{
  "ticker": "WM",
  "company": "Waste Management Inc.",
  "filing_type": "10-K",
  "year_current": "2025",
  "year_prior": "2024",
  "summary": {
    "added": 22,
    "removed": 16,
    "modified": 85,
    "unchanged": 35,
    "total_current": 142,
    "total_prior": 136
  },
  "source": "SEC EDGAR",
  "url": "https://riskdiff.com/wm/2025-vs-2024/",
  "markdown_url": "https://riskdiff.com/wm/2025-vs-2024/index.md",
  "json_url": "https://riskdiff.com/wm/2025-vs-2024/index.json",
  "generated": "2026-06-01",
  "ai_summary": null,
  "risks": [
    {
      "status": "ADDED",
      "current_title": "We may not realize the strategic benefits and cost synergies anticipated from the Stericycle acquisition.",
      "prior_title": null,
      "current_body": "The benefits we expect to receive from the acquisition of Stericycle depend on the performance of the Stericycle business and its ability to achieve financial and operational targets and strategic goals. The acquired Stericycle business, which is now presented as our new WM Healthcare Solutions segment, is subject to numerous risks and uncertainties that could cause performance to be materially different than we anticipate; such factors include, but are not limited to, decreases in the volume of medical waste and controlled substances wastes or personal and confidential information collected from customers; disruptions resulting from deployment of systems, including with respect to the implementation of Stericycle’s enterprise resource planning system and billing and collection delays that Stericycle has experienced following the launch of such system upgrade; changing market conditions in the healthcare industry; competition and demand for services for the medical waste, controlled substances waste and secure information destruction industries; commodity price volatility; changes in regulation of the collection, transportation, treatment and disposal or destruction of medical waste and controlled substances waste or the proper handling and protection of personal and confidential information; the level of government enforcement of regulations governing medical waste and controlled substances waste collection and treatment or the proper handling and protection of personal and confidential information; and the outcome of pending, future or settled litigation or investigations. Should the Stericycle business be unsuccessful in achieving financial and operational targets and implementing the WM Healthcare Solutions business strategy, it could negatively impact our realization of benefits from the acquisition, as well as our stock price and our future business and financial results. The benefits that are expected to result from our acquisition of Stericycle also depend, in part, on our ability to realize anticipated cost synergies. Our success in realizing these benefits and cost synergies, and the timing of this realization, depends on the successful integration of the Stericycle business. There is a significant degree of difficulty and management attention inherent in the process of integrating an acquisition of this size. The process of integrating operations could cause business interruption and distraction. Some members of our management may be required to devote considerable time to this integration process, which will decrease the time they will have to manage our Company, service existing customers, attract new customers and develop new products or strategies. If management is not able to effectively manage the integration process, including retention of key Stericycle personnel, or if any significant business activities are interrupted as a result of the integration process, our business, financial condition and results of operations could suffer. The acquisition of Stericycle may not result in realization of the benefits and cost synergies that we currently expect, and we cannot guarantee that these benefits and cost synergies will be achieved within anticipated time frames or at all. Additionally, we may incur substantial expenses in connection with the integration of the Stericycle business, which may exceed expectations and offset certain benefits. ​"
    },
    {
      "status": "ADDED",
      "current_title": "If we are unable to attract, hire or retain key team members and a high-quality workforce, or if our succession planning does not develop an adequate pipeline of future leaders, it could disrupt our business, jeopardize our strategic priorities and result in increased costs, negatively impacting our results of operations.",
      "prior_title": null,
      "current_body": "Our operations require us to attract, hire, develop and retain a high-quality workforce to provide a superior customer experience. This includes key individuals in leadership and specialty roles, as well as a very large number of drivers, technicians and other front-line and back-office team members necessary to provide our environmental services. We experience significant competition to hire and retain individuals for certain front-line positions, such as commercial truck drivers, from within and outside our industry. (Also see Item 1A. Risk Factors — Market disruption, including labor shortages, external strikes, and supply chain constraints, and macroeconomic pressures, including inflation, have recently had, and may in the future have, an adverse impact on our business and results of operations.) Additionally, the market for employees that serve on our digital team is highly competitive. As we have accelerated our investments in our technology-led automation and optimization strategy, it is increasingly important that we are able to attract and retain employees with the skills and expertise necessary to implement and manage these projects. We also compete to attract skilled business leaders, and our own key team members are sought after by our competitors and other companies. We make significant investments, and engage in internal succession planning, to provide us with a robust pipeline of future leaders. If we are not able to attract, hire, develop and retain a high-quality workforce with the necessary skills and expertise, as well as key leaders, or if we experience significant employee turnover, it can result in business and strategic disruption, increased costs, and loss of institutional knowledge, which could negatively impact our results of operations."
    },
    {
      "status": "ADDED",
      "current_title": "Market disruption, including labor shortages, external strikes, and supply chain constraints, and macroeconomic pressures, including inflation, have recently had, and may in the future have, an adverse impact on our business and results of operations.",
      "prior_title": null,
      "current_body": "Market disruption resulting from labor shortages, external labor disputes and strikes (such as the recent port strike) and supply chain and transportation constraints, and macroeconomic pressures, including inflation and rising interest rates, have recently had, and may in the future have, an adverse impact our results and can create risk and uncertainty in financial outlook. Inflation can and has increased costs for the goods and services we purchase, particularly for labor, repair and maintenance, and subcontractor costs. Supply chain activity has largely normalized, but disruption can reduce availability of certain assets used in our business. Aspects of our business rely on third-party transportation providers, and such services have become more limited and expensive. We may also experience margin pressures from commodity-driven business impacts. The October 2024 port strike negatively impacted recycling commodity prices, and the risk of another port strike, or global economic slowdown, could impact future prices. The constrained labor market has resulted in increased costs for wage adjustments, overtime hours and training new hires. If we are not able to overcome limitations on labor availability, it could materially impact our ability to service our customers and our financial results. Significant new restrictions and tariffs on foreign trade could have a negative impact on our recycling export business and our cross-border commerce, particularly with Canada, and could increase the cost of certain equipment and other materials used in our operations that we procure from outside the U.S., including our trucks and certain equipment used to implement our sustainability growth strategy. Geopolitical conflicts and the resulting international responses may also exacerbate market disruption, leading to volatility in commodity prices, impacts on the availability and cost of energy, increased cyberattacks, and vendor and supplier disruptions across the global supply chain. The extent and duration of the impact of these labor market, supply chain, transportation and commodity-price challenges are subject to numerous external factors beyond our control. If such impacts are prolonged and substantial, they could have a material negative effect on our results of operations. Accelerated and pronounced economic pressures, such as rising interest rates and inflationary cost pressures, have impacted and continue to impact our cost structure and capital expenditures. Significant components of our operating expenses vary directly as we experience changes in revenue due to volume and inflation, and we may not be able to dynamically manage our cost structure in response to such changes. A significant portion of our revenue is tied to a price escalation index with a lookback provision, resulting in a timing lag in our ability to recover increased costs under those contracts during periods of rapid inflation. Separately, for many of our customers we provide services under multi-year contracts that can restrict our ability to increase prices and the timing of such increases. Our overall strategic pricing efforts are focused on recovering as much of the inflationary cost increases we experience in our business as possible by increasing our average unit rate, but such efforts may not be successful for various reasons including the pace of inflation, operating cost inefficiencies, contractual limitations, and market responses. The inability to adequately increase prices to offset increased costs and inflationary pressures, or otherwise mitigate the impact of these conditions on our business, will increase our costs of doing business and reduce our margins."
    },
    {
      "status": "ADDED",
      "current_title": "Our revenues, earnings and cash flows fluctuate based on changes in commodity prices and demand and may fluctuate substantially without notice in the future.",
      "prior_title": null,
      "current_body": "Prices and demand for recyclables fluctuate and are particularly susceptible to volatility based on macroeconomic conditions and regulations. The fluctuations in the market prices or demand for these commodities can affect our operating income and cash flows positively, as we experienced in 2024, or negatively, as we experienced in 2023. The increase in market prices in 2024 for recyclable commodities resulted in a year-over-year increase in revenue of $245 million, and the decline in market prices in 2023 for recyclable commodities resulted in a year-over-year decrease in revenue of $308 million. Regulations affecting, and in some cases restricting, the international flow of certain recyclables have led to a reduction in export activity for such recyclables, as well as higher quality requirements and higher processing costs. Additionally, the new U.S. presidential administration has called for substantial changes to foreign trade policy. Significant new restrictions and tariffs on foreign trade could negatively impact commodity prices and our recycling export business. We are making significant planned and ongoing investments in our recycling business to increase automation and reduce labor dependency and address increases in regulatory- and customer-driven quality requirements for commodities. These investments increase our exposure to commodity price fluctuations. Future regulation, tariffs, international trade policies or other initiatives, including regulations addressing climate change or GHG emissions, may impact supply and demand of material, or increase operating costs, which could impact the profitability of our recycling operations. If we do not effectively manage changes in demand and commodity prices for recyclable materials, or if we do not successfully execute our sustainability growth strategy, our investments in recycling infrastructure and technology may not yield the results anticipated. Fluctuation in energy-related prices also affects our business, including recycling of plastics manufactured from petroleum products. Our sustainability growth strategy includes increased investment in landfill gas-to-energy facilities and expansion of our WM Renewable Energy segment, which generates and sells credits referred to as Renewable Identification Numbers (“RINs”). RINs prices generally respond to regulations enacted by the EPA, as well as fluctuations in supply and demand, and have historically been very volatile. Additionally, significant variations in the price of biogas, electricity and other energy-related products that are marketed and sold by our landfill gas recovery operations can result in a corresponding impact to our revenue from yield from such operations. Expansion of our WM Renewable Energy segment may introduce additional risks and volatility to our financial performance."
    },
    {
      "status": "ADDED",
      "current_title": "Reduction in volumes of medical waste, controlled substances wastes, and personal and confidential information, and changing conditions in the healthcare industry, could adversely affect our financial results.",
      "prior_title": null,
      "current_body": "Following our acquisition of Stericycle, we provide compliance-based services that rely on the generation of medical waste, controlled substances waste and personal and confidential information by our customers. The volume of such material may be impacted by macroeconomic trends associated with manufacturing and industrial markets, healthcare market dynamics, and trends associated with an increase in work-from-home arrangements and electronic and digital record keeping. Long-term trends resulting from these factors could reduce the demand for these services. In addition, in the U.S. and elsewhere, the healthcare industry is evolving to meet competing demands for increased healthcare coverage of a growing and aging population and economic pressures to reduce healthcare costs. As a result of these dynamics, hospital networks are consolidating physician practices into their networks, independent practices are consolidating, and healthcare providers are focused on cutting costs within their businesses. These changes and consolidation of the customer base increase the competitive nature of the healthcare waste industry and exert downward pricing pressure, which could adversely affect our financial results."
    },
    {
      "status": "ADDED",
      "current_title": "Changes to applicable tax laws and regulation or interpretation thereof or the imposition of new or increased taxes may increase our tax liabilities and could adversely affect our operating results and cash flows.",
      "prior_title": null,
      "current_body": "We are subject to various complex and evolving U.S. federal, state, local and non-U.S. tax laws. Existing tax laws, policies, statutes, rules, regulations or ordinances, including those related to any non-U.S. tax jurisdictions in which we operate, could be interpreted, changed, modified or applied adversely to us, in each case, possibly with retroactive effect. Any significant variance in our interpretation of current tax laws or a successful challenge of one or more of our tax positions by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service or other tax authorities could increase our future tax liabilities and adversely affect our operating results and cash flows."
    },
    {
      "status": "ADDED",
      "current_title": "Large-scale disruption of social and commercial activity and financial markets may have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.",
      "prior_title": null,
      "current_body": "Major external events, including pandemic conditions that result in large-scale disruption of social and commercial activity, such as business closures and social restrictions, could adversely impact our volumes, costs and operational execution. While pandemic conditions can increase demand for medical waste and controlled substances waste collection, treatment and disposal or destruction, protective actions such as travel restrictions, quarantines, or facility closures may interfere with our ability to provide services. If such conditions were to be severe, resulting in a broad-based economic slow-down, it may have a material adverse impact on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows and hinder our ability to grow our business and execute our business strategy."
    },
    {
      "status": "ADDED",
      "current_title": "Inability to adapt to and manage the benefits and risks of artificial intelligence could expose us to liability or put us at a disadvantage.",
      "prior_title": null,
      "current_body": "Artificial intelligence could disrupt certain aspects of our business and change use of technology in ways that are not yet known. Artificial intelligence technologies are subject to a variety of laws, including intellectual property, privacy, data protection and cybersecurity, consumer protection, competition, and equal opportunity laws, and are expected to be subject to increased regulation and new laws or new applications of existing laws. Such laws and regulations may present a variety of compliance risks. The use of artificial intelligence may also result in litigation, ethical concerns, and other legal and business risks. If we are not able to adapt and effectively incorporate potential advantages of artificial intelligence in our business, it may negatively impact our ability to compete. If we are not able to effectively manage the risks of artificial intelligence, we may suffer harm to our results of operations and reputation."
    },
    {
      "status": "ADDED",
      "current_title": "Failure to maintain an effective system of internal control over financial reporting, due to technology issues, difficulties integrating Stericycle’s operations and systems, or otherwise, could adversely affect our ability to provide accurate and timely financial statements, which may harm our business and reputation.",
      "prior_title": null,
      "current_body": "It is critical that we maintain an effective system of internal control over financial reporting. As described further in Item 9A. Controls and Procedures, in accordance with SEC staff guidance, we have excluded Stericycle from the assessment of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2024 contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K; however, this exclusion may not extend beyond one year from the November 4, 2024 closing date. We are in the process of integrating Stericycle’s operations and systems to ensure the effectiveness of the internal control over financial reporting for this acquired business. Establishing, testing and maintaining an effective system of internal control over financial reporting requires significant resources and time commitments on the part of our management and our finance staff, and the time and 39 39 Table of Contentsexpenditures needed may exceed our expectations. If we encounter issues with technology systems or difficulties integrating Stericycle’s operations and systems into our system of internal control over financial reporting, and if we are unable to correct any issues encountered in a timely manner, our ability to record, process, summarize, and report financial data may be adversely affected, which may impact the accuracy, quality and completeness of our financial statements. Such failure could materially and adversely impact our business and subject us to potential investigations, liability, and penalties. Additionally, if we are unable to conclude that our internal control over financial reporting is effective in any future period (or if our auditors are unable to express an opinion on the effectiveness of our internal controls or conclude that our internal controls are ineffective), we could lose investor confidence and suffer an adverse effect on our stock price.We could be subject to significant fines and penalties, and our reputation could be adversely affected, if we or third parties with whom we have a relationship fail to comply with U.S. or foreign laws or regulations.It is our policy to comply with all applicable anti-bribery laws, such as the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (“FCPA”), and with applicable local laws of the foreign countries in which we operate, and we monitor our local partners’ compliance with such laws as well. Our reputation may be adversely affected if we were reported to be associated with corrupt practices or if we or our local partners failed to comply with such laws. Additionally, violations of such laws could subject us to significant fines and penalties.Under previously reported settlements with governmental authorities relating to Stericycle’s compliance with the FCPA and other anti-corruption laws with respect to now-divested operations in Latin America, Stericycle engaged an independent compliance monitor for two years and is required to undertake compliance with self-reporting obligations for an additional year through November 2025. Other matters may arise in the future involving alleged violations of the FCPA, other anti-corruption and anti-bribery laws, or laws prohibiting doing business with sanctioned parties. These could subject us to enforcement actions, fines, penalties, further oversight by an independent compliance monitor and/or self-reporting obligations, litigation, or orders of suspension or debarment, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.Currently pending or future litigation or governmental proceedings could result in material adverse consequences, including judgments or settlements.As a large company with extensive operations, we are subject to various proceedings, lawsuits, disputes and claims arising in the ordinary course of our business, including governmental proceedings. Actions that have been filed against us, and that may be filed against us in the future, include personal injury, property damage, commercial, customer, and employment-related claims, including purported state and national class action lawsuits related to:●alleged environmental contamination, including releases of hazardous materials and odors;●sales and marketing practices, customer service agreements, prices and fees; and●federal and state wage and hour and other laws.The timing of the final resolutions to these types of matters is often uncertain. Additionally, the possible outcomes or resolutions to these matters could include adverse judgments or settlements, either of which could require substantial payments, adversely affecting our liquidity.Stericycle is, and has been, involved in government investigations, enforcement proceedings, private lawsuits and other disputes alleging noncompliance with applicable regulations, including alleged noncompliance with the Controlled Substances Act and other statutes involving its now-divested Domestic Environmental Solutions business of collecting, transporting, and destroying controlled substances from retail customers. With the acquisition of Stericycle, these matters may result in adverse consequences, including permit revocations or denials and civil, criminal and administrative penalties.​40 Table of Contents Table of Contents Table of Contents expenditures needed may exceed our expectations. If we encounter issues with technology systems or difficulties integrating Stericycle’s operations and systems into our system of internal control over financial reporting, and if we are unable to correct any issues encountered in a timely manner, our ability to record, process, summarize, and report financial data may be adversely affected, which may impact the accuracy, quality and completeness of our financial statements. Such failure could materially and adversely impact our business and subject us to potential investigations, liability, and penalties. Additionally, if we are unable to conclude that our internal control over financial reporting is effective in any future period (or if our auditors are unable to express an opinion on the effectiveness of our internal controls or conclude that our internal controls are ineffective), we could lose investor confidence and suffer an adverse effect on our stock price.We could be subject to significant fines and penalties, and our reputation could be adversely affected, if we or third parties with whom we have a relationship fail to comply with U.S. or foreign laws or regulations.It is our policy to comply with all applicable anti-bribery laws, such as the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (“FCPA”), and with applicable local laws of the foreign countries in which we operate, and we monitor our local partners’ compliance with such laws as well. Our reputation may be adversely affected if we were reported to be associated with corrupt practices or if we or our local partners failed to comply with such laws. Additionally, violations of such laws could subject us to significant fines and penalties.Under previously reported settlements with governmental authorities relating to Stericycle’s compliance with the FCPA and other anti-corruption laws with respect to now-divested operations in Latin America, Stericycle engaged an independent compliance monitor for two years and is required to undertake compliance with self-reporting obligations for an additional year through November 2025. Other matters may arise in the future involving alleged violations of the FCPA, other anti-corruption and anti-bribery laws, or laws prohibiting doing business with sanctioned parties. These could subject us to enforcement actions, fines, penalties, further oversight by an independent compliance monitor and/or self-reporting obligations, litigation, or orders of suspension or debarment, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.Currently pending or future litigation or governmental proceedings could result in material adverse consequences, including judgments or settlements.As a large company with extensive operations, we are subject to various proceedings, lawsuits, disputes and claims arising in the ordinary course of our business, including governmental proceedings. Actions that have been filed against us, and that may be filed against us in the future, include personal injury, property damage, commercial, customer, and employment-related claims, including purported state and national class action lawsuits related to:●alleged environmental contamination, including releases of hazardous materials and odors;●sales and marketing practices, customer service agreements, prices and fees; and●federal and state wage and hour and other laws.The timing of the final resolutions to these types of matters is often uncertain. Additionally, the possible outcomes or resolutions to these matters could include adverse judgments or settlements, either of which could require substantial payments, adversely affecting our liquidity.Stericycle is, and has been, involved in government investigations, enforcement proceedings, private lawsuits and other disputes alleging noncompliance with applicable regulations, including alleged noncompliance with the Controlled Substances Act and other statutes involving its now-divested Domestic Environmental Solutions business of collecting, transporting, and destroying controlled substances from retail customers. With the acquisition of Stericycle, these matters may result in adverse consequences, including permit revocations or denials and civil, criminal and administrative penalties.​ expenditures needed may exceed our expectations. If we encounter issues with technology systems or difficulties integrating Stericycle’s operations and systems into our system of internal control over financial reporting, and if we are unable to correct any issues encountered in a timely manner, our ability to record, process, summarize, and report financial data may be adversely affected, which may impact the accuracy, quality and completeness of our financial statements. Such failure could materially and adversely impact our business and subject us to potential investigations, liability, and penalties. Additionally, if we are unable to conclude that our internal control over financial reporting is effective in any future period (or if our auditors are unable to express an opinion on the effectiveness of our internal controls or conclude that our internal controls are ineffective), we could lose investor confidence and suffer an adverse effect on our stock price.We could be subject to significant fines and penalties, and our reputation could be adversely affected, if we or third parties with whom we have a relationship fail to comply with U.S. or foreign laws or regulations.It is our policy to comply with all applicable anti-bribery laws, such as the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (“FCPA”), and with applicable local laws of the foreign countries in which we operate, and we monitor our local partners’ compliance with such laws as well. Our reputation may be adversely affected if we were reported to be associated with corrupt practices or if we or our local partners failed to comply with such laws. Additionally, violations of such laws could subject us to significant fines and penalties.Under previously reported settlements with governmental authorities relating to Stericycle’s compliance with the FCPA and other anti-corruption laws with respect to now-divested operations in Latin America, Stericycle engaged an independent compliance monitor for two years and is required to undertake compliance with self-reporting obligations for an additional year through November 2025. Other matters may arise in the future involving alleged violations of the FCPA, other anti-corruption and anti-bribery laws, or laws prohibiting doing business with sanctioned parties. These could subject us to enforcement actions, fines, penalties, further oversight by an independent compliance monitor and/or self-reporting obligations, litigation, or orders of suspension or debarment, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.Currently pending or future litigation or governmental proceedings could result in material adverse consequences, including judgments or settlements.As a large company with extensive operations, we are subject to various proceedings, lawsuits, disputes and claims arising in the ordinary course of our business, including governmental proceedings. Actions that have been filed against us, and that may be filed against us in the future, include personal injury, property damage, commercial, customer, and employment-related claims, including purported state and national class action lawsuits related to:●alleged environmental contamination, including releases of hazardous materials and odors;●sales and marketing practices, customer service agreements, prices and fees; and●federal and state wage and hour and other laws.The timing of the final resolutions to these types of matters is often uncertain. Additionally, the possible outcomes or resolutions to these matters could include adverse judgments or settlements, either of which could require substantial payments, adversely affecting our liquidity.Stericycle is, and has been, involved in government investigations, enforcement proceedings, private lawsuits and other disputes alleging noncompliance with applicable regulations, including alleged noncompliance with the Controlled Substances Act and other statutes involving its now-divested Domestic Environmental Solutions business of collecting, transporting, and destroying controlled substances from retail customers. With the acquisition of Stericycle, these matters may result in adverse consequences, including permit revocations or denials and civil, criminal and administrative penalties.​ expenditures needed may exceed our expectations. If we encounter issues with technology systems or difficulties integrating Stericycle’s operations and systems into our system of internal control over financial reporting, and if we are unable to correct any issues encountered in a timely manner, our ability to record, process, summarize, and report financial data may be adversely affected, which may impact the accuracy, quality and completeness of our financial statements. Such failure could materially and adversely impact our business and subject us to potential investigations, liability, and penalties. Additionally, if we are unable to conclude that our internal control over financial reporting is effective in any future period (or if our auditors are unable to express an opinion on the effectiveness of our internal controls or conclude that our internal controls are ineffective), we could lose investor confidence and suffer an adverse effect on our stock price."
    },
    {
      "status": "ADDED",
      "current_title": "We could be subject to significant fines and penalties, and our reputation could be adversely affected, if we or third parties with whom we have a relationship fail to comply with U.S. or foreign laws or regulations.",
      "prior_title": null,
      "current_body": "It is our policy to comply with all applicable anti-bribery laws, such as the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (“FCPA”), and with applicable local laws of the foreign countries in which we operate, and we monitor our local partners’ compliance with such laws as well. Our reputation may be adversely affected if we were reported to be associated with corrupt practices or if we or our local partners failed to comply with such laws. Additionally, violations of such laws could subject us to significant fines and penalties. Under previously reported settlements with governmental authorities relating to Stericycle’s compliance with the FCPA and other anti-corruption laws with respect to now-divested operations in Latin America, Stericycle engaged an independent compliance monitor for two years and is required to undertake compliance with self-reporting obligations for an additional year through November 2025. Other matters may arise in the future involving alleged violations of the FCPA, other anti-corruption and anti-bribery laws, or laws prohibiting doing business with sanctioned parties. These could subject us to enforcement actions, fines, penalties, further oversight by an independent compliance monitor and/or self-reporting obligations, litigation, or orders of suspension or debarment, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations."
    },
    {
      "status": "ADDED",
      "current_title": "WM Healthcare Solutions",
      "prior_title": null,
      "current_body": "Our WM Healthcare Solutions segment includes (i) Regulated Waste and Compliance Services (“RWCS”) which provide compliance programs and collection, processing, and disposal of regulated and specialized waste, including medical, pharmaceutical and hazardous waste and (ii) Secure Information Destruction (“SID”) services, which provide for the collection of personal and confidential information for secure destruction and recycling of sorted office paper. RWCS are provided to customers in the U.S., Canada, Ireland and the United Kingdom (“U.K.”). SID services are provided to customers in the U.S., Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, Luxembourg, the Netherlands and the U.K. Our WM Healthcare Solutions customers are primarily in the following industries: enterprise healthcare (i.e., hospitals, health systems, and national and corporate healthcare), practices and care providers (i.e., physician offices, surgery centers, veterinary clinics, nursing and long-term care facilities, dental clinics, clinics and urgent care, dialysis centers, and home health organizations), and pharmacy labs and research centers. Our WM Healthcare Solutions businesses also provide services to airports and seaports, education institutions, funeral homes and crematories, government and military, banks and professional services, and other businesses. While the WM Healthcare Solutions businesses manage large volumes of waste and other materials, the average volume per customer site is relatively small. Our customers typically enter into a contract for the provision of services on a scheduled basis, including weekly, monthly or on an as-needed basis over the contract term. Under the contract terms, the WM Healthcare Solutions businesses receive fees based on a monthly, quarterly or annual rate and/or fees based on contractual rates depending upon measures including the volume, weight, and type of waste. Operating revenues are invoiced based on the terms of the underlying contract either on a regular basis, or as services are performed and are generally due within a short period of time after invoicing based upon normal terms and conditions for our business type and the geography of the services performed. 48 48 Table of ContentsAs of December 31, 2024, our WM Healthcare Solutions businesses include a global fleet of approximately 6,100 routed trucks, tractors, collection vans and small duty vehicles. Our WM Healthcare Solutions segment operates out of approximately 361 leased and owned facilities worldwide with 69 autoclaves or other alternative medical waste treatment facilities, 18 medical waste incinerator facilities, 107 SID processing facilities and 167 transfer stations. Included within our WM Healthcare Solutions segment are 35 locations that are classified as held for sale as of December 31, 2024.Corporate and OtherWe also provide additional services that are not managed through our operating segments, which are presented in this report as Corporate and Other. This includes the activities of our corporate office, including costs associated with our long-term incentive program, expanded service offerings and solutions (such as our investments in businesses and technologies that are designed to offer services and solutions ancillary or supplementary to our current operations) as well as our closed sites. Also included within our Corporate and Other businesses closed sites are (i) six third-party power generating facilities converting our landfill gas to fuel electricity generators; (ii) two third-party projects delivering our landfill gas by pipeline to industrial customers as a direct substitute for fossil fuels in industrial processes and (iii) two third-party RNG facilities processing landfill gas to be sold to natural gas suppliers in return for a royalty. Additionally, Corporate and Other benefits from a 15% royalty from our WM Renewable Energy segment based on net operating revenue generated through the sale of RNG, RINs, electricity and capacity, RECs and related environmental attributes from the 15 landfill beneficial use renewable energy projects owned by WM Renewable Energy on our closed sites, which is eliminated in consolidation.Included in the fees we charge for our services is our energy surcharge and other charges that are intended to pass through costs to customers.Business EnvironmentThe waste industry is a comparatively mature and stable industry. However, customers increasingly expect more of their waste materials to be recovered and those waste streams are becoming more complex. In addition, many state and local governments mandate diversion, recycling and waste reduction at the source and prohibit the disposal of certain types of waste at landfills. We monitor these developments to adapt our service offerings. As companies, individuals and communities look for ways to be more sustainable, we promote our comprehensive services that go beyond our core business of collecting and disposing of waste in order to meet their needs. This includes expanding traditional recycling services, increasing organics collection and processing, providing medical waste services and expanding our renewable energy projects to meet the evolving needs of our diverse customer base. As North America’s leading provider of comprehensive environmental solutions, we are taking big, bold steps to catalyze positive change – change that will impact our Company as well as the communities we serve. Consistent with our Company’s long-standing commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship, we have published our 2024 Sustainability Report, providing details on our sustainability-related performance and outlining progress towards our 2030 sustainability goals. The Sustainability Report conveys the strong linkage between the Company’s sustainability goals and our growth strategy, inclusive of the planned and ongoing expansion of the Company’s Recycling Processing and Sales and WM Renewable Energy segments. The information in this report can be found at sustainability.wm.com but it does not constitute a part of, and is not incorporated by reference into, this Annual Report on Form 10-K. For further discussion see Item 1. Business – Regulation – Recent Developments and Focus Areas in Policy and Regulation.We encounter intense competition from governmental, quasi-governmental and private service providers based on pricing, and to a much lesser extent, the nature of service offerings, particularly in the residential line of business. Our industry is directly affected by changes in general economic factors, including increases and decreases in consumer spending, business expansions and construction activity. These factors generally correlate to volumes of waste generated and impact our revenue. Negative economic conditions and other macroeconomic trends can and have caused customers to reduce their service needs. Such negative economic conditions, in addition to competitor actions, can impact our strategy to negotiate, renew, or expand service contracts and grow our business. We also encounter competition for acquisitions and growth opportunities. General economic factors and the market for consumer goods, in addition to regulatory developments, can also significantly impact commodity prices for the recyclable materials we sell. Significant components of our operating expenses vary directly as we experience changes in revenue due to volume and inflation. Volume changes 49 Table of Contents Table of Contents Table of Contents As of December 31, 2024, our WM Healthcare Solutions businesses include a global fleet of approximately 6,100 routed trucks, tractors, collection vans and small duty vehicles. Our WM Healthcare Solutions segment operates out of approximately 361 leased and owned facilities worldwide with 69 autoclaves or other alternative medical waste treatment facilities, 18 medical waste incinerator facilities, 107 SID processing facilities and 167 transfer stations. Included within our WM Healthcare Solutions segment are 35 locations that are classified as held for sale as of December 31, 2024.Corporate and OtherWe also provide additional services that are not managed through our operating segments, which are presented in this report as Corporate and Other. This includes the activities of our corporate office, including costs associated with our long-term incentive program, expanded service offerings and solutions (such as our investments in businesses and technologies that are designed to offer services and solutions ancillary or supplementary to our current operations) as well as our closed sites. Also included within our Corporate and Other businesses closed sites are (i) six third-party power generating facilities converting our landfill gas to fuel electricity generators; (ii) two third-party projects delivering our landfill gas by pipeline to industrial customers as a direct substitute for fossil fuels in industrial processes and (iii) two third-party RNG facilities processing landfill gas to be sold to natural gas suppliers in return for a royalty. Additionally, Corporate and Other benefits from a 15% royalty from our WM Renewable Energy segment based on net operating revenue generated through the sale of RNG, RINs, electricity and capacity, RECs and related environmental attributes from the 15 landfill beneficial use renewable energy projects owned by WM Renewable Energy on our closed sites, which is eliminated in consolidation.Included in the fees we charge for our services is our energy surcharge and other charges that are intended to pass through costs to customers.Business EnvironmentThe waste industry is a comparatively mature and stable industry. However, customers increasingly expect more of their waste materials to be recovered and those waste streams are becoming more complex. In addition, many state and local governments mandate diversion, recycling and waste reduction at the source and prohibit the disposal of certain types of waste at landfills. We monitor these developments to adapt our service offerings. As companies, individuals and communities look for ways to be more sustainable, we promote our comprehensive services that go beyond our core business of collecting and disposing of waste in order to meet their needs. This includes expanding traditional recycling services, increasing organics collection and processing, providing medical waste services and expanding our renewable energy projects to meet the evolving needs of our diverse customer base. As North America’s leading provider of comprehensive environmental solutions, we are taking big, bold steps to catalyze positive change – change that will impact our Company as well as the communities we serve. Consistent with our Company’s long-standing commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship, we have published our 2024 Sustainability Report, providing details on our sustainability-related performance and outlining progress towards our 2030 sustainability goals. The Sustainability Report conveys the strong linkage between the Company’s sustainability goals and our growth strategy, inclusive of the planned and ongoing expansion of the Company’s Recycling Processing and Sales and WM Renewable Energy segments. The information in this report can be found at sustainability.wm.com but it does not constitute a part of, and is not incorporated by reference into, this Annual Report on Form 10-K. For further discussion see Item 1. Business – Regulation – Recent Developments and Focus Areas in Policy and Regulation.We encounter intense competition from governmental, quasi-governmental and private service providers based on pricing, and to a much lesser extent, the nature of service offerings, particularly in the residential line of business. Our industry is directly affected by changes in general economic factors, including increases and decreases in consumer spending, business expansions and construction activity. These factors generally correlate to volumes of waste generated and impact our revenue. Negative economic conditions and other macroeconomic trends can and have caused customers to reduce their service needs. Such negative economic conditions, in addition to competitor actions, can impact our strategy to negotiate, renew, or expand service contracts and grow our business. We also encounter competition for acquisitions and growth opportunities. General economic factors and the market for consumer goods, in addition to regulatory developments, can also significantly impact commodity prices for the recyclable materials we sell. Significant components of our operating expenses vary directly as we experience changes in revenue due to volume and inflation. Volume changes As of December 31, 2024, our WM Healthcare Solutions businesses include a global fleet of approximately 6,100 routed trucks, tractors, collection vans and small duty vehicles. Our WM Healthcare Solutions segment operates out of approximately 361 leased and owned facilities worldwide with 69 autoclaves or other alternative medical waste treatment facilities, 18 medical waste incinerator facilities, 107 SID processing facilities and 167 transfer stations. Included within our WM Healthcare Solutions segment are 35 locations that are classified as held for sale as of December 31, 2024.Corporate and OtherWe also provide additional services that are not managed through our operating segments, which are presented in this report as Corporate and Other. This includes the activities of our corporate office, including costs associated with our long-term incentive program, expanded service offerings and solutions (such as our investments in businesses and technologies that are designed to offer services and solutions ancillary or supplementary to our current operations) as well as our closed sites. Also included within our Corporate and Other businesses closed sites are (i) six third-party power generating facilities converting our landfill gas to fuel electricity generators; (ii) two third-party projects delivering our landfill gas by pipeline to industrial customers as a direct substitute for fossil fuels in industrial processes and (iii) two third-party RNG facilities processing landfill gas to be sold to natural gas suppliers in return for a royalty. Additionally, Corporate and Other benefits from a 15% royalty from our WM Renewable Energy segment based on net operating revenue generated through the sale of RNG, RINs, electricity and capacity, RECs and related environmental attributes from the 15 landfill beneficial use renewable energy projects owned by WM Renewable Energy on our closed sites, which is eliminated in consolidation.Included in the fees we charge for our services is our energy surcharge and other charges that are intended to pass through costs to customers.Business EnvironmentThe waste industry is a comparatively mature and stable industry. However, customers increasingly expect more of their waste materials to be recovered and those waste streams are becoming more complex. In addition, many state and local governments mandate diversion, recycling and waste reduction at the source and prohibit the disposal of certain types of waste at landfills. We monitor these developments to adapt our service offerings. As companies, individuals and communities look for ways to be more sustainable, we promote our comprehensive services that go beyond our core business of collecting and disposing of waste in order to meet their needs. This includes expanding traditional recycling services, increasing organics collection and processing, providing medical waste services and expanding our renewable energy projects to meet the evolving needs of our diverse customer base. As North America’s leading provider of comprehensive environmental solutions, we are taking big, bold steps to catalyze positive change – change that will impact our Company as well as the communities we serve. Consistent with our Company’s long-standing commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship, we have published our 2024 Sustainability Report, providing details on our sustainability-related performance and outlining progress towards our 2030 sustainability goals. The Sustainability Report conveys the strong linkage between the Company’s sustainability goals and our growth strategy, inclusive of the planned and ongoing expansion of the Company’s Recycling Processing and Sales and WM Renewable Energy segments. The information in this report can be found at sustainability.wm.com but it does not constitute a part of, and is not incorporated by reference into, this Annual Report on Form 10-K. For further discussion see Item 1. Business – Regulation – Recent Developments and Focus Areas in Policy and Regulation.We encounter intense competition from governmental, quasi-governmental and private service providers based on pricing, and to a much lesser extent, the nature of service offerings, particularly in the residential line of business. Our industry is directly affected by changes in general economic factors, including increases and decreases in consumer spending, business expansions and construction activity. These factors generally correlate to volumes of waste generated and impact our revenue. Negative economic conditions and other macroeconomic trends can and have caused customers to reduce their service needs. Such negative economic conditions, in addition to competitor actions, can impact our strategy to negotiate, renew, or expand service contracts and grow our business. We also encounter competition for acquisitions and growth opportunities. General economic factors and the market for consumer goods, in addition to regulatory developments, can also significantly impact commodity prices for the recyclable materials we sell. Significant components of our operating expenses vary directly as we experience changes in revenue due to volume and inflation. Volume changes As of December 31, 2024, our WM Healthcare Solutions businesses include a global fleet of approximately 6,100 routed trucks, tractors, collection vans and small duty vehicles. Our WM Healthcare Solutions segment operates out of approximately 361 leased and owned facilities worldwide with 69 autoclaves or other alternative medical waste treatment facilities, 18 medical waste incinerator facilities, 107 SID processing facilities and 167 transfer stations. Included within our WM Healthcare Solutions segment are 35 locations that are classified as held for sale as of December 31, 2024."
    },
    {
      "status": "ADDED",
      "current_title": "Recorded Obligations:",
      "prior_title": null,
      "current_body": "​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Final capping, closure and post-closure liabilities (a) ​ $ 177 ​ $ 223 ​ $ 265 ​ $ 197 ​ $ 166 ​ $ 3,762 ​ $ 4,790 Debt payments (b) ​ 2,613 ​ 747 ​ 2,022 ​ 1,969 ​ 2,048 ​ 14,680 ​ 24,079"
    },
    {
      "status": "ADDED",
      "current_title": "Guarantor Financial Information",
      "prior_title": null,
      "current_body": "WM Holdings has fully and unconditionally guaranteed all of WMI’s senior indebtedness. WMI has fully and unconditionally guaranteed all of WM Holdings’ senior indebtedness. None of WMI’s other subsidiaries have guaranteed any of WMI’s or WM Holdings’ debt. In lieu of providing separate financial statements for the subsidiary issuer and guarantor (WMI and WM Holdings), we have presented the accompanying supplemental summarized combined balance sheet and income statement information for WMI and WM Holdings on a combined basis after elimination of intercompany transactions between WMI and WM Holdings and amounts related to investments in any subsidiary that is a non-guarantor (in millions): ​ 68 68 Table of Contents​​​​​ December 31,2024Balance Sheet Information:​​​Current assets $ 15Noncurrent assets​​ 14Current liabilities​ 1,367Noncurrent liabilities:​​​Advances due to affiliates​​ 15,328Other noncurrent liabilities​ 20,140​​​​​​ Year Ended​​December 31, 2024Income Statement Information:​​​Revenue $ —Operating income​​ (547)Net loss​​ (405)​​Summary of Cash Flow ActivityThe following is a summary of our cash flows for the year ended December 31 (in millions):​​​​​​​​​​​ 2024 2023 2022Net cash provided by operating activities​$ 5,390​$ 4,719​$ 4,536Net cash used in investing activities​$ (10,601)​$ (3,091)​$ (3,063)Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities​$ 5,155​$ (1,524)​$ (1,216)​Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities — Our operating cash flows increased in 2024, as compared with 2023, by $671 million primarily driven by (i) higher earnings in our Collection and Disposal businesses; (ii) favorable changes in working capital, net of effects of acquisitions and divestitures and (iii) lower annual incentive compensation payments. This increase was partially offset by higher cash interest and income tax payments.Our operating cash flows increased in 2023, as compared with 2022, by $183 million primarily driven by higher earnings attributable to our Collection and Disposal businesses and lower income tax payments as a result of a deposit of approximately $103 million that was made to the IRS in 2022 related to a disputed tax matter discussed within Note 8 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. These increases were partially offset by (i) unfavorable changes in working capital, net of effects of acquisitions and divestitures; (ii) higher interest payments and (iii) higher incentive compensation payments. Net Cash Used in Investing Activities — The most significant items affecting the comparison of our investing cash flows for the periods presented are summarized below:●Acquisitions — Our spending on acquisitions was $7,503 million, $173 million and $377 million in 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively, of which $7,488 million, $170 million and $377 million, respectively, are considered cash used in investing activities. The remaining spend is cash used in financing activity related to the timing of contingent consideration paid. Excluding our acquisition of Stericycle in 2024, substantially all of the remaining acquisitions are related to our solid waste and recycling businesses. ●Capital Expenditures — We used $3,231 million, $2,895 million and $2,587 million for capital expenditures in 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The increase in capital spending in 2024 is primarily driven by (i) our planned and ongoing investments in our Recycling Processing and Sales and WM Renewable Energy segments; (ii) an increase in truck spending in the current year due to supply chain constraints on truck deliveries in the prior year and (iii) capital expenditures within our WM Healthcare Solutions segment to support the business. The increase in 2023 is primarily driven by our planned and ongoing investments in our Recycling Processing and Sales and WM Renewable Energy segments, as well as inflationary increases in many fixed asset categories required to support ongoing operations and investments in the Company’s landfills to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.69 Table of Contents Table of Contents Table of Contents ​​​​​ December 31,2024Balance Sheet Information:​​​Current assets $ 15Noncurrent assets​​ 14Current liabilities​ 1,367Noncurrent liabilities:​​​Advances due to affiliates​​ 15,328Other noncurrent liabilities​ 20,140​​​​​​ Year Ended​​December 31, 2024Income Statement Information:​​​Revenue $ —Operating income​​ (547)Net loss​​ (405)​​Summary of Cash Flow ActivityThe following is a summary of our cash flows for the year ended December 31 (in millions):​​​​​​​​​​​ 2024 2023 2022Net cash provided by operating activities​$ 5,390​$ 4,719​$ 4,536Net cash used in investing activities​$ (10,601)​$ (3,091)​$ (3,063)Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities​$ 5,155​$ (1,524)​$ (1,216)​Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities — Our operating cash flows increased in 2024, as compared with 2023, by $671 million primarily driven by (i) higher earnings in our Collection and Disposal businesses; (ii) favorable changes in working capital, net of effects of acquisitions and divestitures and (iii) lower annual incentive compensation payments. This increase was partially offset by higher cash interest and income tax payments.Our operating cash flows increased in 2023, as compared with 2022, by $183 million primarily driven by higher earnings attributable to our Collection and Disposal businesses and lower income tax payments as a result of a deposit of approximately $103 million that was made to the IRS in 2022 related to a disputed tax matter discussed within Note 8 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. These increases were partially offset by (i) unfavorable changes in working capital, net of effects of acquisitions and divestitures; (ii) higher interest payments and (iii) higher incentive compensation payments. Net Cash Used in Investing Activities — The most significant items affecting the comparison of our investing cash flows for the periods presented are summarized below:●Acquisitions — Our spending on acquisitions was $7,503 million, $173 million and $377 million in 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively, of which $7,488 million, $170 million and $377 million, respectively, are considered cash used in investing activities. The remaining spend is cash used in financing activity related to the timing of contingent consideration paid. Excluding our acquisition of Stericycle in 2024, substantially all of the remaining acquisitions are related to our solid waste and recycling businesses. ●Capital Expenditures — We used $3,231 million, $2,895 million and $2,587 million for capital expenditures in 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The increase in capital spending in 2024 is primarily driven by (i) our planned and ongoing investments in our Recycling Processing and Sales and WM Renewable Energy segments; (ii) an increase in truck spending in the current year due to supply chain constraints on truck deliveries in the prior year and (iii) capital expenditures within our WM Healthcare Solutions segment to support the business. The increase in 2023 is primarily driven by our planned and ongoing investments in our Recycling Processing and Sales and WM Renewable Energy segments, as well as inflationary increases in many fixed asset categories required to support ongoing operations and investments in the Company’s landfills to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. ​​​​​ December 31,2024Balance Sheet Information:​​​Current assets $ 15Noncurrent assets​​ 14Current liabilities​ 1,367Noncurrent liabilities:​​​Advances due to affiliates​​ 15,328Other noncurrent liabilities​ 20,140​​​​​​ Year Ended​​December 31, 2024Income Statement Information:​​​Revenue $ —Operating income​​ (547)Net loss​​ (405)​​Summary of Cash Flow ActivityThe following is a summary of our cash flows for the year ended December 31 (in millions):​​​​​​​​​​​ 2024 2023 2022Net cash provided by operating activities​$ 5,390​$ 4,719​$ 4,536Net cash used in investing activities​$ (10,601)​$ (3,091)​$ (3,063)Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities​$ 5,155​$ (1,524)​$ (1,216)​Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities — Our operating cash flows increased in 2024, as compared with 2023, by $671 million primarily driven by (i) higher earnings in our Collection and Disposal businesses; (ii) favorable changes in working capital, net of effects of acquisitions and divestitures and (iii) lower annual incentive compensation payments. This increase was partially offset by higher cash interest and income tax payments.Our operating cash flows increased in 2023, as compared with 2022, by $183 million primarily driven by higher earnings attributable to our Collection and Disposal businesses and lower income tax payments as a result of a deposit of approximately $103 million that was made to the IRS in 2022 related to a disputed tax matter discussed within Note 8 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. These increases were partially offset by (i) unfavorable changes in working capital, net of effects of acquisitions and divestitures; (ii) higher interest payments and (iii) higher incentive compensation payments. Net Cash Used in Investing Activities — The most significant items affecting the comparison of our investing cash flows for the periods presented are summarized below:●Acquisitions — Our spending on acquisitions was $7,503 million, $173 million and $377 million in 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively, of which $7,488 million, $170 million and $377 million, respectively, are considered cash used in investing activities. The remaining spend is cash used in financing activity related to the timing of contingent consideration paid. Excluding our acquisition of Stericycle in 2024, substantially all of the remaining acquisitions are related to our solid waste and recycling businesses. ●Capital Expenditures — We used $3,231 million, $2,895 million and $2,587 million for capital expenditures in 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The increase in capital spending in 2024 is primarily driven by (i) our planned and ongoing investments in our Recycling Processing and Sales and WM Renewable Energy segments; (ii) an increase in truck spending in the current year due to supply chain constraints on truck deliveries in the prior year and (iii) capital expenditures within our WM Healthcare Solutions segment to support the business. The increase in 2023 is primarily driven by our planned and ongoing investments in our Recycling Processing and Sales and WM Renewable Energy segments, as well as inflationary increases in many fixed asset categories required to support ongoing operations and investments in the Company’s landfills to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​"
    },
    {
      "status": "ADDED",
      "current_title": "Acquisition of Stericycle, Inc. – Valuation of Customer Relationships",
      "prior_title": null,
      "current_body": "Description of the Matter As described in Note 17 to the consolidated financial statements, during the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company completed the acquisition of Stericycle, Inc. (“Stericycle”) for purchase consideration of approximately $6.9 billion, of which $2.3 billion was allocated to customer relationships. The transaction was accounted for as a business combination. ​ Auditing the Company's accounting for its acquisition of Stericycle was complex due to the significant estimation uncertainty in determining the fair value of certain customer relationships included within Other intangible assets. The Company valued the customer relationships using an income approach; specifically, the multi-period excess earnings model. The significant estimation uncertainty was primarily due to the sensitivity of the fair value to underlying assumptions, including projected revenue, attrition rate, EBITDA margin, and discount rate. These significant assumptions are forward-looking and could be affected by future economic and market conditions. ​ 82 82 Table of ContentsHow We Addressed the Matter in Our AuditWe obtained an understanding, evaluated the design, and tested the operating effectiveness of the Company’s controls over the purchase price allocation process. We tested management’s review controls over the significant assumptions described above along with the completeness and accuracy of the data used in the fair value estimates.​To test the estimated fair value of the customer relationships, our audit procedures included, among others, evaluating the Company's selection of the valuation methodology, evaluating the significant assumptions described above used to develop the prospective financial information and testing the completeness and accuracy of the underlying data supporting the significant assumptions. We involved our valuation specialists to assist with evaluating the methodology and significant assumptions used by the management to determine the fair value estimates. We compared the significant assumptions to current industry, market and economic trends, the assumptions used by the Company to value similar assets in other acquisitions, as well as historical results of the Company's business and other guideline companies within the same industry. We also performed a sensitivity analysis of the significant assumptions to evaluate the change in the estimated fair value of the customer relationships resulting from changes in the assumptions.​​​​/s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP​​We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2002.​​​Houston, TexasFebruary 19, 2025​​​​​​​83 Table of Contents Table of Contents Table of Contents How We Addressed the Matter in Our AuditWe obtained an understanding, evaluated the design, and tested the operating effectiveness of the Company’s controls over the purchase price allocation process. We tested management’s review controls over the significant assumptions described above along with the completeness and accuracy of the data used in the fair value estimates.​To test the estimated fair value of the customer relationships, our audit procedures included, among others, evaluating the Company's selection of the valuation methodology, evaluating the significant assumptions described above used to develop the prospective financial information and testing the completeness and accuracy of the underlying data supporting the significant assumptions. We involved our valuation specialists to assist with evaluating the methodology and significant assumptions used by the management to determine the fair value estimates. We compared the significant assumptions to current industry, market and economic trends, the assumptions used by the Company to value similar assets in other acquisitions, as well as historical results of the Company's business and other guideline companies within the same industry. We also performed a sensitivity analysis of the significant assumptions to evaluate the change in the estimated fair value of the customer relationships resulting from changes in the assumptions.​​​​/s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP​​We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2002.​​​Houston, TexasFebruary 19, 2025​​​​​​​ How We Addressed the Matter in Our AuditWe obtained an understanding, evaluated the design, and tested the operating effectiveness of the Company’s controls over the purchase price allocation process. We tested management’s review controls over the significant assumptions described above along with the completeness and accuracy of the data used in the fair value estimates.​To test the estimated fair value of the customer relationships, our audit procedures included, among others, evaluating the Company's selection of the valuation methodology, evaluating the significant assumptions described above used to develop the prospective financial information and testing the completeness and accuracy of the underlying data supporting the significant assumptions. We involved our valuation specialists to assist with evaluating the methodology and significant assumptions used by the management to determine the fair value estimates. We compared the significant assumptions to current industry, market and economic trends, the assumptions used by the Company to value similar assets in other acquisitions, as well as historical results of the Company's business and other guideline companies within the same industry. We also performed a sensitivity analysis of the significant assumptions to evaluate the change in the estimated fair value of the customer relationships resulting from changes in the assumptions.​​​​/s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP​​We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2002.​​​Houston, TexasFebruary 19, 2025​​​​​​​ How We Addressed the Matter in Our Audit We obtained an understanding, evaluated the design, and tested the operating effectiveness of the Company’s controls over the purchase price allocation process. We tested management’s review controls over the significant assumptions described above along with the completeness and accuracy of the data used in the fair value estimates. ​ To test the estimated fair value of the customer relationships, our audit procedures included, among others, evaluating the Company's selection of the valuation methodology, evaluating the significant assumptions described above used to develop the prospective financial information and testing the completeness and accuracy of the underlying data supporting the significant assumptions. We involved our valuation specialists to assist with evaluating the methodology and significant assumptions used by the management to determine the fair value estimates. We compared the significant assumptions to current industry, market and economic trends, the assumptions used by the Company to value similar assets in other acquisitions, as well as historical results of the Company's business and other guideline companies within the same industry. We also performed a sensitivity analysis of the significant assumptions to evaluate the change in the estimated fair value of the customer relationships resulting from changes in the assumptions. ​ ​ ​​/s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP​​We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2002.​​​Houston, TexasFebruary 19, 2025​ ​ ​ ​ ​ /s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP ​ ​ We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2002. ​ ​ ​ Houston, TexasFebruary 19, 2025 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 83 83 Table of ContentsWASTE MANAGEMENT, INC.CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS(In Millions, Except Share and Par Value Amounts)​​​​​​​​​December 31, ​ 2024 2023ASSETS​​​​​​Current assets:​​ ​​ Cash and cash equivalents​$ 414​$ 458Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $165 and $30, respectively​ 3,272​ 2,633Other receivables, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $4 and $4, respectively​ 415​ 237Parts and supplies​ 206​ 173Other current assets​ 467​ 303Total current assets​ 4,774​ 3,804Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation and depletion of $23,777 and $22,826, respectively​ 19,340​ 16,968Goodwill​ 13,438​ 9,254Other intangible assets, net​ 4,188​ 759Restricted funds​ 413​ 422Investments in unconsolidated entities​ 846​ 606Other long-term assets​ 1,568​ 1,010Total assets​$ 44,567​$ 32,823LIABILITIES AND EQUITY​​​​​​Current liabilities:​ ​ Accounts payable​$ 2,046​$ 1,709Accrued liabilities​ 2,180​ 1,605Deferred revenues​ 673​ 578Current portion of long-term debt​ 1,359​ 334Total current liabilities​ 6,258​ 4,226Long-term debt, less current portion​ 22,541​ 15,895Deferred income taxes​ 2,815​ 1,826Landfill and environmental remediation liabilities​ 3,048​ 2,888Other long-term liabilities​ 1,651​ 1,092Total liabilities​ 36,313​ 25,927Commitments and contingencies (Note 10)​ ​ Equity:​ ​ Waste Management, Inc. stockholders’ equity:​ ​ Common stock, $0.01 par value; 1,500,000,000 shares authorized; 630,282,461 shares issued​ 6​ 6Additional paid-in capital​ 5,496​ 5,351Retained earnings​ 15,858​ 14,334Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)​ (115)​ (37)Treasury stock at cost 228,788,284 and 228,827,218 shares, respectively​ (12,993)​ (12,751)Total Waste Management, Inc. stockholders’ equity​ 8,252​ 6,903Noncontrolling interests​ 2​ (7)Total equity​ 8,254​ 6,896Total liabilities and equity​$ 44,567​$ 32,823​​​See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.​84 Table of Contents Table of Contents Table of Contents WASTE MANAGEMENT, INC.CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS(In Millions, Except Share and Par Value Amounts)​​​​​​​​​December 31, ​ 2024 2023ASSETS​​​​​​Current assets:​​ ​​ Cash and cash equivalents​$ 414​$ 458Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $165 and $30, respectively​ 3,272​ 2,633Other receivables, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $4 and $4, respectively​ 415​ 237Parts and supplies​ 206​ 173Other current assets​ 467​ 303Total current assets​ 4,774​ 3,804Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation and depletion of $23,777 and $22,826, respectively​ 19,340​ 16,968Goodwill​ 13,438​ 9,254Other intangible assets, net​ 4,188​ 759Restricted funds​ 413​ 422Investments in unconsolidated entities​ 846​ 606Other long-term assets​ 1,568​ 1,010Total assets​$ 44,567​$ 32,823LIABILITIES AND EQUITY​​​​​​Current liabilities:​ ​ Accounts payable​$ 2,046​$ 1,709Accrued liabilities​ 2,180​ 1,605Deferred revenues​ 673​ 578Current portion of long-term debt​ 1,359​ 334Total current liabilities​ 6,258​ 4,226Long-term debt, less current portion​ 22,541​ 15,895Deferred income taxes​ 2,815​ 1,826Landfill and environmental remediation liabilities​ 3,048​ 2,888Other long-term liabilities​ 1,651​ 1,092Total liabilities​ 36,313​ 25,927Commitments and contingencies (Note 10)​ ​ Equity:​ ​ Waste Management, Inc. stockholders’ equity:​ ​ Common stock, $0.01 par value; 1,500,000,000 shares authorized; 630,282,461 shares issued​ 6​ 6Additional paid-in capital​ 5,496​ 5,351Retained earnings​ 15,858​ 14,334Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)​ (115)​ (37)Treasury stock at cost 228,788,284 and 228,827,218 shares, respectively​ (12,993)​ (12,751)Total Waste Management, Inc. stockholders’ equity​ 8,252​ 6,903Noncontrolling interests​ 2​ (7)Total equity​ 8,254​ 6,896Total liabilities and equity​$ 44,567​$ 32,823​​​See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.​ WASTE MANAGEMENT, INC.CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS(In Millions, Except Share and Par Value Amounts)​​​​​​​​​December 31, ​ 2024 2023ASSETS​​​​​​Current assets:​​ ​​ Cash and cash equivalents​$ 414​$ 458Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $165 and $30, respectively​ 3,272​ 2,633Other receivables, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $4 and $4, respectively​ 415​ 237Parts and supplies​ 206​ 173Other current assets​ 467​ 303Total current assets​ 4,774​ 3,804Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation and depletion of $23,777 and $22,826, respectively​ 19,340​ 16,968Goodwill​ 13,438​ 9,254Other intangible assets, net​ 4,188​ 759Restricted funds​ 413​ 422Investments in unconsolidated entities​ 846​ 606Other long-term assets​ 1,568​ 1,010Total assets​$ 44,567​$ 32,823LIABILITIES AND EQUITY​​​​​​Current liabilities:​ ​ Accounts payable​$ 2,046​$ 1,709Accrued liabilities​ 2,180​ 1,605Deferred revenues​ 673​ 578Current portion of long-term debt​ 1,359​ 334Total current liabilities​ 6,258​ 4,226Long-term debt, less current portion​ 22,541​ 15,895Deferred income taxes​ 2,815​ 1,826Landfill and environmental remediation liabilities​ 3,048​ 2,888Other long-term liabilities​ 1,651​ 1,092Total liabilities​ 36,313​ 25,927Commitments and contingencies (Note 10)​ ​ Equity:​ ​ Waste Management, Inc. stockholders’ equity:​ ​ Common stock, $0.01 par value; 1,500,000,000 shares authorized; 630,282,461 shares issued​ 6​ 6Additional paid-in capital​ 5,496​ 5,351Retained earnings​ 15,858​ 14,334Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)​ (115)​ (37)Treasury stock at cost 228,788,284 and 228,827,218 shares, respectively​ (12,993)​ (12,751)Total Waste Management, Inc. stockholders’ equity​ 8,252​ 6,903Noncontrolling interests​ 2​ (7)Total equity​ 8,254​ 6,896Total liabilities and equity​$ 44,567​$ 32,823​​​See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.​"
    },
    {
      "status": "ADDED",
      "current_title": "NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)",
      "prior_title": null,
      "current_body": "​ balances and transactions have been eliminated. Investments in unconsolidated entities are accounted for under the appropriate method of accounting.Estimates and AssumptionsIn preparing our financial statements, we make numerous estimates and assumptions that affect the accounting for and recognition and disclosure of assets, liabilities, equity, revenues and expenses. We must make these estimates and assumptions because certain information that we use is dependent on future events, cannot be calculated with precision from available data or simply cannot be calculated. In some cases, these estimates are difficult to determine, and we must exercise significant judgment. In preparing our financial statements, the most difficult, subjective and complex estimates and the assumptions that present the greatest amount of uncertainty relate to our accounting for landfills, environmental remediation liabilities, long-lived asset impairments, intangible asset impairments and the fair value of assets and liabilities acquired in business combinations. Each of these items is discussed in additional detail below. Actual results could differ materially from the estimates and assumptions that we use in the preparation of our financial statements.Cash and Cash EquivalentsCash in excess of current operating requirements is invested in short-term interest-bearing instruments with maturities of three months or less at the date of purchase and is stated at cost, which approximates market value.Concentrations of Credit RiskFinancial instruments that potentially subject us to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, investments held within restricted funds, and accounts receivable. We make efforts to control our exposure to credit risk associated with these instruments by (i) placing our assets and other financial interests with a diverse group of credit-worthy financial institutions; (ii) holding high-quality financial instruments while limiting investments in any one instrument and (iii) maintaining strict policies over credit extension that include credit evaluations, credit limits and monitoring procedures, although generally we do not have collateral requirements for credit extensions. We also control our exposure associated with trade receivables by discontinuing service, to the extent allowable, to non-paying customers. However, our overall credit risk associated with trade receivables is limited due to the large number and diversity of customers we serve. As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, no single customer represented greater than 5% of total accounts receivable.Accounts and Other Receivables Our receivables, which are recorded when billed, when services are performed or when cash is advanced, are claims against third parties that will generally be settled in cash. The carrying value of our receivables, net of the allowance for doubtful accounts, represents the estimated net realizable value. We estimate our allowance for doubtful accounts based on historical collection trends; type of customer, such as municipal or commercial; the age of outstanding receivables and existing as well as expected economic conditions. If events or changes in circumstances indicate that specific receivable balances may be impaired, further consideration is given to the collectability of those balances and the allowance is adjusted accordingly. Past-due receivable balances are written off when our collection efforts have been unsuccessful. Also, we recognize interest income on long-term interest-bearing notes receivable as the interest accrues under the terms of the notes. We no longer accrue interest once the notes are deemed uncollectible. balances and transactions have been eliminated. Investments in unconsolidated entities are accounted for under the appropriate method of accounting.Estimates and AssumptionsIn preparing our financial statements, we make numerous estimates and assumptions that affect the accounting for and recognition and disclosure of assets, liabilities, equity, revenues and expenses. We must make these estimates and assumptions because certain information that we use is dependent on future events, cannot be calculated with precision from available data or simply cannot be calculated. In some cases, these estimates are difficult to determine, and we must exercise significant judgment. In preparing our financial statements, the most difficult, subjective and complex estimates and the assumptions that present the greatest amount of uncertainty relate to our accounting for landfills, environmental remediation liabilities, long-lived asset impairments, intangible asset impairments and the fair value of assets and liabilities acquired in business combinations. Each of these items is discussed in additional detail below. Actual results could differ materially from the estimates and assumptions that we use in the preparation of our financial statements.Cash and Cash EquivalentsCash in excess of current operating requirements is invested in short-term interest-bearing instruments with maturities of three months or less at the date of purchase and is stated at cost, which approximates market value.Concentrations of Credit RiskFinancial instruments that potentially subject us to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, investments held within restricted funds, and accounts receivable. We make efforts to control our exposure to credit risk associated with these instruments by (i) placing our assets and other financial interests with a diverse group of credit-worthy financial institutions; (ii) holding high-quality financial instruments while limiting investments in any one instrument and (iii) maintaining strict policies over credit extension that include credit evaluations, credit limits and monitoring procedures, although generally we do not have collateral requirements for credit extensions. We also control our exposure associated with trade receivables by discontinuing service, to the extent allowable, to non-paying customers. However, our overall credit risk associated with trade receivables is limited due to the large number and diversity of customers we serve. As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, no single customer represented greater than 5% of total accounts receivable.Accounts and Other Receivables Our receivables, which are recorded when billed, when services are performed or when cash is advanced, are claims against third parties that will generally be settled in cash. The carrying value of our receivables, net of the allowance for doubtful accounts, represents the estimated net realizable value. We estimate our allowance for doubtful accounts based on historical collection trends; type of customer, such as municipal or commercial; the age of outstanding receivables and existing as well as expected economic conditions. If events or changes in circumstances indicate that specific receivable balances may be impaired, further consideration is given to the collectability of those balances and the allowance is adjusted accordingly. Past-due receivable balances are written off when our collection efforts have been unsuccessful. Also, we recognize interest income on long-term interest-bearing notes receivable as the interest accrues under the terms of the notes. We no longer accrue interest once the notes are deemed uncollectible. balances and transactions have been eliminated. Investments in unconsolidated entities are accounted for under the appropriate method of accounting."
