Waste Management, Inc., commonly referred to as Waste Management, is a leading provider of comprehensive waste management services headquartered in the United States. Founded in 1968, the company has established a strong presence across North America, with operations spanning major urban regions and communities. Specialising in waste collection, recycling, and disposal, Waste Management is committed to sustainability and innovative waste solutions. Their unique approach includes advanced recycling technologies and landfill management practices that prioritise environmental responsibility. Recognised as a market leader, Waste Management has achieved significant milestones, including the development of one of the largest recycling networks in the country. With a focus on customer service and operational efficiency, Waste Management continues to set industry standards while contributing to a cleaner, greener future.
How does Waste Management's carbon action stack up? DitchCarbon scores companies based on their carbon action and commitment to reducing emissions. Read about our methodology to learn more.
Mean score of companies in the Hazardous Waste Landfill Treatment industry. Comparing a company's score to the industry average can give you a sense of how well the company is doing compared to its peers.
Waste Management's score of 64 is higher than 97% of the industry. This can give you a sense of how well the company is doing compared to its peers.
In 2024, Waste Management reported total carbon emissions of approximately 15,285,700,000 kg CO2e, with Scope 1 emissions accounting for about 13,223,300,000 kg CO2e, Scope 2 emissions at approximately 108,900,000 kg CO2e, and Scope 3 emissions reaching about 1,953,500,000 kg CO2e. This data reflects a commitment to transparency in emissions reporting, with all three scopes disclosed. The company has set ambitious targets to reduce its carbon footprint, aiming for a 42% reduction in absolute Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions by 2031, using 2021 as the baseline year. This target has been validated and approved by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). Additionally, Waste Management is working towards a significant reduction in fleet emissions, targeting a 45% decrease by 2038 from a 2010 baseline. In terms of renewable energy, Waste Management is on track to achieve a goal where 27% of its consumption comes from renewable sources by 2025. The company also aims for carbon neutrality by 2040, with specific near-term targets to reduce Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions to near zero by 2025. Overall, Waste Management's climate commitments reflect a proactive approach to addressing climate change, with clear reduction targets and a focus on sustainable practices within its operations.
Access structured emissions data, company-specific emission factors, and source documents
| 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scope 1 | 15,689,993,000 | 00,000,000,000 | 00,000,000,000 | 00,000,000,000 | 00,000,000,000 | 00,000,000,000 | 00,000,000,000 | 00,000,000,000 |
| Scope 2 | 244,828,000 | 000,000,000 | 000,000,000 | 000,000,000 | 000,000,000 | 000,000,000 | 000,000,000 | 000,000,000 |
| Scope 3 | 8,665,585,000 | 0,000,000,000 | 0,000,000,000 | 0,000,000,000 | 0,000,000,000 | 0,000,000,000 | 0,000,000,000 | 0,000,000,000 |
Waste Management's Scope 3 emissions, which increased by 8% last year and decreased by approximately 77% since 2017, demonstrating supply chain emissions tracking. Their carbon footprint includes suppliers and value chain emissions, with Scope 3 emissions accounting for 13% of total emissions under the GHG Protocol, with "Upstream Transportation & Distribution" being the largest emissions source at 28% of Scope 3 emissions.
Climate goals typically focus on 2030 interim targets and 2050 net-zero commitments, aligned with global frameworks like the Paris Agreement and Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) to ensure alignment with global climate goals.
Waste Management has established climate goals through participation in recognized frameworks and target-setting initiatives. Companies often set interim 2030 targets and long-term 2050 net-zero goals to demonstrate measurable progress toward decarbonization.

Common questions about Waste Management's sustainability data and climate commitments