ALBANY, N.Y. (WENY) -- Two Southern Tier garbage companies were convicted of illegally working together to rig competitive bids, and to fix trash disposal prices across the area.

According to the New York Attorney General's Office, Bert Adams Disposal and Taylor Garbage Service were involved. Both companies are based out of Broome County, but do provide service in some parts of our viewing area.

Bert Adams Disposal and its owner pleaded guilty felony charges, and has to pay $1M in fines. Taylor Garbage Service has to pay $550K.

The AG's office say both businesses illegally and secretly divided up their territory to rip off customers with inflated prices.

A spokesperson for Taylor Garbage Service released a statement regarding the AG's announcement:

"Taylor Garbage Service has been a proud member of our community for over 40 years and have taken great pride in providing excellent customer service and participating in many civic and community events over the years for the betterment of our region and our neighbors. We recently paid a penalty for our involvement with one of our competitors, who plead guilty to felony charges this past Monday. For this involvement we sincerely ask for your forgiveness.These events occurred several years ago. No one from Taylor Garbage, nor the company itself, was charged or convicted of any crimes related to this incident. When we became aware of the violation, Taylor Garbage immediately and fully cooperated with the Attorney General’s Office in a complete and honest manner, which was noted by New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman. Recently, we have appointed a compliance officer who will monitor and ensure that all of Taylor Garbage Service’s business practices will be to the highest standard of ethics.We have worked extremely hard to build a reputation of honesty,integrity, and customer service over the past 40 years and look forward to restoring the trust you have placed in us to manage your waste and recycling needs. While the infraction was a regrettable mistake, we hope you will accept our apology and our commitment that it will not happen again."