    },
    {
      "status": "ADDED",
      "current_title": "Restricted Funds",
      "prior_title": null,
      "current_body": "Our restricted funds accounts primarily consist of funds deposited for purposes of funding insurance claims and settling landfill final capping, closure, post-closure and environmental remediation obligations. These funds are generally allocated between cash, money market funds, equity securities and available-for-sale debt securities depending on the estimated timing and purpose of the use of funds. We use a wholly-owned insurance captive to insure the deductibles for certain claims programs and the premiums paid are directly deposited into a restricted funds account to be used solely for paying insurance claims. At several of our landfills, we provide financial assurance by depositing cash into restricted trust funds for purposes of settling final capping, closure, post-closure and environmental remediation obligations. Balances maintained in these restricted funds accounts will fluctuate based on (i) changes in statutory requirements; (ii) future deposits made to comply with contractual arrangements; (iii) the ongoing use of funds; (iv) acquisitions or divestitures and (v) changes in the fair value of the financial instruments held in the restricted funds accounts. See Notes 16 and 18 for additional discussion related to restricted funds accounts for final capping, closure, post-closure or environmental remediation obligations."
    },
    {
      "status": "ADDED",
      "current_title": "NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)",
      "prior_title": null,
      "current_body": "​ balances and transactions have been eliminated. Investments in unconsolidated entities are accounted for under the appropriate method of accounting.Estimates and AssumptionsIn preparing our financial statements, we make numerous estimates and assumptions that affect the accounting for and recognition and disclosure of assets, liabilities, equity, revenues and expenses. We must make these estimates and assumptions because certain information that we use is dependent on future events, cannot be calculated with precision from available data or simply cannot be calculated. In some cases, these estimates are difficult to determine, and we must exercise significant judgment. In preparing our financial statements, the most difficult, subjective and complex estimates and the assumptions that present the greatest amount of uncertainty relate to our accounting for landfills, environmental remediation liabilities, long-lived asset impairments, intangible asset impairments and the fair value of assets and liabilities acquired in business combinations. Each of these items is discussed in additional detail below. Actual results could differ materially from the estimates and assumptions that we use in the preparation of our financial statements.Cash and Cash EquivalentsCash in excess of current operating requirements is invested in short-term interest-bearing instruments with maturities of three months or less at the date of purchase and is stated at cost, which approximates market value.Concentrations of Credit RiskFinancial instruments that potentially subject us to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, investments held within restricted funds, and accounts receivable. We make efforts to control our exposure to credit risk associated with these instruments by (i) placing our assets and other financial interests with a diverse group of credit-worthy financial institutions; (ii) holding high-quality financial instruments while limiting investments in any one instrument and (iii) maintaining strict policies over credit extension that include credit evaluations, credit limits and monitoring procedures, although generally we do not have collateral requirements for credit extensions. We also control our exposure associated with trade receivables by discontinuing service, to the extent allowable, to non-paying customers. However, our overall credit risk associated with trade receivables is limited due to the large number and diversity of customers we serve. As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, no single customer represented greater than 5% of total accounts receivable.Accounts and Other Receivables Our receivables, which are recorded when billed, when services are performed or when cash is advanced, are claims against third parties that will generally be settled in cash. The carrying value of our receivables, net of the allowance for doubtful accounts, represents the estimated net realizable value. We estimate our allowance for doubtful accounts based on historical collection trends; type of customer, such as municipal or commercial; the age of outstanding receivables and existing as well as expected economic conditions. If events or changes in circumstances indicate that specific receivable balances may be impaired, further consideration is given to the collectability of those balances and the allowance is adjusted accordingly. Past-due receivable balances are written off when our collection efforts have been unsuccessful. Also, we recognize interest income on long-term interest-bearing notes receivable as the interest accrues under the terms of the notes. We no longer accrue interest once the notes are deemed uncollectible. balances and transactions have been eliminated. Investments in unconsolidated entities are accounted for under the appropriate method of accounting.Estimates and AssumptionsIn preparing our financial statements, we make numerous estimates and assumptions that affect the accounting for and recognition and disclosure of assets, liabilities, equity, revenues and expenses. We must make these estimates and assumptions because certain information that we use is dependent on future events, cannot be calculated with precision from available data or simply cannot be calculated. In some cases, these estimates are difficult to determine, and we must exercise significant judgment. In preparing our financial statements, the most difficult, subjective and complex estimates and the assumptions that present the greatest amount of uncertainty relate to our accounting for landfills, environmental remediation liabilities, long-lived asset impairments, intangible asset impairments and the fair value of assets and liabilities acquired in business combinations. Each of these items is discussed in additional detail below. Actual results could differ materially from the estimates and assumptions that we use in the preparation of our financial statements.Cash and Cash EquivalentsCash in excess of current operating requirements is invested in short-term interest-bearing instruments with maturities of three months or less at the date of purchase and is stated at cost, which approximates market value.Concentrations of Credit RiskFinancial instruments that potentially subject us to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, investments held within restricted funds, and accounts receivable. We make efforts to control our exposure to credit risk associated with these instruments by (i) placing our assets and other financial interests with a diverse group of credit-worthy financial institutions; (ii) holding high-quality financial instruments while limiting investments in any one instrument and (iii) maintaining strict policies over credit extension that include credit evaluations, credit limits and monitoring procedures, although generally we do not have collateral requirements for credit extensions. We also control our exposure associated with trade receivables by discontinuing service, to the extent allowable, to non-paying customers. However, our overall credit risk associated with trade receivables is limited due to the large number and diversity of customers we serve. As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, no single customer represented greater than 5% of total accounts receivable.Accounts and Other Receivables Our receivables, which are recorded when billed, when services are performed or when cash is advanced, are claims against third parties that will generally be settled in cash. The carrying value of our receivables, net of the allowance for doubtful accounts, represents the estimated net realizable value. We estimate our allowance for doubtful accounts based on historical collection trends; type of customer, such as municipal or commercial; the age of outstanding receivables and existing as well as expected economic conditions. If events or changes in circumstances indicate that specific receivable balances may be impaired, further consideration is given to the collectability of those balances and the allowance is adjusted accordingly. Past-due receivable balances are written off when our collection efforts have been unsuccessful. Also, we recognize interest income on long-term interest-bearing notes receivable as the interest accrues under the terms of the notes. We no longer accrue interest once the notes are deemed uncollectible. balances and transactions have been eliminated. Investments in unconsolidated entities are accounted for under the appropriate method of accounting."
    },
    {
      "status": "ADDED",
      "current_title": "Derivative Instruments",
      "prior_title": null,
      "current_body": "At times we use derivative instruments to manage risk. To qualify for hedge accounting, the hedged item must expose us to risk and the related derivative instrument must reduce the exposure to that risk and meet specific hedge documentation requirements related to designation dates, expectations for hedge effectiveness and the probability that hedged future transactions will occur as forecasted. We formally designate derivative instruments as hedges and document and assess their effectiveness at inception of the hedge and on a quarterly basis thereafter. Forecasted transactions are evaluated for the probability of occurrence. We are required to recognize derivative instruments at fair value as either assets or liabilities on our Consolidated Balance Sheets unless such instruments meet certain normal purchase/normal sale criteria. For derivatives that qualify for hedge accounting, we designate them as cash flow hedges. The change in the fair value of a cash flow hedge is reported in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and is reclassified to earnings when the forecasted transaction affects earnings. See Note 6 for additional information regarding our derivative instruments."
    },
    {
      "status": "ADDED",
      "current_title": "Foreign Currency",
      "prior_title": null,
      "current_body": "Our operations are primarily in the U.S. but we also have significant operations in Canada and certain countries in Western Europe. Additionally, we have certain support functions in India. Local currencies generally are considered the functional currencies of our operations and investments outside the U.S. The assets and liabilities of our foreign operations are translated to U.S. dollars using the exchange rate as of the balance sheet date. Revenues and expenses are translated to U.S. dollars using the average exchange rate during the period. The resulting translation difference is reflected as a component of other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax. Foreign currency translation adjustments have primarily been impacted by fluctuations in the U.S. dollar/Canadian dollar exchange rate and to a lesser extent, the U.S. dollar/Euro exchange rates and the U.S. dollar/British pound sterling exchange rate. The U.S. dollar/Canadian dollar exchange rate was 1.4384 at December 31, 2024, 1.3243 at December 31, 2023 and 1.3554 at December 31, 2022. The U.S. dollar/Euro exchange rate was 0.9659 at December 31, 2024. The U.S. dollar/British pound sterling exchange rate was 0.7990 at December 31, 2024. Refer to Note 12 for information regarding the impacts of foreign currency on our comprehensive income and results of operations."
    },
    {
      "status": "ADDED",
      "current_title": "Contingent Liabilities",
      "prior_title": null,
      "current_body": "We estimate the amount of potential exposure we may have with respect to claims, assessments and litigation in accordance with authoritative guidance on accounting for contingencies. We are party to pending or threatened legal 101 101 Table of ContentsWASTE MANAGEMENT, INC.NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)​proceedings covering a wide range of matters in various jurisdictions. It is difficult to predict the outcome of litigation, as it is subject to many uncertainties. Additionally, it is not always possible for management to make a meaningful estimate of the potential loss or range of loss associated with such contingencies. See Note 10 for discussion of our commitments and contingencies.Supplemental Cash Flow Information The following table shows supplemental cash flow information for the year ended December 31 (in millions):​​​​​​​​​​​​ 2024 2023 2022Interest, net of capitalized interest​$ 530​$ 447​$ 348Income taxes​ 656​ 636​ 736Accrued capital expenditures​ 620​ 508​ 564​During 2024, 2023 and 2022, we had $474 million, $276 million and $225 million, respectively, of non-cash financing activities primarily from our low-income housing investments and new financing leases. These are discussed further in Notes 6 and 8. Additionally, we had approximately $20 million, $25 million and $135 million of non-cash investing activities related to non-cash consideration transferred as part of our acquisitions in 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively. See Note 17 for further discussion of our acquisitions. ​Adoption of New Accounting Standards in 2024Investments—Equity Method and Joint Ventures: Accounting for Investments in Tax Credit Structures Using the Proportional Amortization Method In March 2023, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (\"ASU\") 2023-02, “Investments—Equity Method and Joint Ventures (Topic 323): Accounting for Investments in Tax Credit Structures Using the Proportional Amortization Method\" (“ASU 2023-02”), which allows reporting entities the option to use the proportional amortization method to account for equity investments made primarily for the purpose of receiving income tax credits and other income tax benefits when certain requirements are met. For public business entities, the amendments are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, including interim periods within those fiscal years. In 2024, the Company adopted ASU 2023-02 on a modified retrospective basis. The amended guidance did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. See Note 8 for further discussion of our low-income housing investments.Improvements to Reportable Segment DisclosuresIn November 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-07, “Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures” (“ASU 2023-07”) which expands annual and interim disclosure requirements for reportable segments, primarily through enhanced disclosures about significant segment expenses. ASU 2023-07 was effective for public entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024. The Company adopted ASU 2023-07 for the year ended 2024 and accordingly, our segment disclosures for years 2023 and 2022 have been retrospectively recast under this guidance. See Note 19 for further discussion of our segments.​​102 Table of ContentsWASTE MANAGEMENT, INC.NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)​ Table of Contents Table of Contents"
    },
    {
      "status": "ADDED",
      "current_title": "NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)",
      "prior_title": null,
      "current_body": "​ balances and transactions have been eliminated. Investments in unconsolidated entities are accounted for under the appropriate method of accounting.Estimates and AssumptionsIn preparing our financial statements, we make numerous estimates and assumptions that affect the accounting for and recognition and disclosure of assets, liabilities, equity, revenues and expenses. We must make these estimates and assumptions because certain information that we use is dependent on future events, cannot be calculated with precision from available data or simply cannot be calculated. In some cases, these estimates are difficult to determine, and we must exercise significant judgment. In preparing our financial statements, the most difficult, subjective and complex estimates and the assumptions that present the greatest amount of uncertainty relate to our accounting for landfills, environmental remediation liabilities, long-lived asset impairments, intangible asset impairments and the fair value of assets and liabilities acquired in business combinations. Each of these items is discussed in additional detail below. Actual results could differ materially from the estimates and assumptions that we use in the preparation of our financial statements.Cash and Cash EquivalentsCash in excess of current operating requirements is invested in short-term interest-bearing instruments with maturities of three months or less at the date of purchase and is stated at cost, which approximates market value.Concentrations of Credit RiskFinancial instruments that potentially subject us to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, investments held within restricted funds, and accounts receivable. We make efforts to control our exposure to credit risk associated with these instruments by (i) placing our assets and other financial interests with a diverse group of credit-worthy financial institutions; (ii) holding high-quality financial instruments while limiting investments in any one instrument and (iii) maintaining strict policies over credit extension that include credit evaluations, credit limits and monitoring procedures, although generally we do not have collateral requirements for credit extensions. We also control our exposure associated with trade receivables by discontinuing service, to the extent allowable, to non-paying customers. However, our overall credit risk associated with trade receivables is limited due to the large number and diversity of customers we serve. As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, no single customer represented greater than 5% of total accounts receivable.Accounts and Other Receivables Our receivables, which are recorded when billed, when services are performed or when cash is advanced, are claims against third parties that will generally be settled in cash. The carrying value of our receivables, net of the allowance for doubtful accounts, represents the estimated net realizable value. We estimate our allowance for doubtful accounts based on historical collection trends; type of customer, such as municipal or commercial; the age of outstanding receivables and existing as well as expected economic conditions. If events or changes in circumstances indicate that specific receivable balances may be impaired, further consideration is given to the collectability of those balances and the allowance is adjusted accordingly. Past-due receivable balances are written off when our collection efforts have been unsuccessful. Also, we recognize interest income on long-term interest-bearing notes receivable as the interest accrues under the terms of the notes. We no longer accrue interest once the notes are deemed uncollectible. balances and transactions have been eliminated. Investments in unconsolidated entities are accounted for under the appropriate method of accounting.Estimates and AssumptionsIn preparing our financial statements, we make numerous estimates and assumptions that affect the accounting for and recognition and disclosure of assets, liabilities, equity, revenues and expenses. We must make these estimates and assumptions because certain information that we use is dependent on future events, cannot be calculated with precision from available data or simply cannot be calculated. In some cases, these estimates are difficult to determine, and we must exercise significant judgment. In preparing our financial statements, the most difficult, subjective and complex estimates and the assumptions that present the greatest amount of uncertainty relate to our accounting for landfills, environmental remediation liabilities, long-lived asset impairments, intangible asset impairments and the fair value of assets and liabilities acquired in business combinations. Each of these items is discussed in additional detail below. Actual results could differ materially from the estimates and assumptions that we use in the preparation of our financial statements.Cash and Cash EquivalentsCash in excess of current operating requirements is invested in short-term interest-bearing instruments with maturities of three months or less at the date of purchase and is stated at cost, which approximates market value.Concentrations of Credit RiskFinancial instruments that potentially subject us to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, investments held within restricted funds, and accounts receivable. We make efforts to control our exposure to credit risk associated with these instruments by (i) placing our assets and other financial interests with a diverse group of credit-worthy financial institutions; (ii) holding high-quality financial instruments while limiting investments in any one instrument and (iii) maintaining strict policies over credit extension that include credit evaluations, credit limits and monitoring procedures, although generally we do not have collateral requirements for credit extensions. We also control our exposure associated with trade receivables by discontinuing service, to the extent allowable, to non-paying customers. However, our overall credit risk associated with trade receivables is limited due to the large number and diversity of customers we serve. As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, no single customer represented greater than 5% of total accounts receivable.Accounts and Other Receivables Our receivables, which are recorded when billed, when services are performed or when cash is advanced, are claims against third parties that will generally be settled in cash. The carrying value of our receivables, net of the allowance for doubtful accounts, represents the estimated net realizable value. We estimate our allowance for doubtful accounts based on historical collection trends; type of customer, such as municipal or commercial; the age of outstanding receivables and existing as well as expected economic conditions. If events or changes in circumstances indicate that specific receivable balances may be impaired, further consideration is given to the collectability of those balances and the allowance is adjusted accordingly. Past-due receivable balances are written off when our collection efforts have been unsuccessful. Also, we recognize interest income on long-term interest-bearing notes receivable as the interest accrues under the terms of the notes. We no longer accrue interest once the notes are deemed uncollectible. balances and transactions have been eliminated. Investments in unconsolidated entities are accounted for under the appropriate method of accounting."
    },
    {
      "status": "ADDED",
      "current_title": "Adoption of New Accounting Standards in 2024",
      "prior_title": null,
      "current_body": "Investments—Equity Method and Joint Ventures: Accounting for Investments in Tax Credit Structures Using the Proportional Amortization Method In March 2023, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (\"ASU\") 2023-02, “Investments—Equity Method and Joint Ventures (Topic 323): Accounting for Investments in Tax Credit Structures Using the Proportional Amortization Method\" (“ASU 2023-02”), which allows reporting entities the option to use the proportional amortization method to account for equity investments made primarily for the purpose of receiving income tax credits and other income tax benefits when certain requirements are met. For public business entities, the amendments are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, including interim periods within those fiscal years. In 2024, the Company adopted ASU 2023-02 on a modified retrospective basis. The amended guidance did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. See Note 8 for further discussion of our low-income housing investments. Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures In November 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-07, “Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures” (“ASU 2023-07”) which expands annual and interim disclosure requirements for reportable segments, primarily through enhanced disclosures about significant segment expenses. ASU 2023-07 was effective for public entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024. The Company adopted ASU 2023-07 for the year ended 2024 and accordingly, our segment disclosures for years 2023 and 2022 have been retrospectively recast under this guidance. See Note 19 for further discussion of our segments. ​ ​ 102 102"
    },
    {
      "status": "REMOVED",
      "current_title": null,
      "prior_title": "The seasonal nature of our business, severe weather events resulting from climate change and event driven special projects cause our results to fluctuate, and prior performance may not be indicative of our future results.",
      "prior_body": "Our financial and operating results may fluctuate for many reasons. Our operating revenues and volumes typically experience seasonal increases in the summer months, that are reflected in second and third quarter revenues and results of operations. Service or operational disruptions caused by severe storms, extended periods of inclement weather or climate events can significantly affect the operating results of the geographic areas affected. Extreme weather events may also lead to supply chain disruption and delayed project development, or disruption of our customers’ businesses, reducing the amount of waste generated by their operations. Conversely, certain destructive weather and climate conditions, such as wildfires in the Western U.S. and hurricanes that most often impact our operations in the Southern and Eastern U.S. during the second half of the year, can increase our revenues in the geographic areas affected as a result of the waste volumes generated by these events. While weather-related and other event-driven special projects can boost revenues through additional work for a limited time, due to significant start-up costs and other factors, such revenue can generate earnings at comparatively lower margins. For these and other reasons, operating results in any period may not be indicative of operating results for any other period. Our stock price may be negatively impacted by interim variations in our results."
    },
    {
      "status": "REMOVED",
      "current_title": null,
      "prior_title": "Focus on, and regulation of, environmental, social and governance (“ESG”) performance and disclosure can result in increased costs, risk of noncompliance, damage to our reputation and related adverse effects.",
      "prior_body": "There is increasing governmental and stakeholder interest in ESG matters. In addition, the nature, scope, and complexity of the matters that our Company must assess, quantify and disclose are expanding due to current, proposed, and recently enacted federal and state reporting requirements related to climate-related risks and other topics, such as water usage, waste production, labor, human capital, environmental justice, cybersecurity and privacy, and risk oversight. For example, see Item 1. Business – Regulation – Recent Developments and Focus Areas in Policy and Regulation – Climate and Sustainability for information about California’s recently-adopted Climate Corporate Data Accountability Act and Climate-Related Financial Risk Act and the SEC’s proposed climate-related disclosure rule. Methodology and timelines for mandatory emissions reporting requirements, such as the recently passed California Corporate Data Accountability Act, may be inconsistent with requirements enacted by other governmental entities, including disclosure requirements that are ultimately adopted by the SEC, which could further increase costs and divert management time and attention. Disclosures related to GHG emissions data or potential climate-related impacts could also negatively affect our reputation to the extent we are perceived as not meeting individual stakeholder climate-related expectations. Our industry faces challenges to implement these rapidly developing disclosure requirements, as well as the risk of enforcement actions by governmental and regulatory agencies for noncompliance. Significant expenditures and commitment of time by management, employees and consultants is involved in developing, implementing and overseeing policies, practices, additional disclosures and internal controls related to environmental and sustainability risk and performance. Public statements with respect to ESG matters are becoming increasingly subject to heightened scrutiny from public and governmental authorities related to the risk of potential “greenwashing,” i.e., misleading information or false claims overstating potential ESG benefits. We are aware that non-governmental organizations and other private actors have filed lawsuits against certain companies under various securities and consumer protection laws alleging that certain ESG-related statements, goals or standards were misleading, false or otherwise deceptive. An inability to implement such policies, practices, and internal controls and maintain compliance with laws and regulations, or a perception among stakeholders that our ESG disclosures and sustainability goals are insufficient or our goals are unattainable, could harm our reputation and competitive position and negatively impact our stock price and business performance."
    },
    {
      "status": "REMOVED",
      "current_title": null,
      "prior_title": "The environmental services industry is highly competitive, and if we cannot successfully compete in the marketplace, our business, financial condition and operating results may be materially adversely affected.",
      "prior_body": "We encounter intense competition from governmental, quasi-governmental and private sources in all aspects of our operations. We principally compete with large national waste management companies, counties and municipalities that maintain their own waste collection and disposal or recycling operations and regional and local companies of varying sizes and financial resources. The industry also includes companies that specialize in certain discrete areas of waste management, operators of alternative disposal facilities, companies that seek to use parts of the waste stream as feedstock for renewable energy and other by-products, and waste brokers that rely upon haulers in local markets to address customer needs. In recent years, the industry has seen some additional consolidation, though the industry remains intensely competitive. Counties and municipalities may have financial competitive advantages because tax revenues are available to them and tax-exempt financing is more readily available to them. Also, such governmental units may attempt to impose flow control or other restrictions that would give them a competitive advantage. In addition, some of our competitors may have lower financial expectations, allowing them to reduce their prices to expand sales volume or to win competitively-bid contracts, including large national accounts and exclusive franchise arrangements with municipalities. When this happens, we may lose customers and be unable to execute our pricing strategy, resulting in a negative impact to our revenue growth from yield on base business."
    },
    {
      "status": "REMOVED",
      "current_title": null,
      "prior_title": "Weakness in the economy may expose us to credit risk of governmental entities and municipalities and other major customers, which could negatively impact our financial results.",
      "prior_body": "We provide service to a number of governmental entities, municipalities, and large national accounts. During periods of economic weakness, governmental entities and municipalities can suffer significant financial difficulties, due in part to reduced tax revenue and/or high cost structures. During these periods, such entities, and our non-governmental customers, could be unable to pay amounts owed to us or renew contracts with us at previous or increased rates. Purchasers of our recycling commodities can be particularly vulnerable to financial difficulties in times of commodity price volatility. The inability of our customers to pay us in a timely manner or to pay increased rates, particularly large national accounts, could negatively affect our operating results. In addition, the financial difficulties of municipalities could result in a decline in investors’ demand for municipal bonds and a correlating increase in interest rates. As of December 31, 2023, we had $1.6 billion of tax-exempt bonds with term interest rate periods that expire within the next 12 months, which is prior to their scheduled maturities. If market dynamics resulted in repricing of our tax-exempt bonds at significantly higher interest rates, we would incur increased interest expenses that may negatively affect our operating results and cash flows."
    },
    {
      "status": "REMOVED",
      "current_title": null,
      "prior_title": "The Company’s effective tax rate and tax liability could materially change as a result of the adoption of new tax legislation and other factors.",
      "prior_body": "Predominantly all of the Company’s revenues are generated in the U.S., and changes in U.S. tax laws could materially impact our effective tax rate, financial condition and results of operations. The U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, enacted on December 22, 2017 (the “Tax Act”), had a significant impact on our effective tax rate, cash tax expenses and net deferred tax liabilities. The Tax Act reduced the U.S. corporate statutory tax rate and eliminated or limited the deduction of several expenses that were previously deductible, among other things. However, future changes in tax laws could reverse the impacts of the Tax Act and if ultimately enacted into law, such an increase could materially impact our tax provision, cash tax liability, effective tax rate and net deferred tax liabilities."
    },
    {
      "status": "REMOVED",
      "current_title": null,
      "prior_title": "Currently pending or future litigation or governmental proceedings could result in material adverse consequences, including judgments or settlements.",
      "prior_body": "As a large company with operations across the U.S. and Canada, we are subject to various proceedings, lawsuits, disputes and claims arising in the ordinary course of our business, including governmental proceedings. Actions that have been filed against us, and that may be filed against us in the future, include personal injury, property damage, commercial, customer, and employment-related claims, including purported state and national class action lawsuits related to: The timing of the final resolutions to these types of matters is often uncertain. Additionally, the possible outcomes or resolutions to these matters could include adverse judgments or settlements, either of which could require substantial payments, adversely affecting our liquidity."
    },
    {
      "status": "REMOVED",
      "current_title": null,
      "prior_title": "Recorded Obligations:",
      "prior_body": "​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Final capping, closure and post-closure liabilities (a) ​ $ 143 ​ $ 254 ​ $ 178 ​ $ 206 ​ $ 154 ​ $ 3,480 ​ $ 4,415 Debt payments (b) ​ 1,192 ​ 1,355 ​ 713 ​ 1,198 ​ 892 ​ 11,002 ​ 16,352"
    },
    {
      "status": "REMOVED",
      "current_title": null,
      "prior_title": "Guarantor Financial Information",
      "prior_body": "WM Holdings has fully and unconditionally guaranteed all of WMI’s senior indebtedness. WMI has fully and unconditionally guaranteed all of WM Holdings’ senior indebtedness. None of WMI’s other subsidiaries have guaranteed any of WMI’s or WM Holdings’ debt. In lieu of providing separate financial statements for the subsidiary issuer and guarantor (WMI and WM Holdings), we have presented the accompanying supplemental summarized combined balance sheet and income statement information for WMI and WM Holdings on a combined basis after elimination of intercompany transactions between WMI and WM Holdings and amounts related to investments in any subsidiary that is a non-guarantor (in millions): ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​"
    },
    {
      "status": "REMOVED",
      "current_title": null,
      "prior_title": "NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)",
      "prior_body": "​ Estimates and AssumptionsIn preparing our financial statements, we make numerous estimates and assumptions that affect the accounting for and recognition and disclosure of assets, liabilities, equity, revenues and expenses. We must make these estimates and assumptions because certain information that we use is dependent on future events, cannot be calculated with precision from available data or simply cannot be calculated. In some cases, these estimates are difficult to determine, and we must exercise significant judgment. In preparing our financial statements, the most difficult, subjective and complex estimates and the assumptions that present the greatest amount of uncertainty relate to our accounting for landfills, environmental remediation liabilities, long-lived asset impairments, intangible asset impairments and the fair value of assets and liabilities acquired in business combinations. Each of these items is discussed in additional detail below. Actual results could differ materially from the estimates and assumptions that we use in the preparation of our financial statements.Cash and Cash EquivalentsCash in excess of current operating requirements is invested in short-term interest-bearing instruments with maturities of three months or less at the date of purchase and is stated at cost, which approximates market value.Concentrations of Credit RiskFinancial instruments that potentially subject us to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, investments held within restricted funds, and accounts receivable. We make efforts to control our exposure to credit risk associated with these instruments by (i) placing our assets and other financial interests with a diverse group of credit-worthy financial institutions; (ii) holding high-quality financial instruments while limiting investments in any one instrument and (iii) maintaining strict policies over credit extension that include credit evaluations, credit limits and monitoring procedures, although generally we do not have collateral requirements for credit extensions. We also control our exposure associated with trade receivables by discontinuing service, to the extent allowable, to non-paying customers. However, our overall credit risk associated with trade receivables is limited due to the large number and diversity of customers we serve. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, no single customer represented greater than 5% of total accounts receivable.Accounts and Other Receivables Our receivables, which are recorded when billed, when services are performed or when cash is advanced, are claims against third parties that will generally be settled in cash. The carrying value of our receivables, net of the allowance for doubtful accounts, represents the estimated net realizable value. We estimate our allowance for doubtful accounts based on historical collection trends; type of customer, such as municipal or commercial; the age of outstanding receivables and existing as well as expected economic conditions. If events or changes in circumstances indicate that specific receivable balances may be impaired, further consideration is given to the collectability of those balances and the allowance is adjusted accordingly. Past-due receivable balances are written off when our internal collection efforts have been unsuccessful. Also, we recognize interest income on long-term interest-bearing notes receivable as the interest accrues under the terms of the notes. We no longer accrue interest once the notes are deemed uncollectible."
    },
    {
      "status": "REMOVED",
      "current_title": null,
      "prior_title": "Investments in Unconsolidated Entities",
      "prior_body": "Investments in unconsolidated entities over which the Company has significant influence are accounted for under the equity method of accounting. Equity investments in which the Company does not have the ability to exert significant influence over the investees’ operating and financing activities are measured using a quantitative approach as these investments do not have readily determinable fair values. The quantitative approach, or measurement alternative, is equal to its cost minus impairment, if any, plus or minus changes resulting from observable price changes in orderly transactions for the identical or a similar investment of the same issuer. The fair value of our redeemable preferred stock has been measured based on third-party investors’ recent or pending transactions in these securities, which are considered the best evidence of fair value. The following table summarizes our investments in unconsolidated entities as of December 31 (in millions): ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 2023 2022 Equity method investments ​ $ 538 ​ $ 460 Investments without readily determinable fair values ​ 68 ​ ​ 62 Redeemable preferred stock ​ — ​ ​ 56 Investments in unconsolidated entities ​ $ 606 ​ $ 578 ​ We monitor and assess the carrying value of our investments throughout the year for potential impairment and write them down to their fair value when other-than-temporary declines exist. Fair value is generally based on (i) other third-party investors’ recent or pending transactions in the securities; (ii) other information available regarding the current market for similar assets; (iii) a market or income approach, as deemed appropriate and/or (iv) a quantitative approach, or measurement alternative, as noted above. Impairments of our investments are recorded in (gain) loss from divestitures, asset impairments and unusual items, net in our Consolidated Statements of Operations in accordance with appropriate accounting guidance. Refer to Note 11, Note 12 and Note 16 for information related to impairments and other adjustments recognized during the reported periods."
    },
    {
      "status": "REMOVED",
      "current_title": null,
      "prior_title": "Foreign Currency",
      "prior_body": "Our operations are primarily in the U.S. but we also have significant operations in Canada. Additionally, we have certain support functions in India. Local currencies generally are considered the functional currencies of our operations and investments outside the U.S. The assets and liabilities of our foreign operations are translated to U.S. dollars using the exchange rate as of the balance sheet date. Revenues and expenses are translated to U.S. dollars using the average exchange rate during the period. The resulting translation difference is reflected as a component of other comprehensive income (loss). Foreign currency translation adjustments have primarily been impacted by fluctuations in the U.S. dollar/Canadian dollar exchange rate which was 1.3243 at December 31, 2023, 1.3554 at December 31, 2022 and 1.2639 at December 31, 2021. Refer to Note 12 for information regarding the impacts of foreign currency on our comprehensive income and results of operations. 89 89 Table of ContentsWASTE MANAGEMENT, INC.NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)​Revenue RecognitionWe generally recognize revenue as services are performed or products are delivered. For example, revenue typically is recognized as waste is collected, tons are received at our landfills or transfer stations, or recycling commodities are collected or delivered as product. We bill for certain services prior to performance. Such services include, among others, certain commercial and residential contracts, and equipment rentals. These advanced billings are included in deferred revenues and recognized as revenue in the period service is provided. Our Collection and Disposal operating revenues are primarily generated from fees charged for our collection, transfer and disposal. Revenues from our collection operations are influenced by factors such as collection frequency, type of collection equipment furnished, type and volume or weight of the waste collected, distance to the disposal facility or recycling facility and our disposal costs. Revenues from our landfill operations consist of tipping fees, which are generally based on the type and weight or volume of waste being disposed of at our disposal facilities. Fees charged at transfer stations are generally based on the weight or volume of waste deposited, considering our cost of loading, transporting and disposing of the solid waste at a disposal site. The fees we charge for our services generally include applicable fees, such as our energy surcharge, which are intended to pass through to customers direct and indirect costs incurred.Recycling Processing and Sales revenues generally consist of tipping fees and the sale of recycling commodities to and/or on behalf of third parties. Our WM Renewable Energy revenue is primarily generated from (i) the sale of captured and converted landfill methane gas; (ii) the sale of Renewable Identification Numbers (“RINs”) under the Renewable Fuel Standard (“RFS”) program implemented by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”); (iii) sale of Low Carbon Fuel credits designed to stimulate the use of low-carbon fuels and (iv) the sale of energy (electricity and capacity) and associated Renewable Energy Credits (“RECs”).See Note 19 for additional information related to revenue by reportable segment and major lines of business. Deferred RevenuesWe record deferred revenues when cash payments are received or due in advance of our performance and classify them as current since they are earned within a year and there are no significant financing components. Substantially all our deferred revenues during the reported periods are realized as revenues within one to three months, when the related services are performed.Contract Acquisition CostsOur incremental direct costs of obtaining a contract, which consist primarily of sales incentives, are generally deferred and amortized to selling, general and administrative expense over the estimated life of the relevant customer relationship, ranging from five to 13 years. Contract acquisition costs that are paid to the customer are deferred and amortized as a reduction in revenue over the contract life. Our contract acquisition costs are classified as current or noncurrent based on the timing of when we expect to recognize amortization and are included in other assets in our Consolidated Balance Sheets.As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, we had $207 million and $192 million of deferred contract costs, respectively, of which $148 million and $137 million, respectively, were related to deferred sales incentives. During each of the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, we amortized $26 million, $24 million and $23 million, respectively, of sales incentives to selling, general and administrative expense.90 Table of ContentsWASTE MANAGEMENT, INC.NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)​ Table of Contents Table of Contents"
    },
    {
      "status": "REMOVED",
      "current_title": null,
      "prior_title": "Contingent Liabilities",
      "prior_body": "We estimate the amount of potential exposure we may have with respect to claims, assessments and litigation in accordance with authoritative guidance on accounting for contingencies. We are party to pending or threatened legal proceedings covering a wide range of matters in various jurisdictions. It is difficult to predict the outcome of litigation, as it is subject to many uncertainties. Additionally, it is not always possible for management to make a meaningful estimate of the potential loss or range of loss associated with such contingencies. See Note 10 for discussion of our commitments and contingencies. 91 91 Table of ContentsWASTE MANAGEMENT, INC.NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)​Supplemental Cash Flow Information The following table shows supplemental cash flow information for the year ended December 31 (in millions):​​​​​​​​​​​ 2023 2022 2021Interest, net of capitalized interest​$ 447​$ 348​$ 387Income taxes (a)​ 636​ 736​ 370(a)The increase in income taxes paid in 2022 is primarily due to the increase in pre-tax book income during 2022 and a deposit of approximately $103 million made to the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) in the fourth quarter of 2022 related to a disputed tax matter for which we expect to seek a refund. See Note 8 for further discussion.During 2023, we had $276 million of non-cash financing activities primarily from our low-income housing investment and new financing leases, which are discussed further in Notes 6 and 8. During 2022, we had $225 million of non-cash financing activities primarily from our low-income housing investment and new financing leases. Additionally, we had approximately $25 million and $135 million of non-cash investing activities related to non-cash consideration transferred as part of our acquisitions in 2023 and 2022, respectively. See Note 17 for further discussion of our 2022 acquisitions. During 2021, we had $30 million of non-cash financing activities from new financing leases. Non-cash investing and financing activities are generally excluded from the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.​3. Landfill and Environmental Remediation LiabilitiesLiabilities for landfill and environmental remediation costs as of December 31 are presented in the table below (in millions):​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​2023​2022​​​​​Environmental​​​​​​​Environmental​​​​ Landfill Remediation Total Landfill Remediation TotalCurrent (in accrued liabilities) $ 143​$ 31​$ 174​$ 137​$ 31​$ 168Long-term​ 2,710​ 178​ 2,888 2,527​ 173​ 2,700​ $ 2,853​$ 209​$ 3,062​$ 2,664​$ 204​$ 2,868​The changes to landfill and environmental remediation liabilities for the year ended December 31, 2023 are reflected in the table below (in millions):​​​​​​​​​​​​Environmental​ Landfill RemediationDecember 31, 2022​$ 2,664​$ 204Obligations incurred and capitalized​ 79 —Obligations settled​ (147) (27)Interest accretion​ 124 6Revisions in estimates and interest rate assumptions​ 131 26Acquisitions, divestitures and other adjustments ​ 2 —December 31, 2023​$ 2,853​$ 209​Our recorded liabilities as of December 31, 2023 include the impacts of inflating certain of these costs based on our expectations of the timing of cash settlement. 92 Table of ContentsWASTE MANAGEMENT, INC.NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)​ Table of Contents Table of Contents"
    },
    {
      "status": "REMOVED",
      "current_title": null,
      "prior_title": "NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)",
      "prior_body": "​ Estimates and AssumptionsIn preparing our financial statements, we make numerous estimates and assumptions that affect the accounting for and recognition and disclosure of assets, liabilities, equity, revenues and expenses. We must make these estimates and assumptions because certain information that we use is dependent on future events, cannot be calculated with precision from available data or simply cannot be calculated. In some cases, these estimates are difficult to determine, and we must exercise significant judgment. In preparing our financial statements, the most difficult, subjective and complex estimates and the assumptions that present the greatest amount of uncertainty relate to our accounting for landfills, environmental remediation liabilities, long-lived asset impairments, intangible asset impairments and the fair value of assets and liabilities acquired in business combinations. Each of these items is discussed in additional detail below. Actual results could differ materially from the estimates and assumptions that we use in the preparation of our financial statements.Cash and Cash EquivalentsCash in excess of current operating requirements is invested in short-term interest-bearing instruments with maturities of three months or less at the date of purchase and is stated at cost, which approximates market value.Concentrations of Credit RiskFinancial instruments that potentially subject us to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, investments held within restricted funds, and accounts receivable. We make efforts to control our exposure to credit risk associated with these instruments by (i) placing our assets and other financial interests with a diverse group of credit-worthy financial institutions; (ii) holding high-quality financial instruments while limiting investments in any one instrument and (iii) maintaining strict policies over credit extension that include credit evaluations, credit limits and monitoring procedures, although generally we do not have collateral requirements for credit extensions. We also control our exposure associated with trade receivables by discontinuing service, to the extent allowable, to non-paying customers. However, our overall credit risk associated with trade receivables is limited due to the large number and diversity of customers we serve. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, no single customer represented greater than 5% of total accounts receivable.Accounts and Other Receivables Our receivables, which are recorded when billed, when services are performed or when cash is advanced, are claims against third parties that will generally be settled in cash. The carrying value of our receivables, net of the allowance for doubtful accounts, represents the estimated net realizable value. We estimate our allowance for doubtful accounts based on historical collection trends; type of customer, such as municipal or commercial; the age of outstanding receivables and existing as well as expected economic conditions. If events or changes in circumstances indicate that specific receivable balances may be impaired, further consideration is given to the collectability of those balances and the allowance is adjusted accordingly. Past-due receivable balances are written off when our internal collection efforts have been unsuccessful. Also, we recognize interest income on long-term interest-bearing notes receivable as the interest accrues under the terms of the notes. We no longer accrue interest once the notes are deemed uncollectible."
    },
    {
      "status": "REMOVED",
      "current_title": null,
      "prior_title": "3. Landfill and Environmental Remediation Liabilities",
      "prior_body": "Liabilities for landfill and environmental remediation costs as of December 31 are presented in the table below (in millions): ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 2023 ​ 2022 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​"
    },
    {
      "status": "REMOVED",
      "current_title": null,
      "prior_title": "Remediation",
      "prior_body": "December 31, 2022 ​ $ 2,664 ​ $ 204 Obligations incurred and capitalized ​ 79 — Obligations settled ​ (147) (27) Interest accretion ​ 124 6 Revisions in estimates and interest rate assumptions ​ 131 26 Acquisitions, divestitures and other adjustments ​ 2 — December 31, 2023 ​ $ 2,853 ​ $ 209 ​ Landfill Operating Costs — The following table summarizes our landfill operating costs for the year ended December 31 (in millions): ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 2023 2022 2021 Interest accretion on landfill and environmental remediation liabilities ​ $ 130 ​ $ 112 ​ $ 111 Leachate and methane collection and treatment ​ 196 ​ 193 ​ 183 Landfill remediation costs and discount rate adjustments to environmental remediation liabilities and recovery assets ​ 7 ​ (2) ​ 1 Other landfill site costs ​ 120 ​ 118 ​ 117 Total landfill operating costs ​ $ 453 ​ $ 421 ​ $ 412 ​ Depletion of Landfill Airspace — Depletion of landfill airspace, which is included as a component of depreciation, depletion and amortization expenses, includes the following: Depletion expense is recorded on a units-of-consumption basis, applying cost as a rate per ton. The rate per ton is calculated by dividing each component of the depletable basis of a landfill (net of accumulated depletion) by the number of tons needed to fill the corresponding asset’s remaining permitted and expansion airspace. Landfill capital costs and closure and post-closure asset retirement costs are generally incurred to support the operation of the landfill over its entire operating life and are, therefore, depleted on a per-ton basis using a landfill’s total permitted and expansion airspace. Final capping asset retirement costs are related to a specific final capping event and are, therefore, depleted on a per-ton basis using each discrete final capping event’s estimated permitted and expansion airspace. Accordingly, each landfill has multiple per-ton depletion rates. 57 57 Table of ContentsThe following table presents our landfill airspace depletion expense on a per-ton basis for the year ended December 31:​​​​​​​​​​​ 2023 2022 2021Depletion of landfill airspace (in millions)​$ 745​$ 754​$ 731Tons received, net of redirected waste (in millions)​ 123​ 125​ 124Average landfill airspace depletion expense per ton​$ 6.07​$ 6.05​$ 5.90​Different per-ton depletion rates are applied at each of our 263 landfills, and per-ton depletion rates vary significantly from one landfill to another due to (i) inconsistencies that often exist in construction costs and provincial, state and local regulatory requirements for landfill development and landfill final capping, closure and post-closure activities and (ii) differences in the cost basis of landfills that we develop versus those that we acquire. Accordingly, our landfill airspace depletion expense measured on a per-ton basis can fluctuate due to changes in the mix of volumes we receive across the Company each year. Liquidity and Capital Resources The Company consistently generates annual cash flow from operations that meets and exceeds our working capital needs, allows for payment of our dividends, investment in the business through capital expenditures and tuck-in acquisitions, and funding of strategic sustainability growth investments. We continually monitor our actual and forecasted cash flows, our liquidity and our capital resources, enabling us to plan for our present needs and fund unbudgeted business requirements that may arise during the year. The Company believes that its investment grade credit ratings, diverse investor base, large value of unencumbered assets and modest leverage enable it to obtain adequate financing, and refinance upcoming maturities, as necessary to meet its ongoing capital, operating, strategic and other liquidity requirements. We also have the ability to manage liquidity during periods of significant financial market disruption through temporary modification of our capital expenditure and share repurchase plans. Summary of Contractual Obligations The following table summarizes our significant contractual obligations as of December 31, 2023 (other than recorded obligations related to liabilities associated with environmental remediation costs and non-cancelable operating lease obligations, which are discussed further in Notes 3 and 7 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, respectively) and the anticipated effect of these obligations on our liquidity in future years (in millions):​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ ​ 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 Thereafter TotalRecorded Obligations: ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Final capping, closure and post-closure liabilities (a)​$ 143​$ 254​$ 178​$ 206​$ 154​$ 3,480​$ 4,415Debt payments (b)​ 1,192​ 1,355​ 713​ 1,198​ 892​ 11,002​ 16,352Unrecorded Obligations:​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​Interest on debt (c)​ 566​ 544​ 518​ 486​ 448​ 3,340​ 5,902Estimated unconditional purchase obligations (d)​ 173​ 164​ 133​ 51​ 44​ 470​ 1,035Anticipated liquidity impact as of December 31, 2023​$ 2,074​$ 2,317​$ 1,542​$ 1,941​$ 1,538​$ 18,292​$ 27,704(a)Includes liabilities for final capping, closure and post-closure costs recorded in our Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2023, without the impact of discounting and inflation. Our recorded liabilities for final capping, closure and post-closure costs will increase as we continue to place additional tons within the permitted airspace at our landfills.(b)These amounts represent the scheduled principal payments based on their contractual maturities related to our long-term debt and financing leases, excluding interest. Refer to Note 6 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding our debt obligations.(c)Interest on our fixed-rate debt was calculated based on contractual rates and interest on our variable-rate debt was calculated based on interest rates as of December 31, 2023. As of December 31, 2023, we had $154 million of accrued interest related to our debt obligations.58 Table of Contents Table of Contents Table of Contents The following table presents our landfill airspace depletion expense on a per-ton basis for the year ended December 31:​​​​​​​​​​​ 2023 2022 2021Depletion of landfill airspace (in millions)​$ 745​$ 754​$ 731Tons received, net of redirected waste (in millions)​ 123​ 125​ 124Average landfill airspace depletion expense per ton​$ 6.07​$ 6.05​$ 5.90​Different per-ton depletion rates are applied at each of our 263 landfills, and per-ton depletion rates vary significantly from one landfill to another due to (i) inconsistencies that often exist in construction costs and provincial, state and local regulatory requirements for landfill development and landfill final capping, closure and post-closure activities and (ii) differences in the cost basis of landfills that we develop versus those that we acquire. Accordingly, our landfill airspace depletion expense measured on a per-ton basis can fluctuate due to changes in the mix of volumes we receive across the Company each year. Liquidity and Capital Resources The Company consistently generates annual cash flow from operations that meets and exceeds our working capital needs, allows for payment of our dividends, investment in the business through capital expenditures and tuck-in acquisitions, and funding of strategic sustainability growth investments. We continually monitor our actual and forecasted cash flows, our liquidity and our capital resources, enabling us to plan for our present needs and fund unbudgeted business requirements that may arise during the year. The Company believes that its investment grade credit ratings, diverse investor base, large value of unencumbered assets and modest leverage enable it to obtain adequate financing, and refinance upcoming maturities, as necessary to meet its ongoing capital, operating, strategic and other liquidity requirements. We also have the ability to manage liquidity during periods of significant financial market disruption through temporary modification of our capital expenditure and share repurchase plans. Summary of Contractual Obligations The following table summarizes our significant contractual obligations as of December 31, 2023 (other than recorded obligations related to liabilities associated with environmental remediation costs and non-cancelable operating lease obligations, which are discussed further in Notes 3 and 7 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, respectively) and the anticipated effect of these obligations on our liquidity in future years (in millions):​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ ​ 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 Thereafter TotalRecorded Obligations: ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Final capping, closure and post-closure liabilities (a)​$ 143​$ 254​$ 178​$ 206​$ 154​$ 3,480​$ 4,415Debt payments (b)​ 1,192​ 1,355​ 713​ 1,198​ 892​ 11,002​ 16,352Unrecorded Obligations:​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​Interest on debt (c)​ 566​ 544​ 518​ 486​ 448​ 3,340​ 5,902Estimated unconditional purchase obligations (d)​ 173​ 164​ 133​ 51​ 44​ 470​ 1,035Anticipated liquidity impact as of December 31, 2023​$ 2,074​$ 2,317​$ 1,542​$ 1,941​$ 1,538​$ 18,292​$ 27,704(a)Includes liabilities for final capping, closure and post-closure costs recorded in our Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2023, without the impact of discounting and inflation. Our recorded liabilities for final capping, closure and post-closure costs will increase as we continue to place additional tons within the permitted airspace at our landfills.(b)These amounts represent the scheduled principal payments based on their contractual maturities related to our long-term debt and financing leases, excluding interest. Refer to Note 6 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding our debt obligations.(c)Interest on our fixed-rate debt was calculated based on contractual rates and interest on our variable-rate debt was calculated based on interest rates as of December 31, 2023. As of December 31, 2023, we had $154 million of accrued interest related to our debt obligations. The following table presents our landfill airspace depletion expense on a per-ton basis for the year ended December 31: ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 2023 2022 2021 Depletion of landfill airspace (in millions) ​ $ 745 ​ $ 754 ​ $ 731 Tons received, net of redirected waste (in millions) ​ 123 ​ 125 ​ 124 Average landfill airspace depletion expense per ton ​ $ 6.07 ​ $ 6.05 ​ $ 5.90 ​ Different per-ton depletion rates are applied at each of our 263 landfills, and per-ton depletion rates vary significantly from one landfill to another due to (i) inconsistencies that often exist in construction costs and provincial, state and local regulatory requirements for landfill development and landfill final capping, closure and post-closure activities and (ii) differences in the cost basis of landfills that we develop versus those that we acquire. Accordingly, our landfill airspace depletion expense measured on a per-ton basis can fluctuate due to changes in the mix of volumes we receive across the Company each year."
