 1994(2)
  10.26  Registration Rights Agreement among KTI Environmental Group,
         Inc., Nicholas Menonna, Jr. and Midlantic National Bank
         dated May 10, 1994(2)
  10.27  KTI, Inc. Directors Stock Option Plan(5)
  10.28  Form of Registration Rights between KTI, Inc. and Mona
         Kalimian, Mark D. Kalimian, and Linda Berley dated July 27,
         1995 and Schedule of Substantially Identical Registration
         Rights Agreements(4)
  10.29  Letter Agreement dated as of November 10, 1995 among Central
         Maine Power, Maine Energy Recovery Company and Citizens
         Lehman Power(6)
  10.30  Global Agreement dated December 28, 1995 between
         Environmental Capital Holdings, Inc. and KTI, Inc.(6)
  10.31  Agreement of Limited Partnership of American Ash Recycling
         of Tennessee, Ltd. dated December 28, 1995(6)
  10.32  Agreement of Limited Partnership of American Ash Recycling
         of New England, Ltd. dated December 28, 1995(6)
  10.33  First Amendment to Agreement of Limited Partnership of
         American Ash Recycling of Tennessee, Ltd., dated March 16,
         1996(7)
  10.34  Agreement dated as of July 19, 1996 by and among KTI, Inc.,
         DataFocus Incorporated and CIBER, Inc.(8)
  10.35  Agreement dated July 19, 1996 by and among KTI, Inc., Thomas
         Bosanko and Patrick B. Higbie(8)
  10.36  Operating Agreement of Specialties Environmental Management
         Company, LLC dated as of October 18, 1996(9)
  10.37  Amendment to Employment Agreements between KTI, Inc. and
         Nicholas Menonna, Jr. and Martin J. Sergi(10)
  10.38  Note Purchase Agreement dated as of October 23, 1996 between
         KTI, Inc. and WEXFORD KTI LLC(11)
  10.39  Registration Rights Agreement dated as of October 23, 1996
         between KTI, Inc. and WEXFORD KTI LLC(11)
</TABLE>
<PAGE>   97
<TABLE>
<S>      <C>
  10.40  Escrow Agreement dated as of October 23, 1996 between KTI,
         Inc. and WEXFORD KTI LLC and Key Trust of Ohio, N.A.(11)
  10.41  Securities Purchase Agreement by and among KTI Plastic
         Recycling, Inc., Continental Casualty Company, CNA Realty
         Corp., CLE, Inc. and Timber Energy Investment, Inc. dated as
         of November 22, 1996(12)
  10.42  Securities Purchase Agreement by and among KTI Plastic
         Recycling, Inc. and Diane Goodman and Seth Lehner dated as
         of November 25, 1996(13)
  10.43  Loan and Security Agreement between KTI, Inc., KTI
         Environmental Group, Inc., Kuhr Technologies, Inc., KTI
         Limited Partners, Inc., KTI Operations, Inc. and PERC, Inc.,
         Borrowers, and Key Bank of New York, Lender, dated October
         29, 1996(14)
  10.44  Pledge Agreement between each Borrower and Key Bank of New
         York dated October 29, 1996(14)
  10.45  Key Trust Company PRISM(R) Prototype Retirement Plan and
         Trust adopted as of December 11, 1996(14)
  10.46  Option and Consulting Agreement by and among KTI, Inc. and
         L.T. Lawrence & Co., Inc. dated as of June 1, 1996(14)
  10.47  First Amendment to Option and Consulting Agreement by and
         among KTI, Inc. and L.T. Lawrence & Co., Inc. dated as of
         December 18, 1996(14)
  10.48  Warrant to purchase 200,000 shares of KTI, Inc. common stock
         at $7.50 per share issued to L.T. Lawrence & Co., Inc. dated
         as of December 18, 1996(14)
  10.49  Warrant to purchase 6,000 shares of KTI, Inc. common stock
         at $8.50 per share issued to Thomas E. Schulze dated as of
         January 2, 1997(14)
  10.50  Warrant to purchase 3,000 shares of KTI, Inc. common stock
         at $8.50 per share issued to John E. Turner dated as of
         January 2, 1997(14)
  10.51  Warrant to purchase 6,000 shares of KTI, Inc. common stock
         at $8.50 per share issued to Robert E. Wetzel dated as of
         January 2, 1997(14)
  10.52  Warrant to purchase 15,000 shares of KTI, Inc. common stock
         at $6.00 per share issued to The Baldwin & Clarke Companies
         dated as of January 2, 1997(14)
  10.53  Warrant to purchase 15,000 shares of KTI, Inc. common stock
         at $7.00 per share issued to The Baldwin & Clarke Companies
         dated as of January 2, 1997(14)
  10.54  Third Amendment to Second Amended and Restated Certificate
         and Agreement of Limited Partnership of FTI Limited
         Partnership dated as of January 23, 1997(14)
  10.55  Warrant to purchase 2,000 shares of KTI, Inc. common stock
         at $8.50 per share issued to Maine Woodchips Associates
         dated as of January 23, 1997(14)
  10.56  Registration Rights Agreement by and between KTI, Inc. and
