awards . awards granted under the 2006 plan prior to december 5 , 2008 became fully vested and nonforfeitable upon the closing of the merger . awards may be granted under the 2006 plan , as amended and restated , after december 5 , 2008 only to employees and consultants of allied waste industries , inc . and its subsidiaries who were not employed by republic services , inc . prior to such date . at december 31 , 2009 , there were approximately 15