    },
    {
      "status": "REMOVED",
      "current_title": null,
      "prior_title": "Remediation",
      "prior_body": "December 31, 2022 ​ $ 2,664 ​ $ 204 Obligations incurred and capitalized ​ 79 — Obligations settled ​ (147) (27) Interest accretion ​ 124 6 Revisions in estimates and interest rate assumptions ​ 131 26 Acquisitions, divestitures and other adjustments ​ 2 — December 31, 2023 ​ $ 2,853 ​ $ 209 ​ Landfill Operating Costs — The following table summarizes our landfill operating costs for the year ended December 31 (in millions): ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 2023 2022 2021 Interest accretion on landfill and environmental remediation liabilities ​ $ 130 ​ $ 112 ​ $ 111 Leachate and methane collection and treatment ​ 196 ​ 193 ​ 183 Landfill remediation costs and discount rate adjustments to environmental remediation liabilities and recovery assets ​ 7 ​ (2) ​ 1 Other landfill site costs ​ 120 ​ 118 ​ 117 Total landfill operating costs ​ $ 453 ​ $ 421 ​ $ 412 ​ Depletion of Landfill Airspace — Depletion of landfill airspace, which is included as a component of depreciation, depletion and amortization expenses, includes the following: Depletion expense is recorded on a units-of-consumption basis, applying cost as a rate per ton. The rate per ton is calculated by dividing each component of the depletable basis of a landfill (net of accumulated depletion) by the number of tons needed to fill the corresponding asset’s remaining permitted and expansion airspace. Landfill capital costs and closure and post-closure asset retirement costs are generally incurred to support the operation of the landfill over its entire operating life and are, therefore, depleted on a per-ton basis using a landfill’s total permitted and expansion airspace. Final capping asset retirement costs are related to a specific final capping event and are, therefore, depleted on a per-ton basis using each discrete final capping event’s estimated permitted and expansion airspace. Accordingly, each landfill has multiple per-ton depletion rates. 57 57 Table of ContentsThe following table presents our landfill airspace depletion expense on a per-ton basis for the year ended December 31:​​​​​​​​​​​ 2023 2022 2021Depletion of landfill airspace (in millions)​$ 745​$ 754​$ 731Tons received, net of redirected waste (in millions)​ 123​ 125​ 124Average landfill airspace depletion expense per ton​$ 6.07​$ 6.05​$ 5.90​Different per-ton depletion rates are applied at each of our 263 landfills, and per-ton depletion rates vary significantly from one landfill to another due to (i) inconsistencies that often exist in construction costs and provincial, state and local regulatory requirements for landfill development and landfill final capping, closure and post-closure activities and (ii) differences in the cost basis of landfills that we develop versus those that we acquire. Accordingly, our landfill airspace depletion expense measured on a per-ton basis can fluctuate due to changes in the mix of volumes we receive across the Company each year. Liquidity and Capital Resources The Company consistently generates annual cash flow from operations that meets and exceeds our working capital needs, allows for payment of our dividends, investment in the business through capital expenditures and tuck-in acquisitions, and funding of strategic sustainability growth investments. We continually monitor our actual and forecasted cash flows, our liquidity and our capital resources, enabling us to plan for our present needs and fund unbudgeted business requirements that may arise during the year. The Company believes that its investment grade credit ratings, diverse investor base, large value of unencumbered assets and modest leverage enable it to obtain adequate financing, and refinance upcoming maturities, as necessary to meet its ongoing capital, operating, strategic and other liquidity requirements. We also have the ability to manage liquidity during periods of significant financial market disruption through temporary modification of our capital expenditure and share repurchase plans. Summary of Contractual Obligations The following table summarizes our significant contractual obligations as of December 31, 2023 (other than recorded obligations related to liabilities associated with environmental remediation costs and non-cancelable operating lease obligations, which are discussed further in Notes 3 and 7 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, respectively) and the anticipated effect of these obligations on our liquidity in future years (in millions):​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ ​ 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 Thereafter TotalRecorded Obligations: ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Final capping, closure and post-closure liabilities (a)​$ 143​$ 254​$ 178​$ 206​$ 154​$ 3,480​$ 4,415Debt payments (b)​ 1,192​ 1,355​ 713​ 1,198​ 892​ 11,002​ 16,352Unrecorded Obligations:​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​Interest on debt (c)​ 566​ 544​ 518​ 486​ 448​ 3,340​ 5,902Estimated unconditional purchase obligations (d)​ 173​ 164​ 133​ 51​ 44​ 470​ 1,035Anticipated liquidity impact as of December 31, 2023​$ 2,074​$ 2,317​$ 1,542​$ 1,941​$ 1,538​$ 18,292​$ 27,704(a)Includes liabilities for final capping, closure and post-closure costs recorded in our Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2023, without the impact of discounting and inflation. Our recorded liabilities for final capping, closure and post-closure costs will increase as we continue to place additional tons within the permitted airspace at our landfills.(b)These amounts represent the scheduled principal payments based on their contractual maturities related to our long-term debt and financing leases, excluding interest. Refer to Note 6 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding our debt obligations.(c)Interest on our fixed-rate debt was calculated based on contractual rates and interest on our variable-rate debt was calculated based on interest rates as of December 31, 2023. As of December 31, 2023, we had $154 million of accrued interest related to our debt obligations.58 Table of Contents Table of Contents Table of Contents The following table presents our landfill airspace depletion expense on a per-ton basis for the year ended December 31:​​​​​​​​​​​ 2023 2022 2021Depletion of landfill airspace (in millions)​$ 745​$ 754​$ 731Tons received, net of redirected waste (in millions)​ 123​ 125​ 124Average landfill airspace depletion expense per ton​$ 6.07​$ 6.05​$ 5.90​Different per-ton depletion rates are applied at each of our 263 landfills, and per-ton depletion rates vary significantly from one landfill to another due to (i) inconsistencies that often exist in construction costs and provincial, state and local regulatory requirements for landfill development and landfill final capping, closure and post-closure activities and (ii) differences in the cost basis of landfills that we develop versus those that we acquire. Accordingly, our landfill airspace depletion expense measured on a per-ton basis can fluctuate due to changes in the mix of volumes we receive across the Company each year. Liquidity and Capital Resources The Company consistently generates annual cash flow from operations that meets and exceeds our working capital needs, allows for payment of our dividends, investment in the business through capital expenditures and tuck-in acquisitions, and funding of strategic sustainability growth investments. We continually monitor our actual and forecasted cash flows, our liquidity and our capital resources, enabling us to plan for our present needs and fund unbudgeted business requirements that may arise during the year. The Company believes that its investment grade credit ratings, diverse investor base, large value of unencumbered assets and modest leverage enable it to obtain adequate financing, and refinance upcoming maturities, as necessary to meet its ongoing capital, operating, strategic and other liquidity requirements. We also have the ability to manage liquidity during periods of significant financial market disruption through temporary modification of our capital expenditure and share repurchase plans. Summary of Contractual Obligations The following table summarizes our significant contractual obligations as of December 31, 2023 (other than recorded obligations related to liabilities associated with environmental remediation costs and non-cancelable operating lease obligations, which are discussed further in Notes 3 and 7 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, respectively) and the anticipated effect of these obligations on our liquidity in future years (in millions):​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ ​ 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 Thereafter TotalRecorded Obligations: ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Final capping, closure and post-closure liabilities (a)​$ 143​$ 254​$ 178​$ 206​$ 154​$ 3,480​$ 4,415Debt payments (b)​ 1,192​ 1,355​ 713​ 1,198​ 892​ 11,002​ 16,352Unrecorded Obligations:​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​Interest on debt (c)​ 566​ 544​ 518​ 486​ 448​ 3,340​ 5,902Estimated unconditional purchase obligations (d)​ 173​ 164​ 133​ 51​ 44​ 470​ 1,035Anticipated liquidity impact as of December 31, 2023​$ 2,074​$ 2,317​$ 1,542​$ 1,941​$ 1,538​$ 18,292​$ 27,704(a)Includes liabilities for final capping, closure and post-closure costs recorded in our Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2023, without the impact of discounting and inflation. Our recorded liabilities for final capping, closure and post-closure costs will increase as we continue to place additional tons within the permitted airspace at our landfills.(b)These amounts represent the scheduled principal payments based on their contractual maturities related to our long-term debt and financing leases, excluding interest. Refer to Note 6 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding our debt obligations.(c)Interest on our fixed-rate debt was calculated based on contractual rates and interest on our variable-rate debt was calculated based on interest rates as of December 31, 2023. As of December 31, 2023, we had $154 million of accrued interest related to our debt obligations. The following table presents our landfill airspace depletion expense on a per-ton basis for the year ended December 31: ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 2023 2022 2021 Depletion of landfill airspace (in millions) ​ $ 745 ​ $ 754 ​ $ 731 Tons received, net of redirected waste (in millions) ​ 123 ​ 125 ​ 124 Average landfill airspace depletion expense per ton ​ $ 6.07 ​ $ 6.05 ​ $ 5.90 ​ Different per-ton depletion rates are applied at each of our 263 landfills, and per-ton depletion rates vary significantly from one landfill to another due to (i) inconsistencies that often exist in construction costs and provincial, state and local regulatory requirements for landfill development and landfill final capping, closure and post-closure activities and (ii) differences in the cost basis of landfills that we develop versus those that we acquire. Accordingly, our landfill airspace depletion expense measured on a per-ton basis can fluctuate due to changes in the mix of volumes we receive across the Company each year."
    },
    {
      "status": "MODIFIED",
      "current_title": "Landfill Assets",
      "prior_title": "Landfill Assets",
      "similarity_score": 0.92,
      "confidence": "high",
      "key_changes": [
        "Reworded sentence: \"December 31, 2023 ​ $ 19,473 ​ $ (11,643) ​ $ 7,830 Capital additions ​ 832 ​ — ​ 832 Asset retirement obligations incurred and capitalized ​ 91 ​ — ​ 91 Depletion of landfill airspace ​ — ​ (795) ​ (795) Foreign currency translation ​ (100) ​ 47 ​ (53) Asset retirements and other adjustments ​ (23) ​ 132 ​ 109 December 31, 2024 ​ $ 20,273 ​ $ (12,259) ​ $ 8,014 ​ As of December 31, 2024, we estimate that we will spend approximately $845 million in 2025, and approximately $1.8 billion in 2026 and 2027 combined, for the construction and development of our landfill assets.\"",
        "Reworded sentence: \"We recognize environmental remediation liabilities when we determine that the liability is probable and the cost for the likely remedy can be reasonably estimated.The changes to landfill and environmental remediation liabilities for the year ended December 31, 2024 are reflected in the table below (in millions):​​​​​​​​​​​​Environmental​ Landfill RemediationDecember 31, 2023​$ 2,853​$ 209Obligations incurred and capitalized​ 91 —Obligations settled​ (136) (23)Interest accretion​ 133 —Revisions in estimates and interest rate assumptions​ 121 36Acquisitions, divestitures and other adjustments ​ (5) —December 31, 2024​$ 3,057​$ 222​Landfill Operating Costs — The following table summarizes our landfill operating costs for the year ended December 31 (in millions):​​​​​​​​​​ ​ 2024 2023 2022Interest accretion on landfill and environmental remediation liabilities​$ 133​$ 130​$ 112Leachate and methane collection and treatment​ 230​ 196​ 193Landfill remediation costs and discount rate adjustments to environmental remediation liabilities and recovery assets​ 18​ 7​ (2)Other landfill site costs​ 143​ 120​ 118Total landfill operating costs​$ 524​$ 453​$ 421​Depletion of Landfill Airspace — Depletion of landfill airspace, which is included as a component of depreciation, depletion and amortization expenses, includes the following:●the depletion of landfill capital costs, including (i) costs that have been incurred and capitalized and (ii) estimated future costs for landfill development and construction required to develop our landfills to their remaining permitted and expansion airspace; and●the depletion of asset retirement costs arising from landfill final capping, closure and post-closure obligations, including (i) costs that have been incurred and capitalized and (ii) projected asset retirement costs.Depletion expense is recorded on a units-of-consumption basis, applying cost as a rate per ton.\"",
        "Reworded sentence: \"Accordingly, each landfill has multiple per-ton depletion rates.65 Table of Contents Table of Contents Table of Contents of landfill capital spending is dependent on future events and spending estimates are subject to change due to fluctuations in landfill waste volumes, changes in environmental requirements and other factors impacting landfill operations.Landfill and Environmental Remediation Liabilities — As we accept waste at our landfills, we incur significant asset retirement obligations, which include liabilities associated with landfill final capping, closure and post-closure activities.\"",
        "Reworded sentence: \"We recognize environmental remediation liabilities when we determine that the liability is probable and the cost for the likely remedy can be reasonably estimated.The changes to landfill and environmental remediation liabilities for the year ended December 31, 2024 are reflected in the table below (in millions):​​​​​​​​​​​​Environmental​ Landfill RemediationDecember 31, 2023​$ 2,853​$ 209Obligations incurred and capitalized​ 91 —Obligations settled​ (136) (23)Interest accretion​ 133 —Revisions in estimates and interest rate assumptions​ 121 36Acquisitions, divestitures and other adjustments ​ (5) —December 31, 2024​$ 3,057​$ 222​Landfill Operating Costs — The following table summarizes our landfill operating costs for the year ended December 31 (in millions):​​​​​​​​​​ ​ 2024 2023 2022Interest accretion on landfill and environmental remediation liabilities​$ 133​$ 130​$ 112Leachate and methane collection and treatment​ 230​ 196​ 193Landfill remediation costs and discount rate adjustments to environmental remediation liabilities and recovery assets​ 18​ 7​ (2)Other landfill site costs​ 143​ 120​ 118Total landfill operating costs​$ 524​$ 453​$ 421​Depletion of Landfill Airspace — Depletion of landfill airspace, which is included as a component of depreciation, depletion and amortization expenses, includes the following:●the depletion of landfill capital costs, including (i) costs that have been incurred and capitalized and (ii) estimated future costs for landfill development and construction required to develop our landfills to their remaining permitted and expansion airspace; and●the depletion of asset retirement costs arising from landfill final capping, closure and post-closure obligations, including (i) costs that have been incurred and capitalized and (ii) projected asset retirement costs.Depletion expense is recorded on a units-of-consumption basis, applying cost as a rate per ton.\"",
        "Added sentence: \"of landfill capital spending is dependent on future events and spending estimates are subject to change due to fluctuations in landfill waste volumes, changes in environmental requirements and other factors impacting landfill operations.Landfill and Environmental Remediation Liabilities — As we accept waste at our landfills, we incur significant asset retirement obligations, which include liabilities associated with landfill final capping, closure and post-closure activities.\""
      ],
      "current_body": "December 31, 2023 ​ $ 19,473 ​ $ (11,643) ​ $ 7,830 Capital additions ​ 832 ​ — ​ 832 Asset retirement obligations incurred and capitalized ​ 91 ​ — ​ 91 Depletion of landfill airspace ​ — ​ (795) ​ (795) Foreign currency translation ​ (100) ​ 47 ​ (53) Asset retirements and other adjustments ​ (23) ​ 132 ​ 109 December 31, 2024 ​ $ 20,273 ​ $ (12,259) ​ $ 8,014 ​ As of December 31, 2024, we estimate that we will spend approximately $845 million in 2025, and approximately $1.8 billion in 2026 and 2027 combined, for the construction and development of our landfill assets. The specific timing 64 64 Table of Contentsof landfill capital spending is dependent on future events and spending estimates are subject to change due to fluctuations in landfill waste volumes, changes in environmental requirements and other factors impacting landfill operations.Landfill and Environmental Remediation Liabilities — As we accept waste at our landfills, we incur significant asset retirement obligations, which include liabilities associated with landfill final capping, closure and post-closure activities. These liabilities are accounted for in accordance with authoritative guidance on accounting for asset retirement obligations and are discussed in Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. We also have liabilities for the remediation of properties that have incurred environmental damage, which generally was caused by operations or for damage caused by conditions that existed before we acquired operations or a site. We recognize environmental remediation liabilities when we determine that the liability is probable and the cost for the likely remedy can be reasonably estimated.The changes to landfill and environmental remediation liabilities for the year ended December 31, 2024 are reflected in the table below (in millions):​​​​​​​​​​​​Environmental​ Landfill RemediationDecember 31, 2023​$ 2,853​$ 209Obligations incurred and capitalized​ 91 —Obligations settled​ (136) (23)Interest accretion​ 133 —Revisions in estimates and interest rate assumptions​ 121 36Acquisitions, divestitures and other adjustments ​ (5) —December 31, 2024​$ 3,057​$ 222​Landfill Operating Costs — The following table summarizes our landfill operating costs for the year ended December 31 (in millions):​​​​​​​​​​ ​ 2024 2023 2022Interest accretion on landfill and environmental remediation liabilities​$ 133​$ 130​$ 112Leachate and methane collection and treatment​ 230​ 196​ 193Landfill remediation costs and discount rate adjustments to environmental remediation liabilities and recovery assets​ 18​ 7​ (2)Other landfill site costs​ 143​ 120​ 118Total landfill operating costs​$ 524​$ 453​$ 421​Depletion of Landfill Airspace — Depletion of landfill airspace, which is included as a component of depreciation, depletion and amortization expenses, includes the following:●the depletion of landfill capital costs, including (i) costs that have been incurred and capitalized and (ii) estimated future costs for landfill development and construction required to develop our landfills to their remaining permitted and expansion airspace; and●the depletion of asset retirement costs arising from landfill final capping, closure and post-closure obligations, including (i) costs that have been incurred and capitalized and (ii) projected asset retirement costs.Depletion expense is recorded on a units-of-consumption basis, applying cost as a rate per ton. The rate per ton is calculated by dividing each component of the depletable basis of a landfill (net of accumulated depletion) by the number of tons needed to fill the corresponding asset’s remaining permitted and expansion airspace. Landfill capital costs and closure and post-closure asset retirement costs are generally incurred to support the operation of the landfill over its entire operating life and are, therefore, depleted on a per-ton basis using a landfill’s total permitted and expansion airspace. Final capping asset retirement costs are related to a specific final capping event and are, therefore, depleted on a per-ton basis using each discrete final capping event’s estimated permitted and expansion airspace. Accordingly, each landfill has multiple per-ton depletion rates.65 Table of Contents Table of Contents Table of Contents of landfill capital spending is dependent on future events and spending estimates are subject to change due to fluctuations in landfill waste volumes, changes in environmental requirements and other factors impacting landfill operations.Landfill and Environmental Remediation Liabilities — As we accept waste at our landfills, we incur significant asset retirement obligations, which include liabilities associated with landfill final capping, closure and post-closure activities. These liabilities are accounted for in accordance with authoritative guidance on accounting for asset retirement obligations and are discussed in Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. We also have liabilities for the remediation of properties that have incurred environmental damage, which generally was caused by operations or for damage caused by conditions that existed before we acquired operations or a site. We recognize environmental remediation liabilities when we determine that the liability is probable and the cost for the likely remedy can be reasonably estimated.The changes to landfill and environmental remediation liabilities for the year ended December 31, 2024 are reflected in the table below (in millions):​​​​​​​​​​​​Environmental​ Landfill RemediationDecember 31, 2023​$ 2,853​$ 209Obligations incurred and capitalized​ 91 —Obligations settled​ (136) (23)Interest accretion​ 133 —Revisions in estimates and interest rate assumptions​ 121 36Acquisitions, divestitures and other adjustments ​ (5) —December 31, 2024​$ 3,057​$ 222​Landfill Operating Costs — The following table summarizes our landfill operating costs for the year ended December 31 (in millions):​​​​​​​​​​ ​ 2024 2023 2022Interest accretion on landfill and environmental remediation liabilities​$ 133​$ 130​$ 112Leachate and methane collection and treatment​ 230​ 196​ 193Landfill remediation costs and discount rate adjustments to environmental remediation liabilities and recovery assets​ 18​ 7​ (2)Other landfill site costs​ 143​ 120​ 118Total landfill operating costs​$ 524​$ 453​$ 421​Depletion of Landfill Airspace — Depletion of landfill airspace, which is included as a component of depreciation, depletion and amortization expenses, includes the following:●the depletion of landfill capital costs, including (i) costs that have been incurred and capitalized and (ii) estimated future costs for landfill development and construction required to develop our landfills to their remaining permitted and expansion airspace; and●the depletion of asset retirement costs arising from landfill final capping, closure and post-closure obligations, including (i) costs that have been incurred and capitalized and (ii) projected asset retirement costs.Depletion expense is recorded on a units-of-consumption basis, applying cost as a rate per ton. The rate per ton is calculated by dividing each component of the depletable basis of a landfill (net of accumulated depletion) by the number of tons needed to fill the corresponding asset’s remaining permitted and expansion airspace. Landfill capital costs and closure and post-closure asset retirement costs are generally incurred to support the operation of the landfill over its entire operating life and are, therefore, depleted on a per-ton basis using a landfill’s total permitted and expansion airspace. Final capping asset retirement costs are related to a specific final capping event and are, therefore, depleted on a per-ton basis using each discrete final capping event’s estimated permitted and expansion airspace. Accordingly, each landfill has multiple per-ton depletion rates. of landfill capital spending is dependent on future events and spending estimates are subject to change due to fluctuations in landfill waste volumes, changes in environmental requirements and other factors impacting landfill operations.Landfill and Environmental Remediation Liabilities — As we accept waste at our landfills, we incur significant asset retirement obligations, which include liabilities associated with landfill final capping, closure and post-closure activities. These liabilities are accounted for in accordance with authoritative guidance on accounting for asset retirement obligations and are discussed in Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. We also have liabilities for the remediation of properties that have incurred environmental damage, which generally was caused by operations or for damage caused by conditions that existed before we acquired operations or a site. We recognize environmental remediation liabilities when we determine that the liability is probable and the cost for the likely remedy can be reasonably estimated.The changes to landfill and environmental remediation liabilities for the year ended December 31, 2024 are reflected in the table below (in millions):​​​​​​​​​​​​Environmental​ Landfill RemediationDecember 31, 2023​$ 2,853​$ 209Obligations incurred and capitalized​ 91 —Obligations settled​ (136) (23)Interest accretion​ 133 —Revisions in estimates and interest rate assumptions​ 121 36Acquisitions, divestitures and other adjustments ​ (5) —December 31, 2024​$ 3,057​$ 222​Landfill Operating Costs — The following table summarizes our landfill operating costs for the year ended December 31 (in millions):​​​​​​​​​​ ​ 2024 2023 2022Interest accretion on landfill and environmental remediation liabilities​$ 133​$ 130​$ 112Leachate and methane collection and treatment​ 230​ 196​ 193Landfill remediation costs and discount rate adjustments to environmental remediation liabilities and recovery assets​ 18​ 7​ (2)Other landfill site costs​ 143​ 120​ 118Total landfill operating costs​$ 524​$ 453​$ 421​Depletion of Landfill Airspace — Depletion of landfill airspace, which is included as a component of depreciation, depletion and amortization expenses, includes the following:●the depletion of landfill capital costs, including (i) costs that have been incurred and capitalized and (ii) estimated future costs for landfill development and construction required to develop our landfills to their remaining permitted and expansion airspace; and●the depletion of asset retirement costs arising from landfill final capping, closure and post-closure obligations, including (i) costs that have been incurred and capitalized and (ii) projected asset retirement costs.Depletion expense is recorded on a units-of-consumption basis, applying cost as a rate per ton. The rate per ton is calculated by dividing each component of the depletable basis of a landfill (net of accumulated depletion) by the number of tons needed to fill the corresponding asset’s remaining permitted and expansion airspace. Landfill capital costs and closure and post-closure asset retirement costs are generally incurred to support the operation of the landfill over its entire operating life and are, therefore, depleted on a per-ton basis using a landfill’s total permitted and expansion airspace. Final capping asset retirement costs are related to a specific final capping event and are, therefore, depleted on a per-ton basis using each discrete final capping event’s estimated permitted and expansion airspace. Accordingly, each landfill has multiple per-ton depletion rates. of landfill capital spending is dependent on future events and spending estimates are subject to change due to fluctuations in landfill waste volumes, changes in environmental requirements and other factors impacting landfill operations. Landfill and Environmental Remediation Liabilities — As we accept waste at our landfills, we incur significant asset retirement obligations, which include liabilities associated with landfill final capping, closure and post-closure activities. These liabilities are accounted for in accordance with authoritative guidance on accounting for asset retirement obligations and are discussed in Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. We also have liabilities for the remediation of properties that have incurred environmental damage, which generally was caused by operations or for damage caused by conditions that existed before we acquired operations or a site. We recognize environmental remediation liabilities when we determine that the liability is probable and the cost for the likely remedy can be reasonably estimated. The changes to landfill and environmental remediation liabilities for the year ended December 31, 2024 are reflected in the table below (in millions): ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​",
      "prior_body": "December 31, 2022 ​ $ 18,526 ​ $ (10,896) ​ $ 7,630 Capital additions ​ 722 ​ — ​ 722 Asset retirement obligations incurred and capitalized ​ 79 ​ — ​ 79 Depletion of landfill airspace ​ — ​ (745) ​ (745) Foreign currency translation ​ 28 ​ (12) ​ 16 Asset retirements and other adjustments ​ 118 ​ 10 ​ 128 December 31, 2023 ​ $ 19,473 ​ $ (11,643) ​ $ 7,830 ​ As of December 31, 2023, we estimate that we will spend approximately $795 million in 2024, and approximately $1.7 billion in 2025 and 2026 combined, for the construction and development of our landfill assets. The specific timing of landfill capital spending is dependent on future events and spending estimates are subject to change due to fluctuations in landfill waste volumes, changes in environmental requirements and other factors impacting landfill operations. 56 56 Table of ContentsLandfill and Environmental Remediation Liabilities — As we accept waste at our landfills, we incur significant asset retirement obligations, which include liabilities associated with landfill final capping, closure and post-closure activities. These liabilities are accounted for in accordance with authoritative guidance on accounting for asset retirement obligations and are discussed in Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. We also have liabilities for the remediation of properties that have incurred environmental damage, which generally was caused by operations or for damage caused by conditions that existed before we acquired operations or a site. We recognize environmental remediation liabilities when we determine that the liability is probable and the cost for the likely remedy can be reasonably estimated.The changes to landfill and environmental remediation liabilities for the year ended December 31, 2023 are reflected in the table below (in millions):​​​​​​​​​​​​Environmental​ Landfill RemediationDecember 31, 2022​$ 2,664​$ 204Obligations incurred and capitalized​ 79 —Obligations settled​ (147) (27)Interest accretion​ 124 6Revisions in estimates and interest rate assumptions​ 131 26Acquisitions, divestitures and other adjustments ​ 2 —December 31, 2023​$ 2,853​$ 209​Landfill Operating Costs — The following table summarizes our landfill operating costs for the year ended December 31 (in millions):​​​​​​​​​​ ​ 2023 2022 2021Interest accretion on landfill and environmental remediation liabilities​$ 130​$ 112​$ 111Leachate and methane collection and treatment​ 196​ 193​ 183Landfill remediation costs and discount rate adjustments to environmental remediation liabilities and recovery assets​ 7​ (2)​ 1Other landfill site costs​ 120​ 118​ 117Total landfill operating costs​$ 453​$ 421​$ 412​Depletion of Landfill Airspace — Depletion of landfill airspace, which is included as a component of depreciation, depletion and amortization expenses, includes the following:●the depletion of landfill capital costs, including (i) costs that have been incurred and capitalized and (ii) estimated future costs for landfill development and construction required to develop our landfills to their remaining permitted and expansion airspace; and●the depletion of asset retirement costs arising from landfill final capping, closure and post-closure obligations, including (i) costs that have been incurred and capitalized and (ii) projected asset retirement costs.Depletion expense is recorded on a units-of-consumption basis, applying cost as a rate per ton. The rate per ton is calculated by dividing each component of the depletable basis of a landfill (net of accumulated depletion) by the number of tons needed to fill the corresponding asset’s remaining permitted and expansion airspace. Landfill capital costs and closure and post-closure asset retirement costs are generally incurred to support the operation of the landfill over its entire operating life and are, therefore, depleted on a per-ton basis using a landfill’s total permitted and expansion airspace. Final capping asset retirement costs are related to a specific final capping event and are, therefore, depleted on a per-ton basis using each discrete final capping event’s estimated permitted and expansion airspace. Accordingly, each landfill has multiple per-ton depletion rates.57 Table of Contents Table of Contents Table of Contents Landfill and Environmental Remediation Liabilities — As we accept waste at our landfills, we incur significant asset retirement obligations, which include liabilities associated with landfill final capping, closure and post-closure activities. These liabilities are accounted for in accordance with authoritative guidance on accounting for asset retirement obligations and are discussed in Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. We also have liabilities for the remediation of properties that have incurred environmental damage, which generally was caused by operations or for damage caused by conditions that existed before we acquired operations or a site. We recognize environmental remediation liabilities when we determine that the liability is probable and the cost for the likely remedy can be reasonably estimated.The changes to landfill and environmental remediation liabilities for the year ended December 31, 2023 are reflected in the table below (in millions):​​​​​​​​​​​​Environmental​ Landfill RemediationDecember 31, 2022​$ 2,664​$ 204Obligations incurred and capitalized​ 79 —Obligations settled​ (147) (27)Interest accretion​ 124 6Revisions in estimates and interest rate assumptions​ 131 26Acquisitions, divestitures and other adjustments ​ 2 —December 31, 2023​$ 2,853​$ 209​Landfill Operating Costs — The following table summarizes our landfill operating costs for the year ended December 31 (in millions):​​​​​​​​​​ ​ 2023 2022 2021Interest accretion on landfill and environmental remediation liabilities​$ 130​$ 112​$ 111Leachate and methane collection and treatment​ 196​ 193​ 183Landfill remediation costs and discount rate adjustments to environmental remediation liabilities and recovery assets​ 7​ (2)​ 1Other landfill site costs​ 120​ 118​ 117Total landfill operating costs​$ 453​$ 421​$ 412​Depletion of Landfill Airspace — Depletion of landfill airspace, which is included as a component of depreciation, depletion and amortization expenses, includes the following:●the depletion of landfill capital costs, including (i) costs that have been incurred and capitalized and (ii) estimated future costs for landfill development and construction required to develop our landfills to their remaining permitted and expansion airspace; and●the depletion of asset retirement costs arising from landfill final capping, closure and post-closure obligations, including (i) costs that have been incurred and capitalized and (ii) projected asset retirement costs.Depletion expense is recorded on a units-of-consumption basis, applying cost as a rate per ton. The rate per ton is calculated by dividing each component of the depletable basis of a landfill (net of accumulated depletion) by the number of tons needed to fill the corresponding asset’s remaining permitted and expansion airspace. Landfill capital costs and closure and post-closure asset retirement costs are generally incurred to support the operation of the landfill over its entire operating life and are, therefore, depleted on a per-ton basis using a landfill’s total permitted and expansion airspace. Final capping asset retirement costs are related to a specific final capping event and are, therefore, depleted on a per-ton basis using each discrete final capping event’s estimated permitted and expansion airspace. Accordingly, each landfill has multiple per-ton depletion rates. Landfill and Environmental Remediation Liabilities — As we accept waste at our landfills, we incur significant asset retirement obligations, which include liabilities associated with landfill final capping, closure and post-closure activities. These liabilities are accounted for in accordance with authoritative guidance on accounting for asset retirement obligations and are discussed in Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. We also have liabilities for the remediation of properties that have incurred environmental damage, which generally was caused by operations or for damage caused by conditions that existed before we acquired operations or a site. We recognize environmental remediation liabilities when we determine that the liability is probable and the cost for the likely remedy can be reasonably estimated. The changes to landfill and environmental remediation liabilities for the year ended December 31, 2023 are reflected in the table below (in millions): ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​"
    },
    {
      "status": "MODIFIED",
      "current_title": "The impact of climate change, and the adoption of climate change legislation or regulations restricting emissions of GHGs, could increase our costs to operate.",
      "prior_title": "The impact of climate change, and the adoption of climate change legislation or regulations restricting emissions of GHGs, could increase our costs to operate.",
      "similarity_score": 0.92,
      "confidence": "high",
      "key_changes": [
        "Reworded sentence: \"For example, wildfires influenced by climate change can damage landfill infrastructure such as gas collection systems, and extreme rain events and flooding in low-lying areas enhanced by sea level rise can result in greater maintenance expenses at our facilities, service disruption, erosion of the protective vegetative caps on our landfills and increased volumes of leachate to manage.\"",
        "Reworded sentence: \"Existing technology presents challenges to our ability to quantify landfill emissions precisely.\"",
        "Removed sentence: \"Additionally, existing technology presents challenges to our ability to quantify landfill emissions precisely.\"",
        "Removed sentence: \"In 2024, both the EPA and Environment and Climate Change Canada (“ECCC”) are expected to evaluate landfill emissions standards that may require the application of various emerging methane measurement technologies.\"",
        "Removed sentence: \"The EPA has indicated that methane emissions from landfills will be a focus of its expanded National Enforcement and Compliance Initiatives for 2024 through 2027.\""
      ],
      "current_body": "We continue to assess the physical risks, such as sea-level rise, catastrophic storms and other extreme weather conditions and long-term shifts in climate patterns, and transition risks, such as regulatory, market, policy, and technology changes, to our operations from the effects of climate change. These risks are expected to be unpredictable and widespread. Although we have made investments to mitigate risk associated with severe storm events, damage to our facilities or disruption of service caused by more frequent or more severe storms associated with climate extremes could negatively impact operating results. We have also identified risk to our assets and our employees associated with drought or water scarcity, flooding, extreme heat and rain events, and fire conditions associated with climate change. For example, wildfires influenced by climate change can damage landfill infrastructure such as gas collection systems, and extreme rain events and flooding in low-lying areas enhanced by sea level rise can result in greater maintenance expenses at our facilities, service disruption, erosion of the protective vegetative caps on our landfills and increased volumes of leachate to manage. Those areas of the country most prone to these occurrences have protocols in place, or are developing protocols to address these conditions, including employee safety, driver training, and equipment and facility protection protocols. We have incurred and will incur costs to develop and implement these protocols, and these protocols may not be effective in offsetting these risks. Additionally, the actions of others in response to climate change effects, such as rolling power blackouts, can result in service disruptions and increase our costs to operate. Our landfill operations emit methane, identified as a GHG. Existing technology presents challenges to our ability to quantify landfill emissions precisely. Ongoing review by government agencies of emerging methane measurement technologies and related regulatory developments could result in changes to how we have historically reported GHG emissions and may result in increases in such emissions reported for our operations. Such regulatory developments could also result in increased compliance costs and adversely affect our operations. Specifically, see Item 1. Business – Regulation – Recent Developments and Focus Areas in Policy and Regulation – Climate and Sustainability for additional information. Meanwhile, a number of legislative and regulatory efforts at the state, provincial, regional and federal levels and internationally aim to cap and/or curtail the emission of GHGs to ameliorate the effect of climate change, and otherwise to promote adaptation to climate change, support the transition to a low-carbon economy, and require disclosure of climate-related matters. We continue to monitor these efforts and the potential impacts to our operations. Should comprehensive federal climate change legislation be enacted, we expect it could impose operational and compliance costs that might not be offset by the revenue increases associated with our lower-carbon service options, the materiality of which we cannot predict. Climate change laws and regulations could also result in increased operational costs or disruption to the business of our customers, potentially impacting our operations and financial condition. We could experience damage to our reputation and brand, including as a result of a failure or perceived failure to respond responsibly and effectively to changes in legal and regulatory measures adopted to address climate change. ​",
      "prior_body": "We continue to assess the physical risks, such as sea-level rise, catastrophic storms and other extreme weather conditions and long-term shifts in climate patterns, and transition risks, such as regulatory, market, policy, and technology changes, to our operations from the effects of climate change. These risks are expected to be unpredictable and widespread. Although we have made investments to mitigate risk associated with severe storm events, damage to our facilities or disruption of service caused by more frequent or more severe storms associated with climate extremes could negatively impact operating results. We have also identified risk to our assets and our employees associated with drought or water scarcity, flooding, extreme heat and rain events, and fire conditions associated with climate change. For example, wildfires influenced by climate change can damage landfill infrastructure such as gas collection systems, flooding in low-lying areas enhanced by sea level rise can result in greater maintenance expenses at our facilities and service disruption, and more frequent or extreme rain events can erode the protective vegetative caps on our landfills and generate increased volumes of leachate to manage. Those areas of the country most prone to these occurrences have protocols in place, or are developing protocols to address these conditions, including employee safety, driver training, and equipment and facility protection protocols. We have incurred and will incur costs to develop and implement these protocols, and these protocols may not be effective in offsetting these risks. Additionally, the actions of others in response to climate change effects, such as rolling power blackouts, can result in service disruptions and increase our costs to operate. Our landfill operations emit methane, identified as a GHG. Research efforts have demonstrated that observing landfills utilizing a combination of aerial and surface-based technologies has the potential to advance understanding of methane emissions from our sites. Meanwhile, a number of legislative and regulatory efforts at the state, provincial, regional and federal levels aim to cap and/or curtail the emission of GHGs to ameliorate the effect of climate change, and otherwise to promote adaptation to climate change, support the transition to a low-carbon economy, and require disclosure of climate-related matters. We continue to monitor these efforts and the potential impacts to our operations. Additionally, existing technology presents challenges to our ability to quantify landfill emissions precisely. In 2024, both the EPA and Environment and Climate Change Canada (“ECCC”) are expected to evaluate landfill emissions standards that may require the application of various emerging methane measurement technologies. The EPA has indicated that methane emissions from landfills will be a focus of its expanded National Enforcement and Compliance Initiatives for 2024 through 2027. Both the EPA and the ECCC also plan to develop methods and standards for advanced measurement technologies. Should comprehensive federal climate change legislation be enacted, we expect it could impose operational and compliance costs that might not be offset by the revenue increases associated with our lower-carbon service options, the materiality of which we cannot predict. Climate change laws and regulations could also result in increased operational costs or disruption to the business of our customers, potentially impacting our operations and financial condition. We could also experience damage to our reputation and brand, including as a result of a failure or perceived failure to respond responsibly and effectively to changes in legal and regulatory measures adopted to address climate change."
