Document and Entity Information Document Type Document Type Document Quarterly Report Document Transition Report Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Securities Act File Number Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code Entity Tax Identification Number Entity Address, Address Line One Entity Address, Address Line Two Entity Address, City or Town Entity Address, State or Province Entity Address, Postal Zip Code City Area Code Local Phone Number Title of 12(b) Security Trading Symbol Security Exchange Name Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Interactive Data Current Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Entity Small Business Entity Emerging Growth Company Entity Shell Company Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Amendment Flag Amendment Flag CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS Assets [Abstract] ASSETS Assets, Current [Abstract] Current assets: Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Cash and cash equivalents Accounts Receivable, after Allowance for Credit Loss, Current Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $31 and $30, respectively Other Receivables, Net, Current Other receivables, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $3 and $4, respectively Prepaid Supplies Parts and supplies Other Assets, Current Other current assets Assets, Current Total current assets Property, Plant, and Equipment and Finance Lease Right-of-Use Asset, after Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation and depletion of $23,620 and $22,826, respectively Goodwill Goodwill Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) Other intangible assets, net Restricted Cash and Investments, Noncurrent Restricted funds Investments in and Advance to Affiliates, Subsidiaries, Associates, and Joint Ventures Investments in unconsolidated entities Other Assets, Noncurrent Other long-term assets Assets Assets Total assets Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] LIABILITIES AND EQUITY Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Current liabilities: Accounts Payable, Current Accounts payable Accrued Liabilities, Current Accrued liabilities Contract with Customer, Liability, Current Deferred revenues Debt, Current Current portion of long-term debt Liabilities, Current Total current liabilities Long-Term Debt and Lease Obligation Long-term debt, less current portion Deferred Income Tax Liabilities, Net Deferred income taxes Accrued Capping, Closure, Post-closure and Environmental Costs, Noncurrent Landfill and environmental remediation liabilities Long-term Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Other long-term liabilities Liabilities Total liabilities Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and contingencies (Note 6) Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Waste Management, Inc. stockholders' equity: Common Stock, Value, Issued Common stock, $0.01 par value; 1,500,000,000 shares authorized; 630,282,461 shares issued Additional Paid in Capital, Common Stock Additional paid-in capital Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Retained earnings Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income Treasury Stock, Common, Value Treasury stock at cost, 228,928,455 and 228,827,218 shares, respectively Equity, Attributable to Parent Total Waste Management, Inc. stockholders' equity Equity, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Noncontrolling interests Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Ending balance Beginning balance Total equity Liabilities and Equity Total liabilities and equity Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Current Allowance for doubtful accounts Allowance for Credit Loss, Receivable, Other, Current Allowance for other receivables Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment Accumulated depreciation and amortization Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Common stock, par value Common Stock, Shares Authorized Common stock, shares authorized Common Stock, Shares, Issued Common stock, shares issued Treasury Stock, Common, Shares Ending balance, treasury shares Beginning balance, treasury shares Treasury stock, shares CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax Operating revenues Operating revenues Costs and Expenses [Abstract] Costs and expenses: Cost of Goods and Services Sold Operating Selling, General and Administrative Expense Selling, general and administrative Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Depreciation, depletion and amortization Restructuring Charges Restructuring The aggregate amount of asset impairment charges, (gains) and losses related to the divestiture of businesses and unusual items incurred during an accounting period. Gain Loss From Divestitures Asset Impairments And Unusual Items (Gain) loss from divestitures, asset impairments and unusual items, net Costs and Expenses Total costs and expenses Operating Income (Loss) Income from operations Net Operating Revenues Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Abstract] Other income (expense): Interest Income (Expense), Nonoperating Interest expense, net Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments Equity in net losses of unconsolidated entities Equity in net income (losses) of unconsolidated entities Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Other, net Interest and other income (expense), total. Interest And Other Income Expense Total other income (expense) Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest Income before income taxes Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Income tax expense Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Consolidated net income Consolidated net income Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests Net income attributable to Waste Management, Inc. Earnings Per Share, Basic Basic earnings per common share Earnings Per Share, Diluted Diluted earnings per common share CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract] Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax: Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cash Flow Hedge, Gain (Loss), after Reclassification and Tax Derivative instruments, net OCI, Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale, Gain (Loss), after Adjustment and Tax Available-for-sale securities, net Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax Foreign currency translation adjustments Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Defined Benefit Plan, after Reclassification Adjustment, after Tax Post-retirement benefit obligations, net Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Comprehensive income Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Less: Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Comprehensive income attributable to Waste Management, Inc. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Cash flows from operating activities: Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Adjustments to reconcile consolidated net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Deferred income tax expense (benefit) Accretion Expense, Including Asset Retirement Obligations Interest accretion on landfill and environmental remediation liabilities Amount of expense (reversal of expense) for expected credit loss on doubtful accounts and other credit losses. Provision for Doubtful Accounts and Other Credit Losses Provision for bad debts Share-Based Payment Arrangement, Noncash Expense Equity-based compensation expense Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Property Plant Equipment Net gain on disposal of assets The (gain) loss from divestitures asset impairments and other, noncash portion. Gain Loss From Divestitures Asset Impairments And Other Noncash Portion (Gain) loss from divestitures, asset impairments and other, net Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments, Net of Dividends or Distributions Equity in net (income) losses of unconsolidated entities, net of dividends Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract] Change in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions and divestitures: Increase (Decrease) in Accounts and Other Receivables Receivables Increase (Decrease) in Other Current Assets Other current assets Increase (Decrease) in Other Noncurrent Assets Other assets Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities Accounts payable and accrued liabilities The increase (decrease) during the reporting period, excluding the portion taken into income, in the liability reflecting revenue yet to be earned for which cash or other forms of consideration was received or recorded as a receivable. Also includes the increase (decrease) during the reporting period in other liabilities used in operating activities not separately disclosed in the statement of cash flows. May include changes in other current liabilities, other noncurrent liabilities, or a combination of other current and noncurrent liabilities. Increase Decrease in Deferred Revenue and Other Operating Liabilities Deferred revenues and other liabilities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Net cash provided by operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract] Cash flows from investing activities: Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired Acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired Payments to Acquire Productive Assets Capital expenditures Proceeds from divestiture of businesses net of cash divested and proceeds from sales of assets investing activities. Proceeds From Divestiture Of Businesses Net Of Cash Divested And Proceeds From Sales Of Assets Investing Activities Proceeds from divestitures of businesses and other assets, net of cash divested Payments for (Proceeds from) Other Investing Activities Other, net Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Net cash used in investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract] Cash flows from financing activities: Proceeds from Issuance of Long-Term Debt and Capital Securities, Net New borrowings Net proceeds Repayment of Long-Term Debt, Long-Term Lease Obligation, and Capital Security Debt repayments Debt repayments Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock Common stock repurchase program Cash paid for repurchase of common stock Payments of Ordinary Dividends, Common Stock Cash dividends Proceeds from Stock Options Exercised Exercise of common stock options Payment, Tax Withholding, Share-Based Payment Arrangement Tax payments associated with equity-based compensation transactions Proceeds from (Payments for) Other Financing Activities Other, net Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Net cash used in financing activities Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash, and Restricted Cash Equivalents, Including Disposal