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                                                                   EXHIBIT 10.43

                              EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

WASTE MANAGEMENT, INC. (the "Company"), and DAVID R. HOPKINS (the "Executive")
hereby enter into this EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT ("Agreement") dated as of January 1,
1999, as follows:

1.  EMPLOYMENT.

The Company shall employ Executive, and Executive shall be employed by the
Company upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this
Agreement.

2.  TERM OF EMPLOYMENT.

The period of Executive's employment under this Agreement shall begin as of
January 1, 1999, and shall be for continuously renewing three (3) year terms,
unless Executive's employment is terminated in accordance with Section 5 below.

3.  DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES.

(a)      Executive shall serve as Sr. Vice President, and report to the Chief
         Executive Officer. In such capacity, Executive shall perform such
         duties as may be assigned to Executive from time to time by the Board
         of Directors of the Company or the Chief Executive Officer of the
         Company.

(b)      Executive shall faithfully serve the Company, and/or its affiliated
         corporations, devote Executive's full working time, attention and
         energies to the business of the Company, and/or its affiliated
         corporations, and perform the duties under this Agreement to the best
         of Executive's abilities. Executive may make and manage his personal
         investments, provided such investments in other activities do not
         violate, in any material respect, the provisions of Section 8 of this
         Agreement.

(c)      Executive shall (i) comply with all applicable laws, rules and
         regulations, and all requirements of all applicable regulatory,
         self-regulatory, and administrative bodies; (ii) comply with the
         Company's rules, procedures, policies, requirements, and directions;
         and (iii) not engage in any other business or employment without the
         written consent of the Company except as otherwise specifically
         provided herein.

4.  COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS.

(a)      BASE SALARY. During the Employment Term, the Company shall pay
         Executive a base salary at the annual rate of Two Hundred Seventy-Five
         Thousand ($275,000) Dollars per year, or such higher rate as may be
         determined from time to time by the Company ("Base Salary"). Such Base
         Salary shall be paid in accordance with the Company's standard payroll
         practice for executives.

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(b)      EXPENSE REIMBURSEMENT. The Company shall promptly reimburse Executive
         for the ordinary and necessary business expenses incurred by Executive
         in the performance of the duties hereunder in accordance with the
         Company's customary practices applicable to executives, provided that
         such expenses are incurred and accounted for in accordance with the
         Company's policy.

(c)      BENEFIT PLANS. Executive shall be eligible to participate in or receive
         benefits under any pension plan, profit sharing plan, medical and
         dental benefits plan, life insurance plan, short-term and long-term
         disability plans, supplemental and/or incentive compensation plans, or
         any other fringe benefit plan, generally made available by the Company
         to executives working pursuant to this form of Agreement (hereinafter
         referred to as "similarly situated executives".

(d)      EMPLOYEE'S EXPENSES. All costs and expenses (including reasonable
         legal, accounting and other advisory fees) incurred by the Executive to
         (i) defend the validity of this Agreement, (ii) contest any
         determination by the Company concerning the amounts payable (or
         reimbursable) by the Company to the Executive under this Agreement,
         (iii) determine in any tax year of the Executive, the tax consequences
         to the Executive of any amount payable (or reimbursable) under Section
         7(b) or 7(c) hereof, or (iv) prepare responses to an Internal Revenue
         Service audit of, and to otherwise defend, his personal income tax
         return for any year which is the subject of any such audit, or an
         adverse determination, administrative proceedings or civil litigation
         arising therefrom that is occasioned by or related to any audit by the
         Internal Revenue Service of the Company's income tax returns, are, upon
         written demand by the Executive, to be promptly advanced or reimbursed
         to the Executive, or paid directly, on a current basis, by the Company
         or its successors.

5.  TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT.

Executive's employment hereunder may be terminated under the following
circumstances:

(a)      DEATH. Executive's employment hereunder shall terminate upon
         Executive's death.

(b)      TOTAL DISABILITY. The Company may terminate Executive's employment
         hereunder upon Executive becoming "Totally Disabled". For purposes of
         this Agreement, Executive shall be "Totally Disabled" if Executive is
         physically or mentally incapacitated so as to render Executive
         incapable of performing Executive's usual and customary duties under
         this Agreement. Executive's receipt of disability benefits under the
         Company's long-term disability plan or receipt of Social Security
         disability benefits shall be deemed conclusive evidence of Total
         Disability for purpose of this Agreement; provided, however, that in
         the absence of Executive's receipt of such long-term disability
         benefits or Social Security benefits, the Company's Board of Directors
         may, in its reasonable discretion (but based upon appropriate medical
         evidence), determine that Executive is Totally Disabled.

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(c)      TERMINATION BY THE COMPANY FOR CAUSE. The Company may terminate
         Executive's employment hereunder for "Cause" at any time after
         providing written notice to Executive.

         (i)   For purposes of this Agreement, the term "Cause" shall mean any
               of the following: (A) conviction of a crime (including conviction
               on a nolo contendere plea) involving a felony or, in the good
               faith judgment of the Company's Board of Directors, fraud,
               dishonesty, or moral turpitude; (B) deliberate and continual
               refusal to perform employment duties reasonably requested by the
               Company or an affiliate after thirty (30) days' written notice by
               certified mail of such failure to perform, specifying that the
               failure constitutes cause (other than as a result of vacation,
               sickness, illness or injury); (C) fraud or embezzlement
               determined in accordance with the Company's normal, internal
               investigative procedures consistently applied in comparable
               circumstances; (D) gross misconduct or gross negligence in
               connection with the business of the Company or an affiliate which
               has substantial effect on the Company or the affiliate; or (E)
               breach of any of the covenants set forth in Section 8 hereof.

         (ii)  An individual will be considered to have been terminated for
               Cause if the Company determines that the individual engaged in an
               act constituting Cause at any time prior to a payment date for an
               award, regardless of whether the individual terminates employment
               voluntarily or is terminated involuntarily, and regardless of
               whether the individual's termination initially was considered to
               have been for Cause.

         (iii) Any determination of Cause under this Agreement shall be made by
               resolution of the Company's Board of Directors adopted by the
               affirmative vote of not less than a majority of the entire
               membership of the Board of Directors at a meeting called and held
               for that purpose and at which Executive is given an opportunity
               to be heard.

(d)      VOLUNTARY TERMINATION BY EXECUTIVE. Executive may terminate employment
         hereunder at any time after providing ninety (90) days' written notice
         to the Company, or for good reason as described in Section 7 of this
         Agreement.

(e)      TERMINATION BY THE COMPANY WITHOUT CAUSE. The Company may terminate
         Executive's employment hereunder without Cause at any time after
         providing written notice to Executive.

6.  COMPENSATION FOLLOWING TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT.

In the event that Executive's employment hereunder is terminated, Executive
shall be entitled to the following compensation and benefits upon such
termination:

(a)      TERMINATION BY REASON OF DEATH. In the event that Executive's
         employment is terminated by reason of Executive's death, the Company
         shall pay the following amounts to Executive's beneficiary or estate:

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         (i)      Any accrued but unpaid Base Salary for services rendered to
                  the date of death, any accrued but unpaid expenses required to
                  be reimbursed under this Agreement; a pro-rata "bonus" or
                  incentive compensation payment to the extent payments are
                  awarded to similarly situated executives and paid at the same
                  time as similarly situated executives are paid; and any
                  vacation accrued to the date of death.

