(AP) -- The South Carolina Supreme Court says counties should be able to determine on their own how they dispose of trash and other solid waste.

The Sun News of Myrtle Beach reports justices ruled Monday as part of a $25 million federal lawsuit from  private trash companies against Horry County.

The judge in the federal lawsuit asked the state justices whether state law about disposing of garbage trumped an ordinance passed in 2009 requiring Horry County dump its trash at the Horry County landfill.

Horry County is the only county in the state with its own trash law and the private haulers say it gives the county an unfair monopoly.

County officials say the rule allows it to save taxpayers money and protect public safety.

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