    },
    {
      "status": "MODIFIED",
      "current_title": "Fair Value of Nonfinancial Assets and Liabilities",
      "prior_title": "Fair Value of Nonfinancial Assets and Liabilities",
      "similarity_score": 0.916,
      "confidence": "high",
      "key_changes": [
        "Reworded sentence: \"Fair value is generally determined by considering (i) internally developed discounted projected cash flow analysis of the asset or asset group; (ii) third-party valuations and/or (iii) information available regarding the current market for similar assets.\"",
        "Added sentence: \"74 74 Table of ContentsIndefinite-Lived Intangible Assets, Including Goodwill — At least annually using a measurement date of October 1, and more frequently if warranted, we assess the indefinite-lived intangible assets including the goodwill of our reporting units for impairment using Level 3 inputs.We first perform a qualitative assessment to determine if it was more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value.\"",
        "Added sentence: \"If the assessment indicates a possible impairment, we complete a quantitative review, comparing the estimated fair value of a reporting unit to its carrying amount, including goodwill.\"",
        "Added sentence: \"An impairment charge is recognized if the asset’s estimated fair value was less than its carrying amount.\"",
        "Added sentence: \"Fair value is typically estimated using an income approach using Level 3 inputs.\""
      ],
      "current_body": "Significant estimates are made in determining the fair value of long-lived tangible and intangible assets (i.e., property and equipment, intangible assets and goodwill) during the impairment evaluation process. In addition, the majority of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination are required to be recognized at fair value under the relevant accounting guidance. Fair value is computed using several factors, including projected future operating results, economic projections, anticipated future cash flows, comparable marketplace data and the cost of capital. There are inherent uncertainties related to these factors and to our judgment in applying them in our analysis. However, we believe our methodology for estimating the fair value of our reporting units is reasonable. Property and Equipment, Including Landfills and Definite-Lived Intangible Assets — We monitor the carrying value of our long-lived assets for potential impairment on an ongoing basis and test the recoverability of such assets generally using significant unobservable (“Level 3”) inputs whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying amounts may not be recoverable. These events or changes in circumstances, including management decisions pertaining to such assets, are referred to as impairment indicators. If an impairment indicator occurs, we perform a test of recoverability by comparing the carrying value of the asset or asset group to its undiscounted expected future cash flows. If cash flows cannot be separately and independently identified for a single asset, we will determine whether an impairment has occurred for the group of assets for which we can identify the projected cash flows. If the carrying values are in excess of undiscounted expected future cash flows, we measure any impairment by comparing the fair value of the asset or asset group to its carrying value and the difference is recorded in the period that the impairment indicator occurs. Fair value is generally determined by considering (i) internally developed discounted projected cash flow analysis of the asset or asset group; (ii) third-party valuations and/or (iii) information available regarding the current market for similar assets. Estimating future cash flows requires significant judgment and projections may vary from the cash flows eventually realized, which could impact our ability to accurately assess whether an asset has been impaired. The assessment of impairment indicators and the recoverability of our capitalized costs associated with landfills and related expansion projects require significant judgment due to the unique nature of the waste industry, the highly regulated permitting process and the sensitive estimates involved. During the review of a landfill expansion application, a regulator may initially deny the expansion application although the expansion permit is ultimately granted. In addition, management may periodically divert waste from one landfill to another to conserve remaining permitted landfill airspace, or a landfill may be required to cease accepting waste, prior to receipt of the expansion permit. However, such events occur in the ordinary course of business in the waste industry and do not necessarily result in impairment of our landfill assets because, after consideration of all facts, such events may not affect our belief that we will ultimately obtain the expansion permit. As a result, our tests of recoverability, which generally make use of a probability-weighted cash flow estimation approach, may indicate that no impairment loss should be recorded. 74 74 Table of ContentsIndefinite-Lived Intangible Assets, Including Goodwill — At least annually using a measurement date of October 1, and more frequently if warranted, we assess the indefinite-lived intangible assets including the goodwill of our reporting units for impairment using Level 3 inputs.We first perform a qualitative assessment to determine if it was more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value. If the assessment indicates a possible impairment, we complete a quantitative review, comparing the estimated fair value of a reporting unit to its carrying amount, including goodwill. An impairment charge is recognized if the asset’s estimated fair value was less than its carrying amount. Fair value is typically estimated using an income approach using Level 3 inputs. However, when appropriate, we may also use a market approach. The income approach is based on the long-term projected future cash flows of the reporting units. We discount the estimated cash flows to present value using a weighted average cost of capital that considers factors such as market assumptions, the timing of the cash flows and the risks inherent in those cash flows. We believe that this approach is appropriate because it provides a fair value estimate based upon the reporting units’ expected long-term performance considering the economic and market conditions that generally affect our business. The market approach estimates fair value by measuring the aggregate market value of publicly-traded companies with similar characteristics to our business as a multiple of their reported earnings. We then apply that multiple to the reporting units’ earnings to estimate their fair values. We believe that this approach may also be appropriate in certain circumstances because it provides a fair value estimate using valuation inputs from entities with operations and economic characteristics comparable to our reporting units.Acquisitions — In accordance with the purchase method of accounting, the purchase price paid for an acquisition is allocated to the assets and liabilities acquired based upon their estimated fair values as of the acquisition date, with the excess of the purchase price over the net assets acquired recorded as goodwill. When we are in the process of valuing all of the assets and liabilities acquired in an acquisition, there can be subsequent adjustments to our estimates of fair value and resulting preliminary purchase price allocation. Generally, the valuation of our acquired asset and liabilities rely on complex estimates and assumptions.Acquisition-date fair value estimates are revised as necessary if, and when, additional information regarding these contingencies becomes available to further define and quantify assets acquired and liabilities assumed. Subsequent to finalization of purchase accounting, these revisions are accounted for as adjustments to income from operations. All acquisition-related transaction costs are expensed as incurred. See Note 17 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information related to our acquisitions.See Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — (Gain) Loss from Divestitures, Asset Impairments and Unusual Items, Net. See Note 11 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information related to Asset Impairments and Unusual Items.InflationVariability in economic conditions, including inflation, interest rates, employment trends, and supply chain reliability, can create risk and uncertainty in financial outlook. We take proactive steps to recover and mitigate inflationary cost pressures through our overall pricing efforts and by managing our costs through efficiency, labor productivity, and investments in technology to automate certain aspects of our business. These efforts may not be successful for various reasons including the pace of inflation, operating cost inefficiencies, market responses, and contractual limitations, such as the timing lag in our ability to recover increased costs under certain contracts that are tied to a price escalation index with a lookback provision.Refer to Item 1A. Risk Factors for further discussion. Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk. In the normal course of business, we are exposed to market risks, including changes in interest rates, certain commodity prices and currency rates. From time to time, we use derivatives to manage some portion of these risks. As of December 31, 2024, our outstanding derivatives were immaterial.75 Table of Contents Table of Contents Table of Contents Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets, Including Goodwill — At least annually using a measurement date of October 1, and more frequently if warranted, we assess the indefinite-lived intangible assets including the goodwill of our reporting units for impairment using Level 3 inputs.We first perform a qualitative assessment to determine if it was more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value. If the assessment indicates a possible impairment, we complete a quantitative review, comparing the estimated fair value of a reporting unit to its carrying amount, including goodwill. An impairment charge is recognized if the asset’s estimated fair value was less than its carrying amount. Fair value is typically estimated using an income approach using Level 3 inputs. However, when appropriate, we may also use a market approach. The income approach is based on the long-term projected future cash flows of the reporting units. We discount the estimated cash flows to present value using a weighted average cost of capital that considers factors such as market assumptions, the timing of the cash flows and the risks inherent in those cash flows. We believe that this approach is appropriate because it provides a fair value estimate based upon the reporting units’ expected long-term performance considering the economic and market conditions that generally affect our business. The market approach estimates fair value by measuring the aggregate market value of publicly-traded companies with similar characteristics to our business as a multiple of their reported earnings. We then apply that multiple to the reporting units’ earnings to estimate their fair values. We believe that this approach may also be appropriate in certain circumstances because it provides a fair value estimate using valuation inputs from entities with operations and economic characteristics comparable to our reporting units.Acquisitions — In accordance with the purchase method of accounting, the purchase price paid for an acquisition is allocated to the assets and liabilities acquired based upon their estimated fair values as of the acquisition date, with the excess of the purchase price over the net assets acquired recorded as goodwill. When we are in the process of valuing all of the assets and liabilities acquired in an acquisition, there can be subsequent adjustments to our estimates of fair value and resulting preliminary purchase price allocation. Generally, the valuation of our acquired asset and liabilities rely on complex estimates and assumptions.Acquisition-date fair value estimates are revised as necessary if, and when, additional information regarding these contingencies becomes available to further define and quantify assets acquired and liabilities assumed. Subsequent to finalization of purchase accounting, these revisions are accounted for as adjustments to income from operations. All acquisition-related transaction costs are expensed as incurred. See Note 17 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information related to our acquisitions.See Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — (Gain) Loss from Divestitures, Asset Impairments and Unusual Items, Net. See Note 11 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information related to Asset Impairments and Unusual Items.InflationVariability in economic conditions, including inflation, interest rates, employment trends, and supply chain reliability, can create risk and uncertainty in financial outlook. We take proactive steps to recover and mitigate inflationary cost pressures through our overall pricing efforts and by managing our costs through efficiency, labor productivity, and investments in technology to automate certain aspects of our business. These efforts may not be successful for various reasons including the pace of inflation, operating cost inefficiencies, market responses, and contractual limitations, such as the timing lag in our ability to recover increased costs under certain contracts that are tied to a price escalation index with a lookback provision.Refer to Item 1A. Risk Factors for further discussion. Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk. In the normal course of business, we are exposed to market risks, including changes in interest rates, certain commodity prices and currency rates. From time to time, we use derivatives to manage some portion of these risks. As of December 31, 2024, our outstanding derivatives were immaterial. Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets, Including Goodwill — At least annually using a measurement date of October 1, and more frequently if warranted, we assess the indefinite-lived intangible assets including the goodwill of our reporting units for impairment using Level 3 inputs.We first perform a qualitative assessment to determine if it was more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value. If the assessment indicates a possible impairment, we complete a quantitative review, comparing the estimated fair value of a reporting unit to its carrying amount, including goodwill. An impairment charge is recognized if the asset’s estimated fair value was less than its carrying amount. Fair value is typically estimated using an income approach using Level 3 inputs. However, when appropriate, we may also use a market approach. The income approach is based on the long-term projected future cash flows of the reporting units. We discount the estimated cash flows to present value using a weighted average cost of capital that considers factors such as market assumptions, the timing of the cash flows and the risks inherent in those cash flows. We believe that this approach is appropriate because it provides a fair value estimate based upon the reporting units’ expected long-term performance considering the economic and market conditions that generally affect our business. The market approach estimates fair value by measuring the aggregate market value of publicly-traded companies with similar characteristics to our business as a multiple of their reported earnings. We then apply that multiple to the reporting units’ earnings to estimate their fair values. We believe that this approach may also be appropriate in certain circumstances because it provides a fair value estimate using valuation inputs from entities with operations and economic characteristics comparable to our reporting units.Acquisitions — In accordance with the purchase method of accounting, the purchase price paid for an acquisition is allocated to the assets and liabilities acquired based upon their estimated fair values as of the acquisition date, with the excess of the purchase price over the net assets acquired recorded as goodwill. When we are in the process of valuing all of the assets and liabilities acquired in an acquisition, there can be subsequent adjustments to our estimates of fair value and resulting preliminary purchase price allocation. Generally, the valuation of our acquired asset and liabilities rely on complex estimates and assumptions.Acquisition-date fair value estimates are revised as necessary if, and when, additional information regarding these contingencies becomes available to further define and quantify assets acquired and liabilities assumed. Subsequent to finalization of purchase accounting, these revisions are accounted for as adjustments to income from operations. All acquisition-related transaction costs are expensed as incurred. See Note 17 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information related to our acquisitions.See Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — (Gain) Loss from Divestitures, Asset Impairments and Unusual Items, Net. See Note 11 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information related to Asset Impairments and Unusual Items.InflationVariability in economic conditions, including inflation, interest rates, employment trends, and supply chain reliability, can create risk and uncertainty in financial outlook. We take proactive steps to recover and mitigate inflationary cost pressures through our overall pricing efforts and by managing our costs through efficiency, labor productivity, and investments in technology to automate certain aspects of our business. These efforts may not be successful for various reasons including the pace of inflation, operating cost inefficiencies, market responses, and contractual limitations, such as the timing lag in our ability to recover increased costs under certain contracts that are tied to a price escalation index with a lookback provision.Refer to Item 1A. Risk Factors for further discussion. Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk. In the normal course of business, we are exposed to market risks, including changes in interest rates, certain commodity prices and currency rates. From time to time, we use derivatives to manage some portion of these risks. As of December 31, 2024, our outstanding derivatives were immaterial. Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets, Including Goodwill — At least annually using a measurement date of October 1, and more frequently if warranted, we assess the indefinite-lived intangible assets including the goodwill of our reporting units for impairment using Level 3 inputs. We first perform a qualitative assessment to determine if it was more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value. If the assessment indicates a possible impairment, we complete a quantitative review, comparing the estimated fair value of a reporting unit to its carrying amount, including goodwill. An impairment charge is recognized if the asset’s estimated fair value was less than its carrying amount. Fair value is typically estimated using an income approach using Level 3 inputs. However, when appropriate, we may also use a market approach. The income approach is based on the long-term projected future cash flows of the reporting units. We discount the estimated cash flows to present value using a weighted average cost of capital that considers factors such as market assumptions, the timing of the cash flows and the risks inherent in those cash flows. We believe that this approach is appropriate because it provides a fair value estimate based upon the reporting units’ expected long-term performance considering the economic and market conditions that generally affect our business. The market approach estimates fair value by measuring the aggregate market value of publicly-traded companies with similar characteristics to our business as a multiple of their reported earnings. We then apply that multiple to the reporting units’ earnings to estimate their fair values. We believe that this approach may also be appropriate in certain circumstances because it provides a fair value estimate using valuation inputs from entities with operations and economic characteristics comparable to our reporting units. Acquisitions — In accordance with the purchase method of accounting, the purchase price paid for an acquisition is allocated to the assets and liabilities acquired based upon their estimated fair values as of the acquisition date, with the excess of the purchase price over the net assets acquired recorded as goodwill. When we are in the process of valuing all of the assets and liabilities acquired in an acquisition, there can be subsequent adjustments to our estimates of fair value and resulting preliminary purchase price allocation. Generally, the valuation of our acquired asset and liabilities rely on complex estimates and assumptions. Acquisition-date fair value estimates are revised as necessary if, and when, additional information regarding these contingencies becomes available to further define and quantify assets acquired and liabilities assumed. Subsequent to finalization of purchase accounting, these revisions are accounted for as adjustments to income from operations. All acquisition-related transaction costs are expensed as incurred. See Note 17 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information related to our acquisitions. See Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — (Gain) Loss from Divestitures, Asset Impairments and Unusual Items, Net. See Note 11 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information related to Asset Impairments and Unusual Items. Inflation Variability in economic conditions, including inflation, interest rates, employment trends, and supply chain reliability, can create risk and uncertainty in financial outlook. We take proactive steps to recover and mitigate inflationary cost pressures through our overall pricing efforts and by managing our costs through efficiency, labor productivity, and investments in technology to automate certain aspects of our business. These efforts may not be successful for various reasons including the pace of inflation, operating cost inefficiencies, market responses, and contractual limitations, such as the timing lag in our ability to recover increased costs under certain contracts that are tied to a price escalation index with a lookback provision. Refer to Item 1A. Risk Factors for further discussion. Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk. In the normal course of business, we are exposed to market risks, including changes in interest rates, certain commodity prices and currency rates. From time to time, we use derivatives to manage some portion of these risks. As of December 31, 2024, our outstanding derivatives were immaterial. 75 75 Table of ContentsInterest Rate Exposure — Our exposure to market risk for changes in interest rates relates primarily to our financing activities. As of December 31, 2024, we had $24.1 billion of long-term debt, excluding the impacts of accounting for debt issuance costs, discounts and fair value adjustments attributable to terminated interest rate derivatives. We have $2.7 billion of debt that is exposed to changes in market interest rates within the next 12 months comprised primarily of (i) $1.3 billion of short-term borrowings under our commercial paper program and (ii) $1.4 billion of tax-exempt bonds with term interest rate periods that expire within the next 12 months. We currently estimate that a 100-basis point increase in the interest rates of our outstanding variable-rate debt obligations would increase our 2024 interest expense by $19 million.Our remaining outstanding debt obligations have fixed interest rates through either the scheduled maturity of the debt or, for certain of our fixed-rate tax-exempt bonds, through the end of a term interest rate period that exceeds 12 months. The fair value of our fixed-rate debt obligations can increase or decrease significantly if market interest rates change.We performed a sensitivity analysis to determine how market rate changes might affect the fair value of our market risk-sensitive debt instruments. This analysis is inherently limited because it reflects a singular, hypothetical set of assumptions. Actual market movements may vary significantly from our assumptions. An instantaneous, 100-basis point increase in interest rates across all maturities attributable to these instruments would have decreased the fair value of our debt by approximately $1.3 billion as of December 31, 2024.We are also exposed to interest rate market risk from our cash and cash equivalent balances, as well as assets held in restricted trust fund accounts. These assets are generally invested in high-quality, liquid instruments including money market funds that invest in U.S. government obligations with original maturities of three months or less. We believe that our exposure to changes in fair value of these assets due to interest rate fluctuations is insignificant as the fair value generally approximates our cost basis. We also invest a portion of our restricted trust fund account balances in available-for-sale securities, including U.S. Treasury securities, U.S. agency securities, municipal securities, mortgage- and asset-backed securities, which generally mature over the next ten years, as well as equity securities.Commodity Price Exposure — In the normal course of our business, we are subject to operating agreements that expose us to market risks arising from changes in the prices for commodities such as diesel fuel, electricity (and related renewable energy credits) and recycled materials, including old corrugated cardboard and plastics. We work to manage these risks through operational strategies that focus on capturing our costs in the prices we charge our customers for the services provided. Accordingly, as the market prices for these commodities increase or decrease, our revenues, operating costs and margins may also increase or decrease. Recycling revenues attributable to yield increased $245 million and decreased $308 million in 2024 and 2023, respectively, as compared with the prior year periods. While recycling commodity prices have recovered in 2024 from the low levels experienced in 2023, commodity values are still below prices seen at the beginning of 2022. Average market prices for single-stream recycled commodities were up 50% and down 40% in 2024 and 2023, respectively, as compared to the prior year periods. Variability in commodity prices can also impact the margins of our business as certain components of our revenue are structured as a pass through of costs, including recycling brokerage and fuel surcharges. In recent years, we have discussed our sustainability growth strategy that includes significant planned and ongoing investments in our WM Renewable Energy segment. We have invested, and continue to invest, in facilities to capture methane produced from the Company’s landfills and process it into RNG and electricity. RNG produced from our landfills constitutes a significant source of fuel allocated to our natural gas collection vehicles. The primary drivers of renewable fuel development at our landfills are tax policies, such as the federal tax credits for RNG production and renewable electricity generation under the IRA, and federal and state incentive programs, such as the federal Renewable Fuel Standard (“RFS”) program, California Low Carbon Fuel Standard and similar state programs that promote the production and use of renewable transportation fuels. At the federal level, oil refiners and importers are required through the RFS program to blend specified volumes of various categories of renewable transportation fuels with gasoline or buy credits, referred to as Renewable Identification Numbers (“RINs”), from renewable fuel producers. Many of our facilities are EPA-registered producers of transportation fuel making compressed and liquefied RNG from landfill biogas, which qualifies as a cellulosic biofuel under the RFS program. The Company has invested, and continues to invest, in facilities that capture and process landfill gas into RNG so that we can participate in the RFS program, and the Company has grown and stated its intention to continue to grow its asset base to increase its RNG production.76 Table of Contents Table of Contents Table of Contents Interest Rate Exposure — Our exposure to market risk for changes in interest rates relates primarily to our financing activities. As of December 31, 2024, we had $24.1 billion of long-term debt, excluding the impacts of accounting for debt issuance costs, discounts and fair value adjustments attributable to terminated interest rate derivatives. We have $2.7 billion of debt that is exposed to changes in market interest rates within the next 12 months comprised primarily of (i) $1.3 billion of short-term borrowings under our commercial paper program and (ii) $1.4 billion of tax-exempt bonds with term interest rate periods that expire within the next 12 months. We currently estimate that a 100-basis point increase in the interest rates of our outstanding variable-rate debt obligations would increase our 2024 interest expense by $19 million.Our remaining outstanding debt obligations have fixed interest rates through either the scheduled maturity of the debt or, for certain of our fixed-rate tax-exempt bonds, through the end of a term interest rate period that exceeds 12 months. The fair value of our fixed-rate debt obligations can increase or decrease significantly if market interest rates change.We performed a sensitivity analysis to determine how market rate changes might affect the fair value of our market risk-sensitive debt instruments. This analysis is inherently limited because it reflects a singular, hypothetical set of assumptions. Actual market movements may vary significantly from our assumptions. An instantaneous, 100-basis point increase in interest rates across all maturities attributable to these instruments would have decreased the fair value of our debt by approximately $1.3 billion as of December 31, 2024.We are also exposed to interest rate market risk from our cash and cash equivalent balances, as well as assets held in restricted trust fund accounts. These assets are generally invested in high-quality, liquid instruments including money market funds that invest in U.S. government obligations with original maturities of three months or less. We believe that our exposure to changes in fair value of these assets due to interest rate fluctuations is insignificant as the fair value generally approximates our cost basis. We also invest a portion of our restricted trust fund account balances in available-for-sale securities, including U.S. Treasury securities, U.S. agency securities, municipal securities, mortgage- and asset-backed securities, which generally mature over the next ten years, as well as equity securities.Commodity Price Exposure — In the normal course of our business, we are subject to operating agreements that expose us to market risks arising from changes in the prices for commodities such as diesel fuel, electricity (and related renewable energy credits) and recycled materials, including old corrugated cardboard and plastics. We work to manage these risks through operational strategies that focus on capturing our costs in the prices we charge our customers for the services provided. Accordingly, as the market prices for these commodities increase or decrease, our revenues, operating costs and margins may also increase or decrease. Recycling revenues attributable to yield increased $245 million and decreased $308 million in 2024 and 2023, respectively, as compared with the prior year periods. While recycling commodity prices have recovered in 2024 from the low levels experienced in 2023, commodity values are still below prices seen at the beginning of 2022. Average market prices for single-stream recycled commodities were up 50% and down 40% in 2024 and 2023, respectively, as compared to the prior year periods. Variability in commodity prices can also impact the margins of our business as certain components of our revenue are structured as a pass through of costs, including recycling brokerage and fuel surcharges. In recent years, we have discussed our sustainability growth strategy that includes significant planned and ongoing investments in our WM Renewable Energy segment. We have invested, and continue to invest, in facilities to capture methane produced from the Company’s landfills and process it into RNG and electricity. RNG produced from our landfills constitutes a significant source of fuel allocated to our natural gas collection vehicles. The primary drivers of renewable fuel development at our landfills are tax policies, such as the federal tax credits for RNG production and renewable electricity generation under the IRA, and federal and state incentive programs, such as the federal Renewable Fuel Standard (“RFS”) program, California Low Carbon Fuel Standard and similar state programs that promote the production and use of renewable transportation fuels. At the federal level, oil refiners and importers are required through the RFS program to blend specified volumes of various categories of renewable transportation fuels with gasoline or buy credits, referred to as Renewable Identification Numbers (“RINs”), from renewable fuel producers. Many of our facilities are EPA-registered producers of transportation fuel making compressed and liquefied RNG from landfill biogas, which qualifies as a cellulosic biofuel under the RFS program. The Company has invested, and continues to invest, in facilities that capture and process landfill gas into RNG so that we can participate in the RFS program, and the Company has grown and stated its intention to continue to grow its asset base to increase its RNG production. Interest Rate Exposure — Our exposure to market risk for changes in interest rates relates primarily to our financing activities. As of December 31, 2024, we had $24.1 billion of long-term debt, excluding the impacts of accounting for debt issuance costs, discounts and fair value adjustments attributable to terminated interest rate derivatives. We have $2.7 billion of debt that is exposed to changes in market interest rates within the next 12 months comprised primarily of (i) $1.3 billion of short-term borrowings under our commercial paper program and (ii) $1.4 billion of tax-exempt bonds with term interest rate periods that expire within the next 12 months. We currently estimate that a 100-basis point increase in the interest rates of our outstanding variable-rate debt obligations would increase our 2024 interest expense by $19 million.Our remaining outstanding debt obligations have fixed interest rates through either the scheduled maturity of the debt or, for certain of our fixed-rate tax-exempt bonds, through the end of a term interest rate period that exceeds 12 months. The fair value of our fixed-rate debt obligations can increase or decrease significantly if market interest rates change.We performed a sensitivity analysis to determine how market rate changes might affect the fair value of our market risk-sensitive debt instruments. This analysis is inherently limited because it reflects a singular, hypothetical set of assumptions. Actual market movements may vary significantly from our assumptions. An instantaneous, 100-basis point increase in interest rates across all maturities attributable to these instruments would have decreased the fair value of our debt by approximately $1.3 billion as of December 31, 2024.We are also exposed to interest rate market risk from our cash and cash equivalent balances, as well as assets held in restricted trust fund accounts. These assets are generally invested in high-quality, liquid instruments including money market funds that invest in U.S. government obligations with original maturities of three months or less. We believe that our exposure to changes in fair value of these assets due to interest rate fluctuations is insignificant as the fair value generally approximates our cost basis. We also invest a portion of our restricted trust fund account balances in available-for-sale securities, including U.S. Treasury securities, U.S. agency securities, municipal securities, mortgage- and asset-backed securities, which generally mature over the next ten years, as well as equity securities.Commodity Price Exposure — In the normal course of our business, we are subject to operating agreements that expose us to market risks arising from changes in the prices for commodities such as diesel fuel, electricity (and related renewable energy credits) and recycled materials, including old corrugated cardboard and plastics. We work to manage these risks through operational strategies that focus on capturing our costs in the prices we charge our customers for the services provided. Accordingly, as the market prices for these commodities increase or decrease, our revenues, operating costs and margins may also increase or decrease. Recycling revenues attributable to yield increased $245 million and decreased $308 million in 2024 and 2023, respectively, as compared with the prior year periods. While recycling commodity prices have recovered in 2024 from the low levels experienced in 2023, commodity values are still below prices seen at the beginning of 2022. Average market prices for single-stream recycled commodities were up 50% and down 40% in 2024 and 2023, respectively, as compared to the prior year periods. Variability in commodity prices can also impact the margins of our business as certain components of our revenue are structured as a pass through of costs, including recycling brokerage and fuel surcharges. In recent years, we have discussed our sustainability growth strategy that includes significant planned and ongoing investments in our WM Renewable Energy segment. We have invested, and continue to invest, in facilities to capture methane produced from the Company’s landfills and process it into RNG and electricity. RNG produced from our landfills constitutes a significant source of fuel allocated to our natural gas collection vehicles. The primary drivers of renewable fuel development at our landfills are tax policies, such as the federal tax credits for RNG production and renewable electricity generation under the IRA, and federal and state incentive programs, such as the federal Renewable Fuel Standard (“RFS”) program, California Low Carbon Fuel Standard and similar state programs that promote the production and use of renewable transportation fuels. At the federal level, oil refiners and importers are required through the RFS program to blend specified volumes of various categories of renewable transportation fuels with gasoline or buy credits, referred to as Renewable Identification Numbers (“RINs”), from renewable fuel producers. Many of our facilities are EPA-registered producers of transportation fuel making compressed and liquefied RNG from landfill biogas, which qualifies as a cellulosic biofuel under the RFS program. The Company has invested, and continues to invest, in facilities that capture and process landfill gas into RNG so that we can participate in the RFS program, and the Company has grown and stated its intention to continue to grow its asset base to increase its RNG production. Interest Rate Exposure — Our exposure to market risk for changes in interest rates relates primarily to our financing activities. As of December 31, 2024, we had $24.1 billion of long-term debt, excluding the impacts of accounting for debt issuance costs, discounts and fair value adjustments attributable to terminated interest rate derivatives. We have $2.7 billion of debt that is exposed to changes in market interest rates within the next 12 months comprised primarily of (i) $1.3 billion of short-term borrowings under our commercial paper program and (ii) $1.4 billion of tax-exempt bonds with term interest rate periods that expire within the next 12 months. We currently estimate that a 100-basis point increase in the interest rates of our outstanding variable-rate debt obligations would increase our 2024 interest expense by $19 million. Our remaining outstanding debt obligations have fixed interest rates through either the scheduled maturity of the debt or, for certain of our fixed-rate tax-exempt bonds, through the end of a term interest rate period that exceeds 12 months. The fair value of our fixed-rate debt obligations can increase or decrease significantly if market interest rates change. We performed a sensitivity analysis to determine how market rate changes might affect the fair value of our market risk-sensitive debt instruments. This analysis is inherently limited because it reflects a singular, hypothetical set of assumptions. Actual market movements may vary significantly from our assumptions. An instantaneous, 100-basis point increase in interest rates across all maturities attributable to these instruments would have decreased the fair value of our debt by approximately $1.3 billion as of December 31, 2024. We are also exposed to interest rate market risk from our cash and cash equivalent balances, as well as assets held in restricted trust fund accounts. These assets are generally invested in high-quality, liquid instruments including money market funds that invest in U.S. government obligations with original maturities of three months or less. We believe that our exposure to changes in fair value of these assets due to interest rate fluctuations is insignificant as the fair value generally approximates our cost basis. We also invest a portion of our restricted trust fund account balances in available-for-sale securities, including U.S. Treasury securities, U.S. agency securities, municipal securities, mortgage- and asset-backed securities, which generally mature over the next ten years, as well as equity securities. Commodity Price Exposure — In the normal course of our business, we are subject to operating agreements that expose us to market risks arising from changes in the prices for commodities such as diesel fuel, electricity (and related renewable energy credits) and recycled materials, including old corrugated cardboard and plastics. We work to manage these risks through operational strategies that focus on capturing our costs in the prices we charge our customers for the services provided. Accordingly, as the market prices for these commodities increase or decrease, our revenues, operating costs and margins may also increase or decrease. Recycling revenues attributable to yield increased $245 million and decreased $308 million in 2024 and 2023, respectively, as compared with the prior year periods. While recycling commodity prices have recovered in 2024 from the low levels experienced in 2023, commodity values are still below prices seen at the beginning of 2022. Average market prices for single-stream recycled commodities were up 50% and down 40% in 2024 and 2023, respectively, as compared to the prior year periods. Variability in commodity prices can also impact the margins of our business as certain components of our revenue are structured as a pass through of costs, including recycling brokerage and fuel surcharges. In recent years, we have discussed our sustainability growth strategy that includes significant planned and ongoing investments in our WM Renewable Energy segment. We have invested, and continue to invest, in facilities to capture methane produced from the Company’s landfills and process it into RNG and electricity. RNG produced from our landfills constitutes a significant source of fuel allocated to our natural gas collection vehicles. The primary drivers of renewable fuel development at our landfills are tax policies, such as the federal tax credits for RNG production and renewable electricity generation under the IRA, and federal and state incentive programs, such as the federal Renewable Fuel Standard (“RFS”) program, California Low Carbon Fuel Standard and similar state programs that promote the production and use of renewable transportation fuels. At the federal level, oil refiners and importers are required through the RFS program to blend specified volumes of various categories of renewable transportation fuels with gasoline or buy credits, referred to as Renewable Identification Numbers (“RINs”), from renewable fuel producers. Many of our facilities are EPA-registered producers of transportation fuel making compressed and liquefied RNG from landfill biogas, which qualifies as a cellulosic biofuel under the RFS program. The Company has invested, and continues to invest, in facilities that capture and process landfill gas into RNG so that we can participate in the RFS program, and the Company has grown and stated its intention to continue to grow its asset base to increase its RNG production. 76 76 Table of ContentsRINs prices generally respond to regulations enacted by the EPA, as well as fluctuations in supply and demand. The value of the RINs is set through a market established by the RFS program, which market has historically been very volatile. Prior to 2022, the EPA had promulgated rules on an annual basis establishing refiners’ obligations to purchase RNG and other cellulosic biofuels under the RFS program, which introduced a level of uncertainty into the renewable fuels and RINs market. However, in 2023, the EPA issued a highly anticipated rule establishing biofuel blending volumes under the RFS program for compliance years 2023 through 2025. The rule reflected the outsized role of biogas under the program, delivered on many reforms that benefit the solid waste sector, and recognized the continued growth of the market for RNG in vehicle applications. However, we cannot be certain that these changes, or the outcome of pending litigation challenging various aspects of the rule, will ultimately reduce volatility in the RINs market or that future rulemakings will be similarly favorable to our business. The new U.S. presidential administration could seek to reduce existing renewable fuel targets in a new rulemaking or otherwise set reduced targets for renewable fuels under the RFS program in future rulemakings. Moreover, consistent with its prior approach, the new administration may also increase the frequency with which it grants small refinery exemptions from RFS program requirements. While we cannot predict what actions the new administration may take with respect to the RFS program, any changes to existing or future renewable fuel targets or more frequent approval of requests for small refinery exemptions could have a significant negative impact on demand for renewable fuels and the value of RINs. In an effort to mitigate against such risk and stabilize our RNG portfolio, we are pursuing long-term sales transactions in the voluntary market. We continue to advocate for policies that could reduce the potential for volatility in the RINs market and ensure long-term stability for renewable transportation fuels, as changes in the RINs market or the structure of the RFS program can and has impacted the financial performance of our facilities. Such changes could impact or alter our projected future investments, and such investments may not yield the results anticipated. Revenue in our WM Renewable Energy segment attributable to yield increased $26 million and decreased $73 million in 2024 and 2023, respectively, as compared to the prior year periods, primarily driven by the fluctuations in energy and RIN market prices.The Company’s sustainability growth strategy also is informed by the increased adoption of state and Canadian clean fuel standard programs, utility policies, and voluntary market demand for RNG in transportation and industrial applications. Clean fuel standard programs, originally developed in California and subsequently adopted in Oregon, Washington, and New Mexico, establish annual carbon intensity benchmarks for transportation fuels that decrease over time. These programs operate similar to the RFS program in that certain regulated parties purchase credits from fuel producers, including RNG producers, to meet their carbon intensity obligations. Like RINs, clean fuel standard program credit values can fluctuate with policy and market dynamics. As such, we are advocating for existing programs to adopt measures to promote stability in credit pricing and for other states to adopt similar programs that incentivize the growth in RNG. We also are working closely with stakeholders to encourage the voluntary market for RNG demand, including utility RNG procurement programs, and sustainability protocols, as companies and other customers increasingly look to reduce their GHG emissions profiles. However, these state and voluntary programs may be altered, paused, or otherwise revoked by the applicable governmental authorities or as result of legal challenges. ​Currency Rate Exposure — Our operations are primarily in the U.S. but we also have significant operations in Canada and certain countries in Europe. Additionally, we have certain support functions in India. Where significant, we have quantified and described the impact of foreign currency translation on components of income, including operating revenues and operating expenses. However, the impact of foreign currency has not materially affected our results of operations. ​77 Table of Contents Table of Contents Table of Contents RINs prices generally respond to regulations enacted by the EPA, as well as fluctuations in supply and demand. The value of the RINs is set through a market established by the RFS program, which market has historically been very volatile. Prior to 2022, the EPA had promulgated rules on an annual basis establishing refiners’ obligations to purchase RNG and other cellulosic biofuels under the RFS program, which introduced a level of uncertainty into the renewable fuels and RINs market. However, in 2023, the EPA issued a highly anticipated rule establishing biofuel blending volumes under the RFS program for compliance years 2023 through 2025. The rule reflected the outsized role of biogas under the program, delivered on many reforms that benefit the solid waste sector, and recognized the continued growth of the market for RNG in vehicle applications. However, we cannot be certain that these changes, or the outcome of pending litigation challenging various aspects of the rule, will ultimately reduce volatility in the RINs market or that future rulemakings will be similarly favorable to our business. The new U.S. presidential administration could seek to reduce existing renewable fuel targets in a new rulemaking or otherwise set reduced targets for renewable fuels under the RFS program in future rulemakings. Moreover, consistent with its prior approach, the new administration may also increase the frequency with which it grants small refinery exemptions from RFS program requirements. While we cannot predict what actions the new administration may take with respect to the RFS program, any changes to existing or future renewable fuel targets or more frequent approval of requests for small refinery exemptions could have a significant negative impact on demand for renewable fuels and the value of RINs. In an effort to mitigate against such risk and stabilize our RNG portfolio, we are pursuing long-term sales transactions in the voluntary market. We continue to advocate for policies that could reduce the potential for volatility in the RINs market and ensure long-term stability for renewable transportation fuels, as changes in the RINs market or the structure of the RFS program can and has impacted the financial performance of our facilities. Such changes could impact or alter our projected future investments, and such investments may not yield the results anticipated. Revenue in our WM Renewable Energy segment attributable to yield increased $26 million and decreased $73 million in 2024 and 2023, respectively, as compared to the prior year periods, primarily driven by the fluctuations in energy and RIN market prices.The Company’s sustainability growth strategy also is informed by the increased adoption of state and Canadian clean fuel standard programs, utility policies, and voluntary market demand for RNG in transportation and industrial applications. Clean fuel standard programs, originally developed in California and subsequently adopted in Oregon, Washington, and New Mexico, establish annual carbon intensity benchmarks for transportation fuels that decrease over time. These programs operate similar to the RFS program in that certain regulated parties purchase credits from fuel producers, including RNG producers, to meet their carbon intensity obligations. Like RINs, clean fuel standard program credit values can fluctuate with policy and market dynamics. As such, we are advocating for existing programs to adopt measures to promote stability in credit pricing and for other states to adopt similar programs that incentivize the growth in RNG. We also are working closely with stakeholders to encourage the voluntary market for RNG demand, including utility RNG procurement programs, and sustainability protocols, as companies and other customers increasingly look to reduce their GHG emissions profiles. However, these state and voluntary programs may be altered, paused, or otherwise revoked by the applicable governmental authorities or as result of legal challenges. ​Currency Rate Exposure — Our operations are primarily in the U.S. but we also have significant operations in Canada and certain countries in Europe. Additionally, we have certain support functions in India. Where significant, we have quantified and described the impact of foreign currency translation on components of income, including operating revenues and operating expenses. However, the impact of foreign currency has not materially affected our results of operations. ​ RINs prices generally respond to regulations enacted by the EPA, as well as fluctuations in supply and demand. The value of the RINs is set through a market established by the RFS program, which market has historically been very volatile. Prior to 2022, the EPA had promulgated rules on an annual basis establishing refiners’ obligations to purchase RNG and other cellulosic biofuels under the RFS program, which introduced a level of uncertainty into the renewable fuels and RINs market. However, in 2023, the EPA issued a highly anticipated rule establishing biofuel blending volumes under the RFS program for compliance years 2023 through 2025. The rule reflected the outsized role of biogas under the program, delivered on many reforms that benefit the solid waste sector, and recognized the continued growth of the market for RNG in vehicle applications. However, we cannot be certain that these changes, or the outcome of pending litigation challenging various aspects of the rule, will ultimately reduce volatility in the RINs market or that future rulemakings will be similarly favorable to our business. The new U.S. presidential administration could seek to reduce existing renewable fuel targets in a new rulemaking or otherwise set reduced targets for renewable fuels under the RFS program in future rulemakings. Moreover, consistent with its prior approach, the new administration may also increase the frequency with which it grants small refinery exemptions from RFS program requirements. While we cannot predict what actions the new administration may take with respect to the RFS program, any changes to existing or future renewable fuel targets or more frequent approval of requests for small refinery exemptions could have a significant negative impact on demand for renewable fuels and the value of RINs. In an effort to mitigate against such risk and stabilize our RNG portfolio, we are pursuing long-term sales transactions in the voluntary market. We continue to advocate for policies that could reduce the potential for volatility in the RINs market and ensure long-term stability for renewable transportation fuels, as changes in the RINs market or the structure of the RFS program can and has impacted the financial performance of our facilities. Such changes could impact or alter our projected future investments, and such investments may not yield the results anticipated. Revenue in our WM Renewable Energy segment attributable to yield increased $26 million and decreased $73 million in 2024 and 2023, respectively, as compared to the prior year periods, primarily driven by the fluctuations in energy and RIN market prices.The Company’s sustainability growth strategy also is informed by the increased adoption of state and Canadian clean fuel standard programs, utility policies, and voluntary market demand for RNG in transportation and industrial applications. Clean fuel standard programs, originally developed in California and subsequently adopted in Oregon, Washington, and New Mexico, establish annual carbon intensity benchmarks for transportation fuels that decrease over time. These programs operate similar to the RFS program in that certain regulated parties purchase credits from fuel producers, including RNG producers, to meet their carbon intensity obligations. Like RINs, clean fuel standard program credit values can fluctuate with policy and market dynamics. As such, we are advocating for existing programs to adopt measures to promote stability in credit pricing and for other states to adopt similar programs that incentivize the growth in RNG. We also are working closely with stakeholders to encourage the voluntary market for RNG demand, including utility RNG procurement programs, and sustainability protocols, as companies and other customers increasingly look to reduce their GHG emissions profiles. However, these state and voluntary programs may be altered, paused, or otherwise revoked by the applicable governmental authorities or as result of legal challenges. ​Currency Rate Exposure — Our operations are primarily in the U.S. but we also have significant operations in Canada and certain countries in Europe. Additionally, we have certain support functions in India. Where significant, we have quantified and described the impact of foreign currency translation on components of income, including operating revenues and operating expenses. However, the impact of foreign currency has not materially affected our results of operations. ​ RINs prices generally respond to regulations enacted by the EPA, as well as fluctuations in supply and demand. The value of the RINs is set through a market established by the RFS program, which market has historically been very volatile. Prior to 2022, the EPA had promulgated rules on an annual basis establishing refiners’ obligations to purchase RNG and other cellulosic biofuels under the RFS program, which introduced a level of uncertainty into the renewable fuels and RINs market. However, in 2023, the EPA issued a highly anticipated rule establishing biofuel blending volumes under the RFS program for compliance years 2023 through 2025. The rule reflected the outsized role of biogas under the program, delivered on many reforms that benefit the solid waste sector, and recognized the continued growth of the market for RNG in vehicle applications. However, we cannot be certain that these changes, or the outcome of pending litigation challenging various aspects of the rule, will ultimately reduce volatility in the RINs market or that future rulemakings will be similarly favorable to our business. The new U.S. presidential administration could seek to reduce existing renewable fuel targets in a new rulemaking or otherwise set reduced targets for renewable fuels under the RFS program in future rulemakings. Moreover, consistent with its prior approach, the new administration may also increase the frequency with which it grants small refinery exemptions from RFS program requirements. While we cannot predict what actions the new administration may take with respect to the RFS program, any changes to existing or future renewable fuel targets or more frequent approval of requests for small refinery exemptions could have a significant negative impact on demand for renewable fuels and the value of RINs. In an effort to mitigate against such risk and stabilize our RNG portfolio, we are pursuing long-term sales transactions in the voluntary market. We continue to advocate for policies that could reduce the potential for volatility in the RINs market and ensure long-term stability for renewable transportation fuels, as changes in the RINs market or the structure of the RFS program can and has impacted the financial performance of our facilities. Such changes could impact or alter our projected future investments, and such investments may not yield the results anticipated. Revenue in our WM Renewable Energy segment attributable to yield increased $26 million and decreased $73 million in 2024 and 2023, respectively, as compared to the prior year periods, primarily driven by the fluctuations in energy and RIN market prices. The Company’s sustainability growth strategy also is informed by the increased adoption of state and Canadian clean fuel standard programs, utility policies, and voluntary market demand for RNG in transportation and industrial applications. Clean fuel standard programs, originally developed in California and subsequently adopted in Oregon, Washington, and New Mexico, establish annual carbon intensity benchmarks for transportation fuels that decrease over time. These programs operate similar to the RFS program in that certain regulated parties purchase credits from fuel producers, including RNG producers, to meet their carbon intensity obligations. Like RINs, clean fuel standard program credit values can fluctuate with policy and market dynamics. As such, we are advocating for existing programs to adopt measures to promote stability in credit pricing and for other states to adopt similar programs that incentivize the growth in RNG. We also are working closely with stakeholders to encourage the voluntary market for RNG demand, including utility RNG procurement programs, and sustainability protocols, as companies and other customers increasingly look to reduce their GHG emissions profiles. However, these state and voluntary programs may be altered, paused, or otherwise revoked by the applicable governmental authorities or as result of legal challenges. ​ Currency Rate Exposure — Our operations are primarily in the U.S. but we also have significant operations in Canada and certain countries in Europe. Additionally, we have certain support functions in India. Where significant, we have quantified and described the impact of foreign currency translation on components of income, including operating revenues and operating expenses. However, the impact of foreign currency has not materially affected our results of operations. ​ 77 77 Table of ContentsItem 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.INDEX TOCONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS​ PageReports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (PCAOB ID 42)​79Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2024 and 2023​84Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Years Ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022​85Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the Years Ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022​85Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022​86Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity for the Years Ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022​87Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements​88​​​78 Table of Contents Table of Contents Table of Contents Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.INDEX TOCONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS​ PageReports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (PCAOB ID 42)​79Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2024 and 2023​84Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Years Ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022​85Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the Years Ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022​85Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022​86Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity for the Years Ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022​87Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements​88​​​ Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.INDEX TOCONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS​ PageReports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (PCAOB ID 42)​79Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2024 and 2023​84Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Years Ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022​85Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the Years Ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022​85Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022​86Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity for the Years Ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022​87Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements​88​​​ Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data. INDEX TO",
      "prior_body": "Significant estimates are made in determining the fair value of long-lived tangible and intangible assets (i.e., property and equipment, intangible assets and goodwill) during the impairment evaluation process. In addition, the majority of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination are required to be recognized at fair value under the relevant accounting guidance. Fair value is computed using several factors, including projected future operating results, economic projections, anticipated future cash flows, comparable marketplace data and the cost of capital. There are inherent uncertainties related to these factors and to our judgment in applying them in our analysis. However, we believe our methodology for estimating the fair value of our reporting units is reasonable. Property and Equipment, Including Landfills and Definite-Lived Intangible Assets — We monitor the carrying value of our long-lived assets for potential impairment on an ongoing basis and test the recoverability of such assets generally using significant unobservable (“Level 3”) inputs whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying amounts may not be recoverable. These events or changes in circumstances, including management decisions pertaining to such assets, are referred to as impairment indicators. If an impairment indicator occurs, we perform a test of recoverability by comparing the carrying value of the asset or asset group to its undiscounted expected future cash flows. If cash flows cannot be separately and independently identified for a single asset, we will determine whether an impairment has occurred for the group of assets for which we can identify the projected cash flows. If the carrying values are in excess of undiscounted expected future cash flows, we measure any impairment by comparing the fair value of the asset or asset group to its carrying value and the difference is recorded in the period that the impairment indicator occurs. Fair value is generally determined by considering (i) internally developed discounted projected cash flow analysis of the asset or asset group; (ii) actual third-party valuations and/or (iii) information available regarding the current market for similar assets. Estimating future cash flows requires significant judgment and projections may vary from the cash flows eventually realized, which could impact our ability to accurately assess whether an asset has been impaired. The assessment of impairment indicators and the recoverability of our capitalized costs associated with landfills and related expansion projects require significant judgment due to the unique nature of the waste industry, the highly regulated permitting process and the sensitive estimates involved. During the review of a landfill expansion application, a regulator may initially deny the expansion application although the expansion permit is ultimately granted. In addition, management may periodically divert waste from one landfill to another to conserve remaining permitted landfill airspace, or a landfill may be required to cease accepting waste, prior to receipt of the expansion permit. However, such events occur in the ordinary course of business in the waste industry and do not necessarily result in impairment of our landfill assets because, after consideration of all facts, such events may not affect our belief that we will ultimately obtain the expansion permit. As a result, our tests of recoverability, which generally make use of a probability-weighted cash flow estimation approach, may indicate that no impairment loss should be recorded. Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets, Including Goodwill — At least annually using a measurement date of October 1, and more frequently if warranted, we assess the indefinite-lived intangible assets including the goodwill of our reporting units for impairment using Level 3 inputs. We first perform a qualitative assessment to determine if it was more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value. If the assessment indicates a possible impairment, we complete a quantitative review, comparing the estimated fair value of a reporting unit to its carrying amount, including goodwill. An impairment charge is recognized if the asset’s estimated fair value was less than its carrying amount. Fair value is typically estimated using an income approach using Level 3 inputs. However, when appropriate, we may also use a market approach. The income approach is based on the long-term projected future cash flows of the reporting units. We discount the estimated cash flows to present value using a weighted average cost of capital that considers factors such as market assumptions, the timing of the cash flows and the risks inherent in those cash flows. We believe that this approach is appropriate because it provides a fair value estimate based upon the reporting units’ expected long-term performance considering the economic and market conditions that generally affect our business. The market approach estimates fair value by measuring the aggregate market value of publicly-traded companies with similar characteristics to our business as a multiple of their reported earnings. We then apply that multiple to the reporting units’ earnings to estimate their fair values. We believe that this approach may 66 66 Table of Contentsalso be appropriate in certain circumstances because it provides a fair value estimate using valuation inputs from entities with operations and economic characteristics comparable to our reporting units.Acquisitions — In accordance with the purchase method of accounting, the purchase price paid for an acquisition is allocated to the assets and liabilities acquired based upon their estimated fair values as of the acquisition date, with the excess of the purchase price over the net assets acquired recorded as goodwill. When we are in the process of valuing all of the assets and liabilities acquired in an acquisition, there can be subsequent adjustments to our estimates of fair value and resulting preliminary purchase price allocation. Generally, the valuation of our acquired asset and liabilities rely on complex estimates and assumptions.Acquisition-date fair value estimates are revised as necessary if, and when, additional information regarding these contingencies becomes available to further define and quantify assets acquired and liabilities assumed. Subsequent to finalization of purchase accounting, these revisions are accounted for as adjustments to income from operations. All acquisition-related transaction costs are expensed as incurred. See Note 17 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information related to our acquisitions.See Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — (Gain) Loss from Divestitures, Asset Impairments and Unusual Items, Net. InflationMacroeconomic pressures, including inflation and rising interest rates, and market disruption resulting in labor, supply chain and transportation constraints have impacted our results. Significant global supply chain disruption has reduced availability of certain assets used in our business, and inflation has increased costs for the goods and services we purchase, particularly for labor, repair and maintenance, and subcontractor costs. Supply chain constraints have caused delayed delivery of fleet, steel containers and other purchases. Aspects of our business rely on third-party transportation providers, and such services have become more limited and expensive. We continue to take proactive steps to recover and mitigate inflationary cost pressures through our overall pricing efforts and by managing our costs through efficiency, labor productivity, and investments in technology to automate certain aspects of our business. These efforts may not be successful for various reasons including the pace of inflation, operating cost inefficiencies, market responses, and contractual limitations, such as the timing lag in our ability to recover increased costs under certain contracts that are tied to a price escalation index with a lookback provision. Refer to Item 1A. Risk Factors for further discussion. ​67 Table of Contents Table of Contents Table of Contents also be appropriate in certain circumstances because it provides a fair value estimate using valuation inputs from entities with operations and economic characteristics comparable to our reporting units.Acquisitions — In accordance with the purchase method of accounting, the purchase price paid for an acquisition is allocated to the assets and liabilities acquired based upon their estimated fair values as of the acquisition date, with the excess of the purchase price over the net assets acquired recorded as goodwill. When we are in the process of valuing all of the assets and liabilities acquired in an acquisition, there can be subsequent adjustments to our estimates of fair value and resulting preliminary purchase price allocation. Generally, the valuation of our acquired asset and liabilities rely on complex estimates and assumptions.Acquisition-date fair value estimates are revised as necessary if, and when, additional information regarding these contingencies becomes available to further define and quantify assets acquired and liabilities assumed. Subsequent to finalization of purchase accounting, these revisions are accounted for as adjustments to income from operations. All acquisition-related transaction costs are expensed as incurred. See Note 17 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information related to our acquisitions.See Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — (Gain) Loss from Divestitures, Asset Impairments and Unusual Items, Net. InflationMacroeconomic pressures, including inflation and rising interest rates, and market disruption resulting in labor, supply chain and transportation constraints have impacted our results. Significant global supply chain disruption has reduced availability of certain assets used in our business, and inflation has increased costs for the goods and services we purchase, particularly for labor, repair and maintenance, and subcontractor costs. Supply chain constraints have caused delayed delivery of fleet, steel containers and other purchases. Aspects of our business rely on third-party transportation providers, and such services have become more limited and expensive. We continue to take proactive steps to recover and mitigate inflationary cost pressures through our overall pricing efforts and by managing our costs through efficiency, labor productivity, and investments in technology to automate certain aspects of our business. These efforts may not be successful for various reasons including the pace of inflation, operating cost inefficiencies, market responses, and contractual limitations, such as the timing lag in our ability to recover increased costs under certain contracts that are tied to a price escalation index with a lookback provision. Refer to Item 1A. Risk Factors for further discussion. ​ also be appropriate in certain circumstances because it provides a fair value estimate using valuation inputs from entities with operations and economic characteristics comparable to our reporting units. Acquisitions — In accordance with the purchase method of accounting, the purchase price paid for an acquisition is allocated to the assets and liabilities acquired based upon their estimated fair values as of the acquisition date, with the excess of the purchase price over the net assets acquired recorded as goodwill. When we are in the process of valuing all of the assets and liabilities acquired in an acquisition, there can be subsequent adjustments to our estimates of fair value and resulting preliminary purchase price allocation. Generally, the valuation of our acquired asset and liabilities rely on complex estimates and assumptions. Acquisition-date fair value estimates are revised as necessary if, and when, additional information regarding these contingencies becomes available to further define and quantify assets acquired and liabilities assumed. Subsequent to finalization of purchase accounting, these revisions are accounted for as adjustments to income from operations. All acquisition-related transaction costs are expensed as incurred. See Note 17 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information related to our acquisitions. See Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — (Gain) Loss from Divestitures, Asset Impairments and Unusual Items, Net. Inflation Macroeconomic pressures, including inflation and rising interest rates, and market disruption resulting in labor, supply chain and transportation constraints have impacted our results. Significant global supply chain disruption has reduced availability of certain assets used in our business, and inflation has increased costs for the goods and services we purchase, particularly for labor, repair and maintenance, and subcontractor costs. Supply chain constraints have caused delayed delivery of fleet, steel containers and other purchases. Aspects of our business rely on third-party transportation providers, and such services have become more limited and expensive. We continue to take proactive steps to recover and mitigate inflationary cost pressures through our overall pricing efforts and by managing our costs through efficiency, labor productivity, and investments in technology to automate certain aspects of our business. These efforts may not be successful for various reasons including the pace of inflation, operating cost inefficiencies, market responses, and contractual limitations, such as the timing lag in our ability to recover increased costs under certain contracts that are tied to a price escalation index with a lookback provision. Refer to Item 1A. Risk Factors for further discussion. ​ 67 67 Table of ContentsItem 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk. In the normal course of business, we are exposed to market risks, including changes in interest rates, certain commodity prices and Canadian currency rates. From time to time, we use derivatives to manage some portion of these risks. The Company had no derivatives outstanding as of December 31, 2023.Interest Rate Exposure — Our exposure to market risk for changes in interest rates relates primarily to our financing activities. As of December 31, 2023, we had $16.4 billion of long-term debt, excluding the impacts of accounting for debt issuance costs, discounts and fair value adjustments attributable to terminated interest rate derivatives. We have $2.5 billion of debt that is exposed to changes in market interest rates within the next 12 months comprised primarily of (i) $860 million of short-term borrowings under our commercial paper program and (ii) $1.6 billion of tax-exempt bonds with term interest rate periods that expire within the next 12 months. We currently estimate that a 100-basis point increase in the interest rates of our outstanding variable-rate debt obligations would increase our 2024 interest expense by $18 million.Our remaining outstanding debt obligations have fixed interest rates through either the scheduled maturity of the debt or, for certain of our fixed-rate tax-exempt bonds, through the end of a term interest rate period that exceeds 12 months. The fair value of our fixed-rate debt obligations can increase or decrease significantly if market interest rates change.We performed a sensitivity analysis to determine how market rate changes might affect the fair value of our market risk-sensitive debt instruments. This analysis is inherently limited because it reflects a singular, hypothetical set of assumptions. Actual market movements may vary significantly from our assumptions. An instantaneous, 100-basis point increase in interest rates across all maturities attributable to these instruments would have decreased the fair value of our debt by approximately $900 million as of December 31, 2023.We are also exposed to interest rate market risk from our cash and cash equivalent balances, as well as assets held in restricted trust fund accounts. These assets are generally invested in high-quality, liquid instruments including money market funds that invest in U.S. government obligations with original maturities of three months or less. We believe that our exposure to changes in fair value of these assets due to interest rate fluctuations is insignificant as the fair value generally approximates our cost basis. We also invest a portion of our restricted trust fund account balances in available-for-sale securities, including U.S. Treasury securities, U.S. agency securities, municipal securities, mortgage- and asset-backed securities, which generally mature over the next ten years, as well as equity securities.Commodity Price Exposure — In the normal course of our business, we are subject to operating agreements that expose us to market risks arising from changes in the prices for commodities such as diesel fuel, electricity (and related renewable energy credits) and recycled materials, including old corrugated cardboard and plastics. We work to manage these risks through operational strategies that focus on capturing our costs in the prices we charge our customers for the services provided. Accordingly, as the market prices for these commodities increase or decrease, our revenues, operating costs and margins may also increase or decrease. Recycling revenues attributable to yield decreased $308 million and increased $19 million in 2023 and 2022, respectively, as compared with the prior year periods. With the significant decline in commodity prices that started in the second half of 2022 from their all-time highs and has continued into 2023, we are currently experiencing margin pressures from our commodity-driven businesses. Average market prices for single-stream recycled commodities were down 40% and 10% in 2023 and 2022, respectively, as compared to the prior year periods. Variability in commodity prices can also impact the margins of our business as certain components of our revenue are structured as a pass through of costs, including recycling brokerage and fuel surcharges. We have invested, and continue to invest, in facilities to capture methane produced from the Company’s landfills and convert it into renewable natural gas (“RNG”) and electricity. RNG produced from our landfills, as well as dairy biogas, constitute a significant source of fuel allocated to our natural gas collection vehicles. The Company’s investment in renewable energy production is guided partly by the EPA’s implementation of the Renewable Fuel Standard (“RFS”) program, which promotes the production and use of renewable transportation fuels. Many of our facilities are EPA-registered producers of transportation fuel making compressed and RNG from landfill biogas, which qualifies as a cellulosic biofuel under the RFS program. Oil refiners and importers are required through the RFS program to blend specified volumes of various categories of renewable transportation fuels with gasoline or buy credits, referred to as renewable identification numbers (“RINs”), from renewable fuel producers. 68 Table of Contents Table of Contents Table of Contents Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk. In the normal course of business, we are exposed to market risks, including changes in interest rates, certain commodity prices and Canadian currency rates. From time to time, we use derivatives to manage some portion of these risks. The Company had no derivatives outstanding as of December 31, 2023.Interest Rate Exposure — Our exposure to market risk for changes in interest rates relates primarily to our financing activities. As of December 31, 2023, we had $16.4 billion of long-term debt, excluding the impacts of accounting for debt issuance costs, discounts and fair value adjustments attributable to terminated interest rate derivatives. We have $2.5 billion of debt that is exposed to changes in market interest rates within the next 12 months comprised primarily of (i) $860 million of short-term borrowings under our commercial paper program and (ii) $1.6 billion of tax-exempt bonds with term interest rate periods that expire within the next 12 months. We currently estimate that a 100-basis point increase in the interest rates of our outstanding variable-rate debt obligations would increase our 2024 interest expense by $18 million.Our remaining outstanding debt obligations have fixed interest rates through either the scheduled maturity of the debt or, for certain of our fixed-rate tax-exempt bonds, through the end of a term interest rate period that exceeds 12 months. The fair value of our fixed-rate debt obligations can increase or decrease significantly if market interest rates change.We performed a sensitivity analysis to determine how market rate changes might affect the fair value of our market risk-sensitive debt instruments. This analysis is inherently limited because it reflects a singular, hypothetical set of assumptions. Actual market movements may vary significantly from our assumptions. An instantaneous, 100-basis point increase in interest rates across all maturities attributable to these instruments would have decreased the fair value of our debt by approximately $900 million as of December 31, 2023.We are also exposed to interest rate market risk from our cash and cash equivalent balances, as well as assets held in restricted trust fund accounts. These assets are generally invested in high-quality, liquid instruments including money market funds that invest in U.S. government obligations with original maturities of three months or less. We believe that our exposure to changes in fair value of these assets due to interest rate fluctuations is insignificant as the fair value generally approximates our cost basis. We also invest a portion of our restricted trust fund account balances in available-for-sale securities, including U.S. Treasury securities, U.S. agency securities, municipal securities, mortgage- and asset-backed securities, which generally mature over the next ten years, as well as equity securities.Commodity Price Exposure — In the normal course of our business, we are subject to operating agreements that expose us to market risks arising from changes in the prices for commodities such as diesel fuel, electricity (and related renewable energy credits) and recycled materials, including old corrugated cardboard and plastics. We work to manage these risks through operational strategies that focus on capturing our costs in the prices we charge our customers for the services provided. Accordingly, as the market prices for these commodities increase or decrease, our revenues, operating costs and margins may also increase or decrease. Recycling revenues attributable to yield decreased $308 million and increased $19 million in 2023 and 2022, respectively, as compared with the prior year periods. With the significant decline in commodity prices that started in the second half of 2022 from their all-time highs and has continued into 2023, we are currently experiencing margin pressures from our commodity-driven businesses. Average market prices for single-stream recycled commodities were down 40% and 10% in 2023 and 2022, respectively, as compared to the prior year periods. Variability in commodity prices can also impact the margins of our business as certain components of our revenue are structured as a pass through of costs, including recycling brokerage and fuel surcharges. We have invested, and continue to invest, in facilities to capture methane produced from the Company’s landfills and convert it into renewable natural gas (“RNG”) and electricity. RNG produced from our landfills, as well as dairy biogas, constitute a significant source of fuel allocated to our natural gas collection vehicles. The Company’s investment in renewable energy production is guided partly by the EPA’s implementation of the Renewable Fuel Standard (“RFS”) program, which promotes the production and use of renewable transportation fuels. Many of our facilities are EPA-registered producers of transportation fuel making compressed and RNG from landfill biogas, which qualifies as a cellulosic biofuel under the RFS program. Oil refiners and importers are required through the RFS program to blend specified volumes of various categories of renewable transportation fuels with gasoline or buy credits, referred to as renewable identification numbers (“RINs”), from renewable fuel producers. Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk. In the normal course of business, we are exposed to market risks, including changes in interest rates, certain commodity prices and Canadian currency rates. From time to time, we use derivatives to manage some portion of these risks. The Company had no derivatives outstanding as of December 31, 2023. Interest Rate Exposure — Our exposure to market risk for changes in interest rates relates primarily to our financing activities. As of December 31, 2023, we had $16.4 billion of long-term debt, excluding the impacts of accounting for debt issuance costs, discounts and fair value adjustments attributable to terminated interest rate derivatives. We have $2.5 billion of debt that is exposed to changes in market interest rates within the next 12 months comprised primarily of (i) $860 million of short-term borrowings under our commercial paper program and (ii) $1.6 billion of tax-exempt bonds with term interest rate periods that expire within the next 12 months. We currently estimate that a 100-basis point increase in the interest rates of our outstanding variable-rate debt obligations would increase our 2024 interest expense by $18 million. Our remaining outstanding debt obligations have fixed interest rates through either the scheduled maturity of the debt or, for certain of our fixed-rate tax-exempt bonds, through the end of a term interest rate period that exceeds 12 months. The fair value of our fixed-rate debt obligations can increase or decrease significantly if market interest rates change. We performed a sensitivity analysis to determine how market rate changes might affect the fair value of our market risk-sensitive debt instruments. This analysis is inherently limited because it reflects a singular, hypothetical set of assumptions. Actual market movements may vary significantly from our assumptions. An instantaneous, 100-basis point increase in interest rates across all maturities attributable to these instruments would have decreased the fair value of our debt by approximately $900 million as of December 31, 2023. We are also exposed to interest rate market risk from our cash and cash equivalent balances, as well as assets held in restricted trust fund accounts. These assets are generally invested in high-quality, liquid instruments including money market funds that invest in U.S. government obligations with original maturities of three months or less. We believe that our exposure to changes in fair value of these assets due to interest rate fluctuations is insignificant as the fair value generally approximates our cost basis. We also invest a portion of our restricted trust fund account balances in available-for-sale securities, including U.S. Treasury securities, U.S. agency securities, municipal securities, mortgage- and asset-backed securities, which generally mature over the next ten years, as well as equity securities. Commodity Price Exposure — In the normal course of our business, we are subject to operating agreements that expose us to market risks arising from changes in the prices for commodities such as diesel fuel, electricity (and related renewable energy credits) and recycled materials, including old corrugated cardboard and plastics. We work to manage these risks through operational strategies that focus on capturing our costs in the prices we charge our customers for the services provided. Accordingly, as the market prices for these commodities increase or decrease, our revenues, operating costs and margins may also increase or decrease. Recycling revenues attributable to yield decreased $308 million and increased $19 million in 2023 and 2022, respectively, as compared with the prior year periods. With the significant decline in commodity prices that started in the second half of 2022 from their all-time highs and has continued into 2023, we are currently experiencing margin pressures from our commodity-driven businesses. Average market prices for single-stream recycled commodities were down 40% and 10% in 2023 and 2022, respectively, as compared to the prior year periods. Variability in commodity prices can also impact the margins of our business as certain components of our revenue are structured as a pass through of costs, including recycling brokerage and fuel surcharges. We have invested, and continue to invest, in facilities to capture methane produced from the Company’s landfills and convert it into renewable natural gas (“RNG”) and electricity. RNG produced from our landfills, as well as dairy biogas, constitute a significant source of fuel allocated to our natural gas collection vehicles. The Company’s investment in renewable energy production is guided partly by the EPA’s implementation of the Renewable Fuel Standard (“RFS”) program, which promotes the production and use of renewable transportation fuels. Many of our facilities are EPA-registered producers of transportation fuel making compressed and RNG from landfill biogas, which qualifies as a cellulosic biofuel under the RFS program. Oil refiners and importers are required through the RFS program to blend specified volumes of various categories of renewable transportation fuels with gasoline or buy credits, referred to as renewable identification numbers (“RINs”), from renewable fuel producers. 68 68 Table of ContentsRIN prices generally respond to regulations enacted by the EPA, as well as fluctuations in supply and demand. The value of the RINs associated with RNG is set through a market established by the RFS program. Prior to 2022, the EPA had promulgated rules on an annual basis establishing refiners’ obligations to purchase RNG and other cellulosic biofuels under the RFS program, which introduced uncertainty and volatility into the renewable fuels and RINs market. However, in 2023, the EPA issued a highly anticipated rule establishing biofuel blending volumes under the RFS program for compliance years 2023 through 2025. The rule reflected the outsized role of biogas under the program, delivered on many reforms that benefit the solid waste sector, and recognized the continued growth of the market for RNG in vehicle applications. However, we cannot be certain that these changes, or the outcome of litigation challenging various aspects of the rule, will ultimately reduce volatility in the RINs market or that future rulemakings will be similarly favorable to our business. We continue to advocate for the current federal administration to implement policies that could reduce the potential for volatility in the RINs market and ensure long-term stability for renewable transportation fuels, as changes in the RFS market or the structure of the RFS program can and has impacted the financial performance of the facilities constructed to capture and treat the gas. Such changes could impact or alter our projected future investments, and such investments may not yield the results anticipated. Revenue in our WM Renewable Energy segment declined $73 million and increased $48 million in 2023 and 2022, respectively, as compared to the prior year periods, primarily driven by the fluctuations in energy and RIN market prices.The Company’s sustainability growth strategy also is informed by the increased adoption of state and Canadian clean fuel standard programs, utility policies, and voluntary market demand for RNG in transportation and industrial applications. Clean fuel standard programs, originally developed in California and subsequently adopted in Oregon and Washington, establish annual carbon intensity benchmarks for transportation fuels that decrease over time. These programs operate similar to the RFS program in that certain regulated parties purchase credits from fuel producers, including RNG producers, to meet their carbon intensity obligations. Like RINs, clean fuel standard program credit values can fluctuate with policy and market dynamics. As such, we are advocating for existing programs to adopt measures to promote stability in credit pricing and for other states to adopt similar programs that incentivize the growth in RNG. We also are working closely with stakeholders to encourage the voluntary market for RNG demand, including utility RNG procurement programs, and sustainability protocols, as companies and other customers increasingly look to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions profiles. ​Currency Rate Exposure — Our operations are primarily in the U.S. but we also have significant operations in Canada. Additionally, we have certain support functions in India. Where significant, we have quantified and described the impact of foreign currency translation on components of income, including operating revenue and operating expenses. However, the impact of foreign currency has not materially affected our results of operations. ​69 Table of Contents Table of Contents Table of Contents RIN prices generally respond to regulations enacted by the EPA, as well as fluctuations in supply and demand. The value of the RINs associated with RNG is set through a market established by the RFS program. Prior to 2022, the EPA had promulgated rules on an annual basis establishing refiners’ obligations to purchase RNG and other cellulosic biofuels under the RFS program, which introduced uncertainty and volatility into the renewable fuels and RINs market. However, in 2023, the EPA issued a highly anticipated rule establishing biofuel blending volumes under the RFS program for compliance years 2023 through 2025. The rule reflected the outsized role of biogas under the program, delivered on many reforms that benefit the solid waste sector, and recognized the continued growth of the market for RNG in vehicle applications. However, we cannot be certain that these changes, or the outcome of litigation challenging various aspects of the rule, will ultimately reduce volatility in the RINs market or that future rulemakings will be similarly favorable to our business. We continue to advocate for the current federal administration to implement policies that could reduce the potential for volatility in the RINs market and ensure long-term stability for renewable transportation fuels, as changes in the RFS market or the structure of the RFS program can and has impacted the financial performance of the facilities constructed to capture and treat the gas. Such changes could impact or alter our projected future investments, and such investments may not yield the results anticipated. Revenue in our WM Renewable Energy segment declined $73 million and increased $48 million in 2023 and 2022, respectively, as compared to the prior year periods, primarily driven by the fluctuations in energy and RIN market prices.The Company’s sustainability growth strategy also is informed by the increased adoption of state and Canadian clean fuel standard programs, utility policies, and voluntary market demand for RNG in transportation and industrial applications. Clean fuel standard programs, originally developed in California and subsequently adopted in Oregon and Washington, establish annual carbon intensity benchmarks for transportation fuels that decrease over time. These programs operate similar to the RFS program in that certain regulated parties purchase credits from fuel producers, including RNG producers, to meet their carbon intensity obligations. Like RINs, clean fuel standard program credit values can fluctuate with policy and market dynamics. As such, we are advocating for existing programs to adopt measures to promote stability in credit pricing and for other states to adopt similar programs that incentivize the growth in RNG. We also are working closely with stakeholders to encourage the voluntary market for RNG demand, including utility RNG procurement programs, and sustainability protocols, as companies and other customers increasingly look to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions profiles. ​Currency Rate Exposure — Our operations are primarily in the U.S. but we also have significant operations in Canada. Additionally, we have certain support functions in India. Where significant, we have quantified and described the impact of foreign currency translation on components of income, including operating revenue and operating expenses. However, the impact of foreign currency has not materially affected our results of operations. ​ RIN prices generally respond to regulations enacted by the EPA, as well as fluctuations in supply and demand. The value of the RINs associated with RNG is set through a market established by the RFS program. Prior to 2022, the EPA had promulgated rules on an annual basis establishing refiners’ obligations to purchase RNG and other cellulosic biofuels under the RFS program, which introduced uncertainty and volatility into the renewable fuels and RINs market. However, in 2023, the EPA issued a highly anticipated rule establishing biofuel blending volumes under the RFS program for compliance years 2023 through 2025. The rule reflected the outsized role of biogas under the program, delivered on many reforms that benefit the solid waste sector, and recognized the continued growth of the market for RNG in vehicle applications. However, we cannot be certain that these changes, or the outcome of litigation challenging various aspects of the rule, will ultimately reduce volatility in the RINs market or that future rulemakings will be similarly favorable to our business. We continue to advocate for the current federal administration to implement policies that could reduce the potential for volatility in the RINs market and ensure long-term stability for renewable transportation fuels, as changes in the RFS market or the structure of the RFS program can and has impacted the financial performance of the facilities constructed to capture and treat the gas. Such changes could impact or alter our projected future investments, and such investments may not yield the results anticipated. Revenue in our WM Renewable Energy segment declined $73 million and increased $48 million in 2023 and 2022, respectively, as compared to the prior year periods, primarily driven by the fluctuations in energy and RIN market prices. The Company’s sustainability growth strategy also is informed by the increased adoption of state and Canadian clean fuel standard programs, utility policies, and voluntary market demand for RNG in transportation and industrial applications. Clean fuel standard programs, originally developed in California and subsequently adopted in Oregon and Washington, establish annual carbon intensity benchmarks for transportation fuels that decrease over time. These programs operate similar to the RFS program in that certain regulated parties purchase credits from fuel producers, including RNG producers, to meet their carbon intensity obligations. Like RINs, clean fuel standard program credit values can fluctuate with policy and market dynamics. As such, we are advocating for existing programs to adopt measures to promote stability in credit pricing and for other states to adopt similar programs that incentivize the growth in RNG. We also are working closely with stakeholders to encourage the voluntary market for RNG demand, including utility RNG procurement programs, and sustainability protocols, as companies and other customers increasingly look to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions profiles. ​ Currency Rate Exposure — Our operations are primarily in the U.S. but we also have significant operations in Canada. Additionally, we have certain support functions in India. Where significant, we have quantified and described the impact of foreign currency translation on components of income, including operating revenue and operating expenses. However, the impact of foreign currency has not materially affected our results of operations. ​ 69 69 Table of ContentsItem 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.INDEX TOCONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS​ PageReports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (PCAOB ID 42)​71Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2023 and 2022​75Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Years Ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021​76Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the Years Ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021​76Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021​77Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity for the Years Ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021​78Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements​79​​​70 Table of Contents Table of Contents Table of Contents Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.INDEX TOCONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS​ PageReports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (PCAOB ID 42)​71Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2023 and 2022​75Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Years Ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021​76Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the Years Ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021​76Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021​77Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity for the Years Ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021​78Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements​79​​​ Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data. INDEX TO"
    },
    {
      "status": "MODIFIED",
      "current_title": "Landfill Accounting",
      "prior_title": "Landfill Accounting",
      "similarity_score": 0.915,
      "confidence": "high",
      "key_changes": [
        "Reworded sentence: \"90 90 Table of ContentsWASTE MANAGEMENT, INC.NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)​Final Capping, Closure and Post-Closure Costs — Following is a description of our asset retirement activities and our related accounting:●Final Capping — Generally involves the installation of flexible membrane liners and geosynthetic clay liners, drainage and compacted soil layers and topsoil over areas of a landfill where total airspace has been consumed.\"",
        "Reworded sentence: \"Our estimates are based on our interpretation of current requirements and are intended to approximate fair value.\"",
        "Reworded sentence: \"As of December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, we inflated these costs in current dollars to the expected time of payment using an inflation rate of 2.50%, for each year.\"",
        "Reworded sentence: \"The weighted average rate applicable to our long-term asset retirement obligations as of December 31, 2024 was approximately 4.8%.We record the estimated fair value of final capping, closure and post-closure liabilities for our landfills based on the airspace consumed through the current period.\"",
        "Reworded sentence: \"Because these obligations 91 Table of ContentsWASTE MANAGEMENT, INC.NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)​ Table of Contents Table of Contents\""
      ],
      "current_body": "Cost Basis of Landfill Assets — We capitalize various costs that we incur to make a landfill ready to accept waste. These costs generally include expenditures for land (including the landfill footprint and required landfill buffer property); permitting; excavation; liner material and installation; landfill leachate collection systems; landfill gas collection systems; environmental monitoring equipment for groundwater and landfill gas; and directly related engineering, capitalized interest, on-site road construction and other capital infrastructure costs. The cost basis of our landfill assets also includes asset retirement costs, which represent estimates of future costs associated with landfill final capping, closure and post-closure activities. These costs are discussed below. 90 90 Table of ContentsWASTE MANAGEMENT, INC.NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)​Final Capping, Closure and Post-Closure Costs — Following is a description of our asset retirement activities and our related accounting:●Final Capping — Generally involves the installation of flexible membrane liners and geosynthetic clay liners, drainage and compacted soil layers and topsoil over areas of a landfill where total airspace has been consumed. Final capping asset retirement obligations are recorded on a units-of-consumption basis as airspace is consumed related to the specific final capping event with a corresponding increase in the landfill asset. Each final capping event is accounted for as a discrete obligation and recorded as an asset and a liability based on estimates of the discounted cash flows associated with each final capping event.●Closure — Includes the construction of the final portion of methane gas collection systems (when required), demobilization and routine maintenance costs. These are costs incurred after the site ceases to accept waste, but before the landfill is certified as closed by the applicable regulatory agency. These costs are recorded as an asset retirement obligation as airspace is consumed over the life of the landfill with a corresponding increase in the landfill asset. Closure obligations are recorded over the life of the landfill based on estimates of the discounted cash flows associated with performing closure activities.●Post-Closure — Involves the maintenance and monitoring of a landfill site that has been certified closed by the applicable regulatory agency. Generally, we are required to maintain and monitor landfill sites for a 30-year period. These maintenance and monitoring costs are recorded as an asset retirement obligation as airspace is consumed over the life of the landfill with a corresponding increase in the landfill asset. Post-closure obligations are recorded over the life of the landfill based on estimates of the discounted cash flows associated with performing post-closure activities.We develop our estimates of these obligations using input from our operations personnel, engineers and accountants. Our estimates are based on our interpretation of current requirements and are intended to approximate fair value. Absent quoted market prices, the estimate of fair value is based on the best available information, including the results of present value techniques. In many cases, we contract with third parties to fulfill our obligations for final capping, closure and post-closure. We use historical experience, professional engineering judgment and quoted or actual prices paid for similar work to determine the fair value of these obligations. We are required to recognize these obligations at market prices whether we plan to contract with third parties or perform the work ourselves. In those instances where we perform the work with internal resources, the incremental profit margin realized is recognized as a component of operating income when the work is completed.Once we have determined final capping, closure and post-closure costs, we inflate those costs to the expected time of payment and discount those expected future costs back to present value. As of December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, we inflated these costs in current dollars to the expected time of payment using an inflation rate of 2.50%, for each year. We discounted these costs to present value using the credit-adjusted, risk-free rate effective at the time an obligation is incurred, consistent with the expected cash flow approach. Any changes in expectations that result in an upward revision to the estimated cash flows are treated as a new liability and discounted at the current rate while downward revisions are discounted at the historical weighted average rate of the recorded obligation. As a result, the credit-adjusted, risk-free discount rate used to calculate the present value of an obligation is specific to each individual asset retirement obligation. The weighted average rate applicable to our long-term asset retirement obligations as of December 31, 2024 was approximately 4.8%.We record the estimated fair value of final capping, closure and post-closure liabilities for our landfills based on the airspace consumed through the current period. The fair value of final capping obligations is developed based on our estimates of the airspace consumed to date for each final capping event and the expected timing of each final capping event. The fair value of closure and post-closure obligations is developed based on our estimates of the airspace consumed to date for the entire landfill and the expected timing of each closure and post-closure activity. Because these obligations 91 Table of ContentsWASTE MANAGEMENT, INC.NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)​ Table of Contents Table of Contents",
      "prior_body": "Cost Basis of Landfill Assets — We capitalize various costs that we incur to make a landfill ready to accept waste. These costs generally include expenditures for land (including the landfill footprint and required landfill buffer property); permitting; excavation; liner material and installation; landfill leachate collection systems; landfill gas collection systems; environmental monitoring equipment for groundwater and landfill gas; and directly related engineering, capitalized interest, on-site road construction and other capital infrastructure costs. The cost basis of our landfill assets also includes asset retirement costs, which represent estimates of future costs associated with landfill final capping, closure and post-closure activities. These costs are discussed below. Final Capping, Closure and Post-Closure Costs — Following is a description of our asset retirement activities and our related accounting: 81 81 Table of ContentsWASTE MANAGEMENT, INC.NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)​before the landfill is certified as closed by the applicable state regulatory agency. These costs are recorded as an asset retirement obligation as airspace is consumed over the life of the landfill with a corresponding increase in the landfill asset. Closure obligations are recorded over the life of the landfill based on estimates of the discounted cash flows associated with performing closure activities.●Post-Closure — Involves the maintenance and monitoring of a landfill site that has been certified closed by the applicable regulatory agency. Generally, we are required to maintain and monitor landfill sites for a 30-year period. These maintenance and monitoring costs are recorded as an asset retirement obligation as airspace is consumed over the life of the landfill with a corresponding increase in the landfill asset. Post-closure obligations are recorded over the life of the landfill based on estimates of the discounted cash flows associated with performing post-closure activities.We develop our estimates of these obligations using input from our operations personnel, engineers and accountants. Our estimates are based on our interpretation of current requirements and proposed regulatory changes and are intended to approximate fair value. Absent quoted market prices, the estimate of fair value is based on the best available information, including the results of present value techniques. In many cases, we contract with third parties to fulfill our obligations for final capping, closure and post-closure. We use historical experience, professional engineering judgment and quoted or actual prices paid for similar work to determine the fair value of these obligations. We are required to recognize these obligations at market prices whether we plan to contract with third parties or perform the work ourselves. In those instances where we perform the work with internal resources, the incremental profit margin realized is recognized as a component of operating income when the work is completed.Once we have determined final capping, closure and post-closure costs, we inflate those costs to the expected time of payment and discount those expected future costs back to present value. As of December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, we inflated these costs in current dollars to the expected time of payment using an inflation rate of 2.50%, 2.50% and 2.25%, respectively. We discounted these costs to present value using the credit-adjusted, risk-free rate effective at the time an obligation is incurred, consistent with the expected cash flow approach. Any changes in expectations that result in an upward revision to the estimated cash flows are treated as a new liability and discounted at the current rate while downward revisions are discounted at the historical weighted average rate of the recorded obligation. As a result, the credit-adjusted, risk-free discount rate used to calculate the present value of an obligation is specific to each individual asset retirement obligation. The weighted average rate applicable to our long-term asset retirement obligations as of December 31, 2023 was approximately 4.8%.We record the estimated fair value of final capping, closure and post-closure liabilities for our landfills based on the airspace consumed through the current period. The fair value of final capping obligations is developed based on our estimates of the airspace consumed to date for each final capping event and the expected timing of each final capping event. The fair value of closure and post-closure obligations is developed based on our estimates of the airspace consumed to date for the entire landfill and the expected timing of each closure and post-closure activity. Because these obligations are measured at estimated fair value using present value techniques, changes in the estimated cost or timing of future final capping, closure and post-closure activities could result in a material change in these liabilities, related assets and results of operations. We assess the appropriateness of the estimates used to develop our recorded balances annually, or more often if significant facts change.Sustained changes in inflation rates or the estimated costs, timing or extent of future final capping, closure and post-closure activities typically result in both (i) a current adjustment to the recorded liability and landfill asset and (ii) a change in liability and asset amounts to be recorded prospectively over either the remaining permitted and expansion airspace (as defined below) of the related discrete final capping event or the remaining permitted and expansion airspace of the landfill, as appropriate. Any changes related to the capitalized and future cost of the landfill assets are then recognized in accordance with our landfill depletion policy, which would generally result in depletion expense being recognized prospectively over the remaining permitted and expansion airspace of the final capping event or the remaining permitted and expansion airspace of the landfill, as appropriate. Changes in such estimates associated with a fully 82 Table of ContentsWASTE MANAGEMENT, INC.NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)​ Table of Contents Table of Contents"
    },
    {
      "status": "MODIFIED",
      "current_title": "Landfill Depletion",
      "prior_title": "Landfill Depletion",
      "similarity_score": 0.914,
      "confidence": "high",
      "key_changes": [
        "Reworded sentence: \"​ Description of the Matter At December 31, 2024, the Company’s landfill assets, net of accumulated depletion, totaled $8.0 billion and the associated depletion expense for 2024 was $795 million.\"",
        "Reworded sentence: \"​ 81 81 Table of Contents​​Landfill – Final Capping, Closure and Post-Closure CostsDescription of the MatterAt December 31, 2024, the carrying value of the Company’s landfill asset retirement obligations related to final capping, closure and post-closure costs totaled $3.1 billion.\"",
        "Reworded sentence: \"We also tested the completeness and accuracy of the historical data utilized in preparing the estimate.​​​Acquisition of Stericycle, Inc.\"",
        "Reworded sentence: \"We also tested the completeness and accuracy of the historical data utilized in preparing the estimate.​​​Acquisition of Stericycle, Inc.\""
      ],
      "current_body": "​ Description of the Matter At December 31, 2024, the Company’s landfill assets, net of accumulated depletion, totaled $8.0 billion and the associated depletion expense for 2024 was $795 million. As discussed in Note 2 of the financial statements, the Company updates the estimates used to calculate individual landfill depletion rates at least annually, or more often if significant facts change. Landfill depletion rates are used in the computation of landfill depletion expense. ​ Auditing landfill depletion rates and related depletion expense is complex due to the highly judgmental nature of assumptions used in estimating the rates. Significant assumptions used in the calculation of the rates include: estimated future development costs associated with the construction and retirement of the landfill, estimated remaining permitted and expansion airspace, and airspace utilization factors. ​ How We Addressed the Matter in Our Audit We obtained an understanding, evaluated the design, and tested the operating effectiveness of the Company’s controls over determining landfill depletion rates and calculating depletion expense. Our audit procedures included, among others, testing controls over: the Company’s process for evaluating and updating the significant assumptions used in the development of the landfill depletion rates, management’s review of those significant assumptions, and the mathematical accuracy of the calculation and recording of depletion expense. ​ To test the landfill asset depletion rates, our audit procedures included, among others, assessing methodologies used by the Company and testing the significant assumptions discussed above, inclusive of the underlying data used by the Company in its development of these assumptions. We compared the significant assumptions used by management to historical trends and, when available, to comparable size landfills accepting a similar type of waste. Regarding expansion airspace, we evaluated the Company’s criteria for inclusion in remaining airspace. In addition, we considered the professional qualifications and objectivity of management’s internal engineers responsible for developing the assumptions. We involved EY engineering specialists to assist with the evaluation of the Company’s landfill future development cost and airspace assumptions. We also tested the completeness and accuracy of the historical data utilized in the development of the landfill depletion rates. ​ 81 81 Table of Contents​​Landfill – Final Capping, Closure and Post-Closure CostsDescription of the MatterAt December 31, 2024, the carrying value of the Company’s landfill asset retirement obligations related to final capping, closure and post-closure costs totaled $3.1 billion. As discussed in Note 2 of the financial statements, the Company updates the estimates used to measure the asset retirement obligations annually, or more often if significant facts change.​Auditing the landfill asset retirement obligation is complex due to the highly judgmental nature of the assumptions used in the measurement process. Significant assumptions include: estimated future costs associated with the capping, closure and post closure activities at each specific landfill, airspace consumed to date in relation to total estimated permitted and expansion airspace and the projected remaining landfill life.​​​​​How We Addressed the Matter in Our AuditWe obtained an understanding, evaluated the design, and tested the operating effectiveness of the Company’s controls over the calculation of landfill asset retirement obligations. Our audit procedures included, among others, testing the Company’s controls over the landfill asset retirement obligation estimation process and management’s review of the significant assumptions used in the estimation of the liability, including the amount and timing of retirement costs.​To test the landfill asset retirement obligation valuation, we performed audit procedures that included, among others, assessing methodologies used by the Company, testing the completeness of activities included in the estimate (e.g., gas monitoring and extraction), and testing the significant assumptions discussed above, inclusive of the underlying data used by the Company in its development of these assumptions. We compared the significant assumptions used by management to historical trends and, when available, to comparable size landfills accepting the same type of waste. In addition, we considered the professional qualifications and objectivity of management’s internal engineers responsible for developing the assumptions. We involved EY engineering specialists to assist us with these procedures. Specifically, we utilized the EY engineering specialists to evaluate the reasons for significant changes in assumptions from the historical trend, and to determine whether the change from the historical trend was appropriate and identified timely. We also tested the completeness and accuracy of the historical data utilized in preparing the estimate.​​​Acquisition of Stericycle, Inc. – Valuation of Customer RelationshipsDescription of the MatterAs described in Note 17 to the consolidated financial statements, during the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company completed the acquisition of Stericycle, Inc. (“Stericycle”) for purchase consideration of approximately $6.9 billion, of which $2.3 billion was allocated to customer relationships. The transaction was accounted for as a business combination.​Auditing the Company's accounting for its acquisition of Stericycle was complex due to the significant estimation uncertainty in determining the fair value of certain customer relationships included within Other intangible assets. The Company valued the customer relationships using an income approach; specifically, the multi-period excess earnings model. The significant estimation uncertainty was primarily due to the sensitivity of the fair value to underlying assumptions, including projected revenue, attrition rate, EBITDA margin, and discount rate. These significant assumptions are forward-looking and could be affected by future economic and market conditions.​82 Table of Contents Table of Contents Table of Contents ​​Landfill – Final Capping, Closure and Post-Closure CostsDescription of the MatterAt December 31, 2024, the carrying value of the Company’s landfill asset retirement obligations related to final capping, closure and post-closure costs totaled $3.1 billion. As discussed in Note 2 of the financial statements, the Company updates the estimates used to measure the asset retirement obligations annually, or more often if significant facts change.​Auditing the landfill asset retirement obligation is complex due to the highly judgmental nature of the assumptions used in the measurement process. Significant assumptions include: estimated future costs associated with the capping, closure and post closure activities at each specific landfill, airspace consumed to date in relation to total estimated permitted and expansion airspace and the projected remaining landfill life.​​​​​How We Addressed the Matter in Our AuditWe obtained an understanding, evaluated the design, and tested the operating effectiveness of the Company’s controls over the calculation of landfill asset retirement obligations. Our audit procedures included, among others, testing the Company’s controls over the landfill asset retirement obligation estimation process and management’s review of the significant assumptions used in the estimation of the liability, including the amount and timing of retirement costs.​To test the landfill asset retirement obligation valuation, we performed audit procedures that included, among others, assessing methodologies used by the Company, testing the completeness of activities included in the estimate (e.g., gas monitoring and extraction), and testing the significant assumptions discussed above, inclusive of the underlying data used by the Company in its development of these assumptions. We compared the significant assumptions used by management to historical trends and, when available, to comparable size landfills accepting the same type of waste. In addition, we considered the professional qualifications and objectivity of management’s internal engineers responsible for developing the assumptions. We involved EY engineering specialists to assist us with these procedures. Specifically, we utilized the EY engineering specialists to evaluate the reasons for significant changes in assumptions from the historical trend, and to determine whether the change from the historical trend was appropriate and identified timely. We also tested the completeness and accuracy of the historical data utilized in preparing the estimate.​​​Acquisition of Stericycle, Inc. – Valuation of Customer RelationshipsDescription of the MatterAs described in Note 17 to the consolidated financial statements, during the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company completed the acquisition of Stericycle, Inc. (“Stericycle”) for purchase consideration of approximately $6.9 billion, of which $2.3 billion was allocated to customer relationships. The transaction was accounted for as a business combination.​Auditing the Company's accounting for its acquisition of Stericycle was complex due to the significant estimation uncertainty in determining the fair value of certain customer relationships included within Other intangible assets. The Company valued the customer relationships using an income approach; specifically, the multi-period excess earnings model. The significant estimation uncertainty was primarily due to the sensitivity of the fair value to underlying assumptions, including projected revenue, attrition rate, EBITDA margin, and discount rate. These significant assumptions are forward-looking and could be affected by future economic and market conditions.​ ​​Landfill – Final Capping, Closure and Post-Closure CostsDescription of the MatterAt December 31, 2024, the carrying value of the Company’s landfill asset retirement obligations related to final capping, closure and post-closure costs totaled $3.1 billion. As discussed in Note 2 of the financial statements, the Company updates the estimates used to measure the asset retirement obligations annually, or more often if significant facts change.​Auditing the landfill asset retirement obligation is complex due to the highly judgmental nature of the assumptions used in the measurement process. Significant assumptions include: estimated future costs associated with the capping, closure and post closure activities at each specific landfill, airspace consumed to date in relation to total estimated permitted and expansion airspace and the projected remaining landfill life.​​​​​How We Addressed the Matter in Our AuditWe obtained an understanding, evaluated the design, and tested the operating effectiveness of the Company’s controls over the calculation of landfill asset retirement obligations. Our audit procedures included, among others, testing the Company’s controls over the landfill asset retirement obligation estimation process and management’s review of the significant assumptions used in the estimation of the liability, including the amount and timing of retirement costs.​To test the landfill asset retirement obligation valuation, we performed audit procedures that included, among others, assessing methodologies used by the Company, testing the completeness of activities included in the estimate (e.g., gas monitoring and extraction), and testing the significant assumptions discussed above, inclusive of the underlying data used by the Company in its development of these assumptions. We compared the significant assumptions used by management to historical trends and, when available, to comparable size landfills accepting the same type of waste. In addition, we considered the professional qualifications and objectivity of management’s internal engineers responsible for developing the assumptions. We involved EY engineering specialists to assist us with these procedures. Specifically, we utilized the EY engineering specialists to evaluate the reasons for significant changes in assumptions from the historical trend, and to determine whether the change from the historical trend was appropriate and identified timely. We also tested the completeness and accuracy of the historical data utilized in preparing the estimate.​​​Acquisition of Stericycle, Inc. – Valuation of Customer RelationshipsDescription of the MatterAs described in Note 17 to the consolidated financial statements, during the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company completed the acquisition of Stericycle, Inc. (“Stericycle”) for purchase consideration of approximately $6.9 billion, of which $2.3 billion was allocated to customer relationships. The transaction was accounted for as a business combination.​Auditing the Company's accounting for its acquisition of Stericycle was complex due to the significant estimation uncertainty in determining the fair value of certain customer relationships included within Other intangible assets. The Company valued the customer relationships using an income approach; specifically, the multi-period excess earnings model. The significant estimation uncertainty was primarily due to the sensitivity of the fair value to underlying assumptions, including projected revenue, attrition rate, EBITDA margin, and discount rate. These significant assumptions are forward-looking and could be affected by future economic and market conditions.​ ​ ​ ​ ​",
      "prior_body": "​ Description of the Matter At December 31, 2023, the Company’s landfill assets, net of accumulated depletion, totaled $7.8 billion and the associated depletion expense for 2023 was $745 million. As discussed in Note 2 of the financial statements, the Company updates the estimates used to calculate individual landfill depletion rates at least annually, or more often if significant facts change. Landfill depletion rates are used in the computation of landfill depletion expense. ​ Auditing landfill depletion rates and related depletion expense is complex due to the highly judgmental nature of assumptions used in estimating the rates. Significant assumptions used in the calculation of the rates include: estimated future development costs associated with the construction and retirement of the landfill, estimated remaining permitted and expansion airspace, and airspace utilization factors. ​ How We Addressed the Matter in Our Audit We obtained an understanding, evaluated the design, and tested the operating effectiveness of the Company’s controls over determining landfill depletion rates and calculating depletion expense. Our audit procedures included, among others, testing controls over: the Company’s process for evaluating and updating the significant assumptions used in the development of the landfill depletion rates, management’s review of those significant assumptions, and the mathematical accuracy of the calculation and recording of depletion expense. ​ To test the landfill asset depletion rates, our audit procedures included, among others, assessing methodologies used by the Company and testing the significant assumptions discussed above, inclusive of the underlying data used by the Company in its development of these assumptions. We compared the significant assumptions used by management to historical trends and, when available, to comparable size landfills accepting a similar type of waste. Regarding expansion airspace, we evaluated the Company’s criteria for inclusion in remaining airspace. In addition, we considered the professional qualifications and objectivity of management’s internal engineers responsible for developing the assumptions. We involved EY engineering specialists to assist with the evaluation of the Company’s landfill future development cost and airspace assumptions. We also tested the completeness and accuracy of the historical data utilized in the development of the landfill depletion rates. ​ 73 73 Table of Contents​Landfill – Final Capping, Closure and Post-Closure CostsDescription of the MatterAt December 31, 2023, the carrying value of the Company’s landfill asset retirement obligations related to final capping, closure and post-closure costs totaled $2.9 billion. As discussed in Note 2 of the financial statements, the Company updates the estimates used to measure the asset retirement obligations annually, or more often if significant facts change.​Auditing the landfill asset retirement obligation is complex due to the highly judgmental nature of the assumptions used in the measurement process. Significant assumptions include: estimated future costs associated with the capping, closure and post closure activities at each specific landfill, airspace consumed to date in relation to total estimated permitted and expansion airspace and the projected remaining landfill life.​​​​​How We Addressed the Matter in Our AuditWe obtained an understanding, evaluated the design, and tested the operating effectiveness of the Company’s controls over the calculation of landfill asset retirement obligations. Our audit procedures included, among others, testing the Company’s controls over the landfill asset retirement obligation estimation process and management’s review of the significant assumptions used in the estimation of the liability, including the amount and timing of retirement costs.​To test the landfill asset retirement obligation valuation, we performed audit procedures that included, among others, assessing methodologies used by the Company, testing the completeness of activities included in the estimate (e.g., gas monitoring and extraction), and testing the significant assumptions discussed above, inclusive of the underlying data used by the Company in its development of these assumptions. We compared the significant assumptions used by management to historical trends and, when available, to comparable size landfills accepting the same type of waste. In addition, we considered the professional qualifications and objectivity of management’s internal engineers responsible for developing the assumptions. We involved EY engineering specialists to assist us with these procedures. Specifically, we utilized the EY engineering specialists to evaluate the reasons for significant changes in assumptions from the historical trend, and to determine whether the change from the historical trend was appropriate and identified timely. We also tested the completeness and accuracy of the historical data utilized in preparing the estimate.​​​​​​​/s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP​​We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2002.​​​Houston, TexasFebruary 13, 2024​​​​74 Table of Contents Table of Contents Table of Contents ​Landfill – Final Capping, Closure and Post-Closure CostsDescription of the MatterAt December 31, 2023, the carrying value of the Company’s landfill asset retirement obligations related to final capping, closure and post-closure costs totaled $2.9 billion. As discussed in Note 2 of the financial statements, the Company updates the estimates used to measure the asset retirement obligations annually, or more often if significant facts change.​Auditing the landfill asset retirement obligation is complex due to the highly judgmental nature of the assumptions used in the measurement process. Significant assumptions include: estimated future costs associated with the capping, closure and post closure activities at each specific landfill, airspace consumed to date in relation to total estimated permitted and expansion airspace and the projected remaining landfill life.​​​​​How We Addressed the Matter in Our AuditWe obtained an understanding, evaluated the design, and tested the operating effectiveness of the Company’s controls over the calculation of landfill asset retirement obligations. Our audit procedures included, among others, testing the Company’s controls over the landfill asset retirement obligation estimation process and management’s review of the significant assumptions used in the estimation of the liability, including the amount and timing of retirement costs.​To test the landfill asset retirement obligation valuation, we performed audit procedures that included, among others, assessing methodologies used by the Company, testing the completeness of activities included in the estimate (e.g., gas monitoring and extraction), and testing the significant assumptions discussed above, inclusive of the underlying data used by the Company in its development of these assumptions. We compared the significant assumptions used by management to historical trends and, when available, to comparable size landfills accepting the same type of waste. In addition, we considered the professional qualifications and objectivity of management’s internal engineers responsible for developing the assumptions. We involved EY engineering specialists to assist us with these procedures. Specifically, we utilized the EY engineering specialists to evaluate the reasons for significant changes in assumptions from the historical trend, and to determine whether the change from the historical trend was appropriate and identified timely. We also tested the completeness and accuracy of the historical data utilized in preparing the estimate.​​​​​​​/s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP​​We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2002.​​​Houston, TexasFebruary 13, 2024​​​​ ​"
    },
    {
      "status": "MODIFIED",
      "current_title": "Operating Revenues",
      "prior_title": "Operating Revenues",
      "similarity_score": 0.905,
      "confidence": "high",
      "key_changes": [
        "Reworded sentence: \"The mix of operating revenues for the years ended December 31 are as follows (in millions): ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Net ​\""
      ],
      "current_body": "The mix of operating revenues for the years ended December 31 are as follows (in millions): ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Net ​",
      "prior_body": "The mix of operating revenues for the year ended December 31 are as follows (in millions): ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Gross ​"
    },
    {
      "status": "MODIFIED",
      "current_title": "Long-Lived Asset Impairments",
      "prior_title": "Environmental Remediation Liabilities",
      "similarity_score": 0.904,
      "confidence": "high",
      "key_changes": [
        "Reworded sentence: \"We assess our long-lived assets for impairment as required under the applicable accounting standards.\"",
        "Reworded sentence: \"Fair value is 96 96 Table of ContentsWASTE MANAGEMENT, INC.NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)​generally determined by considering (i) internally developed discounted projected cash flow analysis of the asset or asset group; (ii) third-party valuations and/or (iii) information available regarding the current market for similar assets.\"",
        "Reworded sentence: \"As a result, our tests of recoverability, which generally make use of a probability-weighted cash flow estimation approach, may indicate that no impairment loss should be recorded.Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets, Including Goodwill — At least annually using a measurement date of October 1, and more frequently if warranted, we assess our indefinite-lived intangible assets, including the goodwill of our reporting units, for impairment.We first perform a qualitative assessment to determine if it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value.\"",
        "Reworded sentence: \"An impairment charge is recognized if the asset’s estimated fair value is less than its carrying amount.\"",
        "Reworded sentence: \"We believe that this approach may also be appropriate in certain circumstances because it provides a fair value estimate using valuation inputs from entities with operations and economic characteristics comparable to our reporting units.Fair value is computed using several factors, including projected future operating results, economic projections, anticipated future cash flows, comparable marketplace data and the cost of capital.\""
      ],
      "current_body": "We assess our long-lived assets for impairment as required under the applicable accounting standards. If necessary, impairments are recorded in (gain) loss from divestitures, asset impairments and unusual items, net in our Consolidated Statements of Operations. Property and Equipment, Including Landfills and Definite-Lived Intangible Assets — We monitor the carrying value of our long-lived assets for potential impairment on an ongoing basis and test the recoverability of such assets generally using significant unobservable (“Level 3”) inputs whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying amounts may not be recoverable. These events or changes in circumstances, including management decisions pertaining to such assets, are referred to as impairment indicators. If an impairment indicator occurs, we perform a test of recoverability by comparing the carrying value of the asset or asset group to its undiscounted expected future cash flows. If cash flows cannot be separately and independently identified for a single asset, we will determine whether an impairment has occurred for the group of assets for which we can identify the projected cash flows. If the carrying values are in excess of undiscounted expected future cash flows, we measure any impairment by comparing the fair value of the asset or asset group to its carrying value and the difference is recorded in the period that the impairment indicator occurs. Fair value is 96 96 Table of ContentsWASTE MANAGEMENT, INC.NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)​generally determined by considering (i) internally developed discounted projected cash flow analysis of the asset or asset group; (ii) third-party valuations and/or (iii) information available regarding the current market for similar assets. Estimating future cash flows requires significant judgment and projections may vary from the cash flows eventually realized, which could impact our ability to accurately assess whether an asset has been impaired.The assessment of impairment indicators and the recoverability of our capitalized costs associated with landfills and related expansion projects require significant judgment due to the unique nature of the waste industry, the highly regulated permitting process and the sensitive estimates involved. During the review of a landfill expansion application, a regulator may initially deny the expansion application although the expansion permit is ultimately granted. In addition, management may periodically divert waste from one landfill to another to conserve remaining permitted landfill airspace, or a landfill may be required to cease accepting waste, prior to receipt of the expansion permit. However, such events occur in the ordinary course of business in the waste industry and do not necessarily result in impairment of our landfill assets because, after consideration of all facts, such events may not affect our belief that we will ultimately obtain the expansion permit. As a result, our tests of recoverability, which generally make use of a probability-weighted cash flow estimation approach, may indicate that no impairment loss should be recorded.Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets, Including Goodwill — At least annually using a measurement date of October 1, and more frequently if warranted, we assess our indefinite-lived intangible assets, including the goodwill of our reporting units, for impairment.We first perform a qualitative assessment to determine if it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value. If the assessment indicates a possible impairment, we complete a quantitative review, comparing the estimated fair value of a reporting unit to its carrying amount, including goodwill. An impairment charge is recognized if the asset’s estimated fair value is less than its carrying amount. Fair value is typically estimated using an income approach using Level 3 inputs. However, when appropriate, we may also use a market approach. The income approach is based on the long-term projected future cash flows of the reporting units. We discount the estimated cash flows to present value using a weighted average cost of capital that considers factors such as market assumptions, the timing of the cash flows and the risks inherent in those cash flows. We believe that this approach is appropriate because it provides a fair value estimate based upon the reporting units’ expected long-term performance considering the economic and market conditions that generally affect our business. The market approach estimates fair value by measuring the aggregate market value of publicly-traded companies with similar characteristics to our business as a multiple of their reported earnings. We then apply that multiple to the reporting units’ earnings to estimate their fair values. We believe that this approach may also be appropriate in certain circumstances because it provides a fair value estimate using valuation inputs from entities with operations and economic characteristics comparable to our reporting units.Fair value is computed using several factors, including projected future operating results, economic projections, anticipated future cash flows, comparable marketplace data and the cost of capital. There are inherent uncertainties related to these factors and to our judgment in applying them in our analysis. However, we believe our methodology for estimating the fair value of our reporting units is reasonable.Refer to Note 11 for information related to impairments recognized during the reported periods. Insured and Self-Insured ClaimsWe have retained a significant portion of the risks related to our health and welfare, general liability, automobile liability and workers’ compensation claims programs. For our self-insured portions, the exposure for unpaid claims and associated expenses, including incurred but not reported losses, is based on an actuarial valuation or internal estimates. The gross estimated liability associated with settling unpaid claims is included in accrued liabilities in our Consolidated Balance Sheets if expected to be settled within one year; otherwise, it is included in other long-term liabilities. Estimated 97 Table of ContentsWASTE MANAGEMENT, INC.NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)​ Table of Contents Table of Contents",
      "prior_body": "A significant portion of our operating costs and capital expenditures could be characterized as costs of environmental protection. The nature of our operations, particularly with respect to the construction, operation and maintenance of our landfills subjects us to an array of laws and regulations relating to the protection of the environment. Under current laws and regulations, we may have liabilities for environmental damage caused by our operations, or for damage caused by conditions that existed before we acquired a site. In addition to remediation activity required by state or local authorities, such liabilities include potentially responsible party (“PRP”) investigations. The costs associated with these liabilities can include settlements, certain legal and consultant fees, as well as incremental internal and external costs directly associated with site investigation and clean up. Where it is probable that a liability has been incurred, we estimate costs required to remediate sites based on site-specific facts and circumstances. We routinely review and evaluate sites that require remediation and determine our estimated cost for the likely remedy based on a number of estimates and assumptions. Next, we review the same type of information with respect to other named and unnamed PRPs. Estimates of the costs for the likely remedy are then either developed using our internal resources or by third-party environmental engineers or other service providers. Internally developed estimates are based on: Refer to Note 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information on our environmental liabilities. 65 65 Table of ContentsFair Value of Nonfinancial Assets and LiabilitiesSignificant estimates are made in determining the fair value of long-lived tangible and intangible assets (i.e., property and equipment, intangible assets and goodwill) during the impairment evaluation process. In addition, the majority of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination are required to be recognized at fair value under the relevant accounting guidance.Fair value is computed using several factors, including projected future operating results, economic projections, anticipated future cash flows, comparable marketplace data and the cost of capital. There are inherent uncertainties related to these factors and to our judgment in applying them in our analysis. However, we believe our methodology for estimating the fair value of our reporting units is reasonable.Property and Equipment, Including Landfills and Definite-Lived Intangible Assets — We monitor the carrying value of our long-lived assets for potential impairment on an ongoing basis and test the recoverability of such assets generally using significant unobservable (“Level 3”) inputs whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying amounts may not be recoverable. These events or changes in circumstances, including management decisions pertaining to such assets, are referred to as impairment indicators. If an impairment indicator occurs, we perform a test of recoverability by comparing the carrying value of the asset or asset group to its undiscounted expected future cash flows. If cash flows cannot be separately and independently identified for a single asset, we will determine whether an impairment has occurred for the group of assets for which we can identify the projected cash flows. If the carrying values are in excess of undiscounted expected future cash flows, we measure any impairment by comparing the fair value of the asset or asset group to its carrying value and the difference is recorded in the period that the impairment indicator occurs. Fair value is generally determined by considering (i) internally developed discounted projected cash flow analysis of the asset or asset group; (ii) actual third-party valuations and/or (iii) information available regarding the current market for similar assets. Estimating future cash flows requires significant judgment and projections may vary from the cash flows eventually realized, which could impact our ability to accurately assess whether an asset has been impaired.The assessment of impairment indicators and the recoverability of our capitalized costs associated with landfills and related expansion projects require significant judgment due to the unique nature of the waste industry, the highly regulated permitting process and the sensitive estimates involved. During the review of a landfill expansion application, a regulator may initially deny the expansion application although the expansion permit is ultimately granted. In addition, management may periodically divert waste from one landfill to another to conserve remaining permitted landfill airspace, or a landfill may be required to cease accepting waste, prior to receipt of the expansion permit. However, such events occur in the ordinary course of business in the waste industry and do not necessarily result in impairment of our landfill assets because, after consideration of all facts, such events may not affect our belief that we will ultimately obtain the expansion permit. As a result, our tests of recoverability, which generally make use of a probability-weighted cash flow estimation approach, may indicate that no impairment loss should be recorded.Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets, Including Goodwill — At least annually using a measurement date of October 1, and more frequently if warranted, we assess the indefinite-lived intangible assets including the goodwill of our reporting units for impairment using Level 3 inputs.We first perform a qualitative assessment to determine if it was more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value. If the assessment indicates a possible impairment, we complete a quantitative review, comparing the estimated fair value of a reporting unit to its carrying amount, including goodwill. An impairment charge is recognized if the asset’s estimated fair value was less than its carrying amount. Fair value is typically estimated using an income approach using Level 3 inputs. However, when appropriate, we may also use a market approach. The income approach is based on the long-term projected future cash flows of the reporting units. We discount the estimated cash flows to present value using a weighted average cost of capital that considers factors such as market assumptions, the timing of the cash flows and the risks inherent in those cash flows. We believe that this approach is appropriate because it provides a fair value estimate based upon the reporting units’ expected long-term performance considering the economic and market conditions that generally affect our business. The market approach estimates fair value by measuring the aggregate market value of publicly-traded companies with similar characteristics to our business as a multiple of their reported earnings. We then apply that multiple to the reporting units’ earnings to estimate their fair values. We believe that this approach may 66 Table of Contents Table of Contents Table of Contents Fair Value of Nonfinancial Assets and LiabilitiesSignificant estimates are made in determining the fair value of long-lived tangible and intangible assets (i.e., property and equipment, intangible assets and goodwill) during the impairment evaluation process. In addition, the majority of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination are required to be recognized at fair value under the relevant accounting guidance.Fair value is computed using several factors, including projected future operating results, economic projections, anticipated future cash flows, comparable marketplace data and the cost of capital. There are inherent uncertainties related to these factors and to our judgment in applying them in our analysis. However, we believe our methodology for estimating the fair value of our reporting units is reasonable.Property and Equipment, Including Landfills and Definite-Lived Intangible Assets — We monitor the carrying value of our long-lived assets for potential impairment on an ongoing basis and test the recoverability of such assets generally using significant unobservable (“Level 3”) inputs whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying amounts may not be recoverable. These events or changes in circumstances, including management decisions pertaining to such assets, are referred to as impairment indicators. If an impairment indicator occurs, we perform a test of recoverability by comparing the carrying value of the asset or asset group to its undiscounted expected future cash flows. If cash flows cannot be separately and independently identified for a single asset, we will determine whether an impairment has occurred for the group of assets for which we can identify the projected cash flows. If the carrying values are in excess of undiscounted expected future cash flows, we measure any impairment by comparing the fair value of the asset or asset group to its carrying value and the difference is recorded in the period that the impairment indicator occurs. Fair value is generally determined by considering (i) internally developed discounted projected cash flow analysis of the asset or asset group; (ii) actual third-party valuations and/or (iii) information available regarding the current market for similar assets. Estimating future cash flows requires significant judgment and projections may vary from the cash flows eventually realized, which could impact our ability to accurately assess whether an asset has been impaired.The assessment of impairment indicators and the recoverability of our capitalized costs associated with landfills and related expansion projects require significant judgment due to the unique nature of the waste industry, the highly regulated permitting process and the sensitive estimates involved. During the review of a landfill expansion application, a regulator may initially deny the expansion application although the expansion permit is ultimately granted. In addition, management may periodically divert waste from one landfill to another to conserve remaining permitted landfill airspace, or a landfill may be required to cease accepting waste, prior to receipt of the expansion permit. However, such events occur in the ordinary course of business in the waste industry and do not necessarily result in impairment of our landfill assets because, after consideration of all facts, such events may not affect our belief that we will ultimately obtain the expansion permit. As a result, our tests of recoverability, which generally make use of a probability-weighted cash flow estimation approach, may indicate that no impairment loss should be recorded.Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets, Including Goodwill — At least annually using a measurement date of October 1, and more frequently if warranted, we assess the indefinite-lived intangible assets including the goodwill of our reporting units for impairment using Level 3 inputs.We first perform a qualitative assessment to determine if it was more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value. If the assessment indicates a possible impairment, we complete a quantitative review, comparing the estimated fair value of a reporting unit to its carrying amount, including goodwill. An impairment charge is recognized if the asset’s estimated fair value was less than its carrying amount. Fair value is typically estimated using an income approach using Level 3 inputs. However, when appropriate, we may also use a market approach. The income approach is based on the long-term projected future cash flows of the reporting units. We discount the estimated cash flows to present value using a weighted average cost of capital that considers factors such as market assumptions, the timing of the cash flows and the risks inherent in those cash flows. We believe that this approach is appropriate because it provides a fair value estimate based upon the reporting units’ expected long-term performance considering the economic and market conditions that generally affect our business. The market approach estimates fair value by measuring the aggregate market value of publicly-traded companies with similar characteristics to our business as a multiple of their reported earnings. We then apply that multiple to the reporting units’ earnings to estimate their fair values. We believe that this approach may"
    },
    {
      "status": "MODIFIED",
      "current_title": "# of Landfills",
      "prior_title": "# of Landfills",
      "similarity_score": 0.904,
      "confidence": "high",
      "key_changes": [
        "Reworded sentence: \"​ 0 to 5 years 28 ​ 6 to 10 years 22 ​ 11 to 20 years 53 ​ 21 to 40 years 62 ​ 41+ years 97 ​ Total 262 (a) Landfill Assets — We capitalize various costs that we incur to prepare a landfill to accept waste.\"",
        "Reworded sentence: \"The changes to the cost basis of our landfill assets and accumulated landfill airspace depletion for the year ended December 31, 2024 are reflected in the table below (in millions): ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​\""
      ],
      "current_body": "​ 0 to 5 years 28 ​ 6 to 10 years 22 ​ 11 to 20 years 53 ​ 21 to 40 years 62 ​ 41+ years 97 ​ Total 262 (a) Landfill Assets — We capitalize various costs that we incur to prepare a landfill to accept waste. These costs generally include expenditures for land (including the landfill footprint and required landfill buffer property), permitting, excavation, liner material and installation, landfill leachate collection systems, landfill gas collection systems, environmental monitoring equipment for groundwater and landfill gas, directly related engineering, capitalized interest, and on-site road construction and other capital infrastructure costs. The cost basis of our landfill assets also includes estimates of future costs associated with landfill final capping, closure and post-closure activities, which are discussed further below. The changes to the cost basis of our landfill assets and accumulated landfill airspace depletion for the year ended December 31, 2024 are reflected in the table below (in millions): ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​",
      "prior_body": "​ 0 to 5 years 31 ​ 6 to 10 years 22 ​ 11 to 20 years 50 ​ 21 to 40 years 66 ​ 41+ years 94 ​ Total 263 (a) Landfill Assets — We capitalize various costs that we incur to prepare a landfill to accept waste. These costs generally include expenditures for land (including the landfill footprint and required landfill buffer property), permitting, excavation, liner material and installation, landfill leachate collection systems, landfill gas collection systems, environmental monitoring equipment for groundwater and landfill gas, directly related engineering, capitalized interest, and on-site road construction and other capital infrastructure costs. The cost basis of our landfill assets also includes estimates of future costs associated with landfill final capping, closure and post-closure activities, which are discussed further below. The changes to the cost basis of our landfill assets and accumulated landfill airspace depletion for the year ended December 31, 2023 are reflected in the table below (in millions): ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​"
    },
    {
      "status": "MODIFIED",
      "current_title": "NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)",
      "prior_title": "NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)",
      "similarity_score": 0.894,
      "confidence": "high",
      "key_changes": [
        "Reworded sentence: \"​ ●There are no significant known technical, legal, community, business, or political restrictions or similar issues that could negatively affect the success of such expansion; and●Financial analysis has been completed based on conceptual design, and the results demonstrate that the expansion meets Company criteria for investment.These criteria are evaluated by our field-based engineers, accountants, managers and others to identify potential obstacles to obtaining the permits.\"",
        "Reworded sentence: \"Under current laws ●There are no significant known technical, legal, community, business, or political restrictions or similar issues that could negatively affect the success of such expansion; and●Financial analysis has been completed based on conceptual design, and the results demonstrate that the expansion meets Company criteria for investment.These criteria are evaluated by our field-based engineers, accountants, managers and others to identify potential obstacles to obtaining the permits.\""
      ],
      "current_body": "​ balances and transactions have been eliminated. Investments in unconsolidated entities are accounted for under the appropriate method of accounting.Estimates and AssumptionsIn preparing our financial statements, we make numerous estimates and assumptions that affect the accounting for and recognition and disclosure of assets, liabilities, equity, revenues and expenses. We must make these estimates and assumptions because certain information that we use is dependent on future events, cannot be calculated with precision from available data or simply cannot be calculated. In some cases, these estimates are difficult to determine, and we must exercise significant judgment. In preparing our financial statements, the most difficult, subjective and complex estimates and the assumptions that present the greatest amount of uncertainty relate to our accounting for landfills, environmental remediation liabilities, long-lived asset impairments, intangible asset impairments and the fair value of assets and liabilities acquired in business combinations. Each of these items is discussed in additional detail below. Actual results could differ materially from the estimates and assumptions that we use in the preparation of our financial statements.Cash and Cash EquivalentsCash in excess of current operating requirements is invested in short-term interest-bearing instruments with maturities of three months or less at the date of purchase and is stated at cost, which approximates market value.Concentrations of Credit RiskFinancial instruments that potentially subject us to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, investments held within restricted funds, and accounts receivable. We make efforts to control our exposure to credit risk associated with these instruments by (i) placing our assets and other financial interests with a diverse group of credit-worthy financial institutions; (ii) holding high-quality financial instruments while limiting investments in any one instrument and (iii) maintaining strict policies over credit extension that include credit evaluations, credit limits and monitoring procedures, although generally we do not have collateral requirements for credit extensions. We also control our exposure associated with trade receivables by discontinuing service, to the extent allowable, to non-paying customers. However, our overall credit risk associated with trade receivables is limited due to the large number and diversity of customers we serve. As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, no single customer represented greater than 5% of total accounts receivable.Accounts and Other Receivables Our receivables, which are recorded when billed, when services are performed or when cash is advanced, are claims against third parties that will generally be settled in cash. The carrying value of our receivables, net of the allowance for doubtful accounts, represents the estimated net realizable value. We estimate our allowance for doubtful accounts based on historical collection trends; type of customer, such as municipal or commercial; the age of outstanding receivables and existing as well as expected economic conditions. If events or changes in circumstances indicate that specific receivable balances may be impaired, further consideration is given to the collectability of those balances and the allowance is adjusted accordingly. Past-due receivable balances are written off when our collection efforts have been unsuccessful. Also, we recognize interest income on long-term interest-bearing notes receivable as the interest accrues under the terms of the notes. We no longer accrue interest once the notes are deemed uncollectible. balances and transactions have been eliminated. Investments in unconsolidated entities are accounted for under the appropriate method of accounting.Estimates and AssumptionsIn preparing our financial statements, we make numerous estimates and assumptions that affect the accounting for and recognition and disclosure of assets, liabilities, equity, revenues and expenses. We must make these estimates and assumptions because certain information that we use is dependent on future events, cannot be calculated with precision from available data or simply cannot be calculated. In some cases, these estimates are difficult to determine, and we must exercise significant judgment. In preparing our financial statements, the most difficult, subjective and complex estimates and the assumptions that present the greatest amount of uncertainty relate to our accounting for landfills, environmental remediation liabilities, long-lived asset impairments, intangible asset impairments and the fair value of assets and liabilities acquired in business combinations. Each of these items is discussed in additional detail below. Actual results could differ materially from the estimates and assumptions that we use in the preparation of our financial statements.Cash and Cash EquivalentsCash in excess of current operating requirements is invested in short-term interest-bearing instruments with maturities of three months or less at the date of purchase and is stated at cost, which approximates market value.Concentrations of Credit RiskFinancial instruments that potentially subject us to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, investments held within restricted funds, and accounts receivable. We make efforts to control our exposure to credit risk associated with these instruments by (i) placing our assets and other financial interests with a diverse group of credit-worthy financial institutions; (ii) holding high-quality financial instruments while limiting investments in any one instrument and (iii) maintaining strict policies over credit extension that include credit evaluations, credit limits and monitoring procedures, although generally we do not have collateral requirements for credit extensions. We also control our exposure associated with trade receivables by discontinuing service, to the extent allowable, to non-paying customers. However, our overall credit risk associated with trade receivables is limited due to the large number and diversity of customers we serve. As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, no single customer represented greater than 5% of total accounts receivable.Accounts and Other Receivables Our receivables, which are recorded when billed, when services are performed or when cash is advanced, are claims against third parties that will generally be settled in cash. The carrying value of our receivables, net of the allowance for doubtful accounts, represents the estimated net realizable value. We estimate our allowance for doubtful accounts based on historical collection trends; type of customer, such as municipal or commercial; the age of outstanding receivables and existing as well as expected economic conditions. If events or changes in circumstances indicate that specific receivable balances may be impaired, further consideration is given to the collectability of those balances and the allowance is adjusted accordingly. Past-due receivable balances are written off when our collection efforts have been unsuccessful. Also, we recognize interest income on long-term interest-bearing notes receivable as the interest accrues under the terms of the notes. We no longer accrue interest once the notes are deemed uncollectible. balances and transactions have been eliminated. Investments in unconsolidated entities are accounted for under the appropriate method of accounting.",
      "prior_body": "​ Estimates and AssumptionsIn preparing our financial statements, we make numerous estimates and assumptions that affect the accounting for and recognition and disclosure of assets, liabilities, equity, revenues and expenses. We must make these estimates and assumptions because certain information that we use is dependent on future events, cannot be calculated with precision from available data or simply cannot be calculated. In some cases, these estimates are difficult to determine, and we must exercise significant judgment. In preparing our financial statements, the most difficult, subjective and complex estimates and the assumptions that present the greatest amount of uncertainty relate to our accounting for landfills, environmental remediation liabilities, long-lived asset impairments, intangible asset impairments and the fair value of assets and liabilities acquired in business combinations. Each of these items is discussed in additional detail below. Actual results could differ materially from the estimates and assumptions that we use in the preparation of our financial statements.Cash and Cash EquivalentsCash in excess of current operating requirements is invested in short-term interest-bearing instruments with maturities of three months or less at the date of purchase and is stated at cost, which approximates market value.Concentrations of Credit RiskFinancial instruments that potentially subject us to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, investments held within restricted funds, and accounts receivable. We make efforts to control our exposure to credit risk associated with these instruments by (i) placing our assets and other financial interests with a diverse group of credit-worthy financial institutions; (ii) holding high-quality financial instruments while limiting investments in any one instrument and (iii) maintaining strict policies over credit extension that include credit evaluations, credit limits and monitoring procedures, although generally we do not have collateral requirements for credit extensions. We also control our exposure associated with trade receivables by discontinuing service, to the extent allowable, to non-paying customers. However, our overall credit risk associated with trade receivables is limited due to the large number and diversity of customers we serve. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, no single customer represented greater than 5% of total accounts receivable.Accounts and Other Receivables Our receivables, which are recorded when billed, when services are performed or when cash is advanced, are claims against third parties that will generally be settled in cash. The carrying value of our receivables, net of the allowance for doubtful accounts, represents the estimated net realizable value. We estimate our allowance for doubtful accounts based on historical collection trends; type of customer, such as municipal or commercial; the age of outstanding receivables and existing as well as expected economic conditions. If events or changes in circumstances indicate that specific receivable balances may be impaired, further consideration is given to the collectability of those balances and the allowance is adjusted accordingly. Past-due receivable balances are written off when our internal collection efforts have been unsuccessful. Also, we recognize interest income on long-term interest-bearing notes receivable as the interest accrues under the terms of the notes. We no longer accrue interest once the notes are deemed uncollectible."
