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Highlights of American Ref-Fuel's Compensation and Benefits Plan

About Your Compensation and Benefits

American Ref-Fuel offers a competitive compensation program with a comprehensive benefits package, which together provide significant elements of security and opportunity to you and your family.

This brochure is intended only to highlight compensation and benefits offered to American Ref-Fuel employees and does not contain all of the details specific to various compensation or benefit plans. Some of these benefits may affect your federal income tax. Your local IRS office or a tax professional can provide you information on the taxability of the benefits.

Any additional information regarding any of the benefit plans contained in this brochure may be obtained from the company's Human Resources department.

American Ref-Fuel Company is an equal opportunity employer

Compensation Program | Medical Plan | Dental Plan | Confidential Counseling Assistance | Flexible Spending Account | Employee Fitness Support | Adoption Benefits | Dependent Care Assistance | Life Insurance | Disability Insurance | Retirement Savings Plan | Financial Planning | Educational Assistance | Matching Contributions | | Pay Periods | Holidays | Vacations | Part-time Employees


COMPENSATION PROGRAM

Our objective is to pay employees fairly and competitively for the contribution they make to the success of American Ref-Fuel. We offer a compensation program, which not only attracts and retains highly qualified people, but also encourages them to continually strive to improve their performance and achieve superior results.

Your individual salary or wage is determined by two factors. The job you perform is set to be competitive with other companies having similar positions. Your individual level of skill and experience determines where you fall within that range. You will receive performance reviews each year to ensure that you have adequate feedback about your performance and that you discuss a development plan with your supervisor.

In addition to your base salary or wage, you are also eligible to participate in a bonus plan - either the Corporate Variable Pay Plan or the Plant Bonus Plan. In all cases, you will have an established target award based on your position. At the beginning of each year, your supervisor will discuss with you your goals and objectives. At the end of the bonus period, payouts are based on how well those goals and objectives are achieved. You must be actively employed on the last scheduled workday of the bonus period to be eligible to receive any bonus for that period.


MEDICAL PLAN

American Ref-Fuel provides a comprehensive Medical Plan for you without requiring any contribution. A monthly contribution is required for you to provide coverage for your eligible dependents. The Medical Plan coverage becomes effective on your first day of employment and provides for the following based on usual and customary charges.

  • No annual deductibles. However, out-of-network in-patient non-emergency hospital expenses carry a $2,000 deductible.
  • Unrestricted access to licensed health care professionals.
  • 90% coverage for all eligible services provided by a licensed health care professional, any diagnostic testing and treatment, and inpatient services provided by an in-network hospital.
  • 90% coverage for eligible inpatient services by an out-of-network hospital after satisfying the $2,000 deductible.
  • Per calendar year, the plan pays 100% of eligible expenses in excess of $10,000 for an individual and $20,000 for a family. Maximum annual out-of-pocket expenses after any deductible for out-of-network hospitals are as follows:
    • For an individual, $1,000 for covered expenses.
    • For a family, $2,000 for covered expenses.
  • 10% co-pay for prescriptions
  • 100% coverage for annual physicals. Employees are eligible to receive eight hours of pay on the day of the documented exam.
  • 100% coverage for a routine annual eye exam.
  • 90% for eligible mental health and substance abuse expenses. For outpatient visits, there is a maximum limit of 30 visits per person per calendar year. For in-patient mental and nervous treatment, there is a 30-day per calendar year maximum and substance abuse lifetime maximum benefit of $50,000 per person.
  • 90% coverage for eligible chiropractic treatment expenses, with a maximum of 30 visits per person per calendar year.
  • A 24-hour Carewise Hotline answered by a Registered Nurse for information on health risk assessment, alternative treatment plans, disease management, education programs and physician referrals.

Please Note: Your spouse is required to accept group health coverage offered by his/her employer in order to be eligible for the American Ref-Fuel Medical Plan. With proof of payment, American Ref-Fuel will reimburse you the monthly contribution required by your spouse's employer up to $100 per month. If your spouse is considered the "primary" insurer, an additional $50 per month may be paid to cover dependent children. Employees waving all coverage in the plan will be paid $75 per month.


DENTAL PLAN

A comprehensive Dental Plan is effective on your first day of employment. The Plan provides for the following based on usual and customary charges:

  • 100% coverage for Diagnostic and Preventive Services
  • 80% coverage for Basic Restorative Services.
  • 50% coverage for Major Restorative Services and Orthodontic Services.

There is a maximum lifetime benefit of $1,500 per person for Orthodontic and $1,500 per calendar year for all other services.


