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                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.1

               CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement (Form
S-8) pertaining to the First Amended and Restated 1997 Stock Option Plan of
Waste Connections, Inc. of our report dated February 17, 1999 (except for the
third, fourth, and fifth paragraphs of Note 15, as to which the date is
March 30, 1999), with respect to the consolidated financial statements and
schedule of Waste Connections, Inc. and Predecessors included in the Current
Report (Form 8-K) dated August 5, 1999 filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission.

                                                          /s/  ERNST & YOUNG LLP

Sacramento, California
August 3, 1999