    },
    {
      "status": "MODIFIED",
      "current_title": "Environmental Remediation Liabilities",
      "prior_title": "Environmental Remediation Liabilities",
      "similarity_score": 0.889,
      "confidence": "high",
      "key_changes": [
        "Reworded sentence: \"Under current laws 93 93 Table of ContentsWASTE MANAGEMENT, INC.NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)​and regulations, we may have liabilities for environmental damage caused by our operations, or for damage caused by conditions that existed before we acquired a site.\"",
        "Reworded sentence: \"Estimates of the costs for the likely remedy are then developed using our internal resources, third-party environmental engineers or other service providers.\"",
        "Reworded sentence: \"If we used the high ends of such ranges (where estimable), our aggregate potential liability would be approximately $9 million higher than the $222 million recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2024.\"",
        "Reworded sentence: \"These adjustments could be material in any given period.We record our obligations on an undiscounted basis unless we are aware of a material environmental liability where we believe that both the amount and timing of the payments are fixed or reliably determinable.\"",
        "Reworded sentence: \"When property and equipment are retired, sold or otherwise disposed of, the cost and accumulated depreciation are removed from our accounts and any resulting gain or loss is included in results of operations as an offset or increase to operating expense for the period.94 Table of ContentsWASTE MANAGEMENT, INC.NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)​ Table of Contents Table of Contents\""
      ],
      "current_body": "A significant portion of our operating costs and capital expenditures could be characterized as costs of environmental protection. The nature of our operations, particularly with respect to the construction, operation and maintenance of our landfills subjects us to an array of laws and regulations relating to the protection of the environment. Under current laws and regulations, we may have liabilities for environmental damage caused by our operations, or for damage caused by conditions that existed before we acquired a site. In addition to remediation activity required by state or local authorities, such liabilities include potentially responsible party (“PRP”) investigations. The costs associated with these liabilities can include settlements, certain legal and consultant fees, as well as incremental internal and external costs directly associated with site investigation and clean up. 73 73 Table of ContentsWhere it is probable that a liability has been incurred, we estimate costs required to remediate sites based on site-specific facts and circumstances. We routinely review and evaluate sites that require remediation and determine our estimated cost for the likely remedy based on a number of estimates and assumptions. Next, we review the same type of information with respect to other named and unnamed PRPs. Estimates of the costs for the likely remedy are then either developed using our internal resources or by third-party environmental engineers or other service providers. Internally developed estimates are based on:●Management’s judgment and experience in remediating our own and unrelated parties’ sites;●Information available from regulatory agencies as to costs of remediation;●The number, financial resources and relative degree of responsibility of other PRPs who may be liable for remediation of a specific site; and●The typical allocation of costs among PRPs, unless the actual allocation has been determined.Refer to Note 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information on our environmental liabilities.Fair Value of Nonfinancial Assets and LiabilitiesSignificant estimates are made in determining the fair value of long-lived tangible and intangible assets (i.e., property and equipment, intangible assets and goodwill) during the impairment evaluation process. In addition, the majority of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination are required to be recognized at fair value under the relevant accounting guidance.Fair value is computed using several factors, including projected future operating results, economic projections, anticipated future cash flows, comparable marketplace data and the cost of capital. There are inherent uncertainties related to these factors and to our judgment in applying them in our analysis. However, we believe our methodology for estimating the fair value of our reporting units is reasonable.Property and Equipment, Including Landfills and Definite-Lived Intangible Assets — We monitor the carrying value of our long-lived assets for potential impairment on an ongoing basis and test the recoverability of such assets generally using significant unobservable (“Level 3”) inputs whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying amounts may not be recoverable. These events or changes in circumstances, including management decisions pertaining to such assets, are referred to as impairment indicators. If an impairment indicator occurs, we perform a test of recoverability by comparing the carrying value of the asset or asset group to its undiscounted expected future cash flows. If cash flows cannot be separately and independently identified for a single asset, we will determine whether an impairment has occurred for the group of assets for which we can identify the projected cash flows. If the carrying values are in excess of undiscounted expected future cash flows, we measure any impairment by comparing the fair value of the asset or asset group to its carrying value and the difference is recorded in the period that the impairment indicator occurs. Fair value is generally determined by considering (i) internally developed discounted projected cash flow analysis of the asset or asset group; (ii) third-party valuations and/or (iii) information available regarding the current market for similar assets. Estimating future cash flows requires significant judgment and projections may vary from the cash flows eventually realized, which could impact our ability to accurately assess whether an asset has been impaired.The assessment of impairment indicators and the recoverability of our capitalized costs associated with landfills and related expansion projects require significant judgment due to the unique nature of the waste industry, the highly regulated permitting process and the sensitive estimates involved. During the review of a landfill expansion application, a regulator may initially deny the expansion application although the expansion permit is ultimately granted. In addition, management may periodically divert waste from one landfill to another to conserve remaining permitted landfill airspace, or a landfill may be required to cease accepting waste, prior to receipt of the expansion permit. However, such events occur in the ordinary course of business in the waste industry and do not necessarily result in impairment of our landfill assets because, after consideration of all facts, such events may not affect our belief that we will ultimately obtain the expansion permit. As a result, our tests of recoverability, which generally make use of a probability-weighted cash flow estimation approach, may indicate that no impairment loss should be recorded.74 Table of Contents Table of Contents Table of Contents Where it is probable that a liability has been incurred, we estimate costs required to remediate sites based on site-specific facts and circumstances. We routinely review and evaluate sites that require remediation and determine our estimated cost for the likely remedy based on a number of estimates and assumptions. Next, we review the same type of information with respect to other named and unnamed PRPs. Estimates of the costs for the likely remedy are then either developed using our internal resources or by third-party environmental engineers or other service providers. Internally developed estimates are based on:●Management’s judgment and experience in remediating our own and unrelated parties’ sites;●Information available from regulatory agencies as to costs of remediation;●The number, financial resources and relative degree of responsibility of other PRPs who may be liable for remediation of a specific site; and●The typical allocation of costs among PRPs, unless the actual allocation has been determined.Refer to Note 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information on our environmental liabilities.Fair Value of Nonfinancial Assets and LiabilitiesSignificant estimates are made in determining the fair value of long-lived tangible and intangible assets (i.e., property and equipment, intangible assets and goodwill) during the impairment evaluation process. In addition, the majority of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination are required to be recognized at fair value under the relevant accounting guidance.Fair value is computed using several factors, including projected future operating results, economic projections, anticipated future cash flows, comparable marketplace data and the cost of capital. There are inherent uncertainties related to these factors and to our judgment in applying them in our analysis. However, we believe our methodology for estimating the fair value of our reporting units is reasonable.Property and Equipment, Including Landfills and Definite-Lived Intangible Assets — We monitor the carrying value of our long-lived assets for potential impairment on an ongoing basis and test the recoverability of such assets generally using significant unobservable (“Level 3”) inputs whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying amounts may not be recoverable. These events or changes in circumstances, including management decisions pertaining to such assets, are referred to as impairment indicators. If an impairment indicator occurs, we perform a test of recoverability by comparing the carrying value of the asset or asset group to its undiscounted expected future cash flows. If cash flows cannot be separately and independently identified for a single asset, we will determine whether an impairment has occurred for the group of assets for which we can identify the projected cash flows. If the carrying values are in excess of undiscounted expected future cash flows, we measure any impairment by comparing the fair value of the asset or asset group to its carrying value and the difference is recorded in the period that the impairment indicator occurs. Fair value is generally determined by considering (i) internally developed discounted projected cash flow analysis of the asset or asset group; (ii) third-party valuations and/or (iii) information available regarding the current market for similar assets. Estimating future cash flows requires significant judgment and projections may vary from the cash flows eventually realized, which could impact our ability to accurately assess whether an asset has been impaired.The assessment of impairment indicators and the recoverability of our capitalized costs associated with landfills and related expansion projects require significant judgment due to the unique nature of the waste industry, the highly regulated permitting process and the sensitive estimates involved. During the review of a landfill expansion application, a regulator may initially deny the expansion application although the expansion permit is ultimately granted. In addition, management may periodically divert waste from one landfill to another to conserve remaining permitted landfill airspace, or a landfill may be required to cease accepting waste, prior to receipt of the expansion permit. However, such events occur in the ordinary course of business in the waste industry and do not necessarily result in impairment of our landfill assets because, after consideration of all facts, such events may not affect our belief that we will ultimately obtain the expansion permit. As a result, our tests of recoverability, which generally make use of a probability-weighted cash flow estimation approach, may indicate that no impairment loss should be recorded. Where it is probable that a liability has been incurred, we estimate costs required to remediate sites based on site-specific facts and circumstances. We routinely review and evaluate sites that require remediation and determine our estimated cost for the likely remedy based on a number of estimates and assumptions. Next, we review the same type of information with respect to other named and unnamed PRPs. Estimates of the costs for the likely remedy are then either developed using our internal resources or by third-party environmental engineers or other service providers. Internally developed estimates are based on:●Management’s judgment and experience in remediating our own and unrelated parties’ sites;●Information available from regulatory agencies as to costs of remediation;●The number, financial resources and relative degree of responsibility of other PRPs who may be liable for remediation of a specific site; and●The typical allocation of costs among PRPs, unless the actual allocation has been determined.Refer to Note 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information on our environmental liabilities.Fair Value of Nonfinancial Assets and LiabilitiesSignificant estimates are made in determining the fair value of long-lived tangible and intangible assets (i.e., property and equipment, intangible assets and goodwill) during the impairment evaluation process. In addition, the majority of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination are required to be recognized at fair value under the relevant accounting guidance.Fair value is computed using several factors, including projected future operating results, economic projections, anticipated future cash flows, comparable marketplace data and the cost of capital. There are inherent uncertainties related to these factors and to our judgment in applying them in our analysis. However, we believe our methodology for estimating the fair value of our reporting units is reasonable.Property and Equipment, Including Landfills and Definite-Lived Intangible Assets — We monitor the carrying value of our long-lived assets for potential impairment on an ongoing basis and test the recoverability of such assets generally using significant unobservable (“Level 3”) inputs whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying amounts may not be recoverable. These events or changes in circumstances, including management decisions pertaining to such assets, are referred to as impairment indicators. If an impairment indicator occurs, we perform a test of recoverability by comparing the carrying value of the asset or asset group to its undiscounted expected future cash flows. If cash flows cannot be separately and independently identified for a single asset, we will determine whether an impairment has occurred for the group of assets for which we can identify the projected cash flows. If the carrying values are in excess of undiscounted expected future cash flows, we measure any impairment by comparing the fair value of the asset or asset group to its carrying value and the difference is recorded in the period that the impairment indicator occurs. Fair value is generally determined by considering (i) internally developed discounted projected cash flow analysis of the asset or asset group; (ii) third-party valuations and/or (iii) information available regarding the current market for similar assets. Estimating future cash flows requires significant judgment and projections may vary from the cash flows eventually realized, which could impact our ability to accurately assess whether an asset has been impaired.The assessment of impairment indicators and the recoverability of our capitalized costs associated with landfills and related expansion projects require significant judgment due to the unique nature of the waste industry, the highly regulated permitting process and the sensitive estimates involved. During the review of a landfill expansion application, a regulator may initially deny the expansion application although the expansion permit is ultimately granted. In addition, management may periodically divert waste from one landfill to another to conserve remaining permitted landfill airspace, or a landfill may be required to cease accepting waste, prior to receipt of the expansion permit. However, such events occur in the ordinary course of business in the waste industry and do not necessarily result in impairment of our landfill assets because, after consideration of all facts, such events may not affect our belief that we will ultimately obtain the expansion permit. As a result, our tests of recoverability, which generally make use of a probability-weighted cash flow estimation approach, may indicate that no impairment loss should be recorded. Where it is probable that a liability has been incurred, we estimate costs required to remediate sites based on site-specific facts and circumstances. We routinely review and evaluate sites that require remediation and determine our estimated cost for the likely remedy based on a number of estimates and assumptions. Next, we review the same type of information with respect to other named and unnamed PRPs. Estimates of the costs for the likely remedy are then either developed using our internal resources or by third-party environmental engineers or other service providers. Internally developed estimates are based on: Refer to Note 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information on our environmental liabilities.",
      "prior_body": "A significant portion of our operating costs and capital expenditures could be characterized as costs of environmental protection. The nature of our operations, particularly with respect to the construction, operation and maintenance of our landfills subjects us to an array of laws and regulations relating to the protection of the environment. Under current laws and regulations, we may have liabilities for environmental damage caused by our operations, or for damage caused by conditions that existed before we acquired a site. In addition to remediation activity required by state or local authorities, such liabilities include potentially responsible party (“PRP”) investigations. The costs associated with these liabilities can include settlements, certain legal and consultant fees, as well as incremental internal and external costs directly associated with site investigation and clean up. Where it is probable that a liability has been incurred, we estimate costs required to remediate sites based on site-specific facts and circumstances. We routinely review and evaluate sites that require remediation and determine our estimated cost for the likely remedy based on a number of estimates and assumptions. Next, we review the same type of information with respect to other named and unnamed PRPs. Estimates of the costs for the likely remedy are then either developed using our internal resources or by third-party environmental engineers or other service providers. Internally developed estimates are based on: Refer to Note 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information on our environmental liabilities. 65 65 Table of ContentsFair Value of Nonfinancial Assets and LiabilitiesSignificant estimates are made in determining the fair value of long-lived tangible and intangible assets (i.e., property and equipment, intangible assets and goodwill) during the impairment evaluation process. In addition, the majority of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination are required to be recognized at fair value under the relevant accounting guidance.Fair value is computed using several factors, including projected future operating results, economic projections, anticipated future cash flows, comparable marketplace data and the cost of capital. There are inherent uncertainties related to these factors and to our judgment in applying them in our analysis. However, we believe our methodology for estimating the fair value of our reporting units is reasonable.Property and Equipment, Including Landfills and Definite-Lived Intangible Assets — We monitor the carrying value of our long-lived assets for potential impairment on an ongoing basis and test the recoverability of such assets generally using significant unobservable (“Level 3”) inputs whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying amounts may not be recoverable. These events or changes in circumstances, including management decisions pertaining to such assets, are referred to as impairment indicators. If an impairment indicator occurs, we perform a test of recoverability by comparing the carrying value of the asset or asset group to its undiscounted expected future cash flows. If cash flows cannot be separately and independently identified for a single asset, we will determine whether an impairment has occurred for the group of assets for which we can identify the projected cash flows. If the carrying values are in excess of undiscounted expected future cash flows, we measure any impairment by comparing the fair value of the asset or asset group to its carrying value and the difference is recorded in the period that the impairment indicator occurs. Fair value is generally determined by considering (i) internally developed discounted projected cash flow analysis of the asset or asset group; (ii) actual third-party valuations and/or (iii) information available regarding the current market for similar assets. Estimating future cash flows requires significant judgment and projections may vary from the cash flows eventually realized, which could impact our ability to accurately assess whether an asset has been impaired.The assessment of impairment indicators and the recoverability of our capitalized costs associated with landfills and related expansion projects require significant judgment due to the unique nature of the waste industry, the highly regulated permitting process and the sensitive estimates involved. During the review of a landfill expansion application, a regulator may initially deny the expansion application although the expansion permit is ultimately granted. In addition, management may periodically divert waste from one landfill to another to conserve remaining permitted landfill airspace, or a landfill may be required to cease accepting waste, prior to receipt of the expansion permit. However, such events occur in the ordinary course of business in the waste industry and do not necessarily result in impairment of our landfill assets because, after consideration of all facts, such events may not affect our belief that we will ultimately obtain the expansion permit. As a result, our tests of recoverability, which generally make use of a probability-weighted cash flow estimation approach, may indicate that no impairment loss should be recorded.Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets, Including Goodwill — At least annually using a measurement date of October 1, and more frequently if warranted, we assess the indefinite-lived intangible assets including the goodwill of our reporting units for impairment using Level 3 inputs.We first perform a qualitative assessment to determine if it was more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value. If the assessment indicates a possible impairment, we complete a quantitative review, comparing the estimated fair value of a reporting unit to its carrying amount, including goodwill. An impairment charge is recognized if the asset’s estimated fair value was less than its carrying amount. Fair value is typically estimated using an income approach using Level 3 inputs. However, when appropriate, we may also use a market approach. The income approach is based on the long-term projected future cash flows of the reporting units. We discount the estimated cash flows to present value using a weighted average cost of capital that considers factors such as market assumptions, the timing of the cash flows and the risks inherent in those cash flows. We believe that this approach is appropriate because it provides a fair value estimate based upon the reporting units’ expected long-term performance considering the economic and market conditions that generally affect our business. The market approach estimates fair value by measuring the aggregate market value of publicly-traded companies with similar characteristics to our business as a multiple of their reported earnings. We then apply that multiple to the reporting units’ earnings to estimate their fair values. We believe that this approach may 66 Table of Contents Table of Contents Table of Contents Fair Value of Nonfinancial Assets and LiabilitiesSignificant estimates are made in determining the fair value of long-lived tangible and intangible assets (i.e., property and equipment, intangible assets and goodwill) during the impairment evaluation process. In addition, the majority of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination are required to be recognized at fair value under the relevant accounting guidance.Fair value is computed using several factors, including projected future operating results, economic projections, anticipated future cash flows, comparable marketplace data and the cost of capital. There are inherent uncertainties related to these factors and to our judgment in applying them in our analysis. However, we believe our methodology for estimating the fair value of our reporting units is reasonable.Property and Equipment, Including Landfills and Definite-Lived Intangible Assets — We monitor the carrying value of our long-lived assets for potential impairment on an ongoing basis and test the recoverability of such assets generally using significant unobservable (“Level 3”) inputs whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying amounts may not be recoverable. These events or changes in circumstances, including management decisions pertaining to such assets, are referred to as impairment indicators. If an impairment indicator occurs, we perform a test of recoverability by comparing the carrying value of the asset or asset group to its undiscounted expected future cash flows. If cash flows cannot be separately and independently identified for a single asset, we will determine whether an impairment has occurred for the group of assets for which we can identify the projected cash flows. If the carrying values are in excess of undiscounted expected future cash flows, we measure any impairment by comparing the fair value of the asset or asset group to its carrying value and the difference is recorded in the period that the impairment indicator occurs. Fair value is generally determined by considering (i) internally developed discounted projected cash flow analysis of the asset or asset group; (ii) actual third-party valuations and/or (iii) information available regarding the current market for similar assets. Estimating future cash flows requires significant judgment and projections may vary from the cash flows eventually realized, which could impact our ability to accurately assess whether an asset has been impaired.The assessment of impairment indicators and the recoverability of our capitalized costs associated with landfills and related expansion projects require significant judgment due to the unique nature of the waste industry, the highly regulated permitting process and the sensitive estimates involved. During the review of a landfill expansion application, a regulator may initially deny the expansion application although the expansion permit is ultimately granted. In addition, management may periodically divert waste from one landfill to another to conserve remaining permitted landfill airspace, or a landfill may be required to cease accepting waste, prior to receipt of the expansion permit. However, such events occur in the ordinary course of business in the waste industry and do not necessarily result in impairment of our landfill assets because, after consideration of all facts, such events may not affect our belief that we will ultimately obtain the expansion permit. As a result, our tests of recoverability, which generally make use of a probability-weighted cash flow estimation approach, may indicate that no impairment loss should be recorded.Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets, Including Goodwill — At least annually using a measurement date of October 1, and more frequently if warranted, we assess the indefinite-lived intangible assets including the goodwill of our reporting units for impairment using Level 3 inputs.We first perform a qualitative assessment to determine if it was more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value. If the assessment indicates a possible impairment, we complete a quantitative review, comparing the estimated fair value of a reporting unit to its carrying amount, including goodwill. An impairment charge is recognized if the asset’s estimated fair value was less than its carrying amount. Fair value is typically estimated using an income approach using Level 3 inputs. However, when appropriate, we may also use a market approach. The income approach is based on the long-term projected future cash flows of the reporting units. We discount the estimated cash flows to present value using a weighted average cost of capital that considers factors such as market assumptions, the timing of the cash flows and the risks inherent in those cash flows. We believe that this approach is appropriate because it provides a fair value estimate based upon the reporting units’ expected long-term performance considering the economic and market conditions that generally affect our business. The market approach estimates fair value by measuring the aggregate market value of publicly-traded companies with similar characteristics to our business as a multiple of their reported earnings. We then apply that multiple to the reporting units’ earnings to estimate their fair values. We believe that this approach may"
    },
    {
      "status": "MODIFIED",
      "current_title": "Revenue Recognition",
      "prior_title": "NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)",
      "similarity_score": 0.887,
      "confidence": "high",
      "key_changes": [
        "Reworded sentence: \"We generally recognize revenue as services are performed or products are delivered.\"",
        "Reworded sentence: \"Our WM Renewable Energy revenue is primarily generated from (i) the sale of captured and converted landfill methane gas; (ii) the sale of RINs under the Renewable Fuel Standard (“RFS”) program implemented by the U.S.\"",
        "Reworded sentence: \"Our contract acquisition costs are classified as current or noncurrent based on the timing of when we expect to recognize amortization and are included in other assets in our Consolidated Balance Sheets.As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, we had $218 million and $207 million of deferred contract costs, respectively, of which $154 million and $148 million, respectively, were related to deferred sales incentives.\""
      ],
      "current_body": "We generally recognize revenue as services are performed or products are delivered. For example, revenue typically is recognized as waste is collected; tons are received at our landfills, transfer stations or processing facilities; or recycling and other commodities, such as RNG, electricity and capacity, Renewable Identification Numbers (“RINs”) and Renewable Energy Credits (“RECs”), are sold. Compliance services revenues are recognized over the contractual service period. We also bill for certain services prior to performance. Such services include, among others, certain commercial 99 99 Table of ContentsWASTE MANAGEMENT, INC.NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)​and residential contracts, and equipment rentals. These advanced billings are included in deferred revenues and recognized as revenue in the period service is provided.Our Collection and Disposal operating revenues are primarily generated from fees charged for our collection, transfer and disposal. Revenues from our collection operations are influenced by factors such as collection frequency, type of collection equipment furnished, type and volume or weight of the waste collected, distance to the disposal facility or recycling facility and our disposal costs. Revenues from our landfill operations consist of tipping fees, which are generally based on the type and weight or volume of waste being disposed of at our disposal facilities. Fees charged at transfer stations are generally based on the weight or volume of waste deposited, considering our cost of loading, transporting and disposing of the solid waste at a disposal site. The fees we charge for our services generally include applicable fees, such as our energy surcharge, which are intended to pass through to customers direct and indirect costs incurred.Recycling Processing and Sales revenues generally consist of tipping fees and the sale of recycling commodities to and/or on behalf of third parties. Our WM Renewable Energy revenue is primarily generated from (i) the sale of captured and converted landfill methane gas; (ii) the sale of RINs under the Renewable Fuel Standard (“RFS”) program implemented by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”); (iii) sale of Low Carbon Fuel credits designed to stimulate the use of low-carbon fuels and (iv) the sale of energy (electricity and capacity) and associated RECs.Our WM Healthcare Solutions revenue is primarily generated from (i) RWCS, which provide collection, processing and disposal of regulated and specialized waste, including medical, pharmaceutical and hazardous waste, and compliance programs and (ii) SID services, which provides for the collection of personal and confidential information for secure destruction and recycling of sorted office paper. The customers typically enter into a contract for the provision of services on a weekly, monthly or as-needed basis over the contract term. We receive fees based on a monthly, quarterly or annual rate and/or fees based on contractual rates depending on measures including the volume, weight, and type of waste, as specified in applicable contracts.See Note 19 for additional information related to revenue by reportable segment and major lines of business. Deferred RevenuesWe record deferred revenues when cash payments are received or due in advance of our performance and classify them as current since they are earned within a year and there are no significant financing components. Substantially all our deferred revenues during the reported periods are realized as revenues within one to three months, when the related services are performed.Contract Acquisition CostsOur incremental direct costs of obtaining a contract, which consist primarily of sales incentives, are generally deferred and amortized to selling, general and administrative expense over the estimated life of the relevant customer relationship, ranging from five to 13 years. Contract acquisition costs that are paid to the customer are deferred and amortized as a reduction in revenue over the contract life. Our contract acquisition costs are classified as current or noncurrent based on the timing of when we expect to recognize amortization and are included in other assets in our Consolidated Balance Sheets.As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, we had $218 million and $207 million of deferred contract costs, respectively, of which $154 million and $148 million, respectively, were related to deferred sales incentives. During each of the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, we amortized $28 million, $26 million and $24 million, respectively, of sales incentives to selling, general and administrative expense.100 Table of ContentsWASTE MANAGEMENT, INC.NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)​ Table of Contents Table of Contents",
      "prior_body": "​ Estimates and AssumptionsIn preparing our financial statements, we make numerous estimates and assumptions that affect the accounting for and recognition and disclosure of assets, liabilities, equity, revenues and expenses. We must make these estimates and assumptions because certain information that we use is dependent on future events, cannot be calculated with precision from available data or simply cannot be calculated. In some cases, these estimates are difficult to determine, and we must exercise significant judgment. In preparing our financial statements, the most difficult, subjective and complex estimates and the assumptions that present the greatest amount of uncertainty relate to our accounting for landfills, environmental remediation liabilities, long-lived asset impairments, intangible asset impairments and the fair value of assets and liabilities acquired in business combinations. Each of these items is discussed in additional detail below. Actual results could differ materially from the estimates and assumptions that we use in the preparation of our financial statements.Cash and Cash EquivalentsCash in excess of current operating requirements is invested in short-term interest-bearing instruments with maturities of three months or less at the date of purchase and is stated at cost, which approximates market value.Concentrations of Credit RiskFinancial instruments that potentially subject us to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, investments held within restricted funds, and accounts receivable. We make efforts to control our exposure to credit risk associated with these instruments by (i) placing our assets and other financial interests with a diverse group of credit-worthy financial institutions; (ii) holding high-quality financial instruments while limiting investments in any one instrument and (iii) maintaining strict policies over credit extension that include credit evaluations, credit limits and monitoring procedures, although generally we do not have collateral requirements for credit extensions. We also control our exposure associated with trade receivables by discontinuing service, to the extent allowable, to non-paying customers. However, our overall credit risk associated with trade receivables is limited due to the large number and diversity of customers we serve. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, no single customer represented greater than 5% of total accounts receivable.Accounts and Other Receivables Our receivables, which are recorded when billed, when services are performed or when cash is advanced, are claims against third parties that will generally be settled in cash. The carrying value of our receivables, net of the allowance for doubtful accounts, represents the estimated net realizable value. We estimate our allowance for doubtful accounts based on historical collection trends; type of customer, such as municipal or commercial; the age of outstanding receivables and existing as well as expected economic conditions. If events or changes in circumstances indicate that specific receivable balances may be impaired, further consideration is given to the collectability of those balances and the allowance is adjusted accordingly. Past-due receivable balances are written off when our internal collection efforts have been unsuccessful. Also, we recognize interest income on long-term interest-bearing notes receivable as the interest accrues under the terms of the notes. We no longer accrue interest once the notes are deemed uncollectible."
    },
    {
      "status": "MODIFIED",
      "current_title": "NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)",
      "prior_title": "NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)",
      "similarity_score": 0.886,
      "confidence": "high",
      "key_changes": [
        "Reworded sentence: \"​ The estimated useful lives for significant property and equipment categories are as follows (in years):​​​​ Useful LivesVehicles — excluding rail haul cars 3 to 10Vehicles — rail haul cars 10 to 30Machinery and equipment (a) 3 to 30Buildings and improvements 5 to 40Furniture, fixtures and office equipment 3 to 10(a)Includes recycling and renewable natural gas (“RNG”) facilities and WM Healthcare Solutions autoclaves and incinerators as well as containers.LeasesWe lease property and equipment in the ordinary course of our business.\"",
        "Reworded sentence: \"For operating and financing leases, including landfill leases, our rent expense for each of the last three years and future minimum lease payments are disclosed in Note 7.AcquisitionsWe generally recognize assets acquired and liabilities assumed in business combinations, including contingent assets and liabilities, based on fair value estimates as of the date of acquisition.Contingent Consideration — In certain acquisitions, we agree to pay additional amounts to sellers contingent upon achievement by the acquired businesses of certain negotiated goals, such as targeted revenue levels, targeted disposal The estimated useful lives for significant property and equipment categories are as follows (in years):​​​​ Useful LivesVehicles — excluding rail haul cars 3 to 10Vehicles — rail haul cars 10 to 30Machinery and equipment (a) 3 to 30Buildings and improvements 5 to 40Furniture, fixtures and office equipment 3 to 10(a)Includes recycling and renewable natural gas (“RNG”) facilities and WM Healthcare Solutions autoclaves and incinerators as well as containers.LeasesWe lease property and equipment in the ordinary course of our business.\"",
        "Reworded sentence: \"For operating and financing leases, including landfill leases, our rent expense for each of the last three years and future minimum lease payments are disclosed in Note 7.AcquisitionsWe generally recognize assets acquired and liabilities assumed in business combinations, including contingent assets and liabilities, based on fair value estimates as of the date of acquisition.Contingent Consideration — In certain acquisitions, we agree to pay additional amounts to sellers contingent upon achievement by the acquired businesses of certain negotiated goals, such as targeted revenue levels, targeted disposal The estimated useful lives for significant property and equipment categories are as follows (in years): ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​\""
      ],
      "current_body": "​ balances and transactions have been eliminated. Investments in unconsolidated entities are accounted for under the appropriate method of accounting.Estimates and AssumptionsIn preparing our financial statements, we make numerous estimates and assumptions that affect the accounting for and recognition and disclosure of assets, liabilities, equity, revenues and expenses. We must make these estimates and assumptions because certain information that we use is dependent on future events, cannot be calculated with precision from available data or simply cannot be calculated. In some cases, these estimates are difficult to determine, and we must exercise significant judgment. In preparing our financial statements, the most difficult, subjective and complex estimates and the assumptions that present the greatest amount of uncertainty relate to our accounting for landfills, environmental remediation liabilities, long-lived asset impairments, intangible asset impairments and the fair value of assets and liabilities acquired in business combinations. Each of these items is discussed in additional detail below. Actual results could differ materially from the estimates and assumptions that we use in the preparation of our financial statements.Cash and Cash EquivalentsCash in excess of current operating requirements is invested in short-term interest-bearing instruments with maturities of three months or less at the date of purchase and is stated at cost, which approximates market value.Concentrations of Credit RiskFinancial instruments that potentially subject us to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, investments held within restricted funds, and accounts receivable. We make efforts to control our exposure to credit risk associated with these instruments by (i) placing our assets and other financial interests with a diverse group of credit-worthy financial institutions; (ii) holding high-quality financial instruments while limiting investments in any one instrument and (iii) maintaining strict policies over credit extension that include credit evaluations, credit limits and monitoring procedures, although generally we do not have collateral requirements for credit extensions. We also control our exposure associated with trade receivables by discontinuing service, to the extent allowable, to non-paying customers. However, our overall credit risk associated with trade receivables is limited due to the large number and diversity of customers we serve. As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, no single customer represented greater than 5% of total accounts receivable.Accounts and Other Receivables Our receivables, which are recorded when billed, when services are performed or when cash is advanced, are claims against third parties that will generally be settled in cash. The carrying value of our receivables, net of the allowance for doubtful accounts, represents the estimated net realizable value. We estimate our allowance for doubtful accounts based on historical collection trends; type of customer, such as municipal or commercial; the age of outstanding receivables and existing as well as expected economic conditions. If events or changes in circumstances indicate that specific receivable balances may be impaired, further consideration is given to the collectability of those balances and the allowance is adjusted accordingly. Past-due receivable balances are written off when our collection efforts have been unsuccessful. Also, we recognize interest income on long-term interest-bearing notes receivable as the interest accrues under the terms of the notes. We no longer accrue interest once the notes are deemed uncollectible. balances and transactions have been eliminated. Investments in unconsolidated entities are accounted for under the appropriate method of accounting.Estimates and AssumptionsIn preparing our financial statements, we make numerous estimates and assumptions that affect the accounting for and recognition and disclosure of assets, liabilities, equity, revenues and expenses. We must make these estimates and assumptions because certain information that we use is dependent on future events, cannot be calculated with precision from available data or simply cannot be calculated. In some cases, these estimates are difficult to determine, and we must exercise significant judgment. In preparing our financial statements, the most difficult, subjective and complex estimates and the assumptions that present the greatest amount of uncertainty relate to our accounting for landfills, environmental remediation liabilities, long-lived asset impairments, intangible asset impairments and the fair value of assets and liabilities acquired in business combinations. Each of these items is discussed in additional detail below. Actual results could differ materially from the estimates and assumptions that we use in the preparation of our financial statements.Cash and Cash EquivalentsCash in excess of current operating requirements is invested in short-term interest-bearing instruments with maturities of three months or less at the date of purchase and is stated at cost, which approximates market value.Concentrations of Credit RiskFinancial instruments that potentially subject us to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, investments held within restricted funds, and accounts receivable. We make efforts to control our exposure to credit risk associated with these instruments by (i) placing our assets and other financial interests with a diverse group of credit-worthy financial institutions; (ii) holding high-quality financial instruments while limiting investments in any one instrument and (iii) maintaining strict policies over credit extension that include credit evaluations, credit limits and monitoring procedures, although generally we do not have collateral requirements for credit extensions. We also control our exposure associated with trade receivables by discontinuing service, to the extent allowable, to non-paying customers. However, our overall credit risk associated with trade receivables is limited due to the large number and diversity of customers we serve. As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, no single customer represented greater than 5% of total accounts receivable.Accounts and Other Receivables Our receivables, which are recorded when billed, when services are performed or when cash is advanced, are claims against third parties that will generally be settled in cash. The carrying value of our receivables, net of the allowance for doubtful accounts, represents the estimated net realizable value. We estimate our allowance for doubtful accounts based on historical collection trends; type of customer, such as municipal or commercial; the age of outstanding receivables and existing as well as expected economic conditions. If events or changes in circumstances indicate that specific receivable balances may be impaired, further consideration is given to the collectability of those balances and the allowance is adjusted accordingly. Past-due receivable balances are written off when our collection efforts have been unsuccessful. Also, we recognize interest income on long-term interest-bearing notes receivable as the interest accrues under the terms of the notes. We no longer accrue interest once the notes are deemed uncollectible. balances and transactions have been eliminated. Investments in unconsolidated entities are accounted for under the appropriate method of accounting.",
      "prior_body": "​ Estimates and AssumptionsIn preparing our financial statements, we make numerous estimates and assumptions that affect the accounting for and recognition and disclosure of assets, liabilities, equity, revenues and expenses. We must make these estimates and assumptions because certain information that we use is dependent on future events, cannot be calculated with precision from available data or simply cannot be calculated. In some cases, these estimates are difficult to determine, and we must exercise significant judgment. In preparing our financial statements, the most difficult, subjective and complex estimates and the assumptions that present the greatest amount of uncertainty relate to our accounting for landfills, environmental remediation liabilities, long-lived asset impairments, intangible asset impairments and the fair value of assets and liabilities acquired in business combinations. Each of these items is discussed in additional detail below. Actual results could differ materially from the estimates and assumptions that we use in the preparation of our financial statements.Cash and Cash EquivalentsCash in excess of current operating requirements is invested in short-term interest-bearing instruments with maturities of three months or less at the date of purchase and is stated at cost, which approximates market value.Concentrations of Credit RiskFinancial instruments that potentially subject us to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, investments held within restricted funds, and accounts receivable. We make efforts to control our exposure to credit risk associated with these instruments by (i) placing our assets and other financial interests with a diverse group of credit-worthy financial institutions; (ii) holding high-quality financial instruments while limiting investments in any one instrument and (iii) maintaining strict policies over credit extension that include credit evaluations, credit limits and monitoring procedures, although generally we do not have collateral requirements for credit extensions. We also control our exposure associated with trade receivables by discontinuing service, to the extent allowable, to non-paying customers. However, our overall credit risk associated with trade receivables is limited due to the large number and diversity of customers we serve. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, no single customer represented greater than 5% of total accounts receivable.Accounts and Other Receivables Our receivables, which are recorded when billed, when services are performed or when cash is advanced, are claims against third parties that will generally be settled in cash. The carrying value of our receivables, net of the allowance for doubtful accounts, represents the estimated net realizable value. We estimate our allowance for doubtful accounts based on historical collection trends; type of customer, such as municipal or commercial; the age of outstanding receivables and existing as well as expected economic conditions. If events or changes in circumstances indicate that specific receivable balances may be impaired, further consideration is given to the collectability of those balances and the allowance is adjusted accordingly. Past-due receivable balances are written off when our internal collection efforts have been unsuccessful. Also, we recognize interest income on long-term interest-bearing notes receivable as the interest accrues under the terms of the notes. We no longer accrue interest once the notes are deemed uncollectible."
    },
    {
      "status": "MODIFIED",
      "current_title": "Landfill and Environmental Remediation Discussion and Analysis",
      "prior_title": "Landfill and Environmental Remediation Discussion and Analysis",
      "similarity_score": 0.886,
      "confidence": "high",
      "key_changes": [
        "Reworded sentence: \"We owned or operated 257 solid waste landfills and five secure hazardous waste landfills as of December 31, 2024 and 258 solid waste landfills and five secure hazardous waste landfills as of December 31, 2023.\"",
        "Reworded sentence: \"We are seeking expansion permits at 18 of our landfills that meet the expansion criteria outlined in the Critical Accounting Estimates and Assumptions — Landfills section below.\"",
        "Reworded sentence: \"The cost basis of our landfill assets also includes estimates of future costs associated with landfill final capping, closure and post-closure activities, which are discussed further below.The changes to the cost basis of our landfill assets and accumulated landfill airspace depletion for the year ended December 31, 2024 are reflected in the table below (in millions):​​​​​​​​​​​ ​​ Accumulated ​Net Book​​Cost Basis of​Landfill Airspace​​Value of​ Landfill Assets Depletion Landfill AssetsDecember 31, 2023​$ 19,473​$ (11,643)​$ 7,830Capital additions​ 832​ —​ 832Asset retirement obligations incurred and capitalized​ 91​ —​ 91Depletion of landfill airspace​ —​ (795)​ (795)Foreign currency translation​ (100)​ 47​ (53)Asset retirements and other adjustments​ (23)​ 132​ 109December 31, 2024​$ 20,273​$ (12,259)​$ 8,014​As of December 31, 2024, we estimate that we will spend approximately $845 million in 2025, and approximately $1.8 billion in 2026 and 2027 combined, for the construction and development of our landfill assets.\"",
        "Reworded sentence: \"We are seeking expansion permits at 18 of our landfills that meet the expansion criteria outlined in the Critical Accounting Estimates and Assumptions — Landfills section below.\"",
        "Reworded sentence: \"The cost basis of our landfill assets also includes estimates of future costs associated with landfill final capping, closure and post-closure activities, which are discussed further below.The changes to the cost basis of our landfill assets and accumulated landfill airspace depletion for the year ended December 31, 2024 are reflected in the table below (in millions):​​​​​​​​​​​ ​​ Accumulated ​Net Book​​Cost Basis of​Landfill Airspace​​Value of​ Landfill Assets Depletion Landfill AssetsDecember 31, 2023​$ 19,473​$ (11,643)​$ 7,830Capital additions​ 832​ —​ 832Asset retirement obligations incurred and capitalized​ 91​ —​ 91Depletion of landfill airspace​ —​ (795)​ (795)Foreign currency translation​ (100)​ 47​ (53)Asset retirements and other adjustments​ (23)​ 132​ 109December 31, 2024​$ 20,273​$ (12,259)​$ 8,014​As of December 31, 2024, we estimate that we will spend approximately $845 million in 2025, and approximately $1.8 billion in 2026 and 2027 combined, for the construction and development of our landfill assets.\""
      ],
      "current_body": "We owned or operated 257 solid waste landfills and five secure hazardous waste landfills as of December 31, 2024 and 258 solid waste landfills and five secure hazardous waste landfills as of December 31, 2023. For these landfills, the following table reflects changes in capacity, as measured in tons of waste, for the year ended December 31 and remaining airspace, measured in cubic yards of waste, as of December 31 (in millions): ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 2024 ​ 2023 ​ ​ Remaining ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Remaining ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Permitted ​ Expansion ​ Total ​ Permitted ​ Expansion ​ Total ​ ​ Capacity ​ Capacity ​ Capacity ​ Capacity ​ Capacity ​ Capacity Balance as of beginning of year (in tons) ​ 5,211 ​ 161 ​ 5,372 ​ 5,165 ​ 190 ​ 5,355 Acquisitions, divestitures, newly permitted landfills and closures — 8 8 — — — Changes in expansions pursued (a) — 58 58 — 138 138 Expansion permits granted (b) 64 (64) — 168 (168) — Depletable tons received (125) — (125) (123) — (123) Changes in engineering estimates and other (c) 24 2 26 1 1 2 Balance as of end of year (in tons) (d) 5,174 165 5,339 5,211 161 5,372 Balance as of end of year (in cubic yards) (d) 5,049 165 5,214 5,079 180 5,259 The depletable tons received at our landfills for the year ended December 31 are shown below (tons in thousands): ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 2024 ​ 2023 ​ # of Depletable Tons per # of Depletable Tons per ​ Sites Tons Day Sites Tons Day Solid waste landfills (a) 257 ​ 124,271 456 258 122,141 450 Hazardous waste landfills 5 626 2 5 658 2 ​ 262 124,897 458 263 122,799 452 Solid waste landfills closed, divested or lease or other contractual agreement expired during related year — 113 — — ​ 125,010 ​ 122,799 ​ 63 63 Table of ContentsAs of December 31, 2024, we owned or managed 239 sites that are either in closure or post-closure, have received a certification post-closure, or are regulated under a remedial action plan.Based on remaining permitted airspace as of December 31, 2024 and projected annual disposal volume, the weighted average remaining landfill life for all of our owned or operated landfills is approximately 38 years. Many of our landfills have the potential for expanded airspace beyond what is currently permitted. We monitor the availability of permitted airspace at each of our landfills and evaluate whether to pursue an expansion at a given landfill based on estimated future disposal volume, disposal prices, construction and operating costs, remaining airspace and likelihood of obtaining an expansion permit. We are seeking expansion permits at 18 of our landfills that meet the expansion criteria outlined in the Critical Accounting Estimates and Assumptions — Landfills section below. Although no assurances can be made that all future expansions will be permitted or permitted as designed, the weighted average remaining landfill life for all owned or operated landfills is approximately 39 years when considering remaining permitted airspace, expansion airspace and projected annual disposal volume.The number of landfills owned or operated as of December 31, 2024, segregated by their estimated operating lives based on remaining permitted and expansion airspace and projected annual disposal volume, was as follows:​​​​​ # of Landfills​0 to 5 years 28​6 to 10 years 22​11 to 20 years 53​21 to 40 years 62​41+ years 97​Total 262(a)(a)Of the 262 landfills, 221 are owned, 29 are operated under lease agreements and 12 are operated under other contractual agreements. For the landfills not owned, we are usually responsible for final capping, closure and post-closure obligations.Landfill Assets — We capitalize various costs that we incur to prepare a landfill to accept waste. These costs generally include expenditures for land (including the landfill footprint and required landfill buffer property), permitting, excavation, liner material and installation, landfill leachate collection systems, landfill gas collection systems, environmental monitoring equipment for groundwater and landfill gas, directly related engineering, capitalized interest, and on-site road construction and other capital infrastructure costs. The cost basis of our landfill assets also includes estimates of future costs associated with landfill final capping, closure and post-closure activities, which are discussed further below.The changes to the cost basis of our landfill assets and accumulated landfill airspace depletion for the year ended December 31, 2024 are reflected in the table below (in millions):​​​​​​​​​​​ ​​ Accumulated ​Net Book​​Cost Basis of​Landfill Airspace​​Value of​ Landfill Assets Depletion Landfill AssetsDecember 31, 2023​$ 19,473​$ (11,643)​$ 7,830Capital additions​ 832​ —​ 832Asset retirement obligations incurred and capitalized​ 91​ —​ 91Depletion of landfill airspace​ —​ (795)​ (795)Foreign currency translation​ (100)​ 47​ (53)Asset retirements and other adjustments​ (23)​ 132​ 109December 31, 2024​$ 20,273​$ (12,259)​$ 8,014​As of December 31, 2024, we estimate that we will spend approximately $845 million in 2025, and approximately $1.8 billion in 2026 and 2027 combined, for the construction and development of our landfill assets. The specific timing 64 Table of Contents Table of Contents Table of Contents As of December 31, 2024, we owned or managed 239 sites that are either in closure or post-closure, have received a certification post-closure, or are regulated under a remedial action plan.Based on remaining permitted airspace as of December 31, 2024 and projected annual disposal volume, the weighted average remaining landfill life for all of our owned or operated landfills is approximately 38 years. Many of our landfills have the potential for expanded airspace beyond what is currently permitted. We monitor the availability of permitted airspace at each of our landfills and evaluate whether to pursue an expansion at a given landfill based on estimated future disposal volume, disposal prices, construction and operating costs, remaining airspace and likelihood of obtaining an expansion permit. We are seeking expansion permits at 18 of our landfills that meet the expansion criteria outlined in the Critical Accounting Estimates and Assumptions — Landfills section below. Although no assurances can be made that all future expansions will be permitted or permitted as designed, the weighted average remaining landfill life for all owned or operated landfills is approximately 39 years when considering remaining permitted airspace, expansion airspace and projected annual disposal volume.The number of landfills owned or operated as of December 31, 2024, segregated by their estimated operating lives based on remaining permitted and expansion airspace and projected annual disposal volume, was as follows:​​​​​ # of Landfills​0 to 5 years 28​6 to 10 years 22​11 to 20 years 53​21 to 40 years 62​41+ years 97​Total 262(a)(a)Of the 262 landfills, 221 are owned, 29 are operated under lease agreements and 12 are operated under other contractual agreements. For the landfills not owned, we are usually responsible for final capping, closure and post-closure obligations.Landfill Assets — We capitalize various costs that we incur to prepare a landfill to accept waste. These costs generally include expenditures for land (including the landfill footprint and required landfill buffer property), permitting, excavation, liner material and installation, landfill leachate collection systems, landfill gas collection systems, environmental monitoring equipment for groundwater and landfill gas, directly related engineering, capitalized interest, and on-site road construction and other capital infrastructure costs. The cost basis of our landfill assets also includes estimates of future costs associated with landfill final capping, closure and post-closure activities, which are discussed further below.The changes to the cost basis of our landfill assets and accumulated landfill airspace depletion for the year ended December 31, 2024 are reflected in the table below (in millions):​​​​​​​​​​​ ​​ Accumulated ​Net Book​​Cost Basis of​Landfill Airspace​​Value of​ Landfill Assets Depletion Landfill AssetsDecember 31, 2023​$ 19,473​$ (11,643)​$ 7,830Capital additions​ 832​ —​ 832Asset retirement obligations incurred and capitalized​ 91​ —​ 91Depletion of landfill airspace​ —​ (795)​ (795)Foreign currency translation​ (100)​ 47​ (53)Asset retirements and other adjustments​ (23)​ 132​ 109December 31, 2024​$ 20,273​$ (12,259)​$ 8,014​As of December 31, 2024, we estimate that we will spend approximately $845 million in 2025, and approximately $1.8 billion in 2026 and 2027 combined, for the construction and development of our landfill assets. The specific timing As of December 31, 2024, we owned or managed 239 sites that are either in closure or post-closure, have received a certification post-closure, or are regulated under a remedial action plan.Based on remaining permitted airspace as of December 31, 2024 and projected annual disposal volume, the weighted average remaining landfill life for all of our owned or operated landfills is approximately 38 years. Many of our landfills have the potential for expanded airspace beyond what is currently permitted. We monitor the availability of permitted airspace at each of our landfills and evaluate whether to pursue an expansion at a given landfill based on estimated future disposal volume, disposal prices, construction and operating costs, remaining airspace and likelihood of obtaining an expansion permit. We are seeking expansion permits at 18 of our landfills that meet the expansion criteria outlined in the Critical Accounting Estimates and Assumptions — Landfills section below. Although no assurances can be made that all future expansions will be permitted or permitted as designed, the weighted average remaining landfill life for all owned or operated landfills is approximately 39 years when considering remaining permitted airspace, expansion airspace and projected annual disposal volume.The number of landfills owned or operated as of December 31, 2024, segregated by their estimated operating lives based on remaining permitted and expansion airspace and projected annual disposal volume, was as follows:​​​​​ # of Landfills​0 to 5 years 28​6 to 10 years 22​11 to 20 years 53​21 to 40 years 62​41+ years 97​Total 262(a)(a)Of the 262 landfills, 221 are owned, 29 are operated under lease agreements and 12 are operated under other contractual agreements. For the landfills not owned, we are usually responsible for final capping, closure and post-closure obligations.Landfill Assets — We capitalize various costs that we incur to prepare a landfill to accept waste. These costs generally include expenditures for land (including the landfill footprint and required landfill buffer property), permitting, excavation, liner material and installation, landfill leachate collection systems, landfill gas collection systems, environmental monitoring equipment for groundwater and landfill gas, directly related engineering, capitalized interest, and on-site road construction and other capital infrastructure costs. The cost basis of our landfill assets also includes estimates of future costs associated with landfill final capping, closure and post-closure activities, which are discussed further below.The changes to the cost basis of our landfill assets and accumulated landfill airspace depletion for the year ended December 31, 2024 are reflected in the table below (in millions):​​​​​​​​​​​ ​​ Accumulated ​Net Book​​Cost Basis of​Landfill Airspace​​Value of​ Landfill Assets Depletion Landfill AssetsDecember 31, 2023​$ 19,473​$ (11,643)​$ 7,830Capital additions​ 832​ —​ 832Asset retirement obligations incurred and capitalized​ 91​ —​ 91Depletion of landfill airspace​ —​ (795)​ (795)Foreign currency translation​ (100)​ 47​ (53)Asset retirements and other adjustments​ (23)​ 132​ 109December 31, 2024​$ 20,273​$ (12,259)​$ 8,014​As of December 31, 2024, we estimate that we will spend approximately $845 million in 2025, and approximately $1.8 billion in 2026 and 2027 combined, for the construction and development of our landfill assets. The specific timing As of December 31, 2024, we owned or managed 239 sites that are either in closure or post-closure, have received a certification post-closure, or are regulated under a remedial action plan. Based on remaining permitted airspace as of December 31, 2024 and projected annual disposal volume, the weighted average remaining landfill life for all of our owned or operated landfills is approximately 38 years. Many of our landfills have the potential for expanded airspace beyond what is currently permitted. We monitor the availability of permitted airspace at each of our landfills and evaluate whether to pursue an expansion at a given landfill based on estimated future disposal volume, disposal prices, construction and operating costs, remaining airspace and likelihood of obtaining an expansion permit. We are seeking expansion permits at 18 of our landfills that meet the expansion criteria outlined in the Critical Accounting Estimates and Assumptions — Landfills section below. Although no assurances can be made that all future expansions will be permitted or permitted as designed, the weighted average remaining landfill life for all owned or operated landfills is approximately 39 years when considering remaining permitted airspace, expansion airspace and projected annual disposal volume. The number of landfills owned or operated as of December 31, 2024, segregated by their estimated operating lives based on remaining permitted and expansion airspace and projected annual disposal volume, was as follows: ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​",