Group and Discontinued Operations Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash, and Restricted Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease), Including Exchange Rate Effect (Decrease) increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash, and Restricted Cash Equivalents Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents at end of period Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents at end of period Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash, and Restricted Cash Equivalents [Abstract] Reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents at end of period: Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Current Restricted cash and cash equivalents included in other current assets Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Current, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible Enumeration] Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Noncurrent Restricted cash and cash equivalents included in restricted funds Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Noncurrent, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible Enumeration] CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] Common Stock [Member] Common Stock [Member] Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Additional Paid-In Capital [Member] Retained Earnings [Member] Retained Earnings [Member] AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member] Treasury Stock, Common [Member] Treasury Stock [Member] Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Noncontrolling Interests [Member] Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption [Axis] Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption [Domain] Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption, Adjustment [Member] Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Equity roll forward Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding Ending balance, common shares Beginning balance, common shares Number of common shares outstanding at end of period Dividends, Common Stock, Cash Cash dividends declared Shares Issued, Value, Share-Based Payment Arrangement, after Forfeiture Equity-based compensation transactions, net Shares Issued, Shares, Share-Based Payment Arrangement, after Forfeiture Equity-based compensation transactions, net, shares Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method Common stock repurchase program Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired Common stock repurchase program, shares Shares repurchased (in shares) Stockholders' Equity, Other Other, net Stockholders' Equity, Other Shares Other, net, shares Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared Cash dividends declared per common share Basis of Presentation Organization, Consolidation, Basis of Presentation, Business Description and Accounting Policies [Text Block] Basis of Presentation Landfill and Environmental Remediation Liabilities Asset Retirement Obligation And Environmental Remediation Disclosure [Text Block] Asset Retirement Obligation And Environmental Remediation Disclosure [Text Block] Landfill and Environmental Remediation Liabilities Debt and Derivatives Debt Disclosure [Text Block] Debt and Derivatives Income Taxes Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Income Taxes Earnings Per Share Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Earnings Per Share Commitments and Contingencies. Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Commitments and Contingencies Segment and Related Information Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Segment and Related Information Acquisition Acquisitions Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block] Acquisitions (Gain) Loss from Divestitures, Asset Impairments and Unusual Items, Net Unusual or Infrequent Items, or Both, Disclosure [Text Block] (Gain) Loss from Divestitures, Asset Impairments and Unusual Items, Net Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income Comprehensive Income (Loss) Note [Text Block] Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income Capital Stock, Dividends and Common Stock Repurchase Program Treasury Stock [Text Block] Common Stock Repurchase Program Fair Value Measurements Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] Fair Value Measurements Variable Interest Entities Variable Interest Entity Disclosure [Text Block] Variable Interest Entities Subsequent Events Subsequent Events [Text Block] Subsequent Events Basis of Accounting, Policy [Policy Text Block] Basis of Presentation Revenue from Contract with Customer [Policy Text Block] Revenue Recognition Lessee, Leases [Policy Text Block] Leases Concentration Risk, Credit Risk, Policy [Policy Text Block] Concentrations of Credit Risk Reclassification, Comparability Adjustment [Policy Text Block] Reclassifications Environmental Exit Costs by Cost [Table Text Block] Liabilities for Landfill and Environmental Remediation Costs Asset Retirement Obligation And Environmental Remediation Rollforward Analysis Table [Text Block] Asset Retirement Obligation And Environmental Remediation Rollforward Analysis [Table Text Block] Changes to Landfill and Environmental Remediation Liabilities Schedule of Debt [Table Text Block] Components of debt Schedule of Weighted Average Number of Shares [Table Text Block] Computing Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block] Reportable Segments Revenue from