View Filing Data

$ 14,477

$ 13,737

$ 15,522

^[1]

(1,962)

(1,946)

(2,134)

12,515

11,791

13,388

^[2],[3]

2,116

1,887

2,234

1,194

1,166

1,238

1,167

1,076

^[4]

1,362

^[4]

22,169

21,801

^[5],[6]

20,810

^[5],[6]

Midwest [Member]

3,048

2,855

3,267

^[1]

(453)

(426)

(475)

2,595

2,429

2,792

^[2],[3]

533

450

475

275

261

287

203

218

^[4]

296

^[4]

4,929

4,899

^[5],[6]

4,626

^[5],[6]

Eastern [Member]

2,943

2,960

3,319

^[7]

^[1]

(508)

(533)

(599)

2,435

2,427

2,720

^[7]

^[2],[3]

516

483

523

270

276

284

201

216

^[4]

318

^[4]

Operating Group Total [Member]

4,272

4,326

^[5],[6]

4,372

^[5],[6]

14,477

13,737

15,522

^[1]

(1,962)

(1,946)

(2,134)

12,515

11,791

13,388

^[2],[3]

2,541

2,321

2,745

1,138

1,123

1,191

1,077

1,010

^[4]

1,317

^[4]

20,490

19,520

^[5],[6]

19,134

^[5],[6]

Wheelabrator [Member]

889

841

912

^[1]

(125)

(123)

(92)

764

718

820

^[2],[3]

214

235

323

^[4]

Corporate and Other [Member]

2,574

2,266

^[5],[6]

2,359

^[5],[6]

^[2],[3],[8]

(425)

(434)

(511)

^[8]

^[4],[8]

1,679

2,281

^[5],[6],[8]

1,676

^[5],[6],[8]

Other [Member]

^[7]

963

628

897

^[1],[7]

(35)

(21)

(47)

^[7]

928

607

850

^[2],[3],[7]

(135)

(136)

(60)

^[7]

182

128

^[4],[7]

1,744

1,112

^[5],[6],[7]

873

^[5],[6],[7]

Western [Member]

3,173

3,125

3,387

^[1]

(438)

(412)

(428)

2,735

2,713

2,959

^[2],[3]

569

521

612

210

226

238

223

195

^[4]

295

^[4]

3,715

3,667

^[5],[6]

3,686

^[5],[6]

Southern [Member]

3,461

3,328

3,740

^[1]

(403)

(431)

(493)

3,058

2,897

3,247

^[2],[3]

844

768

872

269

274

294

230

242

^[4]

303

^[4]

$ 3,256

$ 3,250

^[5],[6]

$ 3,218

^[5],[6]

[1]	Intercompany operating revenues reflect each segment's total intercompany sales, including intercompany sales within a segment and between segments. Transactions within and between segments are generally made on a basis intended to reflect the market value of the service.
[2]	For those items included in the determination of income from operations, the accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in Note 3.
[3]	The income from operations provided by our four geographic segments is generally indicative of the margins provided by our collection, landfill, transfer and recycling businesses. The operating margins provided by our Wheelabrator segment (waste-to-energy facilities and independent power production plants) have historically been higher than the margins provided by our base business generally due to the combined impact of long-term disposal and energy contracts and the disposal demands of the regions in which our facilities are concentrated. However, the revenues and operating results of our Wheelabrator Group have been unfavorably affected by a significant decrease in the rates charged for electricity under our power purchase contracts, which correlate with natural gas prices in the markets where we operate. Exposure to market fluctuations in electricity prices has increased for the Wheelabrator Group in 2009 due in large part to the expiration of several long-term energy contracts. Additionally, the Company's current focus on the expansion of our waste-to-energy business both internationally and domestically has increased Wheelabrator's costs and expenses, which has negatively affected the comparability of their operating results for the periods presented.] From time to time the operating results of our reportable segments are significantly affected by unusual or infrequent transactions or events. Refer to Note 12 and Note 13 for an explanation of transactions and events affecting the operating results of our reportable segments.
[4]	Includes non-cash items. Capital expenditures are reported in our reportable segments at the time they are recorded within the segments' property, plant and equipment balances and, therefore, may include amounts that have been accrued but not yet paid.
[5]	Goodwill is included within each Group's total assets. As discussed above, for segment reporting purposes, our material recovery facilities and secondary processing facilities are included as a component of their respective geographic Group and our recycling brokerage business and electronics recycling services are included as part of our "Other" operations. The following table shows changes in goodwill during 2009 and 2010 by reportable segment on a realigned basis (in millions):
[6]	The reconciliation of total assets reported above to "Total assets" in the Consolidated Balance Sheets is as follows (in millions):
[7]	Our "Other" net operating revenues and "Other" income from operations include (i) the effects of those elements of our in-plant services, landfill gas-to-energy operations and third-party sub-contract and administration revenues managed by our Upstream, Renewable Energy and National Accounts organizations, respectively, that are not included with the operations of our reportable segments; (ii) our recycling brokerage and electronic recycling services; and (iii) the impacts of investments that we are making in expanded service offerings such as portable self-storage and fluorescent lamp recycling. In addition, our "Other" income from operations reflects the impacts of (i) non-operating entities that provide financial assurance and self-insurance support for the Groups or financing for our Canadian operations; and (ii) certain year-end adjustments recorded in consolidation rel ated to the reportable segments that were not included in the measure of segment profit or loss used to assess their performance for the periods disclosed.
[8]	Corporate operating results reflect the costs incurred for various support services that are not allocated to our five Groups. These support services include, among other things, treasury, legal, information technology, tax, insurance, centralized service center processes, other administrative functions and the maintenance of our closed landfills. Income from operations for "Corporate and other" also includes costs associated with our long-term incentive program and any administrative expenses or revisions to our estimated obligations associated with divested operations.