CONFIDENTIAL COUNSELING ASSISTANCE

Through the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), American Ref-Fuel pays the cost for up to eight visits per person per calendar year for you and/or your dependents dealing with such problems as marital or family discord, drug or alcohol dependency, adverse responses to stress and financial or emotional difficulties. The counseling sessions are completely confidential.


EMPLOYEE FITNESS SUPPORT

American Ref-Fuel employees and their families are eligible for reimbursement of 50% of the annual health-club membership dues with a maximum reimbursement of $250 per year. A single initiation fee is also reimbursed at the level of 50% with a maximum reimbursement of $50.


FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNT (FSA)

With A Flexible Spending Account, you may select an amount to set aside from each paycheck to pay for unreimbursed health care or dependent care expenses. These funds are not considered taxable wages and are exempt from Federal Income, Social Security and Medicare taxes. You can participate in either or both of the account options.

• Health Care Account

Your Health Care Account may be used to pay health care expenses that are not covered by any other source and are eligible for deduction on your federal income tax return. An example of an eligible expense is the co-payment required under the medical plan.

• Dependent Care Account

The Dependent Care Account may be used for eligible expenses for the care of a dependent. For this account, a dependent is either a child under age 13 whom you claim on your federal income tax return or a dependent (including your spouse or parent) who is physically or mentally incapable of caring for himself/herself regardless of age.

Please Note: The IRS places several restrictions on your FSA. If you do not have enough eligible expenses during the year to use 100% of the amount in your FSA, the excess funds can not be refunded to you. Also, if you participate in both accounts, the funds from one account can not be transferred to the other account. The maximum amount you can deposit in each account is $5,000 per calendar year.

ADOPTION BENEFITS

The Adoption Benefits Program reimburses 90% of eligible adoption expenses with a maximum reimbursement of $7,500 per child. American Ref-Fuel recognizes that the adoption process may require time off from work for mandated home studies or travel to a foreign country. With the Family Leave of Absence policy, you are allowed up to 12 weeks of unpaid time off which can be used either pre- or post -adoption. Additionally, through the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), you can speak to consultants with adoption expertise and receive referrals to a proper agency.


DEPENDENT CARE ASSISTANCE

Through the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), you can receive a wide range of dependent referral services. Examples of referrals and childcare centers, adult day care, senior centers and special needs care for newborns and adults. After calling the toll-free 800 number, you are assigned a care consultant who monitors your progress throughout your period of need.


LIFE INSURANCE

American Ref-Fuel provides the following insurance benefits without requiring an employee contribution, except for the Optional Life Insurance.

• Basic Life Insurance

Basic Life Insurance is effective on the first day of employment. The benefit amount is equal to 200% of your annual base pay.

• Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance

Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance provides additional coverage for you and is payable in the event of an accident resulting in the lost of life, limb, or sight. The benefit amount is 200% of your annual base pay.

• Dependent Life Insurance

Dependent Life Insurance coverage is designed especially for your dependent(s) and provides the following benefit amount(s):

  • $10,000 of life insurance for your spouse.
  • $5,000 of life insurance for each eligible child.

• Travel Accident Insurance

Travel Accident Insurance is effective when traveling on company business and provides additional insurance protection up to a maximum of $500,000. This coverage also includes accidental death or injury.

• Optional Life Insurance

You may elect Optional Insurance coverage on you and /or your dependents. The premium amount is deducted from your paycheck.

Please Note: The maximum amount of life insurance provided for you, including both your Basic Life Insurance and the Optional Life Insurance you elect, is $1,000,000.


DISABILITY BENEFITS

American Ref-Fuel provides both short-term and long-term disability benefits at no cost to the employee. Short-term disability provides income for up to 26 weeks if you are unable to perform your job duties due to sickness or injury. Long-term disability becomes effective if your disability continues beyond 26 weeks.

• Short Term Disability

You are eligible on your first day of employment. Coverage begins on the 8th consecutive day of disability. The number of weeks that you receive 100% or 70% of your full base pay varies based on your length of service as follows:

Length of Service 100% of Base Pay 70% of Base Pay
Less than one year 2 weeks 24 weeks
One year 4 weeks 22 weeks
Three years 8 weeks 18 weeks
Five years 13 weeks 13 weeks
Ten years or more 26 weeks -0-

• Long-Term Disability

You are eligible after one year of continuous full time employment. If you are totally disabled, you will receive 70% of your monthly base salary until age 65, less any disability payments that are received from other sources.