         (ii)     Any benefits to which Executive may be entitled pursuant to
                  the plans, policies and arrangements referred to in Section
                  4(c) hereof as determined and paid in accordance with the
                  terms of such plans, policies and arrangements.

         (iii)    An amount equal to the Base Salary (at the rate in effect as
                  of the date of Executive's death) which would have been
                  payable to Executive if Executive had continued in employment
                  until the end of the current Employment Term (three [3]
                  years). Such amount shall be paid in a single lump sum cash
                  payment within thirty (30) days after Executive's death.

(b)      TERMINATION BY REASON OF TOTAL DISABILITY. In the event that
         Executive's employment is terminated by reason of Executive's Total
         Disability as determined in accordance with Section 5(b), the Company
         shall pay the following amounts to Executive:

         (i)      Any accrued but unpaid Base Salary for services rendered to
                  the date of termination, any accrued but unpaid expenses
                  required to be reimbursed under this Agreement, any vacation
                  accrued to the date of termination. Executive shall also be
                  eligible for a bonus or incentive compensation payment to the
                  extent such awards are made to similarly situated executives,
                  pro-rated for the year in which Executive is terminated and
                  paid at the same time as similarly situated executives are
                  paid.

         (ii)     Any benefits to which Executive may be entitled pursuant to
                  the plans, policies and arrangements referred to in Section
                  4(c) hereof shall be determined and paid in accordance with
                  the terms of such plans, policies and arrangements.

         (iii)    The Base Salary (at the rate in effect as of the date of
                  Executive's Total Disability) which would have been payable to
                  Executive if Executive had continued in active employment
                  until the end of the current Employment Term (three [3]
                  years). Payment shall be made at the same time and in the same
                  manner as such compensation would have been paid if Executive
                  had remained in active employment until the end of such
                  period.

(c)      TERMINATION FOR CAUSE. In the event that Executive's employment is
         terminated by the Company for Cause pursuant to Section 5(c), the
         Company shall pay the following amounts to Executive:

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         (i)      Any accrued but unpaid Base Salary for services rendered to
                  the date of termination, any accrued but unpaid expenses
                  required to be reimbursed under this Agreement, any vacation
                  accrued to the date of termination.

         (ii)     Any benefits to which Executive may be entitled pursuant to
                  the plans, policies and arrangements referred to in Section
                  4(c) hereof shall be determined and paid in accordance with
                  the terms of such plans, policies and arrangements.

(d)      VOLUNTARY TERMINATION BY EXECUTIVE. In the event that Executive
         terminates employment pursuant to Section 5(d), and other than for a
         resignation tendered pursuant to Section 7 of this Agreement, the
         Company shall pay the following amounts to Executive:

         (i)      Any accrued but unpaid Base Salary for services rendered to
                  the date of termination, any accrued but unpaid expenses
                  required to be reimbursed under this Agreement, any vacation
                  accrued to the date of termination.

         (ii)     Any benefits to which Executive may be entitled pursuant to
                  the plans, policies and arrangements referred to in Section
                  4(c) hereof shall be determined and paid in accordance with
                  the terms of such plans, policies and arrangements.

(e)      TERMINATION BY THE COMPANY WITHOUT CAUSE. In the event that Executive's
         employment is terminated by the Company pursuant to Section 5(e) for
         reasons other than death, Total Disability or Cause, the Company shall
         pay the following amounts to Executive:

         (i)      Any accrued but unpaid Base Salary for services rendered to
                  the date of termination, any accrued but unpaid expenses
                  required to be reimbursed under this Agreement, any vacation
                  accrued to the date of termination.

         (ii)     Any benefits to which Executive may be entitled pursuant to
                  the plans, policies and arrangements referred to in Section
                  4(c) hereof shall be determined and paid in accordance with
                  the terms of such plans, policies and arrangements.

         (iii)    An annual amount equal to 75 percent (75%) of the average of
                  Executive's "Total Annual Direct Compensation" for the two
                  highest of the three most recent calendar years prior to
                  Executive's termination. Such annual amount shall be paid
                  during the three (3) year period beginning on the date of
                  Executive's termination and shall be paid at the same time and
                  in the same manner as Base Salary would have been paid if
                  Executive had remained in active employment until the end of
                  such period. For purposes of this Agreement, the term "Total
                  Annual Direct Compensation" means the total of the Base Salary
                  and other cash compensation payable to Executive attributable
                  to a calendar year (A) including any cash compensation which
                  would have been payable for such year but for Executive's
                  election to defer payment of such compensation and (B)
                  excluding any amounts recognized as compensation as a result
                  of Executive's exercise of a stock option or receipt of a
                  stock award.

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         (iv)  The Company completely at its expense will continue for Executive
               and Executive's spouse and dependents, all health benefit plans,
               programs or arrangements, whether group or individual, in which
               Executive was entitled to participate at any time during the
               twelve-month period prior to the date of termination, until the
               earliest to occur of (A) three (3) years after the date of
               termination; (B) Executive's death (provided that benefits
               payable to Executive's beneficiaries shall not terminate upon
               Executive's death); or (C) with respect to any particular plan,
               program or arrangement, the date Executive becomes covered by a
               comparable benefit by a subsequent employer. In the event that
               Executive's continued participation in any such plan, program, or
               arrangement of the Company is prohibited, the Company will
               arrange to provide Executive with benefits substantially similar
               to those which Executive would have been entitled to receive
               under such plan, program, or arrangement, for such period.

         (v)   Except to the extent prohibited by law, Executive will be 100%
               vested in all benefits, awards, and grants accrued but unpaid as
               of the date of termination under any pension plan, profit sharing
               plan, supplemental and/or incentive compensation plans, and stock
               option plans in which Executive was a participant as of the date
               of termination. Executive shall have one (1) year from the date
               of termination to exercise stock options. Executive shall also be
               eligible for a bonus or incentive compensation payment, to the
               extent payments are made to similarly situated executives,
               pro-rated for the year in which the Executive is terminated, paid
               at the same time as similarly situated executives are paid.

(f)      NO OTHER BENEFITS OR COMPENSATION. Except as may be provided under this
         Agreement, under the terms of any incentive compensation, employee
         benefit, or fringe benefit plan applicable to Executive at the time of
         Executive's termination or resignation of employment, Executive shall
         have no right to receive any other compensation, or to participate in
         any other plan, arrangement or benefit, with respect to future periods
         after such termination or resignation.

(g)      SUSPENSION OR TERMINATION OF BENEFITS AND COMPENSATION. In the event
         that the Company, in its sole discretion determines that, without the
         Company's express written consent, Executive has

         (i)   directly or indirectly engaged in, assisted or have any active
               interest or involvement whether as an employee, agent,
               consultant, creditor, advisor, officer, director, stockholder
               (excluding holding of less than 1% of the stock of a public
               company), partner, proprietor, or any type of principal
               whatsoever, in any person, firm, or business entity which is
               directly or indirectly competitive with the Company or any of its
               affiliates, or

         (ii)  directly or indirectly, for or on behalf of any person, firm, or
               business entity which is directly or indirectly competitive with
               the Company or any of its affiliates (A) solicited or accepted
               from any person or entity who is or was a client of the

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               Company during the term of Executive's employment hereunder or
               during any of the twelve calendar months preceding or following
               the termination of Executive's employment any business for
               services similar to those rendered by the Company, (B) requested
               or advised any present or future customer of the Company to
               withdraw, curtail or cancel its business dealings with the
               Company, or (C) requested or advised any employee of the Company
               to terminate his or her employment with the Company;

         the Company shall have the right to suspend or terminate any or all
         remaining benefits payable pursuant to Section 6 of this Agreement.
         Such suspension or termination of benefits shall be in addition to and
         shall not limit any and all other rights and remedies that the Company
         may have against Executive.

