| Document and Entity Information | Feb. 12, 2020 |
| Document and Entity Information [Abstract] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Feb. 12, 2020 |
| Entity File Number | 1-34370 |
| Entity Registrant Name | Waste Connections, Inc. |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | A6 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 98-1202763 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 610 Applewood Crescent, 2nd Floor |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Vaughan |
| Entity Address, State or Province | ON |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | L4K 0E3 |
| Entity Address, Country | CA |
| City Area Code | 905 |
| Local Phone Number | 532-7510 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Shares, no par value |
| Trading Symbol | WCN |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001318220 |
| Amendment Flag | false |