External Customers by Products and Services [Table Text Block] Summary of operating revenues mix Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), net of tax Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block] Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis Capitalized Contract Cost [Table] Statistical Measurement [Axis] Statistical Measurement [Domain] Minimum [Member] Minimum [Member] Maximum [Member] Maximum [Member] Capitalized Contract Cost [Line Items] Capitalized Costs Number of Reportable Segments Number of reportable segments Deferred revenue recognition period, in 'PnYnMnDTnHnMnS' format, for example, 'P1Y5M13D' represents reported fact of one year, five months, and thirteen days. Deferred Revenue Recognition Period Deferred revenue recognition period Capitalized Contract Cost, Amortization Period Contract amortization period Capitalized Contract Cost, Net Deferred contract costs Deferred Sale Inducement Cost Deferred sales incentives Debt Instrument, Repurchase Amount Debt instrument repurchase amount Environmental Exit Cost [Table] Schedule of Environmental Exit Cost [Table] Environmental Exit Cost by Property [Axis] Environmental Exit Costs, Name of Property [Domain] Environmental costs. Environmental Remediation Liabilities [Member] Long-Lived Tangible Asset [Axis] Long-Lived Tangible Asset [Domain] Landfill [Member] Environmental Exit Cost [Line Items] Landfill and Environmental Remediation Liabilities Asset Retirement Obligation, Current Current (in accrued liabilities), Landfill Asset Retirement Obligations, Noncurrent Long-term, Landfill Asset Retirement Obligation Ending balance, landfill Beginning balance, landfill Total, Landfill Accrued Environmental Loss Contingencies, Current Current (in accrued liabilities), Environmental Remediation Environmental Loss Contingency, Current, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible Enumeration] Accrued Environmental Loss Contingencies, Noncurrent Long-term, Environmental Remediation Environmental Loss Contingency, Noncurrent, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible Enumeration] Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies Ending balance, environmental remediation Beginning balance, environmental remediation Environmental remediation liabilities Total, Environmental Remediation Accrued Capping, Closure, Post-closure and Environmental Costs Current (in accrued liabilities) The total amount of estimated costs accrued as of the balance sheet date to comply with regulatory requirements pertaining to the retirement of a waste management facility (such as a landfill or waste treatment facility). Accrued Capping And Environmental Costs Total Asset Retirement Obligation, Liabilities Incurred Obligations incurred and capitalized Asset Retirement Obligation, Liabilities Settled Obligations settled Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies, Payments Obligations settled Asset Retirement Obligation, Accretion Expense Interest accretion Asset Retirement Obligation, Revision of Estimate Revisions in estimates Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies, Revision in Estimates Revisions in estimates and interest rate assumptions Revisions in estimate Asset Retirement Obligation Increase Decrease For Acquisitions Divestitures And Other Adjustments Asset Retirement Obligation Increase Decrease For Acquisitions Divestitures And Other Adjustments Acquisitions, divestitures and other adjustments Schedule of Long-Term Debt Instruments [Table] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Commercial Paper Program. Commercial Paper Program [Member] Represents the aggregation of some or all of the senior notes entered into by the entity. Senior Notes, Aggregate [Member] Represents information pertaining to Canadian senior notes. Canadian Senior Notes [Member] Represents the aggregate tax exempt bonds entered into by the entity. Tax Exempt Bonds [Member] Financing leases and other. Financing leases and other [Member] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Debt and Lease Obligation Carrying value of debt Debt Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount (Premium) and Debt Issuance Costs, Net Debt issuance costs, discounts and other Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate Weighted average interest rate Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Interest rate (as a percent) Represents information pertaining to the 3.125% Senior Notes due 2025. 3.125% senior notes due 2025 [Member] Represents the $3.5 billion revolving credit facility entered into by the entity. Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Represents the Canadian dollar borrowing allowed under the revolving credit facility entered into by the entity. Credit Facility Revolving Canadian [Member] Represents the $7.2 billion Term Credit Agreement facility entered into by the entity. Term Credit Agreement [Member] Represents other letter of credit facilities entered into by the entity. Other Letter Of Credit Lines [Member] Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Rate [Domain] Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) [Member] SOFR [Member] Base Rate [Member] Amount of short-term borrowings, long-term debt and financing leases due or subject to remarketing within the next twelve months, including amounts classified as current and amounts classified as noncurrent due to intent and ability to refinance. Debt