7.   RESIGNATION BY EXECUTIVE FOR GOOD REASON AND COMPENSATION PAYABLE FOLLOWING
CHANGE IN CONTROL.

(a)      RESIGNATION FOR GOOD REASON FOLLOWING CHANGE IN CONTROL. In the event a
         "Change in Control" occurs, Executive will be paid the compensation
         described in this Section 7 if Executive resigns or is terminated (both
         a "resignation" and "termination" being referred to as "termination"
         for the purposes of this Section 7) from employment with the Company at
         any time prior to the six (6) month anniversary of the date of the
         Change in Control following the occurrence of any of the following
         events:

         (i)   without Executive's express written consent, the assignment to
               Executive of any duties inconsistent with Executive's positions,
               duties, responsibilities and status with the Company immediately
               before a Change in Control, or a change in Executive's reporting,
               responsibilities, titles or offices as in effect immediately
               before a Change in Control, or any removal of Executive from, or
               any failure to re-elect Executive to, any of such positions,
               except in connection with the termination of Executive's
               employment as a result of death, or by the Company for Disability
               or Cause, or by Executive other than for the reasons described in
               this Section 7(a);

         (ii)  a reduction by the Company in Executive's Base Salary as in
               effect immediately before a Change in Control plus all increases
               therein subsequent thereto;

         (iii) the failure of the Company substantially to maintain and to
               continue Executive's participation in the Company's benefit plans
               as in effect immediately before a Change in Control and with all
               improvements therein subsequent thereto (other than those plans
               or improvements that have expired thereafter in accordance with
               their original terms), or the taking of any action which would
               materially reduce Executive's benefits under any of such plans or
               deprive Executive of any material fringe benefit enjoyed by
               Executive immediately before a Change in Control, unless such
               reduction or termination is required by law;

         (iv)  the change of Executive's principal place of employment to a
               location more than fifty (50) miles from such principal place of
               employment, except for required travel on the

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               Company's business to an extent substantially consistent with
               Executive's business travel obligations immediately before a
               Change in Control;

          (v)  the failure by the Company to pay Executive any portion of
               Executive's current compensation, or any portion of Executive's
               compensation deferred under any plan, agreement or arrangement of
               or with the Company, within seven (7) days of the date such
               compensation is due; or

          (vi) the failure by the Company to obtain an assumption of, and
               agreement to perform the obligations of the Company under this
               Agreement by any successor to the Company.

(b)      COMPENSATION PAYABLE. In the event that Executive terminates employment
         pursuant to Section 7(a), the Company shall pay the following amounts
         to Executive:

          (i)  Any accrued but unpaid Base Salary for services rendered to
               the date of termination, any accrued but unpaid expenses required
               to be reimbursed under this Agreement, any vacation accrued to
               the date of termination.

          (ii) Any benefits to which Executive may be entitled pursuant to the
               plans, policies and arrangements referred to in Section 4c
               hereof, shall be determined and paid in accordance with the terms
               of such plans, policies and arrangements.

         (iii) An amount equal to $1.00 less than three (3) times Executive's
               "base amount" within the full meaning of Section 280G of the
               Internal Revenue Code. Such amount shall be paid to Executive in
               a single lump sum cash payment within five (5) business days
               after the effective date of Executive's termination.

         (iv)  Executive will be 100% vested in all benefits, awards, and grants
               (including stock options) accrued but unpaid as of the date of
               termination under any non-qualified pension plan, supplemental
               and/or incentive compensation or bonus plans, in which Executive
               was a participant as of the date of termination. Executive shall
               also be eligible for a bonus or incentive compensation payment
               (the "bonus payment"), payable at 100% of the maximum bonus
               available to Executive, pro-rated as of the effective date of the
               termination. The bonus payment shall be payable within five (5)
               days after the effective date of Employee's termination. Employee
               shall have until the expiration date shown on the stock option
               award in which to exercise the options which have vested pursuant
               to this section.

         Except as may be provided under this Section 7 or under the terms of
         any incentive compensation, employee benefit, or fringe benefit plan
         applicable to Executive at the time of Executive's resignation from
         employment, Executive shall have no right to receive any other
         compensation, or to participate in any other plan, arrangement or
         benefit, with respect to future periods after such resignation or
         termination.

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(c)      CERTAIN ADDITIONAL PAYMENTS BY THE COMPANY. In the event that any
         portion of the benefits payable under this Agreement, and any other
         payments and benefits under any other agreement with, or plan of the
         Company to or for the benefit of the Executive (in aggregate, "Total
         Payments") constitute an "excess parachute payment" within the meaning
         of Section 280G of the Internal Revenue Code (the "Code"), then the
         Company shall pay the Executive as promptly as practicable following
         such determination an additional amount (the "Gross-up Payment")
         calculated as described below to reimburse the Executive on an
         after-tax basis for any excise tax imposed on such payments under
         Section 4999 of the Code. The Gross-up Payment shall equal the amount,
         if any, needed to ensure that the net parachute payments (including the
         Gross-up Payment) actually received by the Executive after the
         imposition of federal and state income, employment and excise taxes
         (including any interest or penalties imposed by the Internal Revenue
         Service), are equal to the amount that the Executive would have netted
         after the imposition of federal and state income and employment taxes,
         had the Total Payments not been subject to the taxes imposed by Section
         4999. For purposes of this calculation, it shall be assumed that the
         Executive's tax rate will be the maximum federal rate to be computed
         with regard to Section 1(g) of the Code.

         In the event that the Executive and the Company are unable to agree as
         to the amount of the Gross-up Payment, if any, the Company shall select
         a law firm or accounting firm from among those regularly consulted
         (during the twelve-month period immediately prior to a
         Change-in-Control) by the Company regarding federal income tax matters
         and such law firm or accounting firm shall determine the amount of
         Gross-up Payment and such determination shall be final and binding upon
         the Executive and the Company.

(d)      CHANGE IN CONTROL. For purposes of this Agreement, "Change in Control"
         means the occurrence of any of the following events:

         (i)      Any transfer to, assignment to, or any acquisition by any
                  person, corporation or other entity, or group thereof, of the
                  beneficial ownership, within the meaning of Section 13(d) of
                  the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, of any securities of the
                  Company, which transfer, assignment or acquisition results in
                  such person, corporation, entity, or group thereof, becoming
                  the beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of securities of
                  the Company representing 25 percent (25%) or more of the
                  combined voting power of the Company's then outstanding
                  securities; or

         (ii)     As a result of a tender offer, merger, consolidation, sale of
                  assets, or contested election, or any combination of such
                  transactions, the persons who were directors immediately
                  before the transaction shall cease to constitute a majority of
                  the Board of Directors of the Company or any successor to the
                  Company.