Segment and Related Information (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009	Dec. 31, 2008
Reconciliation of total assets reported above to "Total assets" in the Consolidated Balance Sheets
Total assets, as reported above	$ 22,169	$ 21,801	$ 20,810
Elimination of intercompany investments and advances	(693)	(647)	(583)
Total assets, per Consolidated Balance Sheets	$ 21,476	$ 21,154	$ 20,227

Segment and Related Information (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Changes in goodwill by reportable segment on a realigned basis
Goodwill, Beginning Balance	$ 5,632	$ 5,462
Acquired goodwill	77	125
Divested goodwill, net of assets held-for-sale		2
Translation adjustments		43
Translation and other adjustments	17
Goodwill, Ending Balance	5,726	5,632
Midwest [Member]
Changes in goodwill by reportable segment on a realigned basis
Goodwill, Beginning Balance	1,382	1,300
Acquired goodwill	17	45
Translation adjustments		37
Translation and other adjustments	15
Goodwill, Ending Balance	1,414	1,382
Eastern [Member]
Changes in goodwill by reportable segment on a realigned basis
Goodwill, Beginning Balance	1,500	1,488
Acquired goodwill	4	10
Divested goodwill, net of assets held-for-sale		2
Goodwill, Ending Balance	1,504	1,500
Other [Member]
Changes in goodwill by reportable segment on a realigned basis
Goodwill, Beginning Balance	62	35
Acquired goodwill	32	27
Goodwill, Ending Balance	94	62
Wheelabrator [Member]
Changes in goodwill by reportable segment on a realigned basis
Goodwill, Beginning Balance	788	788
Goodwill, Ending Balance	788	788
Western [Member]
Changes in goodwill by reportable segment on a realigned basis
Goodwill, Beginning Balance	1,221	1,208
Acquired goodwill	20	7
Translation adjustments		6
Translation and other adjustments	2
Goodwill, Ending Balance	1,243	1,221
Southern [Member]
Changes in goodwill by reportable segment on a realigned basis
Goodwill, Beginning Balance	679	643
Acquired goodwill	4	36
Goodwill, Ending Balance	$ 683	$ 679

Segment and Related Information (Details 3) - USD ($)
$ in Millions

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2010

Sep. 30, 2010

Jun. 30, 2010

Mar. 31, 2010

Dec. 31, 2009

Sep. 30, 2009

Jun. 30, 2009

Mar. 31, 2009

Dec. 31, 2010

Dec. 31, 2009

Dec. 31, 2008

$ 3,187

$ 3,235

$ 3,158

$ 2,935

$ 3,006

$ 3,023

$ 2,952

$ 2,810

$ 12,515

$ 11,791

$ 13,388

Collection [Member]

8,247

7,980

8,679

Landfills [Member]

2,540

2,547

2,955

Transfer [Member]

1,318

1,383

1,589

Wheelabrator [Member]

889

841

912

Recycling [Member]

1,169

741

1,180

Other revenue [Member]

Intercompany Revenue [Member]

^[1]

314

245

207

^[2]

$ (1,962)

$ (1,946)

$ (2,134)

[1]	The "Other" line-of-business includes in-plant services, landfill gas-to-energy operations, Port-O-Let services, portable self-storage, fluorescent lamp recycling, street and parking lot sweeping services and healthcare solutions services.
[2]	Intercompany operating revenues reflect each segment's total intercompany sales, including intercompany sales within a segment and between segments. Transactions within and between segments are generally made on a basis intended to reflect the market value of the service.

