| Cover | Oct. 30, 2020 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Document Period End Date | Oct. 30, 2020 |
| Current Fiscal Year End Date | --12-31 |
| Entity File Number | 001-37904 |
| Entity Registrant Name | Advanced Disposal Services, Inc. |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001585790 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 90-0875845 |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 90 Fort Wade Road |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Ponte Vedra |
| Entity Address, State or Province | FL |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 32081 |
| City Area Code | 904 |
| Local Phone Number | 737-7900 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Stock, $0.01 par value |
| Trading Symbol | ADSW |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
