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OTHER ITEMS AND CHARGES
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Unusual or Infrequent Items, or Both [Abstract]  
OTHER ITEMS AND CHARGES OTHER ITEMS AND CHARGES
Southbridge Landfill Closure Charge, Net
In the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017, we initiated the plan to cease operations of the Southbridge Landfill and later closed it in November 2018 when Southbridge Landfill reached its final capacity. Accordingly, in fiscal years 2021, 2020 and 2019, we recorded charges associated with the closure of the Southbridge Landfill as follows:
 Fiscal Year Ended
December 31,
 202120202019
Legal and transaction costs (1)
$868 $2,285 $2,709 
Contract settlement charge (2)
572 — — 
Landfill closure project (credit) charge (3)
(944)490 — 
Legal settlement charge (4)
— 2,000 — 
Environmental remediation charge (5)
— (188)— 
Southbridge Landfill closure charge, net$496 $4,587 $2,709 
(1)We incurred legal costs as well as other transaction costs associated with various matters as part of the Southbridge Landfill closure.
(2)We updated the cost estimates associated with a contract settlement charge associated with the Southbridge Landfill closure and the remaining future obligations due to the Town of Southbridge under the landfill operating agreement with the Town of Southbridge.
(3)We recorded a landfill closure project (credit) charge associated with revised costs under the closure plan at Southbridge Landfill.
(4)We established reserves and made payments associated with legal settlements associated with claims against us as part of the Southbridge Landfill closure.
(5)We recorded an environmental remediation reversal associated with the completion of environmental remediation at the Southbridge Landfill.
See Note 12, Commitments and Contingencies for further disclosure about the environmental remediation charge associated with the Southbridge Landfill closure.
Expense from Acquisition Activities
In the fiscal years 2021, 2020 and 2019, we recorded charges of $5,304, $1,862 and $2,687, respectively, comprised primarily of legal, consulting and other similar costs associated with the acquisition and integration of acquired businesses or select development projects. See Note 5, Business Combinations for disclosure regarding acquisition activity.