8.  RESTRICTIVE COVENANTS

(a)      COMPETITIVE ACTIVITY. Executive covenants and agrees that at all times
         during Executive's period of employment with the Company, and during
         the period that payments are made

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         to Executive pursuant to Section 6 of this Agreement, Executive will
         not engage in, assist, or have any active interest or involvement,
         whether as an employee, agent, consultant, creditor, advisor, officer,
         director, stockholder (excluding holding of less than 1% of the stock
         of a public company), partner, proprietor or any type of principal
         whatsoever in any person, firm, or business entity which, directly or
         indirectly, is engaged in the same business as that conducted and
         carried on by the Company, without the Company's specific written
         consent to do so. Executive further agrees that for a period of one (1)
         year after the date payments made to Executive pursuant to Section 6 of
         this Agreement cease, or for a period of two (2) years following the
         date of termination, whichever is later, Executive will not, directly
         or indirectly, within 75 miles of any operating location of any
         affiliate of the Company, engage in, assist, or have any active
         interest or involvement, whether as an employee, agent, consultant,
         creditor, advisor, officer, director, stockholder (excluding holding of
         less than 1% of the stock of a public company), partner, proprietor or
         any type of principal whatsoever in any person, firm, or business
         entity which, directly or indirectly, is engaged in the same business
         as that conducted and carried on by the Company or any of its
         affiliated companies, without the Company's specific written consent to
         do so.

(b)      NON-SOLICITATION. Executive covenants and agrees that at all times
         during Executive's period of employment with the Company, and for a
         period of one (1) year after the date payments made to Executive
         pursuant to Section 6 of this Agreement cease, or two (2) years after
         the date of termination of the Executive's employment, whichever date
         is later, whether such termination is voluntary or involuntary by
         wrongful discharge, or otherwise, Executive will not directly or
         indirectly (i) induce any customers of the Company or corporations
         affiliated with the Company to patronize any similar business which
         competes with any material business of the Company; (ii) canvass,
         solicit or accept any similar business from any customer of the Company
         or corporations affiliated with the Company; (iii) directly or
         indirectly request or advise any customers of the Company or
         corporations affiliated with the Company to withdraw, curtail or cancel
         such customer's business with the Company; (iv) directly or indirectly
         disclose to any other person, firm or corporation the names or
         addresses of any of the customers of the Company or corporations
         affiliated with the Company; or (v) individually of through any person,
         firm, association or corporation with which Employee is now or may
         hereafter become associated, cause, solicit, entice, or induce any
         present or future employee of the Company, or any corporation
         affiliated with the Company to leave the employ of the Company, or such
         other corporation to accept employment with, or compensation from, the
         Employee or any such person, firm, association or corporation without
         the prior written consent of the Company.

(c)      NON-DISPARAGEMENT. Executive covenants and agrees that Executive shall
         not engage in any pattern of conduct that involves the making or
         publishing of written or oral statements or remarks (including, without
         limitation, the repetition or distribution of derogatory rumors,
         allegations, negative reports or comments) which are disparaging,
         deleterious or damaging to the integrity, reputation or good will of
         the Company, its management, or of management of corporations
         affiliated with the Company.

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(d)      PROTECTED INFORMATION. Executive recognizes and acknowledges that
         Executive has had and will continue to have access to various
         confidential or proprietary information concerning the Company and
         corporations affiliated with the Company of a special and unique value
         which may include, without limitation, (i) books and records relating
         to operation, finance, accounting, sales, personnel and management,
         (ii) policies and matters relating particularly to operations such as
         customer service requirements, costs of providing service and
         equipment, operating costs and pricing matters, and (iii) various trade
         or business secrets, including customer lists, route sheets, business
         opportunities, marketing or business diversification plans, business
         development and bidding techniques, methods and processes, financial
         data and the like (collectively, the "Protected Information").
         Executive therefore covenants and agrees that Executive will not at any
         time, either while employed by the Company or afterwards, knowingly
         make any independent use of, or knowingly disclose to any other person
         or organization (except as authorized by the Company) any of the
         Protected Information.

9.  ENFORCEMENT OF COVENANTS.

(a)      TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT AND FORFEITURE OF COMPENSATION. Executive
         agrees that any breach by Executive of any of the covenants set forth
         in Section 8 hereof during Executive's employment by the Company, shall
         be grounds for immediate dismissal of Executive and forfeiture of any
         accrued and unpaid salary, bonus, commissions or other compensation of
         such Executive as liquidated damages, which shall be in addition to and
         not exclusive of any and all other rights and remedies the Company may
         have against Executive.

(b)      RIGHT TO INJUNCTION. Executive acknowledges that a breach of the
         covenants set forth in Section 8 hereof will cause irreparable damage
         to the Company with respect to which the Company's remedy at law for
         damages will be inadequate. Therefore, in the event of breach of
         anticipatory breach of the covenants set forth in this section by
         Executive, Executive and the Company agree that the Company shall be
         entitled to the following particular forms of relief, in addition to
         remedies otherwise available to it at law or equity; (i) injunctions,
         both preliminary and permanent, enjoining or restraining such breach or
         anticipatory breach and Executive hereby consents to the issuance
         thereof forthwith and without bond by any court of competent
         jurisdiction; and (ii) recovery of all reasonable sums expended and
         costs, including reasonable attorney's fees, incurred by the Company to
         enforce the covenants set forth in this section.

(c)      SEPARABILITY OF COVENANTS. The covenants contained in Section 8 hereof
         constitute a series of separate covenants, one for each applicable
         State in the United States and the District of Columbia, and one for
         each applicable foreign country. If in any judicial proceeding, a court
         shall hold that any of the covenants set forth in Section 8 exceed the
         time, geographic, or occupational limitations permitted by applicable
         laws, Executive and the Company agree that such provisions shall and
         are hereby reformed to the maximum time, geographic, or occupational
         limitations permitted by such laws. Further, in the event a court shall
         hold unenforceable any of the separate covenants deemed included
         herein, then such

                                 Page 11 of 14
<PAGE>   12

         unenforceable covenant or covenants shall be deemed eliminated from the
         provisions of this Agreement for the purpose of such proceeding to the
         extent necessary to permit the remaining separate covenants to be
         enforced in such proceeding. Executive and the Company further agree
         that the covenants in Section 8 shall each be construed as a separate
         agreement independent of any other provisions of this Agreement, and
         the existence of any claim or cause of action by Executive against the
         Company whether predicated on this Agreement or otherwise, shall not
         constitute a defense to the enforcement by the Company of any of the
         covenants of Section 8.

10.  DISPUTES AND PAYMENT OF ATTORNEY'S FEES.

If at any time during the term of this Agreement or afterwards there should
arise any dispute as to the validity, interpretation or application of any term
or condition of this Agreement, the Company agrees, upon written demand by
Executive (and Executive shall be entitled upon application to any court of
competent jurisdiction, to the entry of a mandatory injunction, without the
necessity of posting any bond with respect thereto, compelling the Company) to
promptly provide sums sufficient to pay on a current basis (either directly or
by reimbursing Executive) Executive's costs and reasonable attorney's fees
(including expenses of investigation and disbursements for the fees and expenses
of experts, etc.) incurred by Executive in connection with any such dispute or
any litigation, (a) provided that Executive shall repay any such amounts paid or
advanced if Executive is not the prevailing party with respect to any dispute or
litigation arising under Sections 5c or 8 of this Agreement, or (b) regardless
of whether Executive is the prevailing party in a dispute or in litigation
involving any other provision of this Agreement, provided that the court in
which such litigation is first initiated determines with respect to this
obligation, upon application of either party hereto, Executive did not initiate
frivolously such litigation. Under no circumstances shall Executive be obligated
to pay or reimburse the Company for any attorneys' fees, costs or expenses
incurred by the Company. The provisions of this Section 10 shall survive the
expiration or termination of this Agreement and of Executive's employment
hereunder.