         Maine Woodchips Associates dated as of January 23, 1997(14)
  10.57  Securities Purchase Agreement by and among KTI Plastic
         Recycling, Inc., Continental Casualty Company, CNA Realty
         Corp., CLE, Inc. and Timber Energy Investment, Inc., dated
         as of November 22, 1996(15)
  10.58  Term sheet (Purchase of assets of Prins Recycling Corp. and
         subsidiaries)(16)
  10.59  Agreement, dated as of April 21, 1997 between KTI Recycling,
         Inc. and its subsidiaries and PNC Bank(16)
  10.60  Operations and Maintenance Agreement, dated as of April 21,
         1997, by and between Prins Recycling Corp. and its
         subsidiaries and KTI Operations, Inc.(16)
  10.61  Order of the Bankruptcy Court for the District of New Jersey
         dated June 19, 1997(16)
  10.62  Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of June 24, 1997, between
         Prins Recycling Corp. and its subsidiaries and KTI
         Recycling, Inc. and its subsidiaries(16)
</TABLE>
<PAGE>   98
<TABLE>
<S>      <C>
  10.63  Securities Purchase Agreement by and among I. Zaitlin &
         Sons, Inc., a Maine corporation, Data Destruction Services,
         Inc., a Maine corporation, Samuel M. Zaitlin, Steven G.
         Suher and George G. Deely and KTI Recycling, Inc., a
         Delaware corporation(17)
  10.64  First amendment, dated as of August 14, 1997, to the Loan
         and Security Agreement between KTI, Inc., KTI Environmental
         Group, Inc., Kuhr Technologies, Inc., KTI Limited Partners,
         Inc., KTI Operations, Inc. and PERC, Inc.(18)
  10.65  Securities Purchase Agreement, dated as of August 12, 1997,
         by and among KTI, Inc., and Wenoha Corporation, John G.
         Mills, L. Don Norton, Glen Wade Stewart, Bruce D. Wentworth
         and Donald E. Wentworth(18)
  10.66  Placement Agreement dated August 7, 1997 between KTI, Inc.
         and Credit Research & Trading LLC(19)
  10.67  Warrant Agreement dated August 7, 1997 between KTI, Inc. and
         Credit Research & Trading LLC(19)
  10.68  Registration Rights Agreement dated August 15, 1997 between
         KTI, Inc. and the purchases named therein(19)
  10.69  Purchase and Option Agreement by and between PERC Management
         Company Limited Partnership and The Prudential Insurance
         Company of America dated September 30, 1997(20)
  10.70  Second Amendment to the Second Amended and Restated
         Agreement and Certificate of Limited Partnership of
         Penobscot Energy Recovery Company, Limited Partnership dated
         as of September 29, 1997(20)
  10.71  Assignment and Assumption Agreement between The Prudential
         Insurance Company of America and PERC Management Company
         Limited(20) Partnership dated as of September 29, 1997 re
         Penobscot Energy Recovery Company, Limited Partnership(20)
  10.72  Amendment No. 1 to Reimbursement Agreement and Release of
         Assignment dated as of September 29, 1997 to the
         Reimbursement Agreement dated as of May 28, 1991 of
         Penobscot Energy Recovery Company, Limited Partnership in
         favor of Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New York re
         Penobscot Energy Recovery Company, Limited Partnership(20)
  10.73  Assignment and Assumption Agreement between The Prudential
         Insurance Company of America and PERC Management Company
         Limited Partnership dated as of September 29, 1997 re
         Orrington Waste Ltd., Limited Partnership(20)
  10.74  Amendment no. 1 to Reimbursement Agreement and Release of
         Assignment dated as of September 29, 1997 to the
         Reimbursement Agreement dated as of May 28, 1991 of
         Penobscot Energy Recovery Company, Limited Partnership in
         favor of Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New York re
         Orrington Waste Ltd.(20)
  10.75  Securities Purchase Agreement dated as of January 1, 1998,
         by and among Vel-A-Tran Recycling, Inc., a Massachusetts
         corporation, Raymond Vellucci and KTI Recycling of New
         England, Inc., a Delaware corporation(21)
  10.76  Securities Purchase Agreement dated as of January 27, 1998
         among Total Waste Management Corporation, Donald A.
         Littlefield, William Kaylor and KTI Specialty Waste
         Services, Inc., a Maine corporation(22)
  21     List of all subsidiaries of Registrant
 *23     Consent of Ernst & Young LLP
**25     Statement of Form of Eligibility of Trustee
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
 (1) Filed as an Exhibit to Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K dated
     September 16, 1997
 
