Waste Management (NYSE:WM) operates as a leading provider of integrated environmental solutions, offering comprehensive waste collection, transfer, recycling and disposal services across North America. The company serves residential, commercial, industrial and municipal customers through an extensive network of collection routes, transfer stations, recycling facilities, landfills and renewable energy plants. By combining traditional waste management with resource recovery and sustainability initiatives, Waste Management aims to minimize environmental impact while maximizing operational efficiency.
At the core of Waste Management’s offerings are curbside and commercial waste collection, roll-off services for large industrial and construction debris, and special handling for hazardous and medical wastes. The company also operates a robust recycling business that processes materials such as paper, plastics, metals and glass, transforming them into commodities for reuse. Its landfill gas-to-energy operations capture methane emissions from its network of more than 140 active landfills and convert them into renewable electricity and pipeline-quality natural gas, supporting both environmental goals and local energy needs.
Founded in 1968 by Dean Buntrock and a group of industry pioneers, Waste Management grew rapidly through strategic acquisitions and operational integration. The firm went public in 1971 and has since established its headquarters in Houston, Texas. Over the decades, the company has expanded its footprint throughout the United States and Canada, serving over 20 million customer locations and employing more than 40,000 people focused on safe and reliable service delivery.
Under the leadership of Chief Executive Officer Jim Fish and a senior management team with deep industry expertise, Waste Management continues to invest in technology and infrastructure that enhance route optimization, fleet electrification and digital customer engagement. The company’s sustainability frameworks emphasize circular economy principles, aiming to increase recycling rates, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and innovate in waste-to-energy solutions. Through partnerships with municipalities, businesses and community organizations, Waste Management seeks to advance environmental stewardship and create long-term value for stakeholders.