      "prior_body": "We owned or operated 258 solid waste landfills and five secure hazardous waste landfills as of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022. For these landfills, the following table reflects changes in capacity, as measured in tons of waste, for the year ended December 31 and remaining airspace, measured in cubic yards of waste, as of December 31 (in millions): ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 2023 ​ 2022 ​ ​ Remaining ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Remaining ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Permitted ​ Expansion ​ Total ​ Permitted ​ Expansion ​ Total ​ ​ Capacity ​ Capacity ​ Capacity ​ Capacity ​ Capacity ​ Capacity Balance as of beginning of year (in tons) ​ 5,165 ​ 190 ​ 5,355 ​ 4,889 ​ 174 ​ 5,063 Acquisitions, divestitures, newly permitted landfills and closures — — — 163 — 163 Changes in expansions pursued (a) — 138 138 — 62 62 Expansion permits granted (b) 168 (168) — 57 (57) — Depletable tons received (123) — (123) (125) — (125) Changes in engineering estimates and other (c) (d) 1 1 2 181 11 192 Balance as of end of year (in tons) (e) 5,211 161 5,372 5,165 190 5,355 Balance as of end of year (in cubic yards) (e) 5,095 160 5,255 5,079 180 5,259 The depletable tons received at our landfills for the year ended December 31 are shown below (tons in thousands): ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 2023 ​ 2022 ​ # of Depletable Tons per # of Depletable Tons per ​ Sites Tons Day Sites Tons Day Solid waste landfills (a) 258 ​ 122,141 450 258 123,462 452 Hazardous waste landfills 5 658 2 5 652 2 ​ 263 122,799 452 263 124,114 454 Solid waste landfills closed, divested or lease or other contractual agreement expired during related year — — 4 633 ​ 122,799 ​ 124,747 ​ 55 55 Table of ContentsAs of December 31, 2023, we owned or controlled the management of 237 sites with remedial activities, are in closure or have received a certification of closure or post-closure from the applicable regulatory agency.Based on remaining permitted airspace as of December 31, 2023 and projected annual disposal volume, the weighted average remaining landfill life for all of our owned or operated landfills is approximately 38 years. Many of our landfills have the potential for expanded airspace beyond what is currently permitted. We monitor the availability of permitted airspace at each of our landfills and evaluate whether to pursue an expansion at a given landfill based on estimated future disposal volume, disposal prices, construction and operating costs, remaining airspace and likelihood of obtaining an expansion permit. We are seeking expansion permits at 16 of our landfills that meet the expansion criteria outlined in the Critical Accounting Estimates and Assumptions — Landfills section below. Although no assurances can be made that all future expansions will be permitted or permitted as designed, the weighted average remaining landfill life for all owned or operated landfills is approximately 39 years when considering remaining permitted airspace, expansion airspace and projected annual disposal volume.The number of landfills owned or operated as of December 31, 2023, segregated by their estimated operating lives based on remaining permitted and expansion airspace and projected annual disposal volume, was as follows:​​​​​ # of Landfills​0 to 5 years 31​6 to 10 years 22​11 to 20 years 50​21 to 40 years 66​41+ years 94​Total 263(a)(a)Of the 263 landfills, 222 are owned, 29 are operated under lease agreements and 12 are operated under other contractual agreements. For the landfills not owned, we are usually responsible for final capping, closure and post-closure obligations.Landfill Assets — We capitalize various costs that we incur to prepare a landfill to accept waste. These costs generally include expenditures for land (including the landfill footprint and required landfill buffer property), permitting, excavation, liner material and installation, landfill leachate collection systems, landfill gas collection systems, environmental monitoring equipment for groundwater and landfill gas, directly related engineering, capitalized interest, and on-site road construction and other capital infrastructure costs. The cost basis of our landfill assets also includes estimates of future costs associated with landfill final capping, closure and post-closure activities, which are discussed further below.The changes to the cost basis of our landfill assets and accumulated landfill airspace depletion for the year ended December 31, 2023 are reflected in the table below (in millions):​​​​​​​​​​​ ​​ Accumulated ​Net Book​​Cost Basis of​Landfill Airspace​​Value of​ Landfill Assets Depletion Landfill AssetsDecember 31, 2022​$ 18,526​$ (10,896)​$ 7,630Capital additions​ 722​ —​ 722Asset retirement obligations incurred and capitalized​ 79​ —​ 79Depletion of landfill airspace​ —​ (745)​ (745)Foreign currency translation​ 28​ (12)​ 16Asset retirements and other adjustments​ 118​ 10​ 128December 31, 2023​$ 19,473​$ (11,643)​$ 7,830​As of December 31, 2023, we estimate that we will spend approximately $795 million in 2024, and approximately $1.7 billion in 2025 and 2026 combined, for the construction and development of our landfill assets. The specific timing of landfill capital spending is dependent on future events and spending estimates are subject to change due to fluctuations in landfill waste volumes, changes in environmental requirements and other factors impacting landfill operations.56 Table of Contents Table of Contents Table of Contents As of December 31, 2023, we owned or controlled the management of 237 sites with remedial activities, are in closure or have received a certification of closure or post-closure from the applicable regulatory agency.Based on remaining permitted airspace as of December 31, 2023 and projected annual disposal volume, the weighted average remaining landfill life for all of our owned or operated landfills is approximately 38 years. Many of our landfills have the potential for expanded airspace beyond what is currently permitted. We monitor the availability of permitted airspace at each of our landfills and evaluate whether to pursue an expansion at a given landfill based on estimated future disposal volume, disposal prices, construction and operating costs, remaining airspace and likelihood of obtaining an expansion permit. We are seeking expansion permits at 16 of our landfills that meet the expansion criteria outlined in the Critical Accounting Estimates and Assumptions — Landfills section below. Although no assurances can be made that all future expansions will be permitted or permitted as designed, the weighted average remaining landfill life for all owned or operated landfills is approximately 39 years when considering remaining permitted airspace, expansion airspace and projected annual disposal volume.The number of landfills owned or operated as of December 31, 2023, segregated by their estimated operating lives based on remaining permitted and expansion airspace and projected annual disposal volume, was as follows:​​​​​ # of Landfills​0 to 5 years 31​6 to 10 years 22​11 to 20 years 50​21 to 40 years 66​41+ years 94​Total 263(a)(a)Of the 263 landfills, 222 are owned, 29 are operated under lease agreements and 12 are operated under other contractual agreements. For the landfills not owned, we are usually responsible for final capping, closure and post-closure obligations.Landfill Assets — We capitalize various costs that we incur to prepare a landfill to accept waste. These costs generally include expenditures for land (including the landfill footprint and required landfill buffer property), permitting, excavation, liner material and installation, landfill leachate collection systems, landfill gas collection systems, environmental monitoring equipment for groundwater and landfill gas, directly related engineering, capitalized interest, and on-site road construction and other capital infrastructure costs. The cost basis of our landfill assets also includes estimates of future costs associated with landfill final capping, closure and post-closure activities, which are discussed further below.The changes to the cost basis of our landfill assets and accumulated landfill airspace depletion for the year ended December 31, 2023 are reflected in the table below (in millions):​​​​​​​​​​​ ​​ Accumulated ​Net Book​​Cost Basis of​Landfill Airspace​​Value of​ Landfill Assets Depletion Landfill AssetsDecember 31, 2022​$ 18,526​$ (10,896)​$ 7,630Capital additions​ 722​ —​ 722Asset retirement obligations incurred and capitalized​ 79​ —​ 79Depletion of landfill airspace​ —​ (745)​ (745)Foreign currency translation​ 28​ (12)​ 16Asset retirements and other adjustments​ 118​ 10​ 128December 31, 2023​$ 19,473​$ (11,643)​$ 7,830​As of December 31, 2023, we estimate that we will spend approximately $795 million in 2024, and approximately $1.7 billion in 2025 and 2026 combined, for the construction and development of our landfill assets. The specific timing of landfill capital spending is dependent on future events and spending estimates are subject to change due to fluctuations in landfill waste volumes, changes in environmental requirements and other factors impacting landfill operations. As of December 31, 2023, we owned or controlled the management of 237 sites with remedial activities, are in closure or have received a certification of closure or post-closure from the applicable regulatory agency. Based on remaining permitted airspace as of December 31, 2023 and projected annual disposal volume, the weighted average remaining landfill life for all of our owned or operated landfills is approximately 38 years. Many of our landfills have the potential for expanded airspace beyond what is currently permitted. We monitor the availability of permitted airspace at each of our landfills and evaluate whether to pursue an expansion at a given landfill based on estimated future disposal volume, disposal prices, construction and operating costs, remaining airspace and likelihood of obtaining an expansion permit. We are seeking expansion permits at 16 of our landfills that meet the expansion criteria outlined in the Critical Accounting Estimates and Assumptions — Landfills section below. Although no assurances can be made that all future expansions will be permitted or permitted as designed, the weighted average remaining landfill life for all owned or operated landfills is approximately 39 years when considering remaining permitted airspace, expansion airspace and projected annual disposal volume. The number of landfills owned or operated as of December 31, 2023, segregated by their estimated operating lives based on remaining permitted and expansion airspace and projected annual disposal volume, was as follows: ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​"
    },
    {
      "status": "MODIFIED",
      "current_title": "Remediation",
      "prior_title": "Remediation",
      "similarity_score": 0.885,
      "confidence": "high",
      "key_changes": [
        "Reworded sentence: \"December 31, 2023 ​ $ 2,853 ​ $ 209 Obligations incurred and capitalized ​ 91 — Obligations settled ​ (136) (23) Interest accretion ​ 133 — Revisions in estimates and interest rate assumptions ​ 121 36 Acquisitions, divestitures and other adjustments ​ (5) — December 31, 2024 ​ $ 3,057 ​ $ 222 ​ Landfill Operating Costs — The following table summarizes our landfill operating costs for the year ended December 31 (in millions): ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 2024 2023 2022 Interest accretion on landfill and environmental remediation liabilities ​ $ 133 ​ $ 130 ​ $ 112 Leachate and methane collection and treatment ​ 230 ​ 196 ​ 193 Landfill remediation costs and discount rate adjustments to environmental remediation liabilities and recovery assets ​ 18 ​ 7 ​ (2) Other landfill site costs ​ 143 ​ 120 ​ 118 Total landfill operating costs ​ $ 524 ​ $ 453 ​ $ 421 ​ Depletion of Landfill Airspace — Depletion of landfill airspace, which is included as a component of depreciation, depletion and amortization expenses, includes the following: Depletion expense is recorded on a units-of-consumption basis, applying cost as a rate per ton.\"",
        "Reworded sentence: \"65 65 Table of ContentsThe following table presents our landfill airspace depletion expense on a per-ton basis for the year ended December 31:​​​​​​​​​​​ 2024 2023 2022Depletion of landfill airspace (in millions)​$ 795​$ 745​$ 754Tons received, net of redirected waste (in millions)​ 125​ 123​ 125Average landfill airspace depletion expense per ton​$ 6.36​$ 6.07​$ 6.05​Different per-ton depletion rates are applied at each of our 262 landfills, and per-ton depletion rates vary significantly from one landfill to another due to (i) inconsistencies that often exist in construction costs and provincial, state and local regulatory requirements for landfill development and landfill final capping, closure and post-closure activities and (ii) differences in the cost basis of landfills that we develop versus those that we acquire.\"",
        "Reworded sentence: \"Summary of Contractual Obligations The following table summarizes our significant contractual obligations as of December 31, 2024 (other than recorded obligations related to liabilities associated with environmental remediation costs and non-cancelable operating lease obligations, which are discussed further in Notes 3 and 7 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, respectively) and the anticipated effect of these obligations on our liquidity in future years (in millions): ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ ​ 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 Thereafter TotalRecorded Obligations: ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Final capping, closure and post-closure liabilities (a)​$ 177​$ 223​$ 265​$ 197​$ 166​$ 3,762​$ 4,790Debt payments (b)​ 2,613​ 747​ 2,022​ 1,969​ 2,048​ 14,680​ 24,079Unrecorded Obligations:​ ​​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​Interest on debt (c)​ 928​ 888​ 838​ 736​ 647​ 5,168​ 9,205Estimated unconditional purchase obligations (d)​ 274​ 270​ 142​ 96​ 68​ 556​ 1,406Anticipated liquidity impact as of December 31, 2024​$ 3,992​$ 2,128​$ 3,267​$ 2,998​$ 2,929​$ 24,166​$ 39,480(a)Includes liabilities for final capping, closure and post-closure costs recorded in our Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2024, without the impact of discounting and inflation.\"",
        "Reworded sentence: \"Refer to Note 6 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding our debt obligations.(c)Interest on our fixed-rate debt was calculated based on contractual rates and interest on our variable-rate debt was calculated based on interest rates as of December 31, 2024.\"",
        "Reworded sentence: \"Summary of Contractual Obligations The following table summarizes our significant contractual obligations as of December 31, 2024 (other than recorded obligations related to liabilities associated with environmental remediation costs and non-cancelable operating lease obligations, which are discussed further in Notes 3 and 7 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, respectively) and the anticipated effect of these obligations on our liquidity in future years (in millions): ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ ​ 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 Thereafter TotalRecorded Obligations: ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Final capping, closure and post-closure liabilities (a)​$ 177​$ 223​$ 265​$ 197​$ 166​$ 3,762​$ 4,790Debt payments (b)​ 2,613​ 747​ 2,022​ 1,969​ 2,048​ 14,680​ 24,079Unrecorded Obligations:​ ​​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​Interest on debt (c)​ 928​ 888​ 838​ 736​ 647​ 5,168​ 9,205Estimated unconditional purchase obligations (d)​ 274​ 270​ 142​ 96​ 68​ 556​ 1,406Anticipated liquidity impact as of December 31, 2024​$ 3,992​$ 2,128​$ 3,267​$ 2,998​$ 2,929​$ 24,166​$ 39,480(a)Includes liabilities for final capping, closure and post-closure costs recorded in our Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2024, without the impact of discounting and inflation.\""
      ],
      "current_body": "December 31, 2023 ​ $ 2,853 ​ $ 209 Obligations incurred and capitalized ​ 91 — Obligations settled ​ (136) (23) Interest accretion ​ 133 — Revisions in estimates and interest rate assumptions ​ 121 36 Acquisitions, divestitures and other adjustments ​ (5) — December 31, 2024 ​ $ 3,057 ​ $ 222 ​ Landfill Operating Costs — The following table summarizes our landfill operating costs for the year ended December 31 (in millions): ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 2024 2023 2022 Interest accretion on landfill and environmental remediation liabilities ​ $ 133 ​ $ 130 ​ $ 112 Leachate and methane collection and treatment ​ 230 ​ 196 ​ 193 Landfill remediation costs and discount rate adjustments to environmental remediation liabilities and recovery assets ​ 18 ​ 7 ​ (2) Other landfill site costs ​ 143 ​ 120 ​ 118 Total landfill operating costs ​ $ 524 ​ $ 453 ​ $ 421 ​ Depletion of Landfill Airspace — Depletion of landfill airspace, which is included as a component of depreciation, depletion and amortization expenses, includes the following: Depletion expense is recorded on a units-of-consumption basis, applying cost as a rate per ton. The rate per ton is calculated by dividing each component of the depletable basis of a landfill (net of accumulated depletion) by the number of tons needed to fill the corresponding asset’s remaining permitted and expansion airspace. Landfill capital costs and closure and post-closure asset retirement costs are generally incurred to support the operation of the landfill over its entire operating life and are, therefore, depleted on a per-ton basis using a landfill’s total permitted and expansion airspace. Final capping asset retirement costs are related to a specific final capping event and are, therefore, depleted on a per-ton basis using each discrete final capping event’s estimated permitted and expansion airspace. Accordingly, each landfill has multiple per-ton depletion rates. 65 65 Table of ContentsThe following table presents our landfill airspace depletion expense on a per-ton basis for the year ended December 31:​​​​​​​​​​​ 2024 2023 2022Depletion of landfill airspace (in millions)​$ 795​$ 745​$ 754Tons received, net of redirected waste (in millions)​ 125​ 123​ 125Average landfill airspace depletion expense per ton​$ 6.36​$ 6.07​$ 6.05​Different per-ton depletion rates are applied at each of our 262 landfills, and per-ton depletion rates vary significantly from one landfill to another due to (i) inconsistencies that often exist in construction costs and provincial, state and local regulatory requirements for landfill development and landfill final capping, closure and post-closure activities and (ii) differences in the cost basis of landfills that we develop versus those that we acquire. Accordingly, our landfill airspace depletion expense measured on a per-ton basis can fluctuate due to changes in the mix of volumes we receive across the Company each year. Liquidity and Capital Resources The Company consistently generates annual cash flow from operations that meets and exceeds our working capital needs, allows for payment of our dividends, investment in the business through capital expenditures and tuck-in acquisitions, and funding of strategic sustainability growth investments. We continually monitor our actual and forecasted cash flows, our liquidity and our capital resources, enabling us to plan for our present needs and fund unbudgeted business requirements that may arise during the year. The Company believes that its investment grade credit ratings, diverse investor base, large value of unencumbered assets and modest leverage enable it to obtain adequate financing, and refinance upcoming maturities, as necessary to meet its ongoing capital, operating, strategic and other liquidity requirements. We also have the ability to manage liquidity during periods of significant financial market disruption through temporary modification of our capital expenditure and share repurchase plans. Summary of Contractual Obligations The following table summarizes our significant contractual obligations as of December 31, 2024 (other than recorded obligations related to liabilities associated with environmental remediation costs and non-cancelable operating lease obligations, which are discussed further in Notes 3 and 7 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, respectively) and the anticipated effect of these obligations on our liquidity in future years (in millions): ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ ​ 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 Thereafter TotalRecorded Obligations: ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Final capping, closure and post-closure liabilities (a)​$ 177​$ 223​$ 265​$ 197​$ 166​$ 3,762​$ 4,790Debt payments (b)​ 2,613​ 747​ 2,022​ 1,969​ 2,048​ 14,680​ 24,079Unrecorded Obligations:​ ​​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​Interest on debt (c)​ 928​ 888​ 838​ 736​ 647​ 5,168​ 9,205Estimated unconditional purchase obligations (d)​ 274​ 270​ 142​ 96​ 68​ 556​ 1,406Anticipated liquidity impact as of December 31, 2024​$ 3,992​$ 2,128​$ 3,267​$ 2,998​$ 2,929​$ 24,166​$ 39,480(a)Includes liabilities for final capping, closure and post-closure costs recorded in our Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2024, without the impact of discounting and inflation. Our recorded liabilities for final capping, closure and post-closure costs will increase as we continue to place additional tons within the permitted airspace at our landfills.(b)These amounts represent the scheduled principal payments based on their contractual maturities related to our long-term debt and financing leases, excluding interest. Refer to Note 6 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding our debt obligations.(c)Interest on our fixed-rate debt was calculated based on contractual rates and interest on our variable-rate debt was calculated based on interest rates as of December 31, 2024. As of December 31, 2024, we had $251 million of accrued interest related to our debt obligations.66 Table of Contents Table of Contents Table of Contents The following table presents our landfill airspace depletion expense on a per-ton basis for the year ended December 31:​​​​​​​​​​​ 2024 2023 2022Depletion of landfill airspace (in millions)​$ 795​$ 745​$ 754Tons received, net of redirected waste (in millions)​ 125​ 123​ 125Average landfill airspace depletion expense per ton​$ 6.36​$ 6.07​$ 6.05​Different per-ton depletion rates are applied at each of our 262 landfills, and per-ton depletion rates vary significantly from one landfill to another due to (i) inconsistencies that often exist in construction costs and provincial, state and local regulatory requirements for landfill development and landfill final capping, closure and post-closure activities and (ii) differences in the cost basis of landfills that we develop versus those that we acquire. Accordingly, our landfill airspace depletion expense measured on a per-ton basis can fluctuate due to changes in the mix of volumes we receive across the Company each year. Liquidity and Capital Resources The Company consistently generates annual cash flow from operations that meets and exceeds our working capital needs, allows for payment of our dividends, investment in the business through capital expenditures and tuck-in acquisitions, and funding of strategic sustainability growth investments. We continually monitor our actual and forecasted cash flows, our liquidity and our capital resources, enabling us to plan for our present needs and fund unbudgeted business requirements that may arise during the year. The Company believes that its investment grade credit ratings, diverse investor base, large value of unencumbered assets and modest leverage enable it to obtain adequate financing, and refinance upcoming maturities, as necessary to meet its ongoing capital, operating, strategic and other liquidity requirements. We also have the ability to manage liquidity during periods of significant financial market disruption through temporary modification of our capital expenditure and share repurchase plans. Summary of Contractual Obligations The following table summarizes our significant contractual obligations as of December 31, 2024 (other than recorded obligations related to liabilities associated with environmental remediation costs and non-cancelable operating lease obligations, which are discussed further in Notes 3 and 7 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, respectively) and the anticipated effect of these obligations on our liquidity in future years (in millions): ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ ​ 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 Thereafter TotalRecorded Obligations: ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Final capping, closure and post-closure liabilities (a)​$ 177​$ 223​$ 265​$ 197​$ 166​$ 3,762​$ 4,790Debt payments (b)​ 2,613​ 747​ 2,022​ 1,969​ 2,048​ 14,680​ 24,079Unrecorded Obligations:​ ​​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​Interest on debt (c)​ 928​ 888​ 838​ 736​ 647​ 5,168​ 9,205Estimated unconditional purchase obligations (d)​ 274​ 270​ 142​ 96​ 68​ 556​ 1,406Anticipated liquidity impact as of December 31, 2024​$ 3,992​$ 2,128​$ 3,267​$ 2,998​$ 2,929​$ 24,166​$ 39,480(a)Includes liabilities for final capping, closure and post-closure costs recorded in our Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2024, without the impact of discounting and inflation. Our recorded liabilities for final capping, closure and post-closure costs will increase as we continue to place additional tons within the permitted airspace at our landfills.(b)These amounts represent the scheduled principal payments based on their contractual maturities related to our long-term debt and financing leases, excluding interest. Refer to Note 6 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding our debt obligations.(c)Interest on our fixed-rate debt was calculated based on contractual rates and interest on our variable-rate debt was calculated based on interest rates as of December 31, 2024. As of December 31, 2024, we had $251 million of accrued interest related to our debt obligations. The following table presents our landfill airspace depletion expense on a per-ton basis for the year ended December 31:​​​​​​​​​​​ 2024 2023 2022Depletion of landfill airspace (in millions)​$ 795​$ 745​$ 754Tons received, net of redirected waste (in millions)​ 125​ 123​ 125Average landfill airspace depletion expense per ton​$ 6.36​$ 6.07​$ 6.05​Different per-ton depletion rates are applied at each of our 262 landfills, and per-ton depletion rates vary significantly from one landfill to another due to (i) inconsistencies that often exist in construction costs and provincial, state and local regulatory requirements for landfill development and landfill final capping, closure and post-closure activities and (ii) differences in the cost basis of landfills that we develop versus those that we acquire. Accordingly, our landfill airspace depletion expense measured on a per-ton basis can fluctuate due to changes in the mix of volumes we receive across the Company each year. Liquidity and Capital Resources The Company consistently generates annual cash flow from operations that meets and exceeds our working capital needs, allows for payment of our dividends, investment in the business through capital expenditures and tuck-in acquisitions, and funding of strategic sustainability growth investments. We continually monitor our actual and forecasted cash flows, our liquidity and our capital resources, enabling us to plan for our present needs and fund unbudgeted business requirements that may arise during the year. The Company believes that its investment grade credit ratings, diverse investor base, large value of unencumbered assets and modest leverage enable it to obtain adequate financing, and refinance upcoming maturities, as necessary to meet its ongoing capital, operating, strategic and other liquidity requirements. We also have the ability to manage liquidity during periods of significant financial market disruption through temporary modification of our capital expenditure and share repurchase plans. Summary of Contractual Obligations The following table summarizes our significant contractual obligations as of December 31, 2024 (other than recorded obligations related to liabilities associated with environmental remediation costs and non-cancelable operating lease obligations, which are discussed further in Notes 3 and 7 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, respectively) and the anticipated effect of these obligations on our liquidity in future years (in millions): ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ ​ 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 Thereafter TotalRecorded Obligations: ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Final capping, closure and post-closure liabilities (a)​$ 177​$ 223​$ 265​$ 197​$ 166​$ 3,762​$ 4,790Debt payments (b)​ 2,613​ 747​ 2,022​ 1,969​ 2,048​ 14,680​ 24,079Unrecorded Obligations:​ ​​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​Interest on debt (c)​ 928​ 888​ 838​ 736​ 647​ 5,168​ 9,205Estimated unconditional purchase obligations (d)​ 274​ 270​ 142​ 96​ 68​ 556​ 1,406Anticipated liquidity impact as of December 31, 2024​$ 3,992​$ 2,128​$ 3,267​$ 2,998​$ 2,929​$ 24,166​$ 39,480(a)Includes liabilities for final capping, closure and post-closure costs recorded in our Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2024, without the impact of discounting and inflation. Our recorded liabilities for final capping, closure and post-closure costs will increase as we continue to place additional tons within the permitted airspace at our landfills.(b)These amounts represent the scheduled principal payments based on their contractual maturities related to our long-term debt and financing leases, excluding interest. Refer to Note 6 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding our debt obligations.(c)Interest on our fixed-rate debt was calculated based on contractual rates and interest on our variable-rate debt was calculated based on interest rates as of December 31, 2024. As of December 31, 2024, we had $251 million of accrued interest related to our debt obligations. The following table presents our landfill airspace depletion expense on a per-ton basis for the year ended December 31: ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 2024 2023 2022 Depletion of landfill airspace (in millions) ​ $ 795 ​ $ 745 ​ $ 754 Tons received, net of redirected waste (in millions) ​ 125 ​ 123 ​ 125 Average landfill airspace depletion expense per ton ​ $ 6.36 ​ $ 6.07 ​ $ 6.05 ​ Different per-ton depletion rates are applied at each of our 262 landfills, and per-ton depletion rates vary significantly from one landfill to another due to (i) inconsistencies that often exist in construction costs and provincial, state and local regulatory requirements for landfill development and landfill final capping, closure and post-closure activities and (ii) differences in the cost basis of landfills that we develop versus those that we acquire. Accordingly, our landfill airspace depletion expense measured on a per-ton basis can fluctuate due to changes in the mix of volumes we receive across the Company each year.",
      "prior_body": "December 31, 2022 ​ $ 2,664 ​ $ 204 Obligations incurred and capitalized ​ 79 — Obligations settled ​ (147) (27) Interest accretion ​ 124 6 Revisions in estimates and interest rate assumptions ​ 131 26 Acquisitions, divestitures and other adjustments ​ 2 — December 31, 2023 ​ $ 2,853 ​ $ 209 ​ Landfill Operating Costs — The following table summarizes our landfill operating costs for the year ended December 31 (in millions): ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 2023 2022 2021 Interest accretion on landfill and environmental remediation liabilities ​ $ 130 ​ $ 112 ​ $ 111 Leachate and methane collection and treatment ​ 196 ​ 193 ​ 183 Landfill remediation costs and discount rate adjustments to environmental remediation liabilities and recovery assets ​ 7 ​ (2) ​ 1 Other landfill site costs ​ 120 ​ 118 ​ 117 Total landfill operating costs ​ $ 453 ​ $ 421 ​ $ 412 ​ Depletion of Landfill Airspace — Depletion of landfill airspace, which is included as a component of depreciation, depletion and amortization expenses, includes the following: Depletion expense is recorded on a units-of-consumption basis, applying cost as a rate per ton. The rate per ton is calculated by dividing each component of the depletable basis of a landfill (net of accumulated depletion) by the number of tons needed to fill the corresponding asset’s remaining permitted and expansion airspace. Landfill capital costs and closure and post-closure asset retirement costs are generally incurred to support the operation of the landfill over its entire operating life and are, therefore, depleted on a per-ton basis using a landfill’s total permitted and expansion airspace. Final capping asset retirement costs are related to a specific final capping event and are, therefore, depleted on a per-ton basis using each discrete final capping event’s estimated permitted and expansion airspace. Accordingly, each landfill has multiple per-ton depletion rates. 57 57 Table of ContentsThe following table presents our landfill airspace depletion expense on a per-ton basis for the year ended December 31:​​​​​​​​​​​ 2023 2022 2021Depletion of landfill airspace (in millions)​$ 745​$ 754​$ 731Tons received, net of redirected waste (in millions)​ 123​ 125​ 124Average landfill airspace depletion expense per ton​$ 6.07​$ 6.05​$ 5.90​Different per-ton depletion rates are applied at each of our 263 landfills, and per-ton depletion rates vary significantly from one landfill to another due to (i) inconsistencies that often exist in construction costs and provincial, state and local regulatory requirements for landfill development and landfill final capping, closure and post-closure activities and (ii) differences in the cost basis of landfills that we develop versus those that we acquire. Accordingly, our landfill airspace depletion expense measured on a per-ton basis can fluctuate due to changes in the mix of volumes we receive across the Company each year. Liquidity and Capital Resources The Company consistently generates annual cash flow from operations that meets and exceeds our working capital needs, allows for payment of our dividends, investment in the business through capital expenditures and tuck-in acquisitions, and funding of strategic sustainability growth investments. We continually monitor our actual and forecasted cash flows, our liquidity and our capital resources, enabling us to plan for our present needs and fund unbudgeted business requirements that may arise during the year. The Company believes that its investment grade credit ratings, diverse investor base, large value of unencumbered assets and modest leverage enable it to obtain adequate financing, and refinance upcoming maturities, as necessary to meet its ongoing capital, operating, strategic and other liquidity requirements. We also have the ability to manage liquidity during periods of significant financial market disruption through temporary modification of our capital expenditure and share repurchase plans. Summary of Contractual Obligations The following table summarizes our significant contractual obligations as of December 31, 2023 (other than recorded obligations related to liabilities associated with environmental remediation costs and non-cancelable operating lease obligations, which are discussed further in Notes 3 and 7 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, respectively) and the anticipated effect of these obligations on our liquidity in future years (in millions):​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ ​ 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 Thereafter TotalRecorded Obligations: ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Final capping, closure and post-closure liabilities (a)​$ 143​$ 254​$ 178​$ 206​$ 154​$ 3,480​$ 4,415Debt payments (b)​ 1,192​ 1,355​ 713​ 1,198​ 892​ 11,002​ 16,352Unrecorded Obligations:​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​Interest on debt (c)​ 566​ 544​ 518​ 486​ 448​ 3,340​ 5,902Estimated unconditional purchase obligations (d)​ 173​ 164​ 133​ 51​ 44​ 470​ 1,035Anticipated liquidity impact as of December 31, 2023​$ 2,074​$ 2,317​$ 1,542​$ 1,941​$ 1,538​$ 18,292​$ 27,704(a)Includes liabilities for final capping, closure and post-closure costs recorded in our Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2023, without the impact of discounting and inflation. Our recorded liabilities for final capping, closure and post-closure costs will increase as we continue to place additional tons within the permitted airspace at our landfills.(b)These amounts represent the scheduled principal payments based on their contractual maturities related to our long-term debt and financing leases, excluding interest. Refer to Note 6 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding our debt obligations.(c)Interest on our fixed-rate debt was calculated based on contractual rates and interest on our variable-rate debt was calculated based on interest rates as of December 31, 2023. As of December 31, 2023, we had $154 million of accrued interest related to our debt obligations.58 Table of Contents Table of Contents Table of Contents The following table presents our landfill airspace depletion expense on a per-ton basis for the year ended December 31:​​​​​​​​​​​ 2023 2022 2021Depletion of landfill airspace (in millions)​$ 745​$ 754​$ 731Tons received, net of redirected waste (in millions)​ 123​ 125​ 124Average landfill airspace depletion expense per ton​$ 6.07​$ 6.05​$ 5.90​Different per-ton depletion rates are applied at each of our 263 landfills, and per-ton depletion rates vary significantly from one landfill to another due to (i) inconsistencies that often exist in construction costs and provincial, state and local regulatory requirements for landfill development and landfill final capping, closure and post-closure activities and (ii) differences in the cost basis of landfills that we develop versus those that we acquire. Accordingly, our landfill airspace depletion expense measured on a per-ton basis can fluctuate due to changes in the mix of volumes we receive across the Company each year. Liquidity and Capital Resources The Company consistently generates annual cash flow from operations that meets and exceeds our working capital needs, allows for payment of our dividends, investment in the business through capital expenditures and tuck-in acquisitions, and funding of strategic sustainability growth investments. We continually monitor our actual and forecasted cash flows, our liquidity and our capital resources, enabling us to plan for our present needs and fund unbudgeted business requirements that may arise during the year. The Company believes that its investment grade credit ratings, diverse investor base, large value of unencumbered assets and modest leverage enable it to obtain adequate financing, and refinance upcoming maturities, as necessary to meet its ongoing capital, operating, strategic and other liquidity requirements. We also have the ability to manage liquidity during periods of significant financial market disruption through temporary modification of our capital expenditure and share repurchase plans. Summary of Contractual Obligations The following table summarizes our significant contractual obligations as of December 31, 2023 (other than recorded obligations related to liabilities associated with environmental remediation costs and non-cancelable operating lease obligations, which are discussed further in Notes 3 and 7 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, respectively) and the anticipated effect of these obligations on our liquidity in future years (in millions):​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ ​ 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 Thereafter TotalRecorded Obligations: ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Final capping, closure and post-closure liabilities (a)​$ 143​$ 254​$ 178​$ 206​$ 154​$ 3,480​$ 4,415Debt payments (b)​ 1,192​ 1,355​ 713​ 1,198​ 892​ 11,002​ 16,352Unrecorded Obligations:​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​Interest on debt (c)​ 566​ 544​ 518​ 486​ 448​ 3,340​ 5,902Estimated unconditional purchase obligations (d)​ 173​ 164​ 133​ 51​ 44​ 470​ 1,035Anticipated liquidity impact as of December 31, 2023​$ 2,074​$ 2,317​$ 1,542​$ 1,941​$ 1,538​$ 18,292​$ 27,704(a)Includes liabilities for final capping, closure and post-closure costs recorded in our Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2023, without the impact of discounting and inflation. Our recorded liabilities for final capping, closure and post-closure costs will increase as we continue to place additional tons within the permitted airspace at our landfills.(b)These amounts represent the scheduled principal payments based on their contractual maturities related to our long-term debt and financing leases, excluding interest. Refer to Note 6 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding our debt obligations.(c)Interest on our fixed-rate debt was calculated based on contractual rates and interest on our variable-rate debt was calculated based on interest rates as of December 31, 2023. As of December 31, 2023, we had $154 million of accrued interest related to our debt obligations. The following table presents our landfill airspace depletion expense on a per-ton basis for the year ended December 31: ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 2023 2022 2021 Depletion of landfill airspace (in millions) ​ $ 745 ​ $ 754 ​ $ 731 Tons received, net of redirected waste (in millions) ​ 123 ​ 125 ​ 124 Average landfill airspace depletion expense per ton ​ $ 6.07 ​ $ 6.05 ​ $ 5.90 ​ Different per-ton depletion rates are applied at each of our 263 landfills, and per-ton depletion rates vary significantly from one landfill to another due to (i) inconsistencies that often exist in construction costs and provincial, state and local regulatory requirements for landfill development and landfill final capping, closure and post-closure activities and (ii) differences in the cost basis of landfills that we develop versus those that we acquire. Accordingly, our landfill airspace depletion expense measured on a per-ton basis can fluctuate due to changes in the mix of volumes we receive across the Company each year."
    },
    {
      "status": "MODIFIED",
      "current_title": "Strategy, Governance and Risk Management",
      "prior_title": "Strategy, Governance and Risk Management",
      "similarity_score": 0.884,
      "confidence": "high",
      "key_changes": [
        "Reworded sentence: \"The CISO and his team are responsible for leading enterprise-wide cybersecurity strategy, policy, standards, architecture and processes.\"",
        "Reworded sentence: \"We have a Data Protection Office that works closely with, and assists, our enterprise Privacy Program, overseen by the Chief Privacy Officer, along with advisory support from appointed Data Protection Officers in Europe and Quebec.\""
      ],
      "current_body": "Our Technology Risk Program is designed to proactively identify, monitor, and mitigate technology-related risks across our digital operations and assess cybersecurity risks related to third-party vendors and suppliers. Our Cybersecurity Program and our Technology Risk Program are led by our Chief Information Security Officer (“CISO”) a Certified Information Systems Security Professional with two decades of cybersecurity leadership. The CISO and his team are responsible for leading enterprise-wide cybersecurity strategy, policy, standards, architecture and processes. The Technology Risk Oversight Committee chaired by our CISO, with members representing leadership throughout our Company, provides oversight and guidance to technology risks, including cybersecurity. Our Company’s Cybersecurity Program is designed to align with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (“NIST”) Cybersecurity Framework and leading industry practices, and our Cybersecurity Program is integrated into our Company’s Enterprise Risk Management framework. Internal and external experts regularly evaluate our Cybersecurity Program, and the results of those reviews are reported to senior management and our Company’s Board of Directors. Our Incident Response Committee, which is comprised of leaders in the areas of information security, digital, legal, finance, privacy, compliance and ethics, corporate security and communications, is responsible for leading our Company’s response to cyber incidents. Our Cybersecurity Incident Response Plan outlines the processes by which management is informed about and monitors detection and mediation of cyber incidents. We actively engage with key vendors, industry participants, and intelligence and law enforcement communities as part of our continuing efforts to evaluate and enhance the effectiveness of our information security policies and procedures. We have a Data Protection Office that works closely with, and assists, our enterprise Privacy Program, overseen by the Chief Privacy Officer, along with advisory support from appointed Data Protection Officers in Europe and Quebec. Our Technology Risk Program is designed to proactively identify, monitor, and mitigate technology-related risks across our digital operations and assess cybersecurity risks related to third-party vendors and suppliers Chief Information Security Officer (“CISO”) Certified Information Systems Security Professional with two decades of cybersecurity leadership Our Company’s Cybersecurity Program is designed to align with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (“NIST”) Cybersecurity Framework and leading industry practices, and our Cybersecurity Program is integrated into our Company’s Enterprise Risk Management framework While we have experienced cybersecurity threats and breaches targeting our information technology systems and networks and those of our third-party providers, including within the last three years, these incidents have not had a material impact on our Company, including our business strategy, results of operations or financial condition. Risks from cybersecurity threats, including previous cybersecurity incidents encountered by the Company and known incidents encountered by third parties with a connection to the Company, are also not currently viewed as reasonably likely to materially impact our Company, including our business strategy, results of operations or financial condition. We are regularly the target of attempted cyber intrusions, have experienced cyber intrusions, and we anticipate continuing to be subject to such attempts as cyber intrusions become increasingly sophisticated and more difficult to predict and protect against. Geopolitical conflicts and developments and technological advancements also increase the risk and likelihood of cyber incidents. As such, we must commit substantial resources to continuously monitor and further develop our networks and infrastructure to prevent, detect, and address the risk of unauthorized access, misuse, computer viruses and other events. Although we have implemented and maintain commercially reasonable security measures and safeguards, including to protect against and identify potential threats, these protections and other systems designed to mitigate cybersecurity risks may not fully defend against an attack or future cybersecurity incident, which can be unpredictable in nature. Although we believe that the probability of occurrence of a significant cybersecurity incident is less than likely, if such an incident were to occur, the impact on the Company could be substantial. See Item 1A. Risk Factors — Significant cybersecurity incidents negatively impact our business and our relationships with customers, vendors and employees and expose us to increased liability for additional discussion. not had a material",
      "prior_body": "Our Technology Risk Program is designed to proactively identify, monitor, and mitigate technology-related risks across our digital operations and assess cybersecurity risks related to third-party vendors and suppliers. Our Cybersecurity Program and our Technology Risk Program are led by our Chief Information Security Officer (“CISO”) a Certified Information Systems Security Professional with two decades of cybersecurity leadership. The CISO and his team are responsible for leading enterprise-wide cybersecurity strategy, policy, standards, architecture, and processes. The Technology Risk Oversight Committee chaired by our CISO, with members representing leadership throughout our Company, provides oversight and guidance to technology risks, including cybersecurity. Our Company’s Cybersecurity Program is designed to align with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (“NIST”) Cybersecurity Framework and leading industry practices, and our Cybersecurity Program is integrated into our Company’s Enterprise Risk Management framework. Internal and external experts regularly evaluate our Cybersecurity Program, and the results of those reviews are reported to senior management and our Company’s Board of Directors. Our Incident Response Committee, which is comprised of leaders in the areas of information security, digital, legal, finance, privacy, compliance and ethics, corporate security and communications, is responsible for leading our Company’s response to cyber incidents. Our Cybersecurity Incident Response Plan outlines the processes by which management is informed about and monitors detection and mediation of cyber incidents. We actively engage with key vendors, industry participants, and intelligence and law enforcement communities as part of our continuing efforts to evaluate and enhance the effectiveness of our information security policies and procedures. Risks from cybersecurity threats, including as a result of previous cybersecurity incidents encountered by the Company and known incidents encountered by third parties with a connection to the Company, have not materially affected, and are not currently viewed as reasonably likely to materially affect our Company, including our business strategy, results of operations or financial condition. However, we are regularly the target of attempted cyber intrusions, and we anticipate continuing to be subject to such attempts. Our security programs and measures do not prevent all intrusions. Cyber intrusions require a significant amount of time and effort to assess and remedy, and our incident response efforts may not be effective in all cases. Although we believe that the probability of occurrence of a significant cybersecurity incident is less than likely, if such an incident were to occur, the impact on the Company could be substantial. See Item 1A. Risk Factors — Significant cybersecurity incidents negatively impact our business and our relationships with customers, vendors and employees and expose us to increased liability for additional discussion."
    },
    {
      "status": "MODIFIED",
      "current_title": "Income Statement Information:",
      "prior_title": "Income Statement Information:",
      "similarity_score": 0.881,
      "confidence": "high",
      "key_changes": [
        "Reworded sentence: \"​ ​ ​ Revenue $ — Operating income ​ ​ (547) Net loss ​ ​ (405) ​ ​\""
      ],
      "current_body": "​ ​ ​ Revenue $ — Operating income ​ ​ (547) Net loss ​ ​ (405) ​ ​",
      "prior_body": "​ ​ ​ Revenue $ — Operating income ​ ​ — Net loss ​ ​ 348 ​ ​"
    },
    {
      "status": "MODIFIED",
      "current_title": "Our business is subject to operational and safety risks, including the risk of injury to employees and others.",
      "prior_title": "Our business is subject to operational and safety risks, including the risk of personal injury to employees and others.",
      "similarity_score": 0.881,
      "confidence": "high",
      "key_changes": [
        "Reworded sentence: \"Providing environmental and waste management services, including constructing and operating landfills, transfer stations, processing facilities, recycling facilities and other disposal or destruction facilities, and landfill gas-to-energy facilities, involves risks such as truck accidents, equipment defects, malfunctions and failures, and improper use of dangerous equipment.\"",
        "Reworded sentence: \"There are also risks presented by the potential for subsurface heat reactions causing elevated landfill temperatures and increased production of leachate, landfill gas and odors, and we have proactively incurred increased costs to manage leachate in response to this risk.\"",
        "Reworded sentence: \"The Stericycle business requires handling of medical waste and controlled substances waste.\""
      ],
      "current_body": "Providing environmental and waste management services, including constructing and operating landfills, transfer stations, processing facilities, recycling facilities and other disposal or destruction facilities, and landfill gas-to-energy facilities, involves risks such as truck accidents, equipment defects, malfunctions and failures, and improper use of dangerous equipment. Additionally, we closely monitor and manage landfills to minimize the risk of waste mass instability, releases of hazardous materials, and odors that are sometimes triggered by weather or natural disasters. There are also risks presented by the potential for subsurface heat reactions causing elevated landfill temperatures and increased production of leachate, landfill gas and odors, and we have proactively incurred increased costs to manage leachate in response to this risk. We build and operate natural gas fueling stations, some of which also serve the public or third parties. Operation of fueling stations and landfill gas collection and control systems, as well as operation of heavy machinery and management of flammable materials at our recycling facilities and transfer stations, involves additional risks of fire and explosion. The Stericycle business requires handling of medical waste and controlled substances waste. Incidents such as truck accidents, damaged or leaking containers, improper storage of medical waste and controlled substances waste, placement of prohibited materials into the waste stream, or malfunctioning plant equipment could result in exposure to contaminated or infectious waste or other hazardous materials. Any of these risks could potentially result in injury, illness or death of employees and others. These risks could also result in a need to shut down or reduce operation of facilities, increased operating costs and exposure to liability for pollution, public nuisance, and other environmental damage, and property damage or destruction. While we seek to minimize our exposure to such risks through comprehensive training, compliance and response and recovery programs, as well as vehicle and equipment maintenance programs, if we were to incur substantial liabilities in excess of any applicable insurance, our business, results of operations and financial condition could be adversely affected. Any such incidents could also tarnish our reputation and reduce the value of our brand. Additionally, a major operational failure, even if suffered by a competitor, may bring enhanced scrutiny and regulation of our industry, with a corresponding increase in operating expense.",
      "prior_body": "Providing environmental and waste management services, including constructing and operating landfills, transfer stations, recycling facilities and other disposal facilities, and landfill gas-to-energy facilities, involves risks such as truck accidents, equipment defects, malfunctions and failures, and improper use of dangerous equipment. Additionally, we closely monitor and manage landfills to minimize the risk of waste mass instability, releases of hazardous materials, and odors that are sometimes triggered by weather or natural disasters. There are also risks presented by the potential for subsurface heat reactions causing elevated landfill temperatures and increased production of leachate, landfill gas and odors. We also build and operate natural gas fueling stations, some of which also serve the public or third parties. Operation of fueling stations and landfill gas collection and control systems, as well as operation of heavy machinery and management of flammable materials at our recycling facilities and transfer stations, involves additional risks of fire and explosion. Any of these risks could potentially result in injury or death of employees and others, a need to shut down or reduce operation of facilities, increased operating expense and exposure to liability for pollution and other environmental damage, and property damage or destruction. While we seek to minimize our exposure to such risks through comprehensive training, compliance and response and recovery programs, as well as vehicle and equipment maintenance programs, if we were to incur substantial liabilities in excess of any applicable insurance, our business, results of operations and financial condition could be adversely affected. Any such incidents could also tarnish our reputation and reduce the value of our brand. Additionally, a major operational failure, even if suffered by a competitor, may bring enhanced scrutiny and regulation of our industry, with a corresponding increase in operating expense."
    },
    {
      "status": "MODIFIED",
      "current_title": "NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)",
      "prior_title": "NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)",
      "similarity_score": 0.879,
      "confidence": "high",
      "key_changes": [
        "Reworded sentence: \"​ are measured at estimated fair value using present value techniques, changes in the estimated cost or timing of future final capping, closure and post-closure activities could result in a material change in these liabilities, related assets and results of operations.\"",
        "Reworded sentence: \"Second, we must generally expect the initial expansion permit application to be submitted within one year and the final expansion permit to be received within five years, in addition to meeting the following criteria:●Personnel are actively working on the expansion of an existing landfill, including efforts to obtain land use and local, state or provincial approvals;●We have a legal right to use or obtain land to be included in the expansion plan; are measured at estimated fair value using present value techniques, changes in the estimated cost or timing of future final capping, closure and post-closure activities could result in a material change in these liabilities, related assets and results of operations.\"",
        "Reworded sentence: \"Depletion of Landfill Assets — The depletable basis of a landfill includes (i) amounts previously expended and capitalized, net of accumulated airspace depletion; (ii) capitalized landfill final capping, closure and post-closure costs, net of accumulated airspace depletion; (iii) projections of future purchase and development costs required to develop the landfill site to its remaining permitted and expansion airspace (as defined below) and (iv) projected asset retirement costs related to landfill final capping, closure and post-closure activities.\"",
        "Reworded sentence: \"We apply the following guidelines in determining a landfill’s remaining permitted and expansion airspace: 92 92 Table of ContentsWASTE MANAGEMENT, INC.NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)​●There are no significant known technical, legal, community, business, or political restrictions or similar issues that could negatively affect the success of such expansion; and●Financial analysis has been completed based on conceptual design, and the results demonstrate that the expansion meets Company criteria for investment.These criteria are evaluated by our field-based engineers, accountants, managers and others to identify potential obstacles to obtaining the permits.\"",
        "Reworded sentence: \"Of the 18 landfill sites with expansions included as of December 31, 2024, one landfill required the Chief Financial Officer to approve the inclusion of the unpermitted airspace because the permit application process did not meet the one- or five-year requirements.When we include the expansion airspace in our calculations of remaining permitted and expansion airspace, we also include the projected costs for development, as well as the projected asset retirement costs related to final capping, closure and post-closure of the expansion in the depletable basis of the landfill.Once the remaining permitted and expansion airspace is determined in cubic yards, an airspace utilization factor (“AUF”) is established to calculate the remaining permitted and expansion capacity in tons.\""
      ],
      "current_body": "​ balances and transactions have been eliminated. Investments in unconsolidated entities are accounted for under the appropriate method of accounting.Estimates and AssumptionsIn preparing our financial statements, we make numerous estimates and assumptions that affect the accounting for and recognition and disclosure of assets, liabilities, equity, revenues and expenses. We must make these estimates and assumptions because certain information that we use is dependent on future events, cannot be calculated with precision from available data or simply cannot be calculated. In some cases, these estimates are difficult to determine, and we must exercise significant judgment. In preparing our financial statements, the most difficult, subjective and complex estimates and the assumptions that present the greatest amount of uncertainty relate to our accounting for landfills, environmental remediation liabilities, long-lived asset impairments, intangible asset impairments and the fair value of assets and liabilities acquired in business combinations. Each of these items is discussed in additional detail below. Actual results could differ materially from the estimates and assumptions that we use in the preparation of our financial statements.Cash and Cash EquivalentsCash in excess of current operating requirements is invested in short-term interest-bearing instruments with maturities of three months or less at the date of purchase and is stated at cost, which approximates market value.Concentrations of Credit RiskFinancial instruments that potentially subject us to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, investments held within restricted funds, and accounts receivable. We make efforts to control our exposure to credit risk associated with these instruments by (i) placing our assets and other financial interests with a diverse group of credit-worthy financial institutions; (ii) holding high-quality financial instruments while limiting investments in any one instrument and (iii) maintaining strict policies over credit extension that include credit evaluations, credit limits and monitoring procedures, although generally we do not have collateral requirements for credit extensions. We also control our exposure associated with trade receivables by discontinuing service, to the extent allowable, to non-paying customers. However, our overall credit risk associated with trade receivables is limited due to the large number and diversity of customers we serve. As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, no single customer represented greater than 5% of total accounts receivable.Accounts and Other Receivables Our receivables, which are recorded when billed, when services are performed or when cash is advanced, are claims against third parties that will generally be settled in cash. The carrying value of our receivables, net of the allowance for doubtful accounts, represents the estimated net realizable value. We estimate our allowance for doubtful accounts based on historical collection trends; type of customer, such as municipal or commercial; the age of outstanding receivables and existing as well as expected economic conditions. If events or changes in circumstances indicate that specific receivable balances may be impaired, further consideration is given to the collectability of those balances and the allowance is adjusted accordingly. Past-due receivable balances are written off when our collection efforts have been unsuccessful. Also, we recognize interest income on long-term interest-bearing notes receivable as the interest accrues under the terms of the notes. We no longer accrue interest once the notes are deemed uncollectible. balances and transactions have been eliminated. Investments in unconsolidated entities are accounted for under the appropriate method of accounting.Estimates and AssumptionsIn preparing our financial statements, we make numerous estimates and assumptions that affect the accounting for and recognition and disclosure of assets, liabilities, equity, revenues and expenses. We must make these estimates and assumptions because certain information that we use is dependent on future events, cannot be calculated with precision from available data or simply cannot be calculated. In some cases, these estimates are difficult to determine, and we must exercise significant judgment. In preparing our financial statements, the most difficult, subjective and complex estimates and the assumptions that present the greatest amount of uncertainty relate to our accounting for landfills, environmental remediation liabilities, long-lived asset impairments, intangible asset impairments and the fair value of assets and liabilities acquired in business combinations. Each of these items is discussed in additional detail below. Actual results could differ materially from the estimates and assumptions that we use in the preparation of our financial statements.Cash and Cash EquivalentsCash in excess of current operating requirements is invested in short-term interest-bearing instruments with maturities of three months or less at the date of purchase and is stated at cost, which approximates market value.Concentrations of Credit RiskFinancial instruments that potentially subject us to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, investments held within restricted funds, and accounts receivable. We make efforts to control our exposure to credit risk associated with these instruments by (i) placing our assets and other financial interests with a diverse group of credit-worthy financial institutions; (ii) holding high-quality financial instruments while limiting investments in any one instrument and (iii) maintaining strict policies over credit extension that include credit evaluations, credit limits and monitoring procedures, although generally we do not have collateral requirements for credit extensions. We also control our exposure associated with trade receivables by discontinuing service, to the extent allowable, to non-paying customers. However, our overall credit risk associated with trade receivables is limited due to the large number and diversity of customers we serve. As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, no single customer represented greater than 5% of total accounts receivable.Accounts and Other Receivables Our receivables, which are recorded when billed, when services are performed or when cash is advanced, are claims against third parties that will generally be settled in cash. The carrying value of our receivables, net of the allowance for doubtful accounts, represents the estimated net realizable value. We estimate our allowance for doubtful accounts based on historical collection trends; type of customer, such as municipal or commercial; the age of outstanding receivables and existing as well as expected economic conditions. If events or changes in circumstances indicate that specific receivable balances may be impaired, further consideration is given to the collectability of those balances and the allowance is adjusted accordingly. Past-due receivable balances are written off when our collection efforts have been unsuccessful. Also, we recognize interest income on long-term interest-bearing notes receivable as the interest accrues under the terms of the notes. We no longer accrue interest once the notes are deemed uncollectible. balances and transactions have been eliminated. Investments in unconsolidated entities are accounted for under the appropriate method of accounting.",
      "prior_body": "​ Estimates and AssumptionsIn preparing our financial statements, we make numerous estimates and assumptions that affect the accounting for and recognition and disclosure of assets, liabilities, equity, revenues and expenses. We must make these estimates and assumptions because certain information that we use is dependent on future events, cannot be calculated with precision from available data or simply cannot be calculated. In some cases, these estimates are difficult to determine, and we must exercise significant judgment. In preparing our financial statements, the most difficult, subjective and complex estimates and the assumptions that present the greatest amount of uncertainty relate to our accounting for landfills, environmental remediation liabilities, long-lived asset impairments, intangible asset impairments and the fair value of assets and liabilities acquired in business combinations. Each of these items is discussed in additional detail below. Actual results could differ materially from the estimates and assumptions that we use in the preparation of our financial statements.Cash and Cash EquivalentsCash in excess of current operating requirements is invested in short-term interest-bearing instruments with maturities of three months or less at the date of purchase and is stated at cost, which approximates market value.Concentrations of Credit RiskFinancial instruments that potentially subject us to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, investments held within restricted funds, and accounts receivable. We make efforts to control our exposure to credit risk associated with these instruments by (i) placing our assets and other financial interests with a diverse group of credit-worthy financial institutions; (ii) holding high-quality financial instruments while limiting investments in any one instrument and (iii) maintaining strict policies over credit extension that include credit evaluations, credit limits and monitoring procedures, although generally we do not have collateral requirements for credit extensions. We also control our exposure associated with trade receivables by discontinuing service, to the extent allowable, to non-paying customers. However, our overall credit risk associated with trade receivables is limited due to the large number and diversity of customers we serve. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, no single customer represented greater than 5% of total accounts receivable.Accounts and Other Receivables Our receivables, which are recorded when billed, when services are performed or when cash is advanced, are claims against third parties that will generally be settled in cash. The carrying value of our receivables, net of the allowance for doubtful accounts, represents the estimated net realizable value. We estimate our allowance for doubtful accounts based on historical collection trends; type of customer, such as municipal or commercial; the age of outstanding receivables and existing as well as expected economic conditions. If events or changes in circumstances indicate that specific receivable balances may be impaired, further consideration is given to the collectability of those balances and the allowance is adjusted accordingly. Past-due receivable balances are written off when our internal collection efforts have been unsuccessful. Also, we recognize interest income on long-term interest-bearing notes receivable as the interest accrues under the terms of the notes. We no longer accrue interest once the notes are deemed uncollectible."
