| Cover | Feb. 13, 2020 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Document Period End Date | Feb. 13, 2020 |
| Entity File Number | 1-12154 |
| Entity Registrant Name | Waste Management, Inc. |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000823768 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 73-1309529 |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 1001 Fannin |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Houston |
| Entity Address, State or Province | TX |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 77002 |
| City Area Code | 713 |
| Local Phone Number | 512-6200 |
| 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 | WM |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