RETIREMENT SAVINGS PLAN

The American Ref-Fuel Company Retirement Savings Plan is a tax deferred savings and investment plan designed to help you achieve financial security for retirement. The plan allows you the unique opportunity to save money, defer taxes and participate in a variety of investment funds. You are eligible to participate in the plan on your first day of employment with American Ref-Fuel. Both regular full-time and regular part-time employees are eligible to participate in the plan.

Plan features include a basic company contribution, a voluntary employee contribution, and a company matching contribution. American Ref-Fuel has several investment options to choose from.

• Company Basic Contribution

American Ref-Fuel contributes an amount equal to 3% of your compensation (plus an additional 3% of any compensation in excess of the Social Security Taxable Wage Base) each year to your account. The basic contribution is made on your behalf whether or not you contribute to the plan, and the actual contribution to your account is made each pay period. This basic contribution will vest in increments of 20% per year with 100% vesting after five years of service.

• Employee and Company Matching Contributions

You can contribute from 1% to 50% of your compensation on a before-tax basis (subject to annual IRS limits). American Ref-Fuel contributes at a rate of 50% for each dollar you contribute up to 5% of your compensation. The actual contribution to your account is made each pay period and is immediately vested.

• Investment Options

There are several different investment options that you can choose from with varying degrees of risk and income potential. You have complete control of how you invest your retirement account funds and you can easily change from one option to another at any time.

• Portability

The American Ref-Fuel Retirement Savings Plan gives you the option of taking your vested account with you when you leave the company or leaving it invested in the Plan (if you have the minimum amount invested), or you can roll it to another plan.

• Loans

The Retirement Savings Plan provides a loan feature that allows you to borrow money from your account within certain guidelines.


FINANCIAL, EDUCATION, AND PLANNING SERVICES

To assist you in making informed financial decisions and planning for your retirement, American Ref-Fuel sponsors the following financial services:

• Financial Hotline

Through a toll free 800 number or via Internet, you will be referred to an RJL Financial Advisor who can answer your basic financial questions and assist you in determining your need for a written analysis.

• Financial Planning Services

If you desire a written analysis, an RJL Financial Advisor will work with you in its preparation and can assist you in its implementation. Employees pay 50% of the cost and the balance is direct-billed to American Ref-Fuel.

• Estate Preparation Services

Employees are eligible for assistance in preparing estate planning documents such as a simple will, trust or other related documents. A licensed attorney of your choice can provide services. American Ref-Fuel reimburses eligible employees 50% of the cost with a maximum reimbursement of $500 per year.

• Auto and Homeowners Insurance

This comprehensive program from Liberty Mutual Insurance offers personal insurance at competitive rates, with convenient pay options, such as payroll deduction. Initiating coverage does not require down payment or monthly service fees.


TUITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

The American Ref-Fuel Tuition Assistance Program provides you with financial support in pursuing specific courses and educational programs that will enhance your skills in current or future work-related areas. This program applies to all regular, full-time employees who have completed six months of continuous service. The program requires that you must receive a grade of "C" or better and continue to be a full-time employee upon completion of the course. For undergraduate and graduate courses, the maximum annual benefit is $5,250.


MATCHING GIFTS FOR EDUCATION AND CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTIONS

All full-time employees are eligible to participate in the Matching Gifts Program on your first day of employment. American Ref-Fuel will match on a $1-for -$1 basis charitable gifts made directly to an appropriate accredited college or university, civic, cultural or health and welfare-related institution by you or your spouse. The organizations must be recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as tax-exempt and not-for-profit. The maximum annual benefit is $5,000.


PAY PERIODS

The Company pays on a bi-weekly basis on alternate Fridays. Direct deposit services are available.


HOLIDAYS

Each location posts a list of the holidays prior to the beginning of the calendar year.


VACATIONS

To provide periods for rest and relaxation, you receive two weeks of paid vacation following one year of employment, three weeks following five years and four weeks following ten years. During the calendar year that you are hired, you earn one-half day (4 hours) for each full month worked, up to a maximum of five days (40 hours). During the first full calendar year, you can take 5 days of your vacation at any time. The other five days can be taken after your anniversary date OR July 1, whichever date is first. You become eligible for the next level of vacation time at the beginning of the calendar year in which your anniversary date occurs. Part-time employees receive paid vacation on a pro-rated basis.


PART TIME EMPLOYEES

Part-time employees are eligible for 401(k) plan participation, vacation on a pro-rated basis and the bonus plan. Part-time employees may elect employee-only medical and dental benefits at a 50 percent cost, tuition reimbursement at 50 percent, flexible spending account participation, short-term and long-term disability benefits and employee assistance benefits.


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