 (2) Filed as an Exhibit to Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-4 (No.
     33-85234) dated January 6, 1995.
 
 (3) Filed as an Exhibit to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated
     August 15, 1997.
<PAGE>   99
 
 (4) Filed with the Registration Statement on Form S-1 dated December 6, 1995.
 (5) Filed as an Exhibit to Registrant's Proxy Statement dated June 5, 1995.
 
 (6) Filed with the Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1
     dated February 2, 1996.
 
 (7) Filed as an Exhibit to Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K dated April
     15, 1996.
 
 (8) Filed as an Exhibit to Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K dated July
     19, 1996.
 
 (9) Filed as an Exhibit to Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K dated
     October 18, 1996.
 
(10) Filed as an Exhibit to Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K dated
     October 23, 1996.
 
(11) Filed as an Exhibit to Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K dated
     October 24, 1996.
 
(12) Filed as an Exhibit to Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K dated
     November 22, 1996.
 
(13) Filed as an Exhibit to Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K dated
     November 25, 1996.
 
(14) Filed as an Exhibit to Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year
     ended December 31, 1996.
 
(15) Filed as an Exhibit to Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K dated
     November 26, 1996.
 
(16) Filed as an Exhibit to Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K dated June
     19, 1997
 
(17) Filed as an Exhibit to Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K dated July
     29, 1997.
 
(18) Filed as an Exhibit to Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K dated August
     12, 1997.
 
(19) Filed as an Exhibit to Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K dated August
     15, 1997.
 
(20) Filed as an Exhibit to Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K dated
     September 30, 1997.
 
(21) Filed as an Exhibit to Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K dated
     January 15, 1998.
 
(22) Filed as an Exhibit to Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K dated
     February 4, 1998.
 
(23) Filed with the Registration Statement on Form S-2 dated February 11, 1998.
 
  *  Filed herewith.
 
 **  To be filed by amendment.

<PAGE>   1
                                                                      EXHIBIT 21

Subsidiaries of the Registrant
- ------------------------------

American Ash Recycling of Tennesee, Limited Partners, a Florida Limited
Partnership (60% owned)

Data Destruction Services, Inc., a Maine Corporation

I. Zaitlin and Sons, Inc., a Maine Corporation

K-C International, Ltd., an Oregon Corporation

KTI Ash Recycling, Inc., a Delaware Corporation

KTI Ash Recycling of New England, Ltd., a Florida Limited Partnership (60%
owned by KTI Ash Recycling, Inc. and 40% owned by KTI Specialty Waste Services,
Inc., the General Partner)

KTI Bio Fuels, Inc., a Maine Corporation (100% owned subsidiary of Kuhr)

KTI Environmental Consulting, Inc., a Delaware Corporation

KTI Environmental Group, Inc., a New Jersey Corporation

KTI Limited Partners, Inc., a Delaware Corporation

KTI Operations, Inc., a Delaware Corporation

KTI Recycling, Inc., a Delaware Corporation

KTI Recycling of New England, Inc., a Delaware Corporation

KTI Recycling of New Jersey, Inc., a Delaware Corporation

KTI Recycling of Illinois, Inc., a Delaware Corporation

KTI Specialty Waste Services, Inc., a Maine Corporation

KTI Transportation Services, Inc., a Maine Corporation

Kuhr Technologies, Inc., a New Jersey Corporation

Maine Energy Recovery Company Limited Partnership, a Maine Limited Partnership
(a 10% owned subsidiary of Kuhr (and general partner) and a 64.15% owned
subsidiary of the Registrant)