11.  WITHHOLDING OF TAXES.

The Company may withhold from any compensation and benefits payable under this
Agreement all applicable federal, state, local, or other taxes.

12.  NON-DISCLOSURE OF AGREEMENT TERMS.

Executive agrees that Executive will not disclose the terms of this Agreement to
any third party other than Executive's immediate family, attorney, accountants,
or other consultants or advisors or except as may be required by any
governmental authority.

13.  SOURCE OF PAYMENTS.

All payments provided under this Agreement, other than payments made pursuant to
a plan which provides otherwise, shall be paid from the general funds of the
Company, and no special or separate fund shall be established, and no other
segregation of assets made, to assure payment. Executive shall have no right,
title or interest whatever in or to any investments which the

                                 Page 12 of 14
<PAGE>   13

Company may make to aid the Company in meeting its obligations hereunder. To the
extent that any person acquires a right to receive payments from the Company
hereunder, such right shall be no greater than the right of an unsecured
creditor of the Company.

14.  ASSIGNMENT.

Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, this Agreement shall inure to
the benefit of and be binding upon the parties hereto and their respective
heirs, representatives, successors and assigns. This Agreement shall not be
assignable by Executive, and shall be assignable by the Company only to any
financially solvent corporation or other entity resulting from the
reorganization, merger or consolidation of the Company with any other
corporation or entity or any corporation or entity to or with which the
Company's business or substantially all of its business or assets may be sold,
exchanged or transferred, and it must be so assigned by the Company to, and
accepted as binding upon it by, such other corporation or entity in connection
with any such reorganization, merger, consolidation, sale, exchange or transfer
(the provisions of this sentence also being applicable to any successive such
transaction).

15.  ENTIRE AGREEMENT; AMENDMENT.

This Agreement shall supersede any and all existing oral or written agreements,
representations, or warranties between Executive and the Company or any of its
subsidiaries or affiliated entities relating to the terms of Executive's
employment by the Company. It may not be amended except by a written agreement
signed by both parties.

16.  GOVERNING LAW.

This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of
the State of Texas applicable to agreements made and to be performed in that
State, without regard to its conflict of laws provisions.

17.  NOTICES.

Any notice, consent, request or other communication made or given in connection
with this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly
given when delivered or mailed by registered or certified mail, return receipt
requested, or by facsimile or by hand delivery, to those listed below at their
following respective addresses or at such other address as each may specify by
notice to the others:

         To the Company:    Waste Management, Inc.
                            1001 Fannin, Suite 4000
                            Houston, Texas 77002
                            Attention: Corporate Secretary

         To Executive:      At the address for Executive set forth below.

                                 Page 13 of 14
<PAGE>   14

18.  MISCELLANEOUS.

(a)      WAIVER. The failure of a party to insist upon strict adherence to any
         term of this Agreement on any occasion shall not be considered a waiver
         thereof or deprive that party of the right thereafter to insist upon
         strict adherence to that term or any other term of this Agreement.

(b)      SEPARABILITY. Subject to Section 9 hereof, if any term or provision of
         this Agreement is declared illegal or unenforceable by any court of
         competent jurisdiction and cannot be modified to be enforceable, such
         term or provision shall immediately become null and void, leaving the
         remainder of this Agreement in full force and effect.

(c)      HEADINGS. Section headings are used herein for convenience of reference
         only and shall not affect the meaning of any provision of this
         Agreement.

(d)      RULES OF CONSTRUCTION. Whenever the context so requires, the use of the
         singular shall be deemed to include the plural and vice versa.

(e)      COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement may be executed in any number of
         counterparts, each of which so executed shall be deemed to be an
         original, and such counterparts will together constitute but one
         Agreement.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have duly executed this Agreement as of
the day and year first above written.

WASTE MANAGEMENT, INC.

By:        /s/ Susan J. Piller
   -----------------------------------------

Name:      Susan J. Piller
     ---------------------------------------

Title:     Senior Vice President
      --------------------------------------

Date:      August 9, 1999
     ---------------------------------------

EXECUTIVE

           /s/ David R. Hopkins
--------------------------------------------
           David R. Hopkins
Address:   1512-B Nantucket Drive
        ------------------------------------
           Houston, TX   77057
   -----------------------------------------
Date:      August 9, 1999
     ---------------------------------------

                                 Page 14 of 14<PAGE>   1
                                                                   EXHIBIT 10.44
                              EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

WASTE MANAGEMENT, INC., for and on behalf of its affiliated corporations
(collectively referred to as the "Company") and ROBERT G. SIMPSON (the
"Employee") hereby enter into this EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT ("Agreement") dated as
of October 15, 1998, as follows:

1.  EMPLOYMENT.

The Company shall employ Employee, and Employee shall be employed by the Company
upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement.

2.  TERM OF EMPLOYMENT.

The period of Employee's employment under this Agreement shall begin as of
November 17, 1998, and shall continue for a period of three (3) years thereafter
(the "Initial Term") and shall be automatically renewed for successive one (1)
year periods thereafter, unless Employee's employment is terminated in
accordance with Section 6 below.

3.  DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES.

         (a) Employee shall serve as Vice President, Taxation. In such capacity,
         Employee shall perform such duties as may be assigned to Employee from
         time to time by the Company.

         (b) Employee shall faithfully serve the Company and/or its affiliated
         corporations, devote Employee's full working time, attention and
         energies to the business of the Company and/or its affiliated
         corporations, and perform the duties under this Agreement to the best
         of Employee's abilities.

         (c) Employee shall (i) comply with all applicable laws, rules and
         regulations, and all requirements of all applicable regulatory,
         self-regulatory, and administrative bodies; (ii) comply with the
         Company's rules, procedures, policies, requirements, and directions;
         and (iii) not engage in any other business or employment without the
         written consent of the Company, except as otherwise specifically
         provided herein.

4.  COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS.

         (a) BASE SALARY. During the Employment Term, the Company shall pay
         Employee a base salary at the annual rate of Two Hundred Fifty Thousand
         ($250,000) Dollars per year, or such higher rate as may be determined
         from time to time by the Company ("Base Salary"). Such Base Salary
         shall be paid in accordance with the Company's standard payroll
         practice for employees.

         (b) EXPENSE REIMBURSEMENT. The Company shall promptly reimburse
         Employee for the ordinary and necessary business expenses incurred by
         Employee

                                  Page 1 of 11
<PAGE>   2

         in the performance of Employee's duties hereunder in accordance with
         the Company's customary practices applicable to employees, provided
         that such expenses are incurred and accounted for in accordance with
         the Company's policy.

         (c) BENEFIT PLANS. Employee shall be eligible to participate in or
         receive benefits under any pension plan, profit sharing plan, medical
         and dental benefits plan, life insurance plan, short-term and long-term
         disability plans, supplemental and/or incentive compensation plans, or
         any other benefit plan or arrangement generally made available by the
         Company to employees of similar status and responsibilities
         (hereinafter referred to as "similarly situated employees").

         (d) INCENTIVE/BONUS. Employee shall be eligible for a bonus or
         incentive compensation payment ("bonus") of up to fifty (50%) percent
         of Employee's base pay. Qualification for the bonus shall be pursuant
         to the applicable Bonus Plan in effect for the year in which the bonus
         is earned. Employee is guaranteed a 1998 bonus in the amount of Fifty
         Thousand ($50,000) Dollars, to be paid at the same time as other
         corporate office bonuses are paid (in 1999, following the release of
         earning for the 1998 calendar year).

         (e) STOCK OPTIONS. Employee shall be awarded fifty thousand (50,000)
         Waste Management stock options, subject to the approval of the
         Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors. The award, vesting
         and exercise of all options shall be subject to the provisions of the
         Waste Management, Inc., 1993 Stock Incentive Plan.

5.  TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT.

Employee's employment hereunder may be terminated under the following
circumstances:

         (a) DEATH. Employee's employment hereunder shall terminate upon
         Employee's death.

         (b) TOTAL DISABILITY. The Company may terminate Employee's employment
         hereunder upon Employee's becoming "Totally Disabled". For purposes of
         this Agreement, Employee shall be "Totally Disabled" if Employee is
         physically or mentally incapacitated so as to render Employee incapable
         of performing Employee's usual and customary duties under this
         Agreement. Employee's receipt of disability benefits under the
         Company's long-term disability plan, or receipt of Social Security
         disability benefits, shall be deemed conclusive evidence of Total
         Disability for purpose of this Agreement; provided, however, that in
         the absence of Employee's receipt of such long-term disability benefits
         or Social Security benefits, the Company may, in its reasonable
         discretion (but based upon appropriate medical evidence), determine
         that Employee is Totally Disabled.

         (c) TERMINATION BY THE COMPANY FOR CAUSE. The Company may terminate
         Employee's employment hereunder for "Cause" at any time after providing
         written notice to Employee.

                                  Page 2 of 11
<PAGE>   3

                  (i) For purposes of this Agreement, the term "Cause" shall
                  mean any of the following: (A) conviction of a crime
                  (including conviction on a nolo contendere plea) involving a
                  felony or, in the good faith judgment of the Company, fraud,
                  dishonesty, or moral turpitude; (B) deliberate and continual
                  refusal to perform employment duties reasonably requested by
                  the Company or an affiliate after thirty (30) days' written
                  notice by certified mail of such failure to perform,
                  specifying that the failure constitutes cause (other than as a
                  result of vacation, sickness, illness or injury); (C) fraud or
                  embezzlement determined in accordance with the Company's
                  normal, internal investigative procedures consistently applied
                  in comparable circumstances; (D) gross misconduct or gross
                  negligence in connection with the business of the Company or
                  an affiliate which has substantial effect on the Company or
                  the affiliate; or (E) breach of any of the covenants set forth
                  in Section 8 hereof.

                  (ii) An individual will be considered to have been terminated
                  for Cause if the Company determines that the individual
                  engaged in an act constituting Cause at any time prior to a
                  payment date for an award, regardless of whether the
                  individual terminates employment voluntarily or is terminated
                  involuntarily, and regardless of whether the individual's
                  termination initially was considered to have been for Cause.

                  (iii) Any determination of Cause under this Agreement shall be
                  made by the Company after giving Employee a reasonable
                  opportunity to be heard.

         (d) VOLUNTARY TERMINATION BY EMPLOYEE. Employee may terminate
         employment hereunder at any time after providing ninety (90) days'
         written notice to the Company.

         (e) TERMINATION BY THE COMPANY WITHOUT CAUSE. The Company may terminate
         Employee's employment hereunder without Cause at any time after
         providing written notice to Employee.

6.  COMPENSATION FOLLOWING TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT.

In the event that Employee's employment hereunder is terminated, Employee shall
be entitled to the following compensation and benefits upon such termination:

         (a) TERMINATION BY REASON OF DEATH. In the event that Employee's
         employment is terminated by reason of Employee's death, the Company
         shall pay the following amounts to Employee's beneficiary or estate:

                  (i) Any accrued but unpaid Base Salary for services rendered
                  to the date of death, any accrued but unpaid expenses required
                  to be reimbursed under this Agreement, and any vacation
                  accrued to the date of death.

                                  Page 3 of 11
<PAGE>   4

                  (ii) Any benefits to which Employee may be entitled pursuant
                  to the plans, policies and arrangements referred to in Section
                  4(c) hereof as determined and paid in accordance with the
                  terms of such plans, policies and arrangements.

                  (iii) An amount equal to the Base Salary (at the rate in
                  effect as of the date of Employee's death) which would have
                  been payable to Employee if Employee had continued in
                  employment until the end of the 12-month period beginning on
                  the date of Employee's death. Such amount shall be paid in a
                  single lump sum cash payment within thirty (30) days after
                  Employee's death.

         (b) TERMINATION BY REASON OF TOTAL DISABILITY. In the event that
         Employee's employment is terminated by reason of Employee's Total
         Disability as determined in accordance with Section 5(b), the Company
         shall pay the following amounts to Employee:

                  (i) Any accrued but unpaid Base Salary for services rendered
                  to the date of termination, any accrued but unpaid expenses
                  required to be reimbursed under this Agreement, any vacation
                  accrued to the date of termination. Employee shall also be
                  entitled to a bonus or incentive compensation payment to the
                  extent such awards are made to similarly situated executives,
                  pro-rated for the year in which Executive is terminated and
                  paid at the same time as similarly situated executives are
                  paid.

                  (ii) Any benefits to which Employee may be entitled pursuant
                  to the plans, policies and arrangements referred to in Section
                  4(c) hereof shall be determined and paid in accordance with
                  the terms of such plans, policies and arrangements.

                  (iii) An amount equal to

                           (A) the Base Salary (at the rate in effect as of the
                           date of Employee's Total Disability) which would have
                           been payable to Employee if Employee had continued in
                           active employment until the end of the 12-month
                           period beginning on the date of Employee's
                           termination; reduced by

                           (B) the maximum annual amount of the long term
                           disability benefits payable to Employee under the
                           Company's long-term disability plan as determined
                           prior to the reduction of such benefits under the
                           terms of the plan for other disability income.

                  Payment shall be made at the same time and in the same manner
                  as such compensation would have been paid if Employee had
                  remained in active employment until the end of such period.

                                  Page 4 of 11
<PAGE>   5

         (c) TERMINATION FOR CAUSE OR VOLUNTARY TERMINATION BY EMPLOYEE. In the
         event that Employee's employment is terminated by the Company for Cause
         pursuant to Section 5(c), or Employee terminates employment pursuant to
         Section 5(d), the Company shall pay the following amounts to Employee:

                  (i) Any accrued but unpaid Base Salary for services rendered
                  to the date of termination, any accrued but unpaid expenses
                  required to be reimbursed under this Agreement, any vacation
                  accrued to the date of termination.

                  (ii) Any benefits to which Employee may be entitled pursuant
                  to the plans, policies and arrangements referred to in Section
                  4(c) hereof shall be determined and paid in accordance with
                  the terms of such plans, policies and arrangements.

         (d) TERMINATION BY THE COMPANY WITHOUT CAUSE. In the event that
         Employee's employment is terminated by the Company pursuant to Section
         5(e) for reasons other than death, Total Disability or Cause, the
         Company shall pay the following amounts to Employee:

                  (i) Any accrued but unpaid Base Salary for services rendered
                  to the date of termination, any accrued but unpaid expenses
                  required to be reimbursed under this Agreement, any vacation
                  accrued to the date of termination.

                  (ii) Any benefits to which Employee may be entitled pursuant
                  to the plans, policies and arrangements referred to in Section
                  4(c) hereof shall be determined and paid in accordance with
                  the terms of such plans, policies and arrangements.

                  (iii) The Base Salary (at the rate in effect as of the date of
                  Employee's termination) which would have been payable to
                  Employee if Employee had continued in active employment until
                  the later of: (A) the period ending on the last day of the
                  Initial Term; or (B) the end of the 12-month period beginning
                  on the date of Employee's termination. Payment shall be made
                  at the same time and in the same manner as such compensation
                  would have been paid if Employee had remained in active
                  employment until the end of such period. The Employee shall
                  also be eligible for a bonus or incentive compensation
                  payment, to the extent bonuses are paid to similarly situated
                  employees, pro-rated for the year in which the Employee is
                  terminated, and paid at the same time as similarly situated
                  employees are paid.

                  (iv) The Company, completely at its expense, will continue for
                  Employee and Employee's spouse and dependents, group health
                  plans, programs or arrangements, in which Employee was
                  entitled to participate at any time during the twelve-month
                  period prior to the date of termination, until the earlier of:
                  (A) last day of period during which Employee receives payment
                  in

                                  Page 5 of 11
<PAGE>   6

                  accordance with clause (iii) above; (B) Employee's death
                  (provided that benefits payable to Employee's beneficiaries
                  shall not terminate upon Employee's death); or (C) with
                  respect to any particular plan, program or arrangement, the
                  date Employee becomes covered by a comparable benefit provided
                  by a subsequent employer.

         (e) NO OTHER BENEFITS OR COMPENSATION. Except as may be provided under
         this Agreement, under the terms of any incentive compensation, employee
         benefit, or fringe benefit plan applicable to Employee at the time of
         Employee's termination or resignation of employment, Employee shall
         have no right to receive any other compensation, or to participate in
         any other plan, arrangement or benefit, with respect to future periods
         after such termination or resignation.

         (f) SUSPENSION OR TERMINATION OF BENEFITS AND COMPENSATION. In the
         event that the Company, in its sole discretion determines that, without
         the Company's express written consent, Employee has

                  (i) directly or indirectly engaged in, assisted or have any
                  active interest or involvement whether as an employee, agent,
                  consultant, creditor, advisor, officer, director, stockholder
                  (excluding holding of less than 1% of the stock of a public
                  company), partner, proprietor, or any type of principal
                  whatsoever, in any person, firm, or business entity which is
                  directly or indirectly competitive with the Company or any of
                  its affiliates, or

                  (ii) directly or indirectly, for or on behalf of any person,
                  firm, or business entity which is directly or indirectly
                  competitive with the Company or any of its affiliates (A)
                  solicited or accepted from any person or entity who is or was
                  a client of the Company during the term of Employee's
                  employment hereunder or during any of the twelve calendar
                  months preceding or following the termination of Employee's
                  employment any business for services similar to those rendered
                  by the Company, (B) requested or advised any present or future
                  customer of the Company to withdraw, curtail or cancel its
                  business dealings with the Company, or (C) requested or
                  advised any employee of the Company to terminate his or her
                  employment with the Company;

         the Company shall have the right to suspend or terminate any or all
         remaining benefits payable pursuant to Section 6 of this Agreement.
         Such suspension or termination of benefits shall be in addition to and
         shall not limit any and all other rights and remedies that the Company
         may have against Employee.

7.  RESTRICTIVE COVENANTS

         (a) COMPETITIVE ACTIVITY. Employee covenants and agrees that at all
         times during Employee's period of employment with the Company, and
         while Employee is receiving payments pursuant to Section 6 of this
         Agreement, Employee will not,

                                  Page 6 of 11
<PAGE>   7

         directly or indirectly, engage in, assist, or have any active interest
         or involvement, whether as an employee, agent, consultant, creditor,
         advisor, officer, director, stockholder (excluding holding of less than
         1% of the stock of a public company), partner, proprietor or any type
         of principal whatsoever in any person, firm, or business entity which,
         directly or indirectly, is engaged in the same business as that
         conducted and carried on by the Company, without the Company's specific
         written consent to do so. Furthermore, for a period of one (1) year
         after the date of termination of Employee's employment, whether such
         termination is voluntary or involuntary, by wrongful discharge, or
         otherwise, or one (1) year following the cessation of payments made
         pursuant to Section 6 of this Agreement, or for a period of one (1)
         year following the date of termination, whichever date is later,
         Employee will not directly or indirectly, within 75 miles of the
         principal place of business of the Company, the principal place of
         business of any corporation or other entity owned, controlled by (or
         otherwise affiliated with) the Company by which Employee may also be
         employed or served by Employee, or any other geographic location in
         which Employee has specifically represented the interests of the
         Company or such other affiliated entity, during the twelve (12) months
         prior to the termination of Employee's employment, engage in, assist,
         or have any active interest or involvement, whether as an employee,
         agent, consultant, creditor, advisor, officer, director, stockholder
         (excluding holding of less than 1% of the stock of a public company),
         partner, proprietor or any type of principal whatsoever in any person,
         firm, or business entity which, directly or indirectly, is engaged in
         the same business as that conducted and carried on by the Company,
         without the Company's specific written consent to do so.

         (b) NON-SOLICITATION. Employee covenants and agrees that at all times
         during Employee's period of employment with the Company, and for a
         period of one (1) year after the date of termination of Employee's
         employment, whether such termination is voluntary or involuntary by
         wrongful discharge, or otherwise, or the date of the cessation of
         payments made to the Employee pursuant to Section 6 of this Agreement,
         whichever date is later. Employee will not directly or indirectly (i)
         induce any customers of the Company or corporations affiliated with the
         Company to patronize any similar business which competes with any
         material business of the Company; (ii) canvass, solicit or accept any
         similar business from any customer of the Company or corporations
         affiliated with the Company; (iii) directly or indirectly request or
         advise any customers of the Company or corporations affiliated with the
         Company to withdraw, curtail or cancel such customer's business with
         the Company; (iv) directly or indirectly disclose to any other person,
         firm or corporation the names or addresses of any of the customers of
         the Company or corporations affiliated with the Company; or (v)
         individually of through any person, firm, association or corporation
         with which Employee is now or may hereafter become associated, cause,
         solicit, entice, or induce any present or future employee of the
         Company, or any corporation affiliated with the Company to leave the
         employ of the Company, or such other corporation to accept employment
         with, or compensation from, the Employee or any such person, firm,
         association or corporation without the prior written consent of the
         Company.

                                  Page 7 of 11
<PAGE>   8

         (c) NON-DISPARAGEMENT. Employee covenants and agrees that Employee
         shall not engage in any pattern of conduct that involves the making or
         publishing of written or oral statements or remarks (including, without
         limitation, the repetition or distribution of derogatory rumors,
         allegations, negative reports or comments) which are disparaging,
         deleterious or damaging to the integrity, reputation or good will of
         the Company, its management, or of management of corporations
         affiliated with the Company.