and Financing Leases Maturing or Subject to Remarketing Within Next Twelve Months Debt maturing or subject to remarketing within twelve months Represent debt with interest rate periods that expire within the next 12 months. Debt Instrument, Interest Rate Period, Expiring Current Debt with interest rate periods that expire in the next 12 months The portion of short-term borrowings, current maturities of long-term debt and capital lease obligations and borrowings subject to refinancing within the next twelve months, classified as long-term obligations due to the intent and ability to refinance on a long-term basis. Debt Maturing Or Subject To Refinancing Within Next Twelve Months Classified As Long Term Debt classified as long-term due to intent and ability to refinance on long-term basis Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Credit Facility, aggregate capacity Maximum capacity Debt Instrument, Face Amount Debt instrument face amount The accordion option increase above the current maximum borrowing capacity under the credit facility. Line of Credit Facility Accordion Capacity Increase Accordion option capacity Debt Instrument, Term Debt term Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate Spread rate (as a percent) Long-Term Line of Credit Outstanding borrowings under credit facility Line of Credit Facility, Commitment Fee Percentage Commitment / ticking fee (as a percent) Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount Letters of credit outstanding Commercial Paper Commercial paper borrowings Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity Unused and available credit capacity Represents information pertaining to the 4.950% Senior Notes due 2027 and 2031. Senior Notes 4.950 Percent Due 2027 And 2031 [Member] 4.950% senior notes due 2027 and 2031 [Member] Represents information pertaining to Senior notes 4.950%, due 2027. Senior Notes 4.950 Percent, Due 2027 [Member] 4.950% senior notes due 2027 [Member] Represents information pertaining to Senior notes 4.950%, due 2031. Senior Notes 4.950 Percent, Due 2031 [Member] 4.950% senior notes due 2031 [Member] Represents information pertaining to the 3.5% Senior Notes due 2024. 3.50% senior notes due 2024 [Member] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event [Member] Subsequent Event [Member] Repayments of Commercial Paper Commercial paper repayments Proceeds from Issuance of Commercial Paper Commercial paper borrowings Debt Instrument, Repurchased Face Amount Face amount of tender offer Principal amount outstanding Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage of Principal Amount Redeemed Aggregate principal amounts of notes redeemed (as a percent) Debt amount tendered (as a percent) Derivative [Table] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Contract [Domain] Treasury Lock [Member] Treasury Lock Financial Instrument [Axis] Financial Instruments [Domain] This category includes information about debt securities issued by the United States with a ten-year treasury rate. US Treasury Securities, Ten Year [Member] Ten-year rate [Member] This category includes information about debt securities issued by the United States with a thirty-year treasury rate. US Treasury Securities, Thirty Year [Member] Thirty-year rate [Member] Derivative [Line Items] Derivatives Derivative, Notional Amount Derivative notional value Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cash Flow Hedge, Gain (Loss), after Reclassification and Tax, Parent OCI gain (loss) for fair value changes, after tax Income Taxes [Table] Income Taxes [Table] Income Taxes [Table] Investment, Name [Axis] Investment, Name [Domain] Represents the investment in low income housing properties. Low income housing investments [Member] Income Taxes [Line Items] Income Taxes [Line Items] Income Taxes Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent Effective tax rate of income (loss) before income taxes Income Tax Credits and Adjustments Tax credits and adjustments Investment Program, Proportional Amortization Method, Elected, Income Tax Credit and Other Income Tax Benefit, after Amortization Expense Investment proportional amortization Investment Program, Proportional Amortization Method, Elected, Income Tax Credit and Other Income Tax Benefit, before Amortization Expense Income tax benefit from low-income housing investments Interest Expense, Beneficial Interests Issued by Consolidated Variable Interest Entities Variable interest entities interest expense Weighted Average Number of Shares Issued, Basic Effect of using weighted average common shares outstanding Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Weighted average basic common shares outstanding Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted, Adjustment Dilutive effect of equity-based compensation awards and other contingently issuable shares Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Weighted average diluted common shares outstanding Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Contingently Issuable Shares Potentially issuable shares Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Number of anti-dilutive potentially issuable shares excluded from diluted common shares outstanding Commitments And Contingencies [Table] Commitments And Contingencies [Table] Commitments And Contingencies [Table] Environmental Remediation Site [Axis] Environmental Remediation Site [Domain] San Jacinto Waste Pits [Member] San Jacinto Waste Pits [Member] Tax Period [Axis] Tax Period [Domain] Tax Year 2017 [Member] Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items] Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items] Commitments and Contingencies Number of landfills adjacent to or near homeowners properties with agreements guaranteeing market value. Number Of Landfills Adjacent To Or Near Homeowners Properties With Agreements Guaranteeing Market Value Number of landfills adjacent to or near homeowners' properties with agreements guaranteeing market value Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies, Increase (Decrease) for Acquisitions and Divestitures Increase environmental remediation liabilities Number of sites listed on the environmental protection agency's national priorities list for which we have been notified we are a PRP. Number Of Sites Listed On Environmental Protection Agency National Priorities List For Which We Have Been Notified We Are PRP Number of sites listed on the EPA's NPL for which we have been notified we are a PRP Number of owned sites listed on environmental protection agency's national priorities list for which we have been notified we are PRP. Number Of Owned Sites Listed On Environmental Protection Agency National Priorities List For Which We Have Been Notified We Are PRP Number of owned sites listed on the EPA's NPL for which we have been notified we are a PRP Number of non-owned sites listed on the environmental protection agency's national priorities list for which we have been notified we are a PRP. Number Of Non Owned Sites Listed On Environmental Protection Agency National Priorities List For Which We Have Been Notified We Are PRP Number of non-owned sites listed on the EPA's NPL for which we have been notified we are a PRP Disclosure required under item one zero three of SEC's regulation Sk. Disclosure Required Under Item One Zero Three Of SECs Regulation Sk Dollar threshold for environmental matters requiring disclosure under item 103 of the SEC's Regulation S-K Percentage of entity's employees covered by collective-bargaining arrangement to all participants in multiemployer pension plan. Multiemployer Plans, Collective Bargaining Arrangement, Percentage of Participant Workforce covered by collective bargaining (as a percent) Income Taxes Paid Income tax deposit paid Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Domain] Operating Segments [Member] Intersegment Eliminations [Member] Intercompany Operating Revenues [Member] Segments [Axis] Segments [Domain] Collection and Disposal operating segments provides integrated environmental services, including collection, transfer, and disposal. Collection and Disposal [Member] Recycling Processing and Sales operating segment includes the processing of materials collected from residential, commercial and industrial customers and recycling brokerage activities. Recycling Processing and Sales [Member] Renewable Energy segment develops, operates and promotes projects for the beneficial use of landfill gas. WM Renewable Energy [Member] Corporate Segment and Other Operating Segment [Member] Corporate and Other [Member] Subsegments [Axis] Subsegments [Domain] Eastern U.S., Great Lakes Region and Canada East Tier {Member] East Tier [Member] Western US, Including Upper Midwest Region, and British Columbia, Canada West Tier [Member] Other ancillary collection and disposal activities. Other Ancillary [Member] Product and Service [Axis] Product and Service [Domain] Service [Member] Processing fees [Member] Royalty [Member] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Segment Reporting Royalty on net operating revenue from owned or operated landfills as a percent. Royalty Percentage Net operating revenue royalty (as a percent) Segment Reporting, Revenue from External Customer, Product and Service [Table] Collection [Member] Collection [Member] Commercial [Member] Commercial [Member] Industrial [Member] Industrial [Member] Residential [Member] Residential [Member] Other Collection [Member] Other Collection [Member] Transfer [Member] Transfer [Member] Revenue from External Customer [Line Items] Segment revenue Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Represents information pertaining to business acquisitions during the year 2024. Business Acquisitions 2024 [Member] 2024 Business Acquisitions [Member] Represents the information pertaining to Stericycle, a U.S. based leading provider of compliance-based solutions for regulated waste, including medical waste, and secure information destruction. Stericycle [Member] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Business Acquisition Business Combination, Consideration Transferred Total consideration, net of cash acquired Payments to Acquire Businesses, Gross Business acquisitions cash payments Business Combination, Consideration Transferred, Other Other consideration Payments for Previous Acquisition Contingent consideration paid for acquisitions closed in previous year Business Acquisition, Share Price Price per share Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Net [Abstract] Purchase price allocation Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Property, Plant, and Equipment Property and equipment Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Intangible Assets, Other than Goodwill Other intangible assets Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Noncurrent Liabilities, Long-Term