Manner Resins, Inc., a Maryland Corporation

Orrington Waste, Ltd, an Oregon Partnership (83.33% owned)

Penobscot Energy Recovery Company, Limited Partnership, a Maine Limited
Partnership (a 64.29% owned limited partner of PERC Management Company Limited
Partnership and 7% General Partner)

PERC, Inc., a Delaware Corporation (a 100% owned subsidiary of Kuhr)

PERC Power Management Company, a Maine Limited Partnership (a 87.3% owned
subsidiary of Kuhr and a 12.7% owned subsidiary of the Registrant)     

Power Ship Transport, Inc., a Delaware Corporation

Seaglass, Inc., a Delaware Corporation (80% owned)

Specialties Environmental Management Company, a Maine limited liability company
(55% owned)

Timber Energy Resources, Inc., a Texas Corporation

Total Waste Management Corporation, a New Hampshire Corporation

Vel-A-Tran Recycling, Inc., a Massachusetts Corporation




All subsidiares are 100% owned, unless otherwise indicated above.







<PAGE>   1
 
                                                                      EXHIBIT 23
 
                        CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
 
     We consent to the incorporation by reference in Registration Statement Nos.
33-89664, 33-89666, 333-34327 and 333-26757 on Form S-8, and Registration
Statement Nos. 333-30813, 333-28067, 333-80089 and 333-44507 on Form S-3 of KTI,
Inc. and in the related Prospectuses of our reports dated: March 6, 1998 (except
for Note 18, as to which the date is March 23, 1998) with respect to the
consolidated financial statements of KTI, Inc.; and February 7, 1997 with
respect to the financial statements of Penobscot Energy Recovery Company,
Limited Partnership, each included in the Annual Report (Form 10-K) of KTI, Inc.
for the year ended December 31, 1997.
 
                                          ERNST & YOUNG LLP
 
Hackensack, New Jersey
 
March 27, 1998

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 5
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1997
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1997
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1997
<CASH>                                      11,181,000
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                               22,420,000
<ALLOWANCES>                                   294,000
<INVENTORY>                                  1,219,000
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                            55,704,000
<PP&E>                                     174,638,000
<DEPRECIATION>                              17,837,000
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                             242,483,000
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                       33,747,000
<BONDS>                                     74,473,000
                                0
                                 25,132,000
<COMMON>                                        89,000
<OTHER-SE>                                  47,519,000
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>               242,483,000
<SALES>                                     25,644,000
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                            96,157,000
<CGS>                                       20,099,000
<TOTAL-COSTS>                               76,646,000
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                             2,978,000
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                           5,086,000
<INCOME-PRETAX>                              5,506,000
<INCOME-TAX>                               (2,586,000)
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                          8,092,000
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                 8,092,000
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                     0.90
<EPS-DILUTED>                                     0.83
        

</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 5
<RESTATED> 
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1996
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1996
<CASH>                                       5,227,000
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                4,322,000
<ALLOWANCES>                                   241,000
<INVENTORY>                                          0
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                            18,075,000
<PP&E>                                     103,527,000
<DEPRECIATION>                              12,672,000
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                             123,074,000
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                        8,991,000
<BONDS>                                     34,949,000
                                0
                                          0
<COMMON>                                        68,000
<OTHER-SE>                                  25,636,000
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>               123,074,000
<SALES>                                        509,000
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                            68,508,000
<CGS>                                          508,000
<TOTAL-COSTS>                               26,454,000
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                             2,389,000
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                           4,464,000
<INCOME-PRETAX>                             16,628,000
<INCOME-TAX>                                         0
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                         16,628,000
<DISCONTINUED>                               (714,000)
<EXTRAORDINARY>                            (2,248,000)
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                13,666,000
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                     2.25
<EPS-DILUTED>                                     2.05
        

</TABLE>


© 2022 IncJournal is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission