<?xml version="1.0" encoding="us-ascii"?>
<!--XBRL document created with Bowne Tagger. XBRL Parser version 10.0.0.34-->
<!--Based on XBRL 2.1-->
<schema xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" xmlns:xbrli="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instance" xmlns:link="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" targetNamespace="http://wm.com/20120331" xmlns:wm="http://wm.com/20120331" elementFormDefault="qualified" attributeFormDefault="unqualified" xmlns:us-types="http://xbrl.us/us-types/2009-01-31" xmlns:xbrldt="http://xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt">
  <annotation>
    <appinfo>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://wm.com/role/AcquisitionsDetails" id="AcquisitionsDetails">
        <link:definition>0609 - Disclosure - Acquisitions (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://wm.com/role/Acquisitions" id="Acquisitions">
        <link:definition>0209 - Disclosure - Acquisitions</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://wm.com/role/FinancialStatementsDetails3" id="FinancialStatementsDetails3">
        <link:definition>06133 - Disclosure - Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements (Details 3)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://wm.com/role/LandfillAndEnvironmentalRemediationLiabilitiesDetailsAlternative" id="LandfillAndEnvironmentalRemediationLiabilitiesDetailsAlternative">
        <link:definition>060201 - Disclosure - Landfill and Environmental Remediation Liabilities (Details Alternative)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://wm.com/role/SegmentAndRelatedInformationDetailsTextual" id="SegmentAndRelatedInformationDetailsTextual">
        <link:definition>06081 - Disclosure - Segment and Related Information (Details Textual)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://wm.com/role/AcquisitionsDetailsTextual" id="AcquisitionsDetailsTextual">
        <link:definition>06093 - Disclosure - Acquisitions (Details Textual)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://wm.com/role/AcquisitionsDetails2" id="AcquisitionsDetails2">
        <link:definition>06092 - Disclosure - Acquisitions (Details 2)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://wm.com/role/AcquisitionsDetails1" id="AcquisitionsDetails1">
        <link:definition>06091 - Disclosure - Acquisitions (Details 1)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://wm.com/role/AcquisitionsTables" id="AcquisitionsTables">
        <link:definition>0509 - Disclosure - Acquisitions (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://wm.com/role/DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesDetails3" id="DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesDetails3">
        <link:definition>06043 - Disclosure - Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (Details 3)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://wm.com/role/BasisOfPresentationPolicies" id="BasisOfPresentationPolicies">
        <link:definition>0401 - Disclosure - Basis of Presentation (Policies)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://wm.com/role/StatementsOfComprehensiveIncomeParenthetical" id="StatementsOfComprehensiveIncomeParenthetical">
        <link:definition>0131 - Statement - Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) (Parenthetical)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://wm.com/role/StatementsOfComprehensiveIncome" id="StatementsOfComprehensiveIncome">
        <link:definition>0130 - Statement - Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://wm.com/role/BasisOfPresentation" id="BasisOfPresentation">
        <link:definition>0201 - Disclosure - Basis of Presentation</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://wm.com/role/CommitmentsAndContigenciesDetailsTextual" id="CommitmentsAndContigenciesDetailsTextual">
        <link:definition>0607 - Disclosure - Commitments and Contingencies (Details Textual)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://wm.com/role/LandfillAndEnvironmentalRemediationLiabilities" id="LandfillAndEnvironmentalRemediationLiabilities">
        <link:definition>0202 - Disclosure - Landfill and Environmental Remediation Liabilities</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://wm.com/role/IncomeTaxesDetailsTextual" id="IncomeTaxesDetailsTextual">
        <link:definition>0605 - Disclosure - Income Taxes (Details Textual)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://wm.com/role/LandfillAndEnvironmentalRemediationLiabilitiesDetailsTextual" id="LandfillAndEnvironmentalRemediationLiabilitiesDetailsTextual">
        <link:definition>06022 - Disclosure - Landfill and Environmental Remediation Liabilities (Details Textual)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://wm.com/role/RestructuringDetails" id="RestructuringDetails">
        <link:definition>0610 - Disclosure - Restructuring (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://wm.com/role/Restructuring" id="Restructuring">
        <link:definition>0210 - Disclosure - Restructuring</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://wm.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsTables" id="FairValueMeasurementsTables">
        <link:definition>0511 - Disclosure - Fair Value Measurements (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://wm.com/role/VariableInterestEntitiesDetails" id="VariableInterestEntitiesDetails">
        <link:definition>0612 - Disclosure - Variable Interest Entities (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://wm.com/role/VariableInterestEntities" id="VariableInterestEntities">
        <link:definition>0212 - Disclosure - Variable Interest Entities</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://wm.com/role/DebtDetailsTextual" id="DebtDetailsTextual">
        <link:definition>06031 - Disclosure - Debt (Details Textual)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://wm.com/role/DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesDetailsTextual" id="DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesDetailsTextual">
        <link:definition>06044 - Disclosure - Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (Details Textual)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://wm.com/role/DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesDetails2" id="DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesDetails2">
        <link:definition>06042 - Disclosure - Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (Details 2)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://wm.com/role/DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesDetails1" id="DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesDetails1">
        <link:definition>06041 - Disclosure - Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (Details 1)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://wm.com/role/DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesDetails" id="DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesDetails">
        <link:definition>0604 - Disclosure - Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://wm.com/role/DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesTables" id="DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesTables">
        <link:definition>0504 - Disclosure - Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://wm.com/role/DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivities" id="DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivities">
        <link:definition>0204 - Disclosure - Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://wm.com/role/CondensedConsolidatingFinancialStatementsDetails2" id="CondensedConsolidatingFinancialStatementsDetails2">
        <link:definition>06132 - Disclosure - Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements (Details 2)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://wm.com/role/CondensedConsolidatingFinancialStatementsDetails1" id="CondensedConsolidatingFinancialStatementsDetails1">
        <link:definition>06131 - Disclosure - Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements (Details 1)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://wm.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsDetailsTextual" id="FairValueMeasurementsDetailsTextual">
        <link:definition>06111 - Disclosure - Fair Value Measurements (Details Textual)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://wm.com/role/LandfillAndEnvironmentalRemediationLiabilitiesDetails1" id="LandfillAndEnvironmentalRemediationLiabilitiesDetails1">
        <link:definition>06021 - Disclosure - Landfill and Environmental Remediation Liabilities (Details 1)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://wm.com/role/IncomeTaxes" id="IncomeTaxes">
        <link:definition>0205 - Disclosure - Income Taxes</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://wm.com/role/DocumentAndEntityInformation" id="DocumentAndEntityInformation">
        <link:definition>00 - Document - Document and Entity Information</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://wm.com/role/SegmentAndRelatedInformationDetails" id="SegmentAndRelatedInformationDetails">
        <link:definition>0608 - Disclosure - Segment and Related Information (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://wm.com/role/SegmentAndRelatedInformationTables" id="SegmentAndRelatedInformationTables">
        <link:definition>0508 - Disclosure - Segment and Related Information (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://wm.com/role/DebtDetails" id="DebtDetails">
        <link:definition>0603 - Disclosure - Debt (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://wm.com/role/DebtTables" id="DebtTables">
        <link:definition>0503 - Disclosure - Debt (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://wm.com/role/CondensedConsolidatingFinancialStatementsDetails" id="CondensedConsolidatingFinancialStatementsDetails">
        <link:definition>0613 - Disclosure - Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://wm.com/role/EarningsPerShareDetails" id="EarningsPerShareDetails">
        <link:definition>0606 - Disclosure - Earnings Per Share (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://wm.com/role/LandfillAndEnvironmentalRemediationLiabilitiesDetails" id="LandfillAndEnvironmentalRemediationLiabilitiesDetails">
        <link:definition>0602 - Disclosure - Landfill and Environmental Remediation Liabilities (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://wm.com/role/CondensedConsolidatingFinancialStatementsTables" id="CondensedConsolidatingFinancialStatementsTables">
        <link:definition>0513 - Disclosure - Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://wm.com/role/EarningsPerShareTables" id="EarningsPerShareTables">
        <link:definition>0506 - Disclosure - Earnings Per Share (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://wm.com/role/LandfillAndEnvironmentalRemediationLiabilitiesTables" id="LandfillAndEnvironmentalRemediationLiabilitiesTables">
        <link:definition>0502 - Disclosure - Landfill and Environmental Remediation Liabilities (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://wm.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsDetails" id="FairValueMeasurementsDetails">
        <link:definition>0611 - Disclosure - Fair Value Measurements (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://wm.com/role/StatementsOfChangesInEquity" id="StatementsOfChangesInEquity">
        <link:definition>0150 - Statement - Condensed Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity (Unaudited)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://wm.com/role/BalanceSheetsParenthetical" id="BalanceSheetsParenthetical">
        <link:definition>0111 - Statement - Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://wm.com/role/StatementsOfCashFlows" id="StatementsOfCashFlows">
        <link:definition>0140 - Statement - Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://wm.com/role/StatementsOfOperations" id="StatementsOfOperations">
        <link:definition>0120 - Statement - Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://wm.com/role/BalanceSheets" id="BalanceSheets">
        <link:definition>0110 - Statement - Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://wm.com/role/CondensedConsolidatingFinancialStatements" id="CondensedConsolidatingFinancialStatements">
        <link:definition>0213 - Disclosure - Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://wm.com/role/FairValueMeasurements" id="FairValueMeasurements">
        <link:definition>0211 - Disclosure - Fair Value Measurements</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://wm.com/role/SegmentAndRelatedInformation" id="SegmentAndRelatedInformation">
        <link:definition>0208 - Disclosure - Segment and Related Information</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://wm.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingencies" id="CommitmentsAndContingencies">
        <link:definition>0207 - Disclosure - Commitments and Contingencies</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://wm.com/role/EarningsPerShare" id="EarningsPerShare">
        <link:definition>0206 - Disclosure - Earnings Per Share</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://wm.com/role/Debt" id="Debt">
        <link:definition>0203 - Disclosure - Debt</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:linkbaseRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="wm-20120331_cal.xml" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/calculationLinkbaseRef" xlink:arcrole="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink/properties/linkbase" xlink:title="Calculation Links, all" />
      <link:linkbaseRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="wm-20120331_pre.xml" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationLinkbaseRef" xlink:arcrole="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink/properties/linkbase" xlink:title="Presentation Links, all" />
      <link:linkbaseRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="wm-20120331_lab.xml" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/labelLinkbaseRef" xlink:arcrole="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink/properties/linkbase" xlink:title="Label Links, all" />
      <link:linkbaseRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="wm-20120331_def.xml" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/definitionLinkbaseRef" xlink:arcrole="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink/properties/linkbase" xlink:title="Definition Links, all" />
    </appinfo>
  </annotation>
  <import namespace="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instance" schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/xbrl-instance-2003-12-31.xsd" />
  <import namespace="http://xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt" schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd" />
  <import namespace="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/xbrl-linkbase-2003-12-31.xsd" />
  <import namespace="http://xbrl.us/dei/2009-01-31" schemaLocation="http://taxonomies.xbrl.us/us-gaap/2009/non-gaap/dei-2009-01-31.xsd" />
  <import namespace="http://xbrl.us/us-gaap/2009-01-31" schemaLocation="http://taxonomies.xbrl.us/us-gaap/2009/elts/us-gaap-2009-01-31.xsd" />
  <import namespace="http://xbrl.us/country/2009-01-31" schemaLocation="http://taxonomies.xbrl.us/us-gaap/2009/non-gaap/country-2009-01-31.xsd" />
  <import namespace="http://xbrl.us/us-types/2009-01-31" schemaLocation="http://taxonomies.xbrl.us/us-gaap/2009/elts/us-types-2009-01-31.xsd" />
  <element id="wm_DebtAbstract" name="DebtAbstract" abstract="true" type="xbrli:stringItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <element id="wm_CommitmentsAndContingenciesAbstract" name="CommitmentsAndContingenciesAbstract" abstract="true" type="xbrli:stringItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <element id="wm_SegmentAndRelatedInformationAbstract" name="SegmentAndRelatedInformationAbstract" abstract="true" type="xbrli:stringItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <element id="wm_FairValueMeasurementsAbstract" name="FairValueMeasurementsAbstract" abstract="true" type="xbrli:stringItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <element id="wm_CondensedConsolidatingFinancialStatementsAbstract" name="CondensedConsolidatingFinancialStatementsAbstract" abstract="true" type="xbrli:stringItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <element id="wm_InterestAccretionOnAndDiscountRateAdjustmentsToEnvironmentalRemediationLiabilitiesAndRecoveryAssets" name="InterestAccretionOnAndDiscountRateAdjustmentsToEnvironmentalRemediationLiabilitiesAndRecoveryAssets" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" />
  <element id="wm_InterestAccretionOnLandfillLiabilities" name="InterestAccretionOnLandfillLiabilities" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" />
  <element id="wm_AccruedCappingClosureAndPostClosureCostsAndEnvironmentalLossContingencies" name="AccruedCappingClosureAndPostClosureCostsAndEnvironmentalLossContingencies" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" />
  <element id="wm_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationAssociatedWithPropertyPlantAndEquipmentAndIntangibleAssets" name="DepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationAssociatedWithPropertyPlantAndEquipmentAndIntangibleAssets" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" />
  <element id="wm_InterestAndOtherIncomeExpenseAbstract" name="InterestAndOtherIncomeExpenseAbstract" abstract="true" type="xbrli:stringItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <element id="wm_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherAssetsCurrent" name="IncreaseDecreaseInOtherAssetsCurrent" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" />
  <element id="wm_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherAssetsNonCurrent" name="IncreaseDecreaseInOtherAssetsNonCurrent" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" />
  <element id="wm_ProceedsFromDivestituresOfBusinessesAndOtherSalesOfAssets" name="ProceedsFromDivestituresOfBusinessesAndOtherSalesOfAssets" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" />
  <element id="wm_EquityBasedCompensationTransactionsIncludingDividendEquivalentsNetOfTaxes" name="EquityBasedCompensationTransactionsIncludingDividendEquivalentsNetOfTaxes" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" />
  <element id="wm_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsCumulativeEffectsOfChangesInAccountingPrinciplesAndNoncontrollingInterest" name="IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsCumulativeEffectsOfChangesInAccountingPrinciplesAndNoncontrollingInterest" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" />
  <element id="wm_Operating" name="Operating" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" />
  <element id="wm_FairValueMeasurementsDetailsAbstract" name="FairValueMeasurementsDetailsAbstract" abstract="true" type="xbrli:stringItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <element id="wm_LandfillAndEnvironmentalRemediationLiabilitiesTablesAbstract" name="LandfillAndEnvironmentalRemediationLiabilitiesTablesAbstract" abstract="true" type="xbrli:stringItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <element id="wm_EarningsPerShareTablesAbstract" name="EarningsPerShareTablesAbstract" abstract="true" type="xbrli:stringItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <element id="wm_CondensedConsolidatingFinancialStatementsTablesAbstract" name="CondensedConsolidatingFinancialStatementsTablesAbstract" abstract="true" type="xbrli:stringItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <element id="wm_CondensedConsolidatingFinancialStatementsDetailsAbstract" name="CondensedConsolidatingFinancialStatementsDetailsAbstract" abstract="true" type="xbrli:stringItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <element id="wm_EarningsPerShareDetailsAbstract" name="EarningsPerShareDetailsAbstract" abstract="true" type="xbrli:stringItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <element id="wm_LandfillAndEnvironmentalRemediationLiabilitiesDetailsAbstract" name="LandfillAndEnvironmentalRemediationLiabilitiesDetailsAbstract" abstract="true" type="xbrli:stringItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <element id="wm_ChangesToLandfillAndEnvironmentalRemediationLiabilitiesAbstract" name="ChangesToLandfillAndEnvironmentalRemediationLiabilitiesAbstract" abstract="true" type="xbrli:stringItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <element id="wm_InterestIncomeExpense" name="InterestIncomeExpense" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" />
  <element id="wm_DistributionsPaidToNoncontrollingInterestsAndOther" name="DistributionsPaidToNoncontrollingInterestsAndOther" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" />
  <element id="wm_LiabilitiesForLandfillAndEnvironmentalRemediationCostsAbstract" name="LiabilitiesForLandfillAndEnvironmentalRemediationCostsAbstract" abstract="true" type="xbrli:stringItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <element id="wm_PotentiallyIssuableShares" name="PotentiallyIssuableShares" type="xbrli:sharesItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <element id="wm_ImpactOfPeriodicSettlementsOfActiveSwapAgreementsAndImpactOfTerminatedSwapAgreementsAbstract" name="ImpactOfPeriodicSettlementsOfActiveSwapAgreementsAndImpactOfTerminatedSwapAgreementsAbstract" abstract="true" type="xbrli:stringItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <element id="wm_DebtTablesAbstract" name="DebtTablesAbstract" abstract="true" type="xbrli:stringItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <element id="wm_DebtDetailsAbstract" name="DebtDetailsAbstract" abstract="true" type="xbrli:stringItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <element id="wm_SegmentAndRelatedInformationTablesAbstract" name="SegmentAndRelatedInformationTablesAbstract" abstract="true" type="xbrli:stringItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <element id="wm_SegmentAndRelatedInformationDetailsAbstract" name="SegmentAndRelatedInformationDetailsAbstract" abstract="true" type="xbrli:stringItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <element id="wm_GroupThreeMember" name="GroupThreeMember" type="us-types:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <element id="wm_GroupFourMember" name="GroupFourMember" type="us-types:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <element id="wm_GroupFiveMember" name="GroupFiveMember" type="us-types:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <element id="wm_CorporateAndOtherMember" name="CorporateAndOtherMember" type="us-types:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <element id="wm_CanadianCreditFacilityMember" name="CanadianCreditFacilityMember" type="us-types:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <element id="wm_TaxExemptBondsMember" name="TaxExemptBondsMember" type="us-types:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <element id="wm_TaxExemptProjectBondsMember" name="TaxExemptProjectBondsMember" type="us-types:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <element id="wm_GroupOneMember" name="GroupOneMember" type="us-types:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <element id="wm_GroupTwoMember" name="GroupTwoMember" type="us-types:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <element id="wm_DocumentAndEntityInformationAbstract" name="DocumentAndEntityInformationAbstract" abstract="true" type="xbrli:stringItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <element id="wm_SeniorNotesAndDebenturesMember" name="SeniorNotesAndDebenturesMember" type="us-types:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <element id="wm_CapitalLeasesAndOtherMember" name="CapitalLeasesAndOtherMember" type="us-types:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <element id="wm_ApproximatePercentageOfWorkforceCoveredByCollectiveBargainingAgreements" name="ApproximatePercentageOfWorkforceCoveredByCollectiveBargainingAgreements" type="us-types:percentItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <element id="wm_FairValueOfRestrictedTrustFundsAndEscrowAccountsForWhichCompanyIsSoleBeneficiarySpecificallyForFutureSettlementOfLandfillAndEnvironmentalRemediationLiabilities" name="FairValueOfRestrictedTrustFundsAndEscrowAccountsForWhichCompanyIsSoleBeneficiarySpecificallyForFutureSettlementOfLandfillAndEnvironmentalRemediationLiabilities" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" />
  <element id="wm_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisInterestRateDerivatives" name="FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisInterestRateDerivatives" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" />
  <element id="wm_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisAvailableForSaleSecurities" name="FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisAvailableForSaleSecurities" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" />
  <element id="wm_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisCashEquivalents" name="FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisCashEquivalents" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" />
  <element id="wm_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisForeignCurrencyDerivatives" name="FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisForeignCurrencyDerivatives" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" />
  <element id="wm_DebtFairValue" name="DebtFairValue" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" />
  <element id="wm_TaxExemptBonds" name="TaxExemptBonds" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" />
  <element id="wm_TaxExemptProjectBonds" name="TaxExemptProjectBonds" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" />
  <element id="wm_CapitalLeasesAndOther" name="CapitalLeasesAndOther" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" />
  <element id="wm_WeightedAverageInterestRate" name="WeightedAverageInterestRate" type="us-types:percentItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <element id="wm_FairValueInterestRateHedgeImpactToInterestExpenseOfAmortizationOfTerminatedSwaps" name="FairValueInterestRateHedgeImpactToInterestExpenseOfAmortizationOfTerminatedSwaps" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" />
  <element id="wm_NotionalAmountOfFairValueHedgeInstrumentsAsPercentageOfSeniorNotesOutstanding" name="NotionalAmountOfFairValueHedgeInstrumentsAsPercentageOfSeniorNotesOutstanding" type="us-types:percentItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <element id="wm_AccumulatedNetGainLossFromCashFlowDerivativesTreasuryLocks" name="AccumulatedNetGainLossFromCashFlowDerivativesTreasuryLocks" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" />
  <element id="wm_ReferencedLiborSwapRate" name="ReferencedLiborSwapRate" type="xbrli:durationItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <element id="wm_OtherComprehensiveIncomeUnrealizedGainLossOnCashFlowDerivativesForwardStartingSwapsArisingDuringPeriodBeforeTax" name="OtherComprehensiveIncomeUnrealizedGainLossOnCashFlowDerivativesForwardStartingSwapsArisingDuringPeriodBeforeTax" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" />
  <element id="wm_NotionalAmountOfForeignCurrencyCashFlowHedgeDerivativesPrincipal" name="NotionalAmountOfForeignCurrencyCashFlowHedgeDerivativesPrincipal" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" />
  <element id="wm_OtherComprehensiveIncomeUnrealizedGainLossOnCashFlowDerivativesForeignExchangeDerivativesArisingDuringPeriodAfterTax" name="OtherComprehensiveIncomeUnrealizedGainLossOnCashFlowDerivativesForeignExchangeDerivativesArisingDuringPeriodAfterTax" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" />
  <element id="wm_EquityInSubsidiariesNetOfTaxes" name="EquityInSubsidiariesNetOfTaxes" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" />
  <element id="wm_EquityInEarningsOfSubsidiariesNetOfTaxes" name="EquityInEarningsOfSubsidiariesNetOfTaxes" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" />
  <element id="wm_NetReceiptsFromRestrictedTrustAndEscrowAccountAndOtherNet" name="NetReceiptsFromRestrictedTrustAndEscrowAccountAndOtherNet" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" />
  <element id="wm_EquityBasedCompensationTransactionsIncludingDividendEquivalentsNetOfTaxesShares" name="EquityBasedCompensationTransactionsIncludingDividendEquivalentsNetOfTaxesShares" type="xbrli:sharesItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <element id="wm_AccrualForEnvironmentalLossContingenciesInterestAccretion" name="AccrualForEnvironmentalLossContingenciesInterestAccretion" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" />
  <element id="wm_AccrualForEnvironmentalLossContingenciesIncreaseDecreaseForAcquisitionsDivestituresAndOtherAdjustments" name="AccrualForEnvironmentalLossContingenciesIncreaseDecreaseForAcquisitionsDivestituresAndOtherAdjustments" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" />
  <element id="wm_AssetRetirementObligationAdjustmentsForAcquisitionsDivestituresAndOtherItems" name="AssetRetirementObligationAdjustmentsForAcquisitionsDivestituresAndOtherItems" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" />
  <element id="wm_FairValueInterestRateHedgeImpactToInterestExpenseOfPeriodicSettlements" name="FairValueInterestRateHedgeImpactToInterestExpenseOfPeriodicSettlements" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" />
  <element id="wm_OtherComprehensiveIncomeUnrealizedGainLossOnCashFlowDerivativesForwardStartingSwapsArisingDuringPeriodAfterTax" name="OtherComprehensiveIncomeUnrealizedGainLossOnCashFlowDerivativesForwardStartingSwapsArisingDuringPeriodAfterTax" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" />
  <element id="wm_IncomeTaxesDetailsAbstract" name="IncomeTaxesDetailsAbstract" abstract="true" type="xbrli:stringItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <element id="wm_ChangeInIntercompanyAndInvestmentsNet" name="ChangeInIntercompanyAndInvestmentsNet" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" />
  <element id="wm_NumberOfSitesListedOnEnvironmentalProtectionAgencyNationalPrioritiesListForWhichWeHaveBeenNotifiedWeArePrp" name="NumberOfSitesListedOnEnvironmentalProtectionAgencyNationalPrioritiesListForWhichWeHaveBeenNotifiedWeArePrp" type="xbrli:integerItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <element id="wm_NumberOfOwnedSitesListedOnEnvironmentalProtectionAgencyNationalPrioritiesListForWhichWeHaveBeenNotifiedWeArePrp" name="NumberOfOwnedSitesListedOnEnvironmentalProtectionAgencyNationalPrioritiesListForWhichWeHaveBeenNotifiedWeArePrp" type="xbrli:integerItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <element id="wm_NumberOfNonOwnedSitesListedOnEnvironmentalProtectionAgencyNationalPrioritiesListForWhichWeHaveBeenNotifiedWeArePrp" name="NumberOfNonOwnedSitesListedOnEnvironmentalProtectionAgencyNationalPrioritiesListForWhichWeHaveBeenNotifiedWeArePrp" type="xbrli:integerItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <element id="wm_LongTermAccruedLiabilitiesMember" name="LongTermAccruedLiabilitiesMember" type="us-types:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <element id="wm_SeniorNotesPrincipalOutstanding" name="SeniorNotesPrincipalOutstanding" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" />
  <element id="wm_AssetRetirementObligationLiabilitiesSettledLandfill" name="AssetRetirementObligationLiabilitiesSettledLandfill" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" />
  <element id="wm_TreasuryRateLockScheduledToBeReclassifiedIntoInterestExpense" name="TreasuryRateLockScheduledToBeReclassifiedIntoInterestExpense" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" />
  <element id="wm_DebtMaturingWithinMonthsClassifiedAsLongTerm" name="DebtMaturingWithinMonthsClassifiedAsLongTerm" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" />
  <element id="wm_LowIncomeHousingPropertiesMember" name="LowIncomeHousingPropertiesMember" type="us-types:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <element id="wm_DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesTablesAbstract" name="DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesTablesAbstract" abstract="true" type="xbrli:stringItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <element id="wm_DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesDetailsAbstract" name="DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesDetailsAbstract" abstract="true" type="xbrli:stringItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <element id="wm_OtherCurrentAssetsMember" name="OtherCurrentAssetsMember" type="us-types:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <element id="wm_InvestmentsInAndAdvancesToAffiliates" name="InvestmentsInAndAdvancesToAffiliates" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" />
  <element id="wm_EquityInNetLossesOfUnconsolidatedEntitiesAndOtherNet" name="EquityInNetLossesOfUnconsolidatedEntitiesAndOtherNet" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" />
  <element id="wm_CashPaidToSettleCashFlowHedgeInstrumentsForwardStartingInterestRateSwaps" name="CashPaidToSettleCashFlowHedgeInstrumentsForwardStartingInterestRateSwaps" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" />
  <element id="wm_ForeignExchangeDerivativesGainLossReclassificationFromAociIntoIncomeEffectivePortionAfterTax" name="ForeignExchangeDerivativesGainLossReclassificationFromAociIntoIncomeEffectivePortionAfterTax" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" />
  <element id="wm_VariableInterestEntitiesAbstract" name="VariableInterestEntitiesAbstract" abstract="true" type="xbrli:stringItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <element id="wm_VariableInterestEntitiesDetailsAbstract" name="VariableInterestEntitiesDetailsAbstract" abstract="true" type="xbrli:stringItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <element id="wm_LimitedLiabilityCompanyTwoMember" name="LimitedLiabilityCompanyTwoMember" type="us-types:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <element id="wm_VariableInterestEntitiesAdditionalDetailsAbstract" name="VariableInterestEntitiesAdditionalDetailsAbstract" abstract="true" type="xbrli:stringItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <element id="wm_VariableInterestEntityReportingEntityPercentageOfInterestInEarningsAfterAchievingTargetedReturns" name="VariableInterestEntityReportingEntityPercentageOfInterestInEarningsAfterAchievingTargetedReturns" type="us-types:percentItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <element id="wm_VariableInterestEntityThirdPartiesPercentageOfInterestInEarningsAfterAchievingTargetedReturns" name="VariableInterestEntityThirdPartiesPercentageOfInterestInEarningsAfterAchievingTargetedReturns" type="us-types:percentItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <element id="wm_VariableInterestEntityThirdPartyInitialInvestment" name="VariableInterestEntityThirdPartyInitialInvestment" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" />
  <element id="wm_InvestmentInRefinedCoalFacilityMember" name="InvestmentInRefinedCoalFacilityMember" type="us-types:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <element id="wm_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisInterestRateDerivatives" name="FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisInterestRateDerivatives" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" />
  <element id="wm_LiabilitiesForLandfillAndEnvironmentalRemediationCostsTextBlock" name="LiabilitiesForLandfillAndEnvironmentalRemediationCostsTextBlock" type="us-types:textBlockItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <element id="wm_AssetRetirementObligationAndEnvironmentalRemediationCostsRollForwardAnalysisTextBlock" name="AssetRetirementObligationAndEnvironmentalRemediationCostsRollForwardAnalysisTextBlock" type="us-types:textBlockItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <element id="wm_BalanceSheetsTextBlock" name="BalanceSheetsTextBlock" type="us-types:textBlockItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <element id="wm_StatementsOfOperationsTextBlock" name="StatementsOfOperationsTextBlock" type="us-types:textBlockItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <element id="wm_StatementsOfCashFlowsTextBlock" name="StatementsOfCashFlowsTextBlock" type="us-types:textBlockItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <element id="wm_EquityMethodInvestmentNonCashComponent" name="EquityMethodInvestmentNonCashComponent" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" />
  <element id="wm_NumberOfLandfillsAdjacentToOrNearHomeownersPropertiesWithAgreementsGuaranteeingMarketValue" name="NumberOfLandfillsAdjacentToOrNearHomeownersPropertiesWithAgreementsGuaranteeingMarketValue" type="xbrli:integerItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <element id="wm_LandfillLiabilitiesMember" name="LandfillLiabilitiesMember" type="us-types:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <element id="wm_EnvironmentalRemediationLiabilitiesMember" name="EnvironmentalRemediationLiabilitiesMember" type="us-types:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <element id="wm_FairValueMeasurementsTablesAbstract" name="FairValueMeasurementsTablesAbstract" abstract="true" type="xbrli:stringItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <element id="wm_ElectricityCommodityContractsMember" name="ElectricityCommodityContractsMember" type="us-types:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <element id="wm_ExpectedNumberOfMegawattHoursHedgedByElectricitySwaps" name="ExpectedNumberOfMegawattHoursHedgedByElectricitySwaps" type="us-types:powerItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <element id="wm_ExpectedPercentageOfMerchantElectricitySalesHedged" name="ExpectedPercentageOfMerchantElectricitySalesHedged" type="us-types:percentItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <element id="wm_TenorOfSeniorNotesIssuedInFebruaryTwoThousandEleven" name="TenorOfSeniorNotesIssuedInFebruaryTwoThousandEleven" type="xbrli:durationItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <element id="wm_EquityMethodInvestmentsDebtBalance" name="EquityMethodInvestmentsDebtBalance" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" />
  <element id="wm_CarryingValueOfRestrictedTrustFundsAndEscrowAccountsForWhichCompanyIsNotSoleBeneficiarySpecificallyForFutureSettlementOfLandfillAndEnvironmentalRemediationLiabilities" name="CarryingValueOfRestrictedTrustFundsAndEscrowAccountsForWhichCompanyIsNotSoleBeneficiarySpecificallyForFutureSettlementOfLandfillAndEnvironmentalRemediationLiabilities" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" />
  <element id="wm_InterestAndOtherIncomeExpense" name="InterestAndOtherIncomeExpense" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" />
  <element id="wm_ComponentsOfDebt" name="ComponentsOfDebt" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" />
  <element id="wm_FairValueInterestRateHedgesImpactToInterestExpense" name="FairValueInterestRateHedgesImpactToInterestExpense" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" />
  <element id="wm_OperatingGroupMember" name="OperatingGroupMember" type="us-types:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <element id="wm_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasis" name="FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasis" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" />
  <element id="wm_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasis" name="FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasis" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" />
  <element id="wm_CurrentAssetsExcludingCashAndCashEquivalents" name="CurrentAssetsExcludingCashAndCashEquivalents" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" />
  <element id="wm_CurrentLiabilitiesExcludingCurrentPortionOfLongTermDebt" name="CurrentLiabilitiesExcludingCurrentPortionOfLongTermDebt" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" />
  <element id="wm_LongTermLiabilitiesExcludingLongTermDebt" name="LongTermLiabilitiesExcludingLongTermDebt" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" />
  <element id="wm_LongTermAssetsExcludingPropertyPlantAndEquipmentAndInvestmentsInAndAdvancesToAffiliates" name="LongTermAssetsExcludingPropertyPlantAndEquipmentAndInvestmentsInAndAdvancesToAffiliates" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" />
  <element id="wm_NotionalAmountOfCashFlowHedgeInstrumentsElectricityCommodity" name="NotionalAmountOfCashFlowHedgeInstrumentsElectricityCommodity" type="us-types:powerItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <element id="wm_NotionalAmountOfElectricityCommodityHedgeInstrumentsAsPercentageOfMerchantElectricitySales" name="NotionalAmountOfElectricityCommodityHedgeInstrumentsAsPercentageOfMerchantElectricitySales" type="us-types:percentItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <element id="wm_OtherTransaction" name="OtherTransaction" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" />
  <element id="wm_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember" name="RevolvingCreditFacilityMember" type="us-types:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <element id="wm_OakleafMember" name="OakleafMember" type="us-types:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <element id="wm_RestructuringAbstract" name="RestructuringAbstract" abstract="true" type="xbrli:stringItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <element id="wm_NumberOfEmployeePositionsEliminated" name="NumberOfEmployeePositionsEliminated" type="xbrli:integerItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <element id="wm_OperationsNotManagedThroughOtherOperatingGroupsMember" name="OperationsNotManagedThroughOtherOperatingGroupsMember" type="us-types:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <element id="wm_IncreaseInBonusDepreciationAllowanceLow" name="IncreaseInBonusDepreciationAllowanceLow" type="us-types:percentItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <element id="wm_IncreaseInBonusDepreciationAllowanceHigh" name="IncreaseInBonusDepreciationAllowanceHigh" type="us-types:percentItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <element id="wm_LandfillAndEnvironmentalRemediationLiabilitiesTextualAbstract" name="LandfillAndEnvironmentalRemediationLiabilitiesTextualAbstract" abstract="true" type="xbrli:stringItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <element id="wm_DebtTextualAbstract" name="DebtTextualAbstract" abstract="true" type="xbrli:stringItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <element id="wm_DebtAdditionalTextualAbstract" name="DebtAdditionalTextualAbstract" abstract="true" type="xbrli:stringItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <element id="wm_DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesTextualAbstract" name="DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesTextualAbstract" abstract="true" type="xbrli:stringItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <element id="wm_IncomeTaxesAdditionalTextualAbstract" name="IncomeTaxesAdditionalTextualAbstract" abstract="true" type="xbrli:stringItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <element id="wm_VariableInterestEntitiesTextualAbstract" name="VariableInterestEntitiesTextualAbstract" abstract="true" type="xbrli:stringItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <element id="wm_RevolvingCreditFacilityCapacity" name="RevolvingCreditFacilityCapacity" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" />
  <element id="wm_SegmentAndRelatedInformationTextualAbstract" name="SegmentAndRelatedInformationTextualAbstract" abstract="true" type="xbrli:stringItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <element id="wm_FairValueMeasurementsTextualAbstract" name="FairValueMeasurementsTextualAbstract" abstract="true" type="xbrli:stringItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <element id="wm_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisElectricityCommodityDerivatives" name="FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisElectricityCommodityDerivatives" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" />
  <element id="wm_SegmentReportingInformationIntercompanyRevenue" name="SegmentReportingInformationIntercompanyRevenue" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" />
  <element id="wm_SegmentIncomeFromOperations" name="SegmentIncomeFromOperations" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" />
  <element id="wm_VariableInterestEntityNonControllingInterestInConsolidatedNetIncome" name="VariableInterestEntityNonControllingInterestInConsolidatedNetIncome" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" />
  <element id="wm_RevolvingCreditFacilityAmountOutstanding" name="RevolvingCreditFacilityAmountOutstanding" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" />
  <element id="wm_LetterOfCreditFacilityAmountOutstanding" name="LetterOfCreditFacilityAmountOutstanding" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" />
  <element id="wm_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationDeferredIncomeTaxesNet" name="BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationDeferredIncomeTaxesNet" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" />
  <element id="wm_PreliminaryAllocationOfPurchasePriceToIntangibleAssetsAbstract" name="PreliminaryAllocationOfPurchasePriceToIntangibleAssetsAbstract" abstract="true" type="xbrli:stringItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <element id="wm_VendorRelationshipsMember" name="VendorRelationshipsMember" type="us-types:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <element id="wm_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationAmortizableIntangibleAssetsWeightedAverageAmortizationPeriod" name="BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationAmortizableIntangibleAssetsWeightedAverageAmortizationPeriod" type="xbrli:decimalItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <element id="wm_RepaymentOfTaxExemptBonds" name="RepaymentOfTaxExemptBonds" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" />
  <element id="wm_RestructuringDetailsAbstract" name="RestructuringDetailsAbstract" abstract="true" type="xbrli:stringItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <element id="wm_RestructuringTextualAbstract" name="RestructuringTextualAbstract" abstract="true" type="xbrli:stringItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <element id="wm_LandfillAndEnvironmentalRemediationLiabilitiesAbstract" name="LandfillAndEnvironmentalRemediationLiabilitiesAbstract" abstract="true" type="xbrli:stringItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <element id="wm_AssetRetirementObligationsAndEnvironmentalLossContingenciesDisclosuresTextBlock" name="AssetRetirementObligationsAndEnvironmentalLossContingenciesDisclosuresTextBlock" type="us-types:textBlockItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <element id="wm_TwoThousandElevenRestructuringPlanMember" name="TwoThousandElevenRestructuringPlanMember" type="us-types:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <element id="wm_CommonShareDataUsedForComputingBasicAndDilutedEarningsPerShareTableTextBlock" name="CommonShareDataUsedForComputingBasicAndDilutedEarningsPerShareTableTextBlock" type="us-types:textBlockItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <element id="wm_DebtMaturingWithinTwelveMonths" name="DebtMaturingWithinTwelveMonths" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" />
  <element id="wm_PreliminaryAllocationPurchasePriceIntangibleAssetsTextBlock" name="PreliminaryAllocationPurchasePriceIntangibleAssetsTextBlock" type="us-types:textBlockItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <element id="wm_ComponentsOfDebtTableTextBlock" name="ComponentsOfDebtTableTextBlock" type="us-types:textBlockItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <element id="wm_AcquisitionsAndDivestituresTextualAbstract" name="AcquisitionsAndDivestituresTextualAbstract" abstract="true" type="xbrli:stringItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <element id="wm_CommitmentsAndContingenciesTextualAbstract" name="CommitmentsAndContingenciesTextualAbstract" abstract="true" type="xbrli:stringItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <element id="wm_NumberOfClassifiedSegmentGroups" name="NumberOfClassifiedSegmentGroups" type="xbrli:integerItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <element id="wm_NumberOfGeographicSegments" name="NumberOfGeographicSegments" type="xbrli:integerItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <element id="wm_FairValueHedgesAdjustmentsToCarryingValueOfHedgedItems" name="FairValueHedgesAdjustmentsToCarryingValueOfHedgedItems" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" />
  <element id="wm_NotionalAmountOfCashFlowHedgeInstrumentsForwardStartingSwapsExpectedToBeIssuedInTwoThousandElevenTwoThousandTwelveAndTwoThousandFourteen" name="NotionalAmountOfCashFlowHedgeInstrumentsForwardStartingSwapsExpectedToBeIssuedInTwoThousandElevenTwoThousandTwelveAndTwoThousandFourteen" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" />
  <element id="wm_NotionalAmountOfTerminatedForwardStartingInterestRateSwaps" name="NotionalAmountOfTerminatedForwardStartingInterestRateSwaps" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" />
  <element id="wm_FairValueOfForwardStartingInterestRateDerivativesClassifiedAsLongTermLiabilities" name="FairValueOfForwardStartingInterestRateDerivativesClassifiedAsLongTermLiabilities" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" />
  <element id="wm_IncomeTaxBenefitIncludingTaxCreditsFromEquityMethodInvestment" name="IncomeTaxBenefitIncludingTaxCreditsFromEquityMethodInvestment" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" />
  <element id="wm_TaxCreditsFromEquityMethodInvestment" name="TaxCreditsFromEquityMethodInvestment" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" />
  <element id="wm_PercentageOfDeductionThatAppliesToQualifyingProperty" name="PercentageOfDeductionThatAppliesToQualifyingProperty" type="us-types:percentItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <element id="wm_AssetRetirementObligationCurrentAndAccrualForEnvironmentalLossContingenciesCurrent" name="AssetRetirementObligationCurrentAndAccrualForEnvironmentalLossContingenciesCurrent" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" />
  <element id="wm_AccrualForEnvironmentalLossContingenciesCurrent" name="AccrualForEnvironmentalLossContingenciesCurrent" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" />
  <element id="wm_AssetRetirementObligationNoncurrentAndAccrualForEnvironmentalLossContingenciesNoncurrent" name="AssetRetirementObligationNoncurrentAndAccrualForEnvironmentalLossContingenciesNoncurrent" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" />
  <element id="wm_AccrualForEnvironmentalLossContingenciesNoncurrent" name="AccrualForEnvironmentalLossContingenciesNoncurrent" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" />
  <element id="wm_AssetRetirementObligationAndAccrualForEnvironmentalLossContingencies" name="AssetRetirementObligationAndAccrualForEnvironmentalLossContingencies" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" />
  <element id="wm_ScheduledInterestPaymentsOnForeignExchangeContracts" name="ScheduledInterestPaymentsOnForeignExchangeContracts" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" />
  <element id="wm_FairValueOfInterestRateDerivativesClassifiedAsCurrentLiabilities" name="FairValueOfInterestRateDerivativesClassifiedAsCurrentLiabilities" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" />
  <element id="wm_TaxExemptBondSubjectToRePricingClassifiedAsLongTermDebt" name="TaxExemptBondSubjectToRePricingClassifiedAsLongTermDebt" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" />
  <element id="wm_AdjustmentsToPreliminaryPurchasePriceAllocationTableTextBlock" name="AdjustmentsToPreliminaryPurchasePriceAllocationTableTextBlock" type="us-types:textBlockItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <element id="wm_VariableInterestEntityThirdPartyOwnershipPercentage" name="VariableInterestEntityThirdPartyOwnershipPercentage" type="us-types:percentItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <element id="wm_TaxExemptBondsCurrent" name="TaxExemptBondsCurrent" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" />
  <element id="wm_SixPointThreeSevenFivePercentSeniorNotesDueNovemberTwoThousandTwelveMember" name="SixPointThreeSevenFivePercentSeniorNotesDueNovemberTwoThousandTwelveMember" type="us-types:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <element id="wm_NumberOfOpenPositionsEliminated" name="NumberOfOpenPositionsEliminated" type="xbrli:integerItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <element id="wm_RevenuesRecognizedByAcquireePostAcquisitionDate" name="RevenuesRecognizedByAcquireePostAcquisitionDate" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" />
  <element id="wm_BasisOfPresentationAbstract" name="BasisOfPresentationAbstract" abstract="true" type="xbrli:stringItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <element id="wm_BasisOfPresentationTextBlock" name="BasisOfPresentationTextBlock" type="us-types:textBlockItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <element id="wm_DisclosureRequiredUnderItemOneZeroThreeOfSecsRegulationSk" name="DisclosureRequiredUnderItemOneZeroThreeOfSecsRegulationSk" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" />
  <element id="wm_FairValueMeasurementPolicyTextBlock" name="FairValueMeasurementPolicyTextBlock" type="us-types:textBlockItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <element id="wm_RevolvingCreditAndCreditFacilitiesAggregateCapacity" name="RevolvingCreditAndCreditFacilitiesAggregateCapacity" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" />
  <element id="wm_LetterOfCreditOutstandingRevolvingCreditAndLetterOfCreditFacilities" name="LetterOfCreditOutstandingRevolvingCreditAndLetterOfCreditFacilities" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" />
  <element id="wm_LetterOfCreditOutstandingRevolvingCreditFacility" name="LetterOfCreditOutstandingRevolvingCreditFacility" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" />