         (d) PROTECTED INFORMATION. Employee recognizes and acknowledges that
         Employee has had and will continue to have access to various
         confidential or proprietary information concerning the Company and
         corporations affiliated with the Company, of a special and unique value
         which may include, without limitation, (i) books and records relating
         to operation, finance, accounting, sales, personnel and management,
         (ii) policies and matters relating particularly to operations such as
         customer service requirements, costs of providing service and
         equipment, operating costs and pricing matters, and (iii) various trade
         or business secrets, including business opportunities, marketing or
         business diversification plans, business development and bidding
         techniques, methods and processes, financial data and the like
         (collectively, the "Protected Information"). Employee therefore
         covenants and agrees that Employee will not at any time, either while
         employed by the Company or afterwards, knowingly make any independent
         use of, or knowingly disclose to any other person or organization
         (except as authorized by the Company) any of the Protected Information.

8.  ENFORCEMENT OF COVENANTS.

         (a) TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT AND FORFEITURE OF COMPENSATION. Employee
         agrees that any breach by Employee of any of the covenants set forth in
         Section 7 hereof during Employee's employment by the Company, shall be
         grounds for immediate dismissal of Employee and forfeiture of any
         accrued and unpaid salary, bonus, commissions or other compensation of
         such Employee as liquidated damages, which shall be in addition to and
         not exclusive of any and all other rights and remedies the Company may
         have against Employee.

         (b) RIGHT TO INJUNCTION. Employee acknowledges that a breach of the
         covenants set forth in Section 7 hereof will cause irreparable damage
         to the Company with respect to which the Company's remedy at law for
         damages will be inadequate. Therefore, in the event of breach of
         anticipatory breach of the covenants set forth in this section by
         Employee, Employee and the Company agree that the Company shall be
         entitled to the following particular forms of relief, in addition to
         remedies otherwise available to it at law or equity; (i) injunctions,
         both preliminary and permanent, enjoining or retraining such breach or
         anticipatory breach and Employee hereby consents to the issuance
         thereof forthwith and without bond by any court of competent
         jurisdiction; and (ii) recovery of all reasonable sums

                                  Page 8 of 11
<PAGE>   9

         expended and costs, including reasonable attorney's fees, incurred by
         the Company to enforce the covenants set forth in this section.

         (c) SEPARABILITY OF COVENANTS. The covenants contained in Section 7
         hereof constitute a series of separate covenants, one for each
         applicable State in the United States and the District of Columbia, and
         one for each applicable foreign country. If in any judicial proceeding,
         a court shall hold that any of the covenants set forth in Section 7
         exceed the time, geographic, or occupational limitations permitted by
         applicable laws, Employee and the Company agree that such provisions
         shall and are hereby reformed to the maximum time, geographic, or
         occupational limitations permitted by such laws. Further, in the event
         a court shall hold unenforceable any of the separate covenants deemed
         included herein, then such unenforceable covenant or covenants shall be
         deemed eliminated from the provisions of this Agreement for the purpose
         of such proceeding to the extent necessary to permit the remaining
         separate covenants to be enforced in such proceeding. Employee and the
         Company further agree that the covenants in Section 7 shall each be
         construed as a separate agreement independent of any other provisions
         of this Agreement, and the existence of any claim or cause of action by
         Employee against the Company whether predicated on this Agreement or
         otherwise, shall not constitute a defense to the enforcement by the
         Company of any of the covenants of Section 7.

9.  WITHHOLDING OF TAXES.

The Company may withhold from any compensation and benefits payable under this
Agreement all applicable federal, state, local, or other taxes.

10.  NON-DISCLOSURE OF AGREEMENT TERMS.

Employee agrees that Employee will not disclose the terms of this Agreement to
any third party other than Employee's immediate family, attorney, accountants,
or other consultants or advisors or except as may be required by any
governmental authority.

11.  SOURCE OF PAYMENTS.

All payments provided under this Agreement, other than payments made pursuant to
a plan which provides otherwise, shall be paid from the general funds of the
Company, and no special or separate fund shall be established, and no other
segregation of assets made, to assure payment. Employee shall have no right,
title or interest whatever in or to any investments which the Company may make
to aid the Company in meeting its obligations hereunder. To the extent that any
person acquires a right to receive payments from the Company hereunder, such
right shall be no greater than the right of an unsecured creditor of the
Company.

                                  Page 9 of 11
<PAGE>   10

12.  ASSIGNMENT.

Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, this Agreement shall inure to
the benefit of and be binding upon the parties hereto and their respective
heirs, representatives, successors and assigns. This Agreement shall not be
assignable by Employee.

13.  ENTIRE AGREEMENT; AMENDMENT.

This Agreement shall supersede any and all existing oral or written agreements,
representations, or warranties between Employee and the Company or any of its
subsidiaries or affiliated entities relating to the terms of Employee's
employment by the Company. It may not be amended except by a written agreement
signed by both parties.

14.  GOVERNING LAW.

This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of
the State of Texas, applicable to agreements made and to be performed in that
State, without regard to its conflict of laws provisions.

15.  NOTICES.

Any notice, consent, request or other communication made or given in connection
with this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly
given when delivered or mailed by registered or certified mail, return receipt
requested, or by facsimile or by hand delivery, to those listed below at their
following respective addresses or at such other address as each may specify by
notice to the others:

         To the Company:            Waste Management, Inc.
         1001 Fannin, Suite 4000
         Houston, Texas 77002
         Attention: Corporate Secretary

         To Employee:               At the address for Employee set forth below.

16.  MISCELLANEOUS.

         (a) WAIVER. The failure of a party to insist upon strict adherence to
         any term of this Agreement on any occasion shall not be considered a
         waiver thereof or deprive that party of the right thereafter to insist
         upon strict adherence to that term or any other term of this Agreement.

         (b) SEPARABILITY. Subject to Section 8 hereof, if any term or provision
         of this Agreement is declared illegal or unenforceable by any court of
         competent jurisdiction and cannot be modified to be enforceable, such
         term or provision shall immediately become null and void, leaving the
         remainder of this Agreement in full force and effect.

                                 Page 10 of 11
<PAGE>   11

         (c) HEADINGS. Section headings are used herein for convenience of
         reference only and shall not affect the meaning of any provision of
         this Agreement.

         (d) RULES OF CONSTRUCTION. Whenever the context so requires, the use of
         the singular shall be deemed to include the plural and vice versa.

         (e) COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement may be executed in any number of
         counterparts, each of which so executed shall be deemed to be an
         original, and such counterparts will together constitute but one
         Agreement.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have duly executed this Agreement as of
the day and year first above written.

WASTE MANAGEMENT, INC.

By:       /s/ Earl E. DeFrates
   --------------------------------------------
Name:     Earl E. DeFrates
     ------------------------------------------
Title:    Executive Vice President & CFO
      -----------------------------------------
Date:     October 15, 1998
     ------------------------------------------

EMPLOYEE

          /s/ Robert G. Simpson
-----------------------------------------------
Date:     October 15, 1998
     ------------------------------------------
Address:  5627 Palisade Falls Trail
        ---------------------------------------
          Kingwood, TX   77345
-----------------------------------------------

                                 Page 11 of 11

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