Debt Long-term debt, less current portion Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Net Total purchase price Unusual or Infrequent Item, or Both [Table] Waste Diversion Technology Company [Member] Waste Diversion Technology Company [Member] Investment in a medical waste company. Investments, Medical Waste Company [Member] Medical waste company [Member] Disposal Group Classification [Axis] Disposal Group Classification [Domain] Disposal Group, Disposed of by Sale, Not Discontinued Operations [Member] Unusual or Infrequent Item, or Both [Line Items] Asset Impairments and Unusual Items Asset Impairment Charges Asset impairments Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Assets Gain (loss) on sale of assets Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] Accumulated Gain (Loss), Net, Cash Flow Hedge, Parent [Member] Derivative Instruments [Member] AOCI, Accumulated Gain (Loss), Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale, Parent [Member] Available-for-Sale Securities [Member] Accumulated Foreign Currency Adjustment Attributable to Parent [Member] Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments [Member] Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment Attributable to Parent [Member] Post - Retirement Benefit Obligations [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items] Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward] AOCI roll forward Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, net of tax expense (benefit) Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive (income) loss, net of tax (expense) benefit Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) before Reclassifications, Tax Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, tax Reclassification from AOCI, Current Period, Tax Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive (income) loss, tax Class of Treasury Stock [Table] Share Repurchase Program [Axis] Share Repurchase Program [Domain] Accelerated Share Repurchase Agreement [Member] Accelerated Share Repurchase Agreement (ASR) [Member] Accelerated Share Repurchase Agreement (ASR) [Member] Represents stock activity under a 10b5-1 plan. 10b5-1 Plan [Member] 10b5-1 Plan [Member] Represents information pertaining to October 2023 accelerated share repurchase agreement. October 2023 Accelerated Share Repurchase Agreement [Member] Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items] Capital Stock, Dividends and Common Stock Repurchase Program Shares Acquired, Average Cost Per Share Weighted average price per share (in dollars per share) Accelerated Share Repurchases, Final Price Paid Per Share Weighted average final purchase price (in dollars per share) Share Repurchase Program, Authorized, Amount Authorized share repurchases Fair Value, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Measurement Frequency [Axis] Measurement Frequency [Domain] Fair Value, Recurring [Member] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Axis] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Domain] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Fair Value Cash and Cash Equivalents, Fair Value Disclosure Cash equivalents and money market funds Investments, Fair Value Disclosure Investments Assets, Fair Value Disclosure Total assets measured at fair value Interest Rate Derivative Liabilities, at Fair Value Interest rate derivative, liability Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure Total liabilities measured at fair value Measurement Basis [Axis] Portion at Fair Value Measurement [Member] Reported Value Measurement [Member] Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] Debt Instrument, Fair Value Disclosure Fair value of debt Variable Interest Entity [Table] Schedule of Variable Interest Entities [Table] Represents the trust for final capping, closure, post-closure or environmental remediation obligations. Trust For Final Capping, Closure, Post-closure Or Environmental Remediation Obligations [Member] Consolidated Entities [Axis] Consolidated Entities [Domain] Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary [Member] Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member] Variable Interest Entity [Line Items] Variable Interest Entity Equity Method Investments Aggregate investment balance Subsequent Event [Table] Represents information pertaining to Senior notes 3.875% due 2029. Senior Notes 3.875 Percent Due 2029 [Member] 3.875% senior notes due 2029 [Member] Legal Entity [Axis] All Entities [Member] Subsequent Event [Line Items] Subsequent Events Debt Conversion, Original Debt, Amount Original debt amount Debt Conversion, Converted Instrument, Amount Debt amount tendered Ratio applied to the conversion of debt instrument for cash incentive for principal held divided by stated amount. Debt Instrument, Induced Conversion of Debt, Ratio Cash consideration ratio Represents information pertaining to the first stock trading plan option for an individual. Trading Plan, Option One [Member] Trading plan one Represents information pertaining to the second stock trading plan option for an individual. Trading Plan, Option Two [Member] Trading plan two Represents information pertaining to the third stock trading plan option for an individual. Trading Plan, Option Three [Member] Trading plan three Represents information pertaining to Devina Rankin. Devina Rankin [Member] Represents information pertaining to Tara Hemmer. Tara Hemmer [Member]