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 100% 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 15.4 billion kg CO2e, comprising 13.2 billion kg CO2e from Scope 1, 108.9 million kg CO2e from Scope 2, and 1.95 billion kg CO2e from Scope 3 emissions. This data reflects a commitment to transparency and accountability in their environmental impact. The company has set ambitious targets to reduce its carbon footprint. Notably, Waste Management aims to achieve a 42% reduction in absolute Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 2031, using a 2021 baseline. This target has been validated and approved by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). Additionally, they are working towards reducing Scope 1 emissions to near zero by 2025 and Scope 2 emissions to near zero by the same year. In terms of fleet emissions, Waste Management is committed to a 45% reduction by 2038, against a 2010 baseline. This long-term goal underscores their dedication to sustainable practices within the waste management sector. Overall, Waste Management's climate commitments reflect a proactive approach to mitigating climate change, aligning with industry standards and global sustainability goals.
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