Segment and Related Information (Details 4) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2010	Sep. 30, 2010	Jun. 30, 2010	Mar. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009	Sep. 30, 2009	Jun. 30, 2009	Mar. 31, 2009	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009	Dec. 31, 2008
Summary of Net operating revenues by segment
United States and Puerto Rico									$ 11,784	$ 11,137	$ 12,621
Canada									731	654	767
Net operating revenues	$ 3,187	$ 3,235	$ 3,158	$ 2,935	$ 3,006	$ 3,023	$ 2,952	$ 2,810	$ 12,515	$ 11,791	$ 13,388

Segment and Related Information (Details 5) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009	Dec. 31, 2008
Summary of Property and equipment (net) relating to operations by segment
United States and Puerto Rico	$ 10,558	$ 10,251	$ 10,355
Canada	1,310	1,290	1,047
Property and equipment, net	$ 11,868	$ 11,541	$ 11,402

Segment and Related Information (Details Textuals)	12 Months Ended
Segment and Related Information (Details Textuals)	Dec. 31, 2010
Segment and Related Information (Textuals)
Number of classified segment groups	5
Number of geographic segments	4

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2010	Sep. 30, 2010	Jun. 30, 2010	Mar. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009	Sep. 30, 2009	Jun. 30, 2009	Mar. 31, 2009	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009	Dec. 31, 2008
Summary of unaudited quarterly results of operations
Operating revenues	$ 3,187	$ 3,235	$ 3,158	$ 2,935	$ 3,006	$ 3,023	$ 2,952	$ 2,810	$ 12,515	$ 11,791	$ 13,388
Income from operations	574	544	586	412	456	525	534	372	2,116	1,887	2,234
Consolidated net income	294	258	258	192	331	292	267	170	1,002	1,060	1,128
Net income attributable to Waste Management, Inc.	$ 281	$ 244	$ 246	$ 182	$ 315	$ 277	$ 247	$ 155	$ 953	$ 994	$ 1,087
Basic earnings per common share	$ 0.59	$ 0.51	$ 0.51	$ 0.37	$ 0.65	$ 0.56	$ 0.50	$ 0.31	$ 1.98	$ 2.02	$ 2.21
Diluted earnings per common share	$ 0.59	$ 0.51	$ 0.51	$ 0.37	$ 0.64	$ 0.56	$ 0.50	$ 0.31	$ 1.98	$ 2.01	$ 2.19

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Details Textuals) - USD ($)
$ / shares in Units, $ in Millions

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2010

Sep. 30, 2010

Jun. 30, 2010

Mar. 31, 2010

Dec. 31, 2009

Sep. 30, 2009

Jun. 30, 2009

Mar. 31, 2009

Dec. 31, 2010

Dec. 31, 2009

Dec. 31, 2008

Increase (decrease) to environmental remediation liabilities

$ 16

$ 39

$ 61

^[1]

$ (7)

^[1]

Increase in earning per diluted share, due to certain favorable items during the quarter

$ 0.05

$ 0.10

$ 0.03

$ 0.01

Impact to operating expenses due to change in discount rate estimate for environmental remediation obligation

Quarterly Financial Data (Textuals)

$ 12

$ 6

$ 8

$ 22

$ 10

Risk free discount rate used to estimate present value of environmental remediation obligations

2.50%

3.00%

3.75%

2.75%

2.25%

Revised discount rate used to estimate present value of environmental remediation obligations

3.50%

2.50%

3.00%

3.50%

2.75%

$ 77

Decrease in earning per diluted share, due to certain unfavorable items during the quarter

$ 0.04

$ 0.03

$ 0.06

$ 0.02

$ 0.06

$ 0.02

$ 0.05

Increase in earning per diluted share, due to favorable tax items during the quarter

$ 0.02

$ 0.23

$ 0.04

Decrease in earning per diluted share, due to unfavorable tax items during the quarter

$ 0.01

$ 0.08

Increase in Net Income attributable to Waste Management, Inc, due to certain favorable items during the quarter

$ 25

$ 24

$ 15

$ 5

Decrease in Net Income attributable to Waste Management, Inc, due to certain unfavorable items during the quarter

$ 14

$ 30

Increase in net income attributable to noncontrolling interest due to discount rate adjustment

$ 2

Decrease in earnings per diluted share due to non cash charge

$ 0.04

$ 0.06

Non-cash charge recognized due to abandonment of revenue management software

$ 49

(Income) expense from divestitures, asset impairments and unusual items

(78)

$ (29)

Restructuring

$ 3

(2)

Decrease in net income attributable to Waste Management, Inc. due to restructuring

$ 23

Selling, general and administrative

1,461

1,364

1,477

Reduction in selling general and administrative expenses due to the reversal of compensation cost previously recognized for our 2008 PSUs

Increase in selling, general and Administrative expense due to several legal matters

Charges to operating expenses for withdrawal of bargaining unit employees from an underfunded, multi-employer pension fund

$ 28

$ 26

$ 9

$ 39

Increase in Provision for income taxes

$ 4

$ 37

Decrease in income tax provision

111

$ 19

Decrease in depreciation and amortization due to changes in our expectation for the timing and cost of future capping, closure and post closure costs

$ 22

Decrease in provision for income taxes due to tax audit settlement

Decrease in provision for income taxes due to the utilization of state net operating loss and credit carry-forwards

$ 3

Effective tax rate

4.90%

38.53%

28.07%

37.23%

Western [Member]

$ 27

Southern [Member]

$ 2

Eastern [Member]

Increase in revenue due to payments received under oil and gas least at one of our landfills

$ 18

Increase in earning per diluted share, due to certain favorable items during the quarter

$ 0.05

Portable Self-Storage [Member]