  <element id="wm_ForecastMember" name="ForecastMember" type="us-types:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <element id="wm_DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesAdditionalTextualAbstract" name="DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesAdditionalTextualAbstract" abstract="true" type="xbrli:stringItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <element id="wm_FairValueInterestRateHedgesImpactToInterestExpenseTableTextBlock" name="FairValueInterestRateHedgesImpactToInterestExpenseTableTextBlock" type="us-types:textBlockItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <element id="wm_ImpactsOfForeignCurrencyCashFlowDerivativesOnResultsOfOperationsAndComprehensiveIncomePreTaxTableTextBlock" name="ImpactsOfForeignCurrencyCashFlowDerivativesOnResultsOfOperationsAndComprehensiveIncomePreTaxTableTextBlock" type="us-types:textBlockItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <element id="wm_OtherIncomeExpenseMember" name="OtherIncomeExpenseMember" type="us-types:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <element id="wm_ImpactsOfForeignCurrencyCashFlowDerivativesOnResultsOfOperationsAndComprehensiveIncomePreTaxAbstract" name="ImpactsOfForeignCurrencyCashFlowDerivativesOnResultsOfOperationsAndComprehensiveIncomePreTaxAbstract" abstract="true" type="xbrli:stringItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <element id="wm_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDetailsAbstract" name="CommitmentsAndContingenciesDetailsAbstract" abstract="true" type="xbrli:stringItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <element id="wm_AcquisitionsAbstract" name="AcquisitionsAbstract" abstract="true" type="xbrli:stringItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <element id="wm_AcquisitionsTablesAbstract" name="AcquisitionsTablesAbstract" abstract="true" type="xbrli:stringItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <element id="wm_AcquisitionsDetailsAbstract" name="AcquisitionsDetailsAbstract" abstract="true" type="xbrli:stringItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <element id="wm_StatementsOfComprehensiveIncomeTextBlock" name="StatementsOfComprehensiveIncomeTextBlock" type="us-types:textBlockItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <element id="wm_HighEndEstimateOfReasonablyPossibleAdditionalLossesAssociatedWithEnvironmentalRemediationLiabilities" name="HighEndEstimateOfReasonablyPossibleAdditionalLossesAssociatedWithEnvironmentalRemediationLiabilities" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" />
  <element id="wm_BasisOfPresentationPolicyTextBlock" name="BasisOfPresentationPolicyTextBlock" type="us-types:textBlockItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <element id="wm_ApproximateNumberOfHomeownersPropertiesAdjacentToOrNearCertainOfOurLandfillsWithAgreementsGuaranteeingMarketValue" name="ApproximateNumberOfHomeownersPropertiesAdjacentToOrNearCertainOfOurLandfillsWithAgreementsGuaranteeingMarketValue" type="xbrli:integerItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <element id="wm_MinimumNumberOfMonthsExpectedForIrsAuditsToBeCompleted" name="MinimumNumberOfMonthsExpectedForIrsAuditsToBeCompleted" type="xbrli:durationItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <element id="wm_MaximumNumberOfMonthsExpectedForIrsAuditsToBeCompleted" name="MaximumNumberOfMonthsExpectedForIrsAuditsToBeCompleted" type="xbrli:durationItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <element id="wm_PreTaxGainsLossesRecognizedInOtherComprehensiveIncomeForChangesInFairValueOfElectricityCommodityDerivatives" name="PreTaxGainsLossesRecognizedInOtherComprehensiveIncomeForChangesInFairValueOfElectricityCommodityDerivatives" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" />
  <element id="wm_AfterTaxGainsLossesRecognizedInOtherComprehensiveIncomeForChangesInFairValueOfElectricityCommodityDerivatives" name="AfterTaxGainsLossesRecognizedInOtherComprehensiveIncomeForChangesInFairValueOfElectricityCommodityDerivatives" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" />
  <element id="wm_PenaltyPaid" name="PenaltyPaid" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" />
  <element id="wm_SouthernGroupMember" name="SouthernGroupMember" type="us-types:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <element id="wm_CorporateOrganizationMember" name="CorporateOrganizationMember" type="us-types:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <element id="wm_InvestmentInRecyclingAndWasteToEnergyMember" name="InvestmentInRecyclingAndWasteToEnergyMember" type="us-types:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <element id="wm_NoteReceivablesBalance" name="NoteReceivablesBalance" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" />
  <element id="wm_PhoenixMember" name="PhoenixMember" type="us-types:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <element id="wm_EmployeeSeveranceCosts" name="EmployeeSeveranceCosts" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" />
  <element id="wm_CommitmentRelatingToLoanAgreement" name="CommitmentRelatingToLoanAgreement" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" />
  <element id="wm_AfterTaxGainsLossesAssociatedWithElectricityCommodityDerivativesReclassifiedFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeIntoIncome" name="AfterTaxGainsLossesAssociatedWithElectricityCommodityDerivativesReclassifiedFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeIntoIncome" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" />
  <element id="wm_PreTaxGainsLossesAssociatedWithElectricityCommodityDerivativesReclassifiedFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeIntoIncome" name="PreTaxGainsLossesAssociatedWithElectricityCommodityDerivativesReclassifiedFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeIntoIncome" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" />
  <element id="wm_ExpectedCostToConstructFacility" name="ExpectedCostToConstructFacility" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" />
  <element id="wm_AmountOfDecreaseInCashTaxesDueToAccelerationOfDeductionOnCapitalExpenditures" name="AmountOfDecreaseInCashTaxesDueToAccelerationOfDeductionOnCapitalExpenditures" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" />
  <element id="wm_DeferredLossesRelatedToTreasuryRateLocksReclassifiedIntoInterestExpensePreTax" name="DeferredLossesRelatedToTreasuryRateLocksReclassifiedIntoInterestExpensePreTax" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <element id="wm_DeferredLossesRelatedToTreasuryRateLocksReclassifiedIntoInterestExpenseAfterTax" name="DeferredLossesRelatedToTreasuryRateLocksReclassifiedIntoInterestExpenseAfterTax" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <element id="wm_EstimatedAmountOfDecreaseInCashTaxesDueToAccelerationOfDeductionOnCurrentYearCapitalExpenditures" name="EstimatedAmountOfDecreaseInCashTaxesDueToAccelerationOfDeductionOnCurrentYearCapitalExpenditures" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" />
  <element id="wm_NetLossesRecognizedByAcquireePostAcquisitionDate" name="NetLossesRecognizedByAcquireePostAcquisitionDate" type="xbrli:stringItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <element id="wm_RecognizedNetLossesResultingFromEntitysOperatingLosses" name="RecognizedNetLossesResultingFromEntitysOperatingLosses" type="xbrli:stringItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <element id="wm_OtherTransactionShares" name="OtherTransactionShares" type="xbrli:sharesItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <element id="wm_RestructuringSeveranceAndBenefitReserveSettledWithCash" name="RestructuringSeveranceAndBenefitReserveSettledWithCash" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" />
  <element id="wm_ComprehensiveIncomePolicyTextBlock" name="ComprehensiveIncomePolicyTextBlock" type="us-types:textBlockItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <element id="wm_NumberOfCollectionAndRecyclingOperationsAcquired" name="NumberOfCollectionAndRecyclingOperationsAcquired" type="xbrli:integerItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <element id="wm_OilAndGasMember" name="OilAndGasMember" type="us-types:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
</schema>