    },
    {
      "status": "MODIFIED",
      "current_title": "Acquisitions",
      "prior_title": "Acquisitions",
      "similarity_score": 0.876,
      "confidence": "high",
      "key_changes": [
        "Reworded sentence: \"Contingent Consideration — In certain acquisitions, we agree to pay additional amounts to sellers contingent upon achievement by the acquired businesses of certain negotiated goals, such as targeted revenue levels, targeted disposal 95 95 Table of ContentsWASTE MANAGEMENT, INC.NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)​volumes or the issuance of permits for expanded landfill airspace.\"",
        "Reworded sentence: \"All acquisition-related transaction costs are generally expensed as incurred.\"",
        "Added sentence: \"Definite-lived intangibles are amortized over their useful lives on a straight-line basis while indefinite-lived intangibles are not amortized.\"",
        "Reworded sentence: \"Fair value is 96 Table of ContentsWASTE MANAGEMENT, INC.NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)​ Table of Contents Table of Contents\""
      ],
      "current_body": "We generally recognize assets acquired and liabilities assumed in business combinations, including contingent assets and liabilities, based on fair value estimates as of the date of acquisition. Contingent Consideration — In certain acquisitions, we agree to pay additional amounts to sellers contingent upon achievement by the acquired businesses of certain negotiated goals, such as targeted revenue levels, targeted disposal 95 95 Table of ContentsWASTE MANAGEMENT, INC.NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)​volumes or the issuance of permits for expanded landfill airspace. We have recognized liabilities for these contingent obligations based on their estimated fair value as of the date of acquisition with any differences between the acquisition date fair value, subsequent remeasurements and the ultimate settlement of the obligations being recognized as an adjustment to income from operations. Refer to Note 11 for adjustments recognized during the reported periods.Acquired Assets and Assumed Liabilities — Assets and liabilities arising from contingencies such as pre-acquisition environmental matters and litigation are recognized at their acquisition-date fair value when their respective fair values can be determined. Acquired contingencies whose fair value is not determinable during the measurement period are recognized only if they are probable and reasonably estimable. Acquisition-date fair value estimates are revised as necessary if, and when, additional information regarding these contingencies becomes available to further define and quantify assets acquired and liabilities assumed. Subsequent to finalization of purchase accounting, these revisions are accounted for as adjustments to income from operations. All acquisition-related transaction costs are generally expensed as incurred. During 2024, we acquired Stericycle which is included in our new WM Healthcare Solutions segment. We also acquired 11 solid waste and recycling businesses. See Note 17 for additional information related to our acquisitions.Goodwill and Other Intangible AssetsGoodwill is the excess of our purchase cost over the fair value of the net assets of acquired businesses. We do not amortize goodwill, but as discussed in the Long-Lived Asset Impairments section below, we assess our goodwill for impairment at least annually.Other intangible assets consist primarily of customer and supplier relationships, covenants not-to-compete, licenses, permits (other than landfill permits, which are combined with landfill tangible assets and depleted per our landfill depletion policy), trade names and other contracts. Other intangible assets are recorded at fair value on the acquisition date and are generally amortized using either a 150% declining balance approach or a straight-line basis as we determine appropriate. Customer and supplier relationships are typically amortized over terms of 10 to 15 years. Covenants not-to-compete are amortized over the term of the non-compete covenant, which is generally five years. Definite-lived intangibles are amortized over their useful lives on a straight-line basis while indefinite-lived intangibles are not amortized. Licenses, permits and other contracts are amortized over the definitive terms of the related agreements. If the underlying agreement does not contain definitive terms and the useful life is determined to be indefinite, the asset is not amortized.Long-Lived Asset ImpairmentsWe assess our long-lived assets for impairment as required under the applicable accounting standards. If necessary, impairments are recorded in (gain) loss from divestitures, asset impairments and unusual items, net in our Consolidated Statements of Operations.Property and Equipment, Including Landfills and Definite-Lived Intangible Assets — We monitor the carrying value of our long-lived assets for potential impairment on an ongoing basis and test the recoverability of such assets generally using significant unobservable (“Level 3”) inputs whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying amounts may not be recoverable. These events or changes in circumstances, including management decisions pertaining to such assets, are referred to as impairment indicators. If an impairment indicator occurs, we perform a test of recoverability by comparing the carrying value of the asset or asset group to its undiscounted expected future cash flows. If cash flows cannot be separately and independently identified for a single asset, we will determine whether an impairment has occurred for the group of assets for which we can identify the projected cash flows. If the carrying values are in excess of undiscounted expected future cash flows, we measure any impairment by comparing the fair value of the asset or asset group to its carrying value and the difference is recorded in the period that the impairment indicator occurs. Fair value is 96 Table of ContentsWASTE MANAGEMENT, INC.NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)​ Table of Contents Table of Contents",
      "prior_body": "We generally recognize assets acquired and liabilities assumed in business combinations, including contingent assets and liabilities, based on fair value estimates as of the date of acquisition. Contingent Consideration — In certain acquisitions, we agree to pay additional amounts to sellers contingent upon achievement by the acquired businesses of certain negotiated goals, such as targeted revenue levels, targeted disposal volumes or the issuance of permits for expanded landfill airspace. We have recognized liabilities for these contingent obligations based on their estimated fair value as of the date of acquisition with any differences between the acquisition-date fair value, subsequent remeasurements and the ultimate settlement of the obligations being recognized as an adjustment to income from operations. Refer to Note 11 for adjustments recognized during the reported periods. Acquired Assets and Assumed Liabilities — Assets and liabilities arising from contingencies such as pre-acquisition environmental matters and litigation are recognized at their acquisition-date fair value when their respective fair values can be determined. If the fair values of such contingencies cannot be readily determined, they are recognized as of the acquisition date if the contingencies are probable and an amount can be reasonably estimated. Acquisition-date fair value estimates are revised as necessary if, and when, additional information regarding these contingencies becomes available to further define and quantify assets acquired and liabilities assumed. Subsequent to finalization of purchase accounting, these revisions are accounted for as adjustments to income from operations. All acquisition-related transaction costs are expensed as incurred. See Note 17 for additional information related to our acquisitions. 86 86 Table of ContentsWASTE MANAGEMENT, INC.NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)​Goodwill and Other Intangible AssetsGoodwill is the excess of our purchase cost over the fair value of the net assets of acquired businesses. We do not amortize goodwill, but as discussed in the Long-Lived Asset Impairments section below, we assess our goodwill for impairment at least annually.Other intangible assets consist primarily of customer and supplier relationships, covenants not-to-compete, licenses, permits (other than landfill permits, which are combined with landfill tangible assets and depleted per our landfill depletion policy), and other contracts. Other intangible assets are recorded at fair value on the acquisition date and are generally amortized using either a 150% declining balance approach or a straight-line basis as we determine appropriate. Customer and supplier relationships are typically amortized over terms of 10 to 15 years. Covenants not-to-compete are amortized over the term of the non-compete covenant, which is generally five years. Licenses, permits and other contracts are amortized over the definitive terms of the related agreements. If the underlying agreement does not contain definitive terms and the useful life is determined to be indefinite, the asset is not amortized.Long-Lived Asset ImpairmentsWe assess our long-lived assets for impairment as required under the applicable accounting standards. If necessary, impairments are recorded in (gain) loss from divestitures, asset impairments and unusual items, net in our Consolidated Statements of Operations.Property and Equipment, Including Landfills and Definite-Lived Intangible Assets — We monitor the carrying value of our long-lived assets for potential impairment on an ongoing basis and test the recoverability of such assets generally using significant unobservable (“Level 3”) inputs whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying amounts may not be recoverable. These events or changes in circumstances, including management decisions pertaining to such assets, are referred to as impairment indicators. If an impairment indicator occurs, we perform a test of recoverability by comparing the carrying value of the asset or asset group to its undiscounted expected future cash flows. If cash flows cannot be separately and independently identified for a single asset, we will determine whether an impairment has occurred for the group of assets for which we can identify the projected cash flows. If the carrying values are in excess of undiscounted expected future cash flows, we measure any impairment by comparing the fair value of the asset or asset group to its carrying value and the difference is recorded in the period that the impairment indicator occurs. Fair value is generally determined by considering (i) internally developed discounted projected cash flow analysis of the asset or asset group; (ii) third-party valuations and/or (iii) information available regarding the current market for similar assets. Estimating future cash flows requires significant judgment and projections may vary from the cash flows eventually realized, which could impact our ability to accurately assess whether an asset has been impaired.The assessment of impairment indicators and the recoverability of our capitalized costs associated with landfills and related expansion projects require significant judgment due to the unique nature of the waste industry, the highly regulated permitting process and the sensitive estimates involved. During the review of a landfill expansion application, a regulator may initially deny the expansion application although the expansion permit is ultimately granted. In addition, management may periodically divert waste from one landfill to another to conserve remaining permitted landfill airspace, or a landfill may be required to cease accepting waste, prior to receipt of the expansion permit. However, such events occur in the ordinary course of business in the waste industry and do not necessarily result in impairment of our landfill assets because, after consideration of all facts, such events may not affect our belief that we will ultimately obtain the expansion permit. As a result, our tests of recoverability, which generally make use of a probability-weighted cash flow estimation approach, may indicate that no impairment loss should be recorded.Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets, Including Goodwill — At least annually using a measurement date of October 1, and more frequently if warranted, we assess our indefinite-lived intangible assets, including the goodwill of our reporting units, for impairment.87 Table of ContentsWASTE MANAGEMENT, INC.NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)​ Table of Contents Table of Contents"
    },
    {
      "status": "MODIFIED",
      "current_title": "Year Ended December 31,",
      "prior_title": "Year Ended December 31,",
      "similarity_score": 0.876,
      "confidence": "high",
      "key_changes": [
        "Reworded sentence: \"​ 2024 2023 2022 Cash flows from operating activities: ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Consolidated net income ​ $ 2,745 ​ $ 2,276 ​ $ 2,240 Adjustments to reconcile consolidated net income to net cash provided by operating activities: ​ ​ ​ Depreciation, depletion and amortization ​ 2,267 ​ 2,071 ​ 2,038 Deferred income tax expense (benefit) ​ 124 ​ 83 ​ 49 Interest accretion on landfill and environmental remediation liabilities ​ 133 ​ 130 ​ 112 Provision for bad debts ​ 51 ​ 56 ​ 50 Equity-based compensation expense ​ 118 ​ 93 ​ 84 Net gain on disposal of assets ​ (102) ​ (42) ​ (21) Goodwill impairment ​ ​ — ​ ​ 168 ​ ​ — (Gain) loss from divestitures, asset impairments (other than goodwill) and other, net ​ 82 ​ 75 ​ 62 Equity in net (income) losses of unconsolidated entities, net of dividends ​ (4) ​ 60 ​ 67 Loss on early extinguishment of debt, net ​ ​ 7 ​ ​ — ​ ​ — Change in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions and divestitures: ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Receivables ​ (313) ​ (161) ​ (329) Other current assets ​ 33 ​ (2) ​ (35) Other assets ​ 181 ​ 61 ​ 42 Accounts payable and accrued liabilities ​ 281 ​ 90 ​ 393 Deferred revenues and other liabilities ​ (213) ​ (239) ​ (216) Net cash provided by operating activities ​ 5,390 ​ 4,719 ​ 4,536 Cash flows from investing activities: ​ ​ ​ Acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired ​ (7,488) ​ (170) ​ (377) Capital expenditures ​ (3,231) ​ (2,895) ​ (2,587) Proceeds from divestitures of businesses and other assets, net of cash divested ​ 158 ​ 78 ​ 27 Other, net ​ (40) ​ (104) ​ (126) Net cash used in investing activities ​ (10,601) ​ (3,091) ​ (3,063) Cash flows from financing activities: ​ ​ ​ New borrowings ​ 24,578 ​ 21,306 ​ 8,688 Debt repayments ​ (17,870) ​ (20,394) ​ (7,328) Common stock repurchase program ​ (262) ​ (1,302) ​ (1,500) Cash dividends ​ (1,210) ​ (1,136) ​ (1,077) Exercise of common stock options ​ 53 ​ 44 ​ 44 Tax payments associated with equity-based compensation transactions ​ (52) ​ (31) ​ (39) Other, net ​ (82) ​ (11) ​ (4) Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities ​ 5,155 ​ (1,524) ​ (1,216) Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents ​ (9) ​ 3 ​ (6) Increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents ​ (65) ​ 107 ​ 251 Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period ​ 552 ​ 445 ​ 194 Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents at end of period ​ $ 487 ​ $ 552 ​ $ 445 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents at end of period: ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Cash and cash equivalents ​ $ 414 ​ $ 458 ​ $ 351 Restricted cash and cash equivalents included in other current assets Restricted cash and cash equivalents included in other current assets ​ ​ 8 ​ ​ 10 ​ ​ 25 Restricted cash and cash equivalents included in restricted funds Restricted cash and cash equivalents included in restricted funds ​ ​ 65 ​ ​ 84 ​ ​ 69 Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents at end of period ​ $ 487 ​ $ 552 ​ $ 445 ​ See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.\""
      ],
      "current_body": "​ 2024 2023 2022 Operating revenues ​ $ 22,063 ​ $ 20,426 ​ $ 19,698 Costs and expenses: ​ ​ ​ ​ Operating ​ 13,383 ​ 12,606 ​ 12,294 Selling, general and administrative ​ 2,264 ​ 1,926 ​ 1,938 Depreciation, depletion and amortization ​ 2,267 ​ 2,071 ​ 2,038 Restructuring ​ 4 ​ 5 ​ 1 (Gain) loss from divestitures, asset impairments and unusual items, net ​ 82 ​ 243 ​ 62 ​ ​ 18,000 ​ 16,851 ​ 16,333 Income from operations ​ 4,063 ​ 3,575 ​ 3,365 Other income (expense): ​ ​ ​ ​ Interest expense, net ​ (598) ​ (500) ​ (378) Loss on early extinguishment of debt, net ​ ​ (7) ​ ​ — ​ ​ — Equity in net income (losses) of unconsolidated entities ​ 4 ​ (60) ​ (67) Other, net ​ (4) ​ 6 ​ (2) ​ ​ (605) ​ (554) ​ (447) Income before income taxes ​ 3,458 ​ 3,021 ​ 2,918 Income tax expense ​ 713 ​ 745 ​ 678 Consolidated net income ​ 2,745 ​ 2,276 ​ 2,240 Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests ​ (1) ​ (28) ​ 2 Net income attributable to Waste Management, Inc. ​ $ 2,746 ​ $ 2,304 ​ $ 2,238 Basic earnings per common share ​ $ 6.84 ​ $ 5.69 ​ $ 5.42 Diluted earnings per common share ​ $ 6.81 ​ $ 5.66 ​ $ 5.39 ​ ​ ​",
      "prior_body": "​ 2023 2022 2021 Operating revenues ​ $ 20,426 ​ $ 19,698 ​ $ 17,931 Costs and expenses: ​ ​ ​ ​ Operating ​ 12,606 ​ 12,294 ​ 11,111 Selling, general and administrative ​ 1,926 ​ 1,938 ​ 1,864 Depreciation, depletion and amortization ​ 2,071 ​ 2,038 ​ 1,999 Restructuring ​ 5 ​ 1 ​ 8 (Gain) loss from divestitures, asset impairments and unusual items, net ​ 243 ​ 62 ​ (16) ​ ​ 16,851 ​ 16,333 ​ 14,966 Income from operations ​ 3,575 ​ 3,365 ​ 2,965 Other income (expense): ​ ​ ​ ​ Interest expense, net ​ (500) ​ (378) ​ (365) Loss on early extinguishment of debt, net ​ ​ — ​ ​ — ​ ​ (220) Equity in net losses of unconsolidated entities ​ (60) ​ (67) ​ (36) Other, net ​ 6 ​ (2) ​ 5 ​ ​ (554) ​ (447) ​ (616) Income before income taxes ​ 3,021 ​ 2,918 ​ 2,349 Income tax expense ​ 745 ​ 678 ​ 532 Consolidated net income ​ 2,276 ​ 2,240 ​ 1,817 Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests ​ (28) ​ 2 ​ 1 Net income attributable to Waste Management, Inc. ​ $ 2,304 ​ $ 2,238 ​ $ 1,816 Basic earnings per common share ​ $ 5.69 ​ $ 5.42 ​ $ 4.32 Diluted earnings per common share ​ $ 5.66 ​ $ 5.39 ​ $ 4.29 ​ ​ ​"
    },
    {
      "status": "MODIFIED",
      "current_title": "Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Expenses",
      "prior_title": "Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Expenses",
      "similarity_score": 0.873,
      "confidence": "high",
      "key_changes": [
        "Reworded sentence: \"The following table summarizes the components of our depreciation, depletion and amortization expenses for the year ended December 31 (dollars in millions and as a percentage of revenues): ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 2024 ​ 2023 ​ 2022 Depreciation of tangible property and equipment ​ $ 1,292 5.9 % ​ $ 1,197 5.9 % ​ $ 1,155 5.9 % Depletion of landfill airspace ​ 795 ​ 3.6 ​ ​ 745 ​ 3.6 ​ ​ 754 ​ 3.8 ​ Amortization of intangible assets ​ 180 ​ 0.8 ​ ​ 129 ​ 0.6 ​ ​ 129 ​ 0.6 ​ ​ ​ $ 2,267 ​ 10.3 % ​ $ 2,071 ​ 10.1 % ​ $ 2,038 ​ 10.3 % ​ The increase in depreciation of tangible property and equipment in 2024, as compared with 2023, was driven by (i) increased investments in capital assets such as trucks and containers and (ii) the acquisition of Stericycle.\"",
        "Reworded sentence: \"58 58 Table of Contents(Gain) Loss from Divestitures, Asset Impairments and Unusual Items, NetThe following table summarizes the major components of (gain) loss from divestitures, asset impairments and unusual items, net for the year ended December 31 (in millions):​​​​​​​​​​ ​ 2024 2023 2022Gain from divestitures, net​$ (26)​$ —​$ (5)Asset impairments​ 90​ 275​ 50Other, net​ 18​ (32)​ 17​​$ 82​$ 243​$ 62​During the year ended December 31, 2024, we recognized $82 million of net charges primarily consisting of (i) a $54 million charge required to increase the estimated fair value of a liability associated with the expected disposition of an investment the Company holds in a waste diversion technology business; (ii) a $14 million loss associated with the divestiture of a minority investment in a medical waste company within Corporate and Other, in connection with our acquisition of Stericycle and (iii) a $13 million charge pertaining to reserves for loss contingencies in our Corporate and Other segment to adjust an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary’s estimated potential share of the liability for a proposed environmental remediation plan at a closed site, as discussed in Note 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information.During the year ended December 31, 2023, we recognized $243 million of net charges primarily consisting of (i) a $168 million goodwill impairment charge within our Recycling Processing and Sales segment related to a business engaged in accelerating film and plastic wrap recycling capabilities, with $22 million attributable to noncontrolling interests.\"",
        "Removed sentence: \"During the year ended December 31, 2021, we recognized net gains of $16 million primarily consisting of (i) a $35 million pre-tax gain from the recognition of cumulative translation adjustments on the divestiture of certain non-strategic Canadian operations in our East Tier and (ii) an $8 million gain from divestitures of certain ancillary operations within our Collection and Disposal businesses.\"",
        "Removed sentence: \"These gains were partially offset by (i) a $20 million charge pertaining to reserves for loss contingencies within Corporate and Other and (ii) $8 million of asset impairment charges primarily related to our WM Renewable Energy segment.\"",
        "Reworded sentence: \"See Note 19 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information related to the impact of impairments on the results of operations of our reportable segments.59 Table of Contents Table of Contents Table of Contents (Gain) Loss from Divestitures, Asset Impairments and Unusual Items, NetThe following table summarizes the major components of (gain) loss from divestitures, asset impairments and unusual items, net for the year ended December 31 (in millions):​​​​​​​​​​ ​ 2024 2023 2022Gain from divestitures, net​$ (26)​$ —​$ (5)Asset impairments​ 90​ 275​ 50Other, net​ 18​ (32)​ 17​​$ 82​$ 243​$ 62​During the year ended December 31, 2024, we recognized $82 million of net charges primarily consisting of (i) a $54 million charge required to increase the estimated fair value of a liability associated with the expected disposition of an investment the Company holds in a waste diversion technology business; (ii) a $14 million loss associated with the divestiture of a minority investment in a medical waste company within Corporate and Other, in connection with our acquisition of Stericycle and (iii) a $13 million charge pertaining to reserves for loss contingencies in our Corporate and Other segment to adjust an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary’s estimated potential share of the liability for a proposed environmental remediation plan at a closed site, as discussed in Note 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information.During the year ended December 31, 2023, we recognized $243 million of net charges primarily consisting of (i) a $168 million goodwill impairment charge within our Recycling Processing and Sales segment related to a business engaged in accelerating film and plastic wrap recycling capabilities, with $22 million attributable to noncontrolling interests.\""
      ],
      "current_body": "The following table summarizes the components of our depreciation, depletion and amortization expenses for the year ended December 31 (dollars in millions and as a percentage of revenues): ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 2024 ​ 2023 ​ 2022 Depreciation of tangible property and equipment ​ $ 1,292 5.9 % ​ $ 1,197 5.9 % ​ $ 1,155 5.9 % Depletion of landfill airspace ​ 795 ​ 3.6 ​ ​ 745 ​ 3.6 ​ ​ 754 ​ 3.8 ​ Amortization of intangible assets ​ 180 ​ 0.8 ​ ​ 129 ​ 0.6 ​ ​ 129 ​ 0.6 ​ ​ ​ $ 2,267 ​ 10.3 % ​ $ 2,071 ​ 10.1 % ​ $ 2,038 ​ 10.3 % ​ The increase in depreciation of tangible property and equipment in 2024, as compared with 2023, was driven by (i) increased investments in capital assets such as trucks and containers and (ii) the acquisition of Stericycle. The increase in depletion of landfill airspace in 2024, as compared to with 2023, was driven by changes in amortization rates from revisions in landfill estimates and volume increases, partially offset by the closure of a landfill in our East Tier. The increase in amortization of intangibles was driven by the amortization of acquired intangible assets. The increase in depreciation of tangible property and equipment in 2023, as compared with 2022, was mainly influenced by strategic investments in our digital platform and investments in capital assets to service our customers, such as machinery and containers. The decrease in depletion of landfill airspace in 2023, as compared with 2022, was primarily driven by reductions in volume partially offset by the reopening of a previously closed site in our East Tier. 58 58 Table of Contents(Gain) Loss from Divestitures, Asset Impairments and Unusual Items, NetThe following table summarizes the major components of (gain) loss from divestitures, asset impairments and unusual items, net for the year ended December 31 (in millions):​​​​​​​​​​ ​ 2024 2023 2022Gain from divestitures, net​$ (26)​$ —​$ (5)Asset impairments​ 90​ 275​ 50Other, net​ 18​ (32)​ 17​​$ 82​$ 243​$ 62​During the year ended December 31, 2024, we recognized $82 million of net charges primarily consisting of (i) a $54 million charge required to increase the estimated fair value of a liability associated with the expected disposition of an investment the Company holds in a waste diversion technology business; (ii) a $14 million loss associated with the divestiture of a minority investment in a medical waste company within Corporate and Other, in connection with our acquisition of Stericycle and (iii) a $13 million charge pertaining to reserves for loss contingencies in our Corporate and Other segment to adjust an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary’s estimated potential share of the liability for a proposed environmental remediation plan at a closed site, as discussed in Note 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information.During the year ended December 31, 2023, we recognized $243 million of net charges primarily consisting of (i) a $168 million goodwill impairment charge within our Recycling Processing and Sales segment related to a business engaged in accelerating film and plastic wrap recycling capabilities, with $22 million attributable to noncontrolling interests. This charge was partially offset by the recognition of $46 million of income related to the reversal of a liability for contingent consideration associated with our investment in such business; (ii) $107 million of impairment charges within Corporate and Other for certain investments in waste diversion technology businesses and (iii) a $17 million charge within Corporate and Other to adjust an indirect wholly owned subsidiary’s estimated potential share of the liability for a proposed environmental remediation plan at a closed site. Refer to Notes 5 and 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information. During the year ended December 31, 2022, we recognized $62 million of net charges consisting of (i) $50 million of asset impairment charges primarily related to management’s decision to close two landfills within our East Tier and (ii) a $17 million charge pertaining to reserves for loss contingencies within Corporate and Other to adjust an indirect wholly owned subsidiary’s estimated potential share of the liability for a proposed environmental remediation plan at a closed site, as discussed in Note 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. These losses were partially offset by a $5 million gain from the divestiture of a collection and disposal operation in our West Tier. See Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information related to the accounting policy and analysis involved in identifying and calculating impairments. See Note 19 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information related to the impact of impairments on the results of operations of our reportable segments.59 Table of Contents Table of Contents Table of Contents (Gain) Loss from Divestitures, Asset Impairments and Unusual Items, NetThe following table summarizes the major components of (gain) loss from divestitures, asset impairments and unusual items, net for the year ended December 31 (in millions):​​​​​​​​​​ ​ 2024 2023 2022Gain from divestitures, net​$ (26)​$ —​$ (5)Asset impairments​ 90​ 275​ 50Other, net​ 18​ (32)​ 17​​$ 82​$ 243​$ 62​During the year ended December 31, 2024, we recognized $82 million of net charges primarily consisting of (i) a $54 million charge required to increase the estimated fair value of a liability associated with the expected disposition of an investment the Company holds in a waste diversion technology business; (ii) a $14 million loss associated with the divestiture of a minority investment in a medical waste company within Corporate and Other, in connection with our acquisition of Stericycle and (iii) a $13 million charge pertaining to reserves for loss contingencies in our Corporate and Other segment to adjust an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary’s estimated potential share of the liability for a proposed environmental remediation plan at a closed site, as discussed in Note 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information.During the year ended December 31, 2023, we recognized $243 million of net charges primarily consisting of (i) a $168 million goodwill impairment charge within our Recycling Processing and Sales segment related to a business engaged in accelerating film and plastic wrap recycling capabilities, with $22 million attributable to noncontrolling interests. This charge was partially offset by the recognition of $46 million of income related to the reversal of a liability for contingent consideration associated with our investment in such business; (ii) $107 million of impairment charges within Corporate and Other for certain investments in waste diversion technology businesses and (iii) a $17 million charge within Corporate and Other to adjust an indirect wholly owned subsidiary’s estimated potential share of the liability for a proposed environmental remediation plan at a closed site. Refer to Notes 5 and 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information. During the year ended December 31, 2022, we recognized $62 million of net charges consisting of (i) $50 million of asset impairment charges primarily related to management’s decision to close two landfills within our East Tier and (ii) a $17 million charge pertaining to reserves for loss contingencies within Corporate and Other to adjust an indirect wholly owned subsidiary’s estimated potential share of the liability for a proposed environmental remediation plan at a closed site, as discussed in Note 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. These losses were partially offset by a $5 million gain from the divestiture of a collection and disposal operation in our West Tier. See Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information related to the accounting policy and analysis involved in identifying and calculating impairments. See Note 19 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information related to the impact of impairments on the results of operations of our reportable segments. (Gain) Loss from Divestitures, Asset Impairments and Unusual Items, NetThe following table summarizes the major components of (gain) loss from divestitures, asset impairments and unusual items, net for the year ended December 31 (in millions):​​​​​​​​​​ ​ 2024 2023 2022Gain from divestitures, net​$ (26)​$ —​$ (5)Asset impairments​ 90​ 275​ 50Other, net​ 18​ (32)​ 17​​$ 82​$ 243​$ 62​During the year ended December 31, 2024, we recognized $82 million of net charges primarily consisting of (i) a $54 million charge required to increase the estimated fair value of a liability associated with the expected disposition of an investment the Company holds in a waste diversion technology business; (ii) a $14 million loss associated with the divestiture of a minority investment in a medical waste company within Corporate and Other, in connection with our acquisition of Stericycle and (iii) a $13 million charge pertaining to reserves for loss contingencies in our Corporate and Other segment to adjust an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary’s estimated potential share of the liability for a proposed environmental remediation plan at a closed site, as discussed in Note 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information.During the year ended December 31, 2023, we recognized $243 million of net charges primarily consisting of (i) a $168 million goodwill impairment charge within our Recycling Processing and Sales segment related to a business engaged in accelerating film and plastic wrap recycling capabilities, with $22 million attributable to noncontrolling interests. This charge was partially offset by the recognition of $46 million of income related to the reversal of a liability for contingent consideration associated with our investment in such business; (ii) $107 million of impairment charges within Corporate and Other for certain investments in waste diversion technology businesses and (iii) a $17 million charge within Corporate and Other to adjust an indirect wholly owned subsidiary’s estimated potential share of the liability for a proposed environmental remediation plan at a closed site. Refer to Notes 5 and 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information. During the year ended December 31, 2022, we recognized $62 million of net charges consisting of (i) $50 million of asset impairment charges primarily related to management’s decision to close two landfills within our East Tier and (ii) a $17 million charge pertaining to reserves for loss contingencies within Corporate and Other to adjust an indirect wholly owned subsidiary’s estimated potential share of the liability for a proposed environmental remediation plan at a closed site, as discussed in Note 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. These losses were partially offset by a $5 million gain from the divestiture of a collection and disposal operation in our West Tier. See Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information related to the accounting policy and analysis involved in identifying and calculating impairments. See Note 19 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information related to the impact of impairments on the results of operations of our reportable segments.",
      "prior_body": "The following table summarizes the components of our depreciation, depletion and amortization expenses for the year ended December 31 (dollars in millions and as a percentage of revenues): ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 2023 ​ 2022 ​ 2021 Depreciation of tangible property and equipment ​ $ 1,197 5.9 % ​ $ 1,155 5.9 % ​ $ 1,125 6.2 % Depletion of landfill airspace ​ 745 ​ 3.6 ​ ​ 754 ​ 3.8 ​ ​ 731 ​ 4.1 ​ Amortization of intangible assets ​ 129 ​ 0.6 ​ ​ 129 ​ 0.6 ​ ​ 143 ​ 0.8 ​ ​ ​ $ 2,071 ​ 10.1 % ​ $ 2,038 ​ 10.3 % ​ $ 1,999 ​ 11.1 % ​ The increase in depreciation of tangible property and equipment in 2023, as compared with 2022, was mainly influenced by strategic investments in our digital platform and investments in capital assets to service our customers, such as machinery and containers. The decrease in depletion of landfill airspace in 2023, as compared with 2022, was primarily driven by reductions in volume partially offset by the reopening of a previously closed site in our East Tier. The increase in depreciation of tangible property and equipment in 2022, as compared with 2021, was primarily driven by investments in capital assets, including containers to service our customers and strategic investments in our digital platform. The increase in depletion of landfill airspace in 2022, as compared with 2021, was primarily driven by changes in depletion rates from revisions in landfill cost estimates and increased volumes at our landfills, partially offset by a prior year charge due to management’s decision to close a landfill in our West Tier earlier than expected, resulting in the acceleration of the timing of capping, closure, and post-closure activities. The decrease in amortization of intangible assets in 2022, as compared with 2021, was primarily driven by the amortization of acquired intangible assets from the acquisition of Advanced Disposal Services, Inc. 50 50 Table of Contents(Gain) Loss from Divestitures, Asset Impairments and Unusual Items, NetThe following table summarizes the major components of (gain) loss from divestitures, asset impairments and unusual items, net for the year ended December 31 (in millions):​​​​​​​​​​ ​ 2023 2022 2021Gain from divestitures, net​$ —​$ (5)​$ (44)Asset impairments​ 275​ 50​ 8Other, net​ (32)​ 17​ 20​​$ 243​$ 62​$ (16)​During the year ended December 31, 2023, we recognized $243 million of net charges primarily consisting of (i) a $168 million goodwill impairment charge within our Recycling Processing and Sales segment related to a business engaged in accelerating film and plastic wrap recycling capabilities, with $22 million attributable to noncontrolling interests. This charge was partially offset by the recognition of $46 million of income related to the reversal of a liability for contingent consideration associated with our investment in such business; (ii) $107 million of impairment charges within Corporate and Other for certain investments in waste diversion technology businesses and (iii) a $17 million charge within Corporate and Other to adjust an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary’s estimated potential share of the liability for a proposed environmental remediation plan at a closed site. Refer to Notes 5 and 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information.During the year ended December 31, 2022, we recognized $62 million of net charges consisting of (i) $50 million of asset impairment charges primarily related to management’s decision to close two landfills within our East Tier and (ii) a $17 million charge pertaining to reserves for loss contingencies within Corporate and Other to adjust an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary’s estimated potential share of the liability for a proposed environmental remediation plan at a closed site, as discussed in Note 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. These losses were partially offset by a $5 million gain from the divestiture of a collection and disposal operation in our West Tier. During the year ended December 31, 2021, we recognized net gains of $16 million primarily consisting of (i) a $35 million pre-tax gain from the recognition of cumulative translation adjustments on the divestiture of certain non-strategic Canadian operations in our East Tier and (ii) an $8 million gain from divestitures of certain ancillary operations within our Collection and Disposal businesses. These gains were partially offset by (i) a $20 million charge pertaining to reserves for loss contingencies within Corporate and Other and (ii) $8 million of asset impairment charges primarily related to our WM Renewable Energy segment. See Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information related to the accounting policy and analysis involved in identifying and calculating impairments. See Note 19 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information related to the impact of impairments on the results of operations of our reportable segments.51 Table of Contents Table of Contents Table of Contents (Gain) Loss from Divestitures, Asset Impairments and Unusual Items, NetThe following table summarizes the major components of (gain) loss from divestitures, asset impairments and unusual items, net for the year ended December 31 (in millions):​​​​​​​​​​ ​ 2023 2022 2021Gain from divestitures, net​$ —​$ (5)​$ (44)Asset impairments​ 275​ 50​ 8Other, net​ (32)​ 17​ 20​​$ 243​$ 62​$ (16)​During the year ended December 31, 2023, we recognized $243 million of net charges primarily consisting of (i) a $168 million goodwill impairment charge within our Recycling Processing and Sales segment related to a business engaged in accelerating film and plastic wrap recycling capabilities, with $22 million attributable to noncontrolling interests. This charge was partially offset by the recognition of $46 million of income related to the reversal of a liability for contingent consideration associated with our investment in such business; (ii) $107 million of impairment charges within Corporate and Other for certain investments in waste diversion technology businesses and (iii) a $17 million charge within Corporate and Other to adjust an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary’s estimated potential share of the liability for a proposed environmental remediation plan at a closed site. Refer to Notes 5 and 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information.During the year ended December 31, 2022, we recognized $62 million of net charges consisting of (i) $50 million of asset impairment charges primarily related to management’s decision to close two landfills within our East Tier and (ii) a $17 million charge pertaining to reserves for loss contingencies within Corporate and Other to adjust an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary’s estimated potential share of the liability for a proposed environmental remediation plan at a closed site, as discussed in Note 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. These losses were partially offset by a $5 million gain from the divestiture of a collection and disposal operation in our West Tier. During the year ended December 31, 2021, we recognized net gains of $16 million primarily consisting of (i) a $35 million pre-tax gain from the recognition of cumulative translation adjustments on the divestiture of certain non-strategic Canadian operations in our East Tier and (ii) an $8 million gain from divestitures of certain ancillary operations within our Collection and Disposal businesses. These gains were partially offset by (i) a $20 million charge pertaining to reserves for loss contingencies within Corporate and Other and (ii) $8 million of asset impairment charges primarily related to our WM Renewable Energy segment. See Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information related to the accounting policy and analysis involved in identifying and calculating impairments. See Note 19 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information related to the impact of impairments on the results of operations of our reportable segments."
    },
    {
      "status": "MODIFIED",
      "current_title": "(Loss) Income",
      "prior_title": "(Loss) Income",
      "similarity_score": 0.871,
      "confidence": "high",
      "key_changes": [
        "Reworded sentence: \"Shares Amounts Interests Balance, December 31, 2021 ​ $ 7,126 ​ 630,282 ​ $ 6 ​ $ 5,169 ​ $ 12,004 ​ $ 17 (214,159) ​ $ (10,072) ​ $ 2 Consolidated net income ​ 2,240 ​ — ​ — ​ — ​ 2,238 ​ — — ​ — ​ 2 Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax ​ (86) ​ — ​ — ​ — ​ — ​ (86) — ​ — ​ — Cash dividends declared of $2.60 per common share ​ (1,077) ​ — ​ — ​ — ​ (1,077) ​ — — ​ — ​ — Equity-based compensation transactions, net ​ 150 ​ — ​ — ​ 75 ​ 2 ​ — 1,555 ​ 73 ​ — Common stock repurchase program ​ (1,500) ​ — ​ — ​ 70 ​ — ​ — (9,796) ​ (1,570) ​ — Acquisitions and other, net ​ 11 ​ — ​ — ​ — ​ — ​ — 4 ​ — ​ 11 Balance, December 31, 2022 ​ $ 6,864 ​ 630,282 ​ $ 6 ​ $ 5,314 ​ $ 13,167 ​ $ (69) (222,396) ​ $ (11,569) ​ $ 15 Consolidated net income ​ 2,276 ​ — ​ — ​ — ​ 2,304 ​ — — ​ — ​ (28) Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax ​ 32 ​ — ​ — ​ — ​ — ​ 32 — ​ — ​ — Cash dividends declared of $2.80 per common share ​ (1,136) ​ — ​ — ​ — ​ (1,136) ​ — — ​ — ​ — Equity-based compensation transactions, net ​ 169 ​ — ​ — ​ 97 ​ (1) ​ — 1,406 ​ 73 ​ — Common stock repurchase program ​ (1,315) ​ — ​ — ​ (60) ​ — ​ — (7,840) ​ (1,255) ​ — Other, net ​ 6 ​ — ​ — ​ — ​ — ​ — 3 ​ — ​ 6 Balance, December 31, 2023 ​ $ 6,896 ​ 630,282 ​ $ 6 ​ $ 5,351 ​ $ 14,334 ​ $ (37) (228,827) ​ $ (12,751) ​ $ (7) Adoption of new accounting standard ​ (12) ​ — ​ ​ — ​ ​ — ​ ​ (12) ​ ​ — ​ — ​ ​ — ​ ​ — Consolidated net income ​ 2,745 ​ — ​ ​ — ​ ​ — ​ ​ 2,746 ​ ​ — ​ — ​ ​ — ​ ​ (1) Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax ​ (78) ​ — ​ ​ — ​ ​ — ​ ​ — ​ ​ (78) ​ — ​ ​ — ​ ​ — Cash dividends declared of $3.00 per common share ​ (1,210) ​ — ​ ​ — ​ ​ — ​ ​ (1,210) ​ ​ — ​ — ​ ​ — ​ ​ — Equity-based compensation transactions, net ​ 187 ​ — ​ ​ — ​ ​ 104 ​ ​ — ​ ​ — ​ 1,530 ​ ​ 83 ​ ​ — Common stock repurchase program ​ (265) ​ — ​ ​ — ​ ​ 60 ​ ​ — ​ ​ — ​ (1,494) ​ ​ (325) ​ ​ — Other, net ​ (9) ​ — ​ ​ — ​ ​ (19) ​ ​ — ​ ​ — ​ 3 ​ ​ — ​ ​ 10 Balance, December 31, 2024 ​ $ 8,254 ​ 630,282 ​ $ 6 ​ $ 5,496 ​ $ 15,858 ​ $ (115) (228,788) ​ $ (12,993) ​ $ 2 ​\""
      ],
      "current_body": "Shares Amounts Interests Balance, December 31, 2021 ​ $ 7,126 ​ 630,282 ​ $ 6 ​ $ 5,169 ​ $ 12,004 ​ $ 17 (214,159) ​ $ (10,072) ​ $ 2 Consolidated net income ​ 2,240 ​ — ​ — ​ — ​ 2,238 ​ — — ​ — ​ 2 Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax ​ (86) ​ — ​ — ​ — ​ — ​ (86) — ​ — ​ — Cash dividends declared of $2.60 per common share ​ (1,077) ​ — ​ — ​ — ​ (1,077) ​ — — ​ — ​ — Equity-based compensation transactions, net ​ 150 ​ — ​ — ​ 75 ​ 2 ​ — 1,555 ​ 73 ​ — Common stock repurchase program ​ (1,500) ​ — ​ — ​ 70 ​ — ​ — (9,796) ​ (1,570) ​ — Acquisitions and other, net ​ 11 ​ — ​ — ​ — ​ — ​ — 4 ​ — ​ 11 Balance, December 31, 2022 ​ $ 6,864 ​ 630,282 ​ $ 6 ​ $ 5,314 ​ $ 13,167 ​ $ (69) (222,396) ​ $ (11,569) ​ $ 15 Consolidated net income ​ 2,276 ​ — ​ — ​ — ​ 2,304 ​ — — ​ — ​ (28) Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax ​ 32 ​ — ​ — ​ — ​ — ​ 32 — ​ — ​ — Cash dividends declared of $2.80 per common share ​ (1,136) ​ — ​ — ​ — ​ (1,136) ​ — — ​ — ​ — Equity-based compensation transactions, net ​ 169 ​ — ​ — ​ 97 ​ (1) ​ — 1,406 ​ 73 ​ — Common stock repurchase program ​ (1,315) ​ — ​ — ​ (60) ​ — ​ — (7,840) ​ (1,255) ​ — Other, net ​ 6 ​ — ​ — ​ — ​ — ​ — 3 ​ — ​ 6 Balance, December 31, 2023 ​ $ 6,896 ​ 630,282 ​ $ 6 ​ $ 5,351 ​ $ 14,334 ​ $ (37) (228,827) ​ $ (12,751) ​ $ (7) Adoption of new accounting standard ​ (12) ​ — ​ ​ — ​ ​ — ​ ​ (12) ​ ​ — ​ — ​ ​ — ​ ​ — Consolidated net income ​ 2,745 ​ — ​ ​ — ​ ​ — ​ ​ 2,746 ​ ​ — ​ — ​ ​ — ​ ​ (1) Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax ​ (78) ​ — ​ ​ — ​ ​ — ​ ​ — ​ ​ (78) ​ — ​ ​ — ​ ​ — Cash dividends declared of $3.00 per common share ​ (1,210) ​ — ​ ​ — ​ ​ — ​ ​ (1,210) ​ ​ — ​ — ​ ​ — ​ ​ — Equity-based compensation transactions, net ​ 187 ​ — ​ ​ — ​ ​ 104 ​ ​ — ​ ​ — ​ 1,530 ​ ​ 83 ​ ​ — Common stock repurchase program ​ (265) ​ — ​ ​ — ​ ​ 60 ​ ​ — ​ ​ — ​ (1,494) ​ ​ (325) ​ ​ — Other, net ​ (9) ​ — ​ ​ — ​ ​ (19) ​ ​ — ​ ​ — ​ 3 ​ ​ — ​ ​ 10 Balance, December 31, 2024 ​ $ 8,254 ​ 630,282 ​ $ 6 ​ $ 5,496 ​ $ 15,858 ​ $ (115) (228,788) ​ $ (12,993) ​ $ 2 ​",
      "prior_body": "Shares Amounts Interests Balance, December 31, 2020 ​ $ 7,454 ​ 630,282 ​ $ 6 ​ $ 5,129 ​ $ 11,159 ​ $ 39 (207,481) ​ $ (8,881) ​ $ 2 Consolidated net income ​ 1,817 ​ — ​ — ​ — ​ 1,816 ​ — — ​ — ​ 1 Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax ​ (22) ​ — ​ — ​ — ​ — ​ (22) — ​ — ​ — Cash dividends declared of $2.30 per common share ​ (970) ​ — ​ — ​ — ​ (970) ​ — — ​ — ​ — Equity-based compensation transactions, net ​ 198 ​ — ​ — ​ 110 ​ (1) ​ — 2,049 ​ 89 ​ — Common stock repurchase program ​ (1,350) ​ — ​ — ​ (70) ​ — ​ — (8,731) ​ (1,280) ​ — Other, net ​ (1) ​ — ​ — ​ — ​ — ​ — 4 ​ — ​ (1) Balance, December 31, 2021 ​ $ 7,126 ​ 630,282 ​ $ 6 ​ $ 5,169 ​ $ 12,004 ​ $ 17 (214,159) ​ $ (10,072) ​ $ 2 Consolidated net income ​ 2,240 ​ — ​ — ​ — ​ 2,238 ​ — — ​ — ​ 2 Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax ​ (86) ​ — ​ — ​ — ​ — ​ (86) — ​ — ​ — Cash dividends declared of $2.60 per common share ​ (1,077) ​ — ​ — ​ — ​ (1,077) ​ — — ​ — ​ — Equity-based compensation transactions, net ​ 150 ​ — ​ — ​ 75 ​ 2 ​ — 1,555 ​ 73 ​ — Common stock repurchase program ​ (1,500) ​ — ​ — ​ 70 ​ — ​ — (9,796) ​ (1,570) ​ — Acquisitions and other, net ​ 11 ​ — ​ — ​ — ​ — ​ — 4 ​ — ​ 11 Balance, December 31, 2022 ​ $ 6,864 ​ 630,282 ​ $ 6 ​ $ 5,314 ​ $ 13,167 ​ $ (69) (222,396) ​ $ (11,569) ​ $ 15 Consolidated net income ​ 2,276 ​ — ​ — ​ — ​ 2,304 ​ — — ​ — ​ (28) Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax ​ 32 ​ — ​ — ​ — ​ — ​ 32 — ​ — ​ — Cash dividends declared of $2.80 per common share ​ (1,136) ​ — ​ — ​ — ​ (1,136) ​ — — ​ — ​ — Equity-based compensation transactions, net ​ 169 ​ — ​ — ​ 97 ​ (1) ​ — 1,406 ​ 73 ​ — Common stock repurchase program ​ (1,315) ​ — ​ — ​ (60) ​ — ​ — (7,840) ​ (1,255) ​ — Other, net ​ 6 ​ — ​ — ​ — ​ — ​ — 3 ​ — ​ 6 Balance, December 31, 2023 ​ $ 6,896 ​ 630,282 ​ $ 6 ​ $ 5,351 ​ $ 14,334 ​ $ (37) (228,827) ​ $ (12,751) ​ $ (7) ​"
    },
    {
      "status": "MODIFIED",
      "current_title": "Increases in the costs of obtaining adequate financial assurance, or the inadequacy of our insurance coverages, could negatively impact our liquidity and increase our liabilities.",
      "prior_title": "We have substantial financial assurance and insurance requirements and increases in the costs of obtaining adequate financial assurance, or the inadequacy of our insurance coverages, could negatively impact our liquidity and increase our liabilities.",
      "similarity_score": 0.868,
      "confidence": "high",
      "key_changes": [
        "Reworded sentence: \"To the extent our obligations for claims are more than we estimated, our insurance coverage is inadequate to cover our obligations, or our insurers are unable to meet their obligations, the requirement that we pay such obligations could have a material adverse effect on our financial results.\"",
        "Reworded sentence: \"It is possible that we could be required to deposit cash to collateralize certain obligations, which could negatively impact our liquidity.\"",
        "Reworded sentence: \"See Notes 9 and 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for more information related to our participation in Multiemployer Pension Plans.​​​42 Table of Contents Table of Contents Table of Contents We may record material charges against our earnings due to impairments to our assets.Events that have in the past and may in the future lead to an impairment include, but are not limited to, shutting down a facility or operation, abandoning a development project, project cost overruns or the denial of an expansion permit.\"",
        "Reworded sentence: \"See Notes 9 and 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for more information related to our participation in Multiemployer Pension Plans.​​​ We may record material charges against our earnings due to impairments to our assets.Events that have in the past and may in the future lead to an impairment include, but are not limited to, shutting down a facility or operation, abandoning a development project, project cost overruns or the denial of an expansion permit.\""
      ],
      "current_body": "The amount of insurance we are required to maintain for environmental liability is governed by statutory requirements. We also carry a broad range of other insurance coverages that are customary for a company our size. To the extent our obligations for claims are more than we estimated, our insurance coverage is inadequate to cover our obligations, or our insurers are unable to meet their obligations, the requirement that we pay such obligations could have a material adverse effect on our financial results. In addition, to fulfill our financial assurance obligations with respect to variable-rate tax-exempt debt, and final capping, closure, post-closure and environmental remediation obligations, we generally obtain letters of credit or surety bonds, rely on insurance, including captive insurance, fund trust and escrow accounts or rely upon WMI financial guarantees. Our financial position, which can be negatively affected by asset impairments, our credit profile and general economic factors, may increase the cost of our current financial assurance instruments, and changes in regulations may impose stricter requirements on the types of financial assurance that will be accepted. In the event we are unable to obtain sufficient surety bonding, letters of credit or third-party insurance coverage at reasonable cost, or one or more states cease to view captive insurance as adequate coverage, we would need to rely on other forms of financial assurance. It is possible that we could be required to deposit cash to collateralize certain obligations, which could negatively impact our liquidity. 41 41 Table of ContentsWe may record material charges against our earnings due to impairments to our assets.Events that have in the past and may in the future lead to an impairment include, but are not limited to, shutting down a facility or operation, abandoning a development project, project cost overruns or the denial of an expansion permit. Additionally, declining waste volumes and development of, and customer preference for, alternatives to traditional waste disposal could warrant asset impairments. If we determine an asset or expansion project is impaired, we will charge against earnings any unamortized capitalized expenditures and advances relating to such asset or project reduced by any portion of the capitalized costs that we estimate will be recoverable, through sale or otherwise. We also carry a significant amount of goodwill on our Consolidated Balance Sheets, which is required to be assessed for impairment annually, and more frequently in the case of certain triggering events. We have in the past and may in the future be required to incur charges against earnings if such impairment tests indicate that the fair value of a reporting unit is below its carrying amount. Any such charges could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.We could face significant liabilities for withdrawal from Multiemployer Pension Plans.We are a participating employer in a number of trustee-managed multiemployer defined benefit pension plans (“Multiemployer Pension Plans”) for employees who are covered by collective bargaining agreements. In the event of our withdrawal from a Multiemployer Pension Plan, we may incur expenses associated with our obligations for unfunded vested benefits at the time of the withdrawal. Depending on various factors, including potential legislative changes, future withdrawals could have a material adverse effect on results of operations or cash flows for a particular reporting period, and our ongoing costs of participation in Multiemployer Pension Plans may increase. See Notes 9 and 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for more information related to our participation in Multiemployer Pension Plans.​​​42 Table of Contents Table of Contents Table of Contents We may record material charges against our earnings due to impairments to our assets.Events that have in the past and may in the future lead to an impairment include, but are not limited to, shutting down a facility or operation, abandoning a development project, project cost overruns or the denial of an expansion permit. Additionally, declining waste volumes and development of, and customer preference for, alternatives to traditional waste disposal could warrant asset impairments. If we determine an asset or expansion project is impaired, we will charge against earnings any unamortized capitalized expenditures and advances relating to such asset or project reduced by any portion of the capitalized costs that we estimate will be recoverable, through sale or otherwise. We also carry a significant amount of goodwill on our Consolidated Balance Sheets, which is required to be assessed for impairment annually, and more frequently in the case of certain triggering events. We have in the past and may in the future be required to incur charges against earnings if such impairment tests indicate that the fair value of a reporting unit is below its carrying amount. Any such charges could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.We could face significant liabilities for withdrawal from Multiemployer Pension Plans.We are a participating employer in a number of trustee-managed multiemployer defined benefit pension plans (“Multiemployer Pension Plans”) for employees who are covered by collective bargaining agreements. In the event of our withdrawal from a Multiemployer Pension Plan, we may incur expenses associated with our obligations for unfunded vested benefits at the time of the withdrawal. Depending on various factors, including potential legislative changes, future withdrawals could have a material adverse effect on results of operations or cash flows for a particular reporting period, and our ongoing costs of participation in Multiemployer Pension Plans may increase. See Notes 9 and 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for more information related to our participation in Multiemployer Pension Plans.​​​ We may record material charges against our earnings due to impairments to our assets.Events that have in the past and may in the future lead to an impairment include, but are not limited to, shutting down a facility or operation, abandoning a development project, project cost overruns or the denial of an expansion permit. Additionally, declining waste volumes and development of, and customer preference for, alternatives to traditional waste disposal could warrant asset impairments. If we determine an asset or expansion project is impaired, we will charge against earnings any unamortized capitalized expenditures and advances relating to such asset or project reduced by any portion of the capitalized costs that we estimate will be recoverable, through sale or otherwise. We also carry a significant amount of goodwill on our Consolidated Balance Sheets, which is required to be assessed for impairment annually, and more frequently in the case of certain triggering events. We have in the past and may in the future be required to incur charges against earnings if such impairment tests indicate that the fair value of a reporting unit is below its carrying amount. Any such charges could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.We could face significant liabilities for withdrawal from Multiemployer Pension Plans.We are a participating employer in a number of trustee-managed multiemployer defined benefit pension plans (“Multiemployer Pension Plans”) for employees who are covered by collective bargaining agreements. In the event of our withdrawal from a Multiemployer Pension Plan, we may incur expenses associated with our obligations for unfunded vested benefits at the time of the withdrawal. Depending on various factors, including potential legislative changes, future withdrawals could have a material adverse effect on results of operations or cash flows for a particular reporting period, and our ongoing costs of participation in Multiemployer Pension Plans may increase. See Notes 9 and 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for more information related to our participation in Multiemployer Pension Plans.​​​",
      "prior_body": "The amount of insurance we are required to maintain for environmental liability is governed by statutory requirements. We also carry a broad range of other insurance coverages that are customary for a company our size. To the extent our obligations for claims are more than we estimated, our insurance coverage is inadequate to cover our obligations, or our 33 33 Table of Contentsinsurers are unable to meet their obligations, the requirement that we pay such obligations could have a material adverse effect on our financial results.In addition, to fulfill our financial assurance obligations with respect to variable-rate tax-exempt debt, and final capping, closure, post-closure and environmental remediation obligations, we generally obtain letters of credit or surety bonds, rely on insurance, including captive insurance, fund trust and escrow accounts or rely upon WMI financial guarantees. Our financial position, which can be negatively affected by asset impairments, our credit profile and general economic factors, may increase the cost of our current financial assurance instruments, and changes in regulations may impose stricter requirements on the types of financial assurance that will be accepted. In the event we are unable to obtain sufficient surety bonding, letters of credit or third-party insurance coverage at reasonable cost, or one or more states cease to view captive insurance as adequate coverage, we would need to rely on other forms of financial assurance. It is possible that we could be required to deposit cash to collateralize certain obligations, which could negatively impact our liquidity.We may record material charges against our earnings due to impairments to our assets.Events that have in the past and may in the future lead to an impairment include, but are not limited to, shutting down a facility or operation, abandoning a development project, project cost overruns or the denial of an expansion permit. Additionally, declining waste volumes and development of, and customer preference for, alternatives to traditional waste disposal could warrant asset impairments. If we determine an asset or expansion project is impaired, we will charge against earnings any unamortized capitalized expenditures and advances relating to such asset or project reduced by any portion of the capitalized costs that we estimate will be recoverable, through sale or otherwise. We also carry a significant amount of goodwill on our Consolidated Balance Sheets, which is required to be assessed for impairment annually, and more frequently in the case of certain triggering events. We have in the past and may in the future be required to incur charges against earnings if such impairment tests indicate that the fair value of a reporting unit is below its carrying amount. Any such charges could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.We could face significant liabilities for withdrawal from Multiemployer Pension Plans.We are a participating employer in a number of trustee-managed multiemployer defined benefit pension plans (“Multiemployer Pension Plans”) for employees who are covered by collective bargaining agreements. In the event of our withdrawal from a Multiemployer Pension Plan, we may incur expenses associated with our obligations for unfunded vested benefits at the time of the withdrawal. Depending on various factors, including potential legislative changes, future withdrawals could have a material adverse effect on results of operations or cash flows for a particular reporting period, and our ongoing costs of participation in Multiemployer Pension Plans may increase. See Notes 9 and 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for more information related to our participation in Multiemployer Pension Plans. ​​34 Table of Contents Table of Contents Table of Contents insurers are unable to meet their obligations, the requirement that we pay such obligations could have a material adverse effect on our financial results.In addition, to fulfill our financial assurance obligations with respect to variable-rate tax-exempt debt, and final capping, closure, post-closure and environmental remediation obligations, we generally obtain letters of credit or surety bonds, rely on insurance, including captive insurance, fund trust and escrow accounts or rely upon WMI financial guarantees. Our financial position, which can be negatively affected by asset impairments, our credit profile and general economic factors, may increase the cost of our current financial assurance instruments, and changes in regulations may impose stricter requirements on the types of financial assurance that will be accepted. In