Waste Management returned to Cherokee County Council on Monday, saying it wants its proposed landfill and recycling center project to be treated like any other economic development proposal.

Waste Management claims that didn't happen in December when Cherokee County Council shunned negotiations and overwhelmingly voted not to change its solid waste plan that prohibits construction of new landfills.

"All that we ask of Cherokee County Council is a real examination of our full proposal just as they would conduct for any other economic development or county services agreement," said Bob Peeler, Waste Management's manager of community and municipal relations, reading from a prepared statement. "We are fully open to negotiations - having never intended to simply make a proposal to be offered as a take-it-or-leave-it proposition. We believe it's in the interest of council and of Cherokee taxpayers."

"There are many issues or concerns that council has raised and we believe can be alleviated in a negotiated contract."

Peeler said, if negotiations would occur, the company would be open to discuss lower disposal rates for businesses as well as enhanced tax benefits. Waste Management already has proposed it would dispose of residential garbage for free.

"All we ask is for the opportunity, the same due diligence and the interaction with which council is dealing with the proposed Republic contract."

Two weeks ago, council voted to enter contract negotiations to extend its current transfer station agreement with Republic Services.

The existing contract expires in 2013.

At the end of Peeler's remarks, council chairman Hoke Parris said, "All you have said will be taken into consideration."

But councilman Rufus Foster went a step farther, saying he will make a motion to enter into negotiations with Waste Management.

"I just want to be fair. We can listen to them," he said.

Foster's motion would require a second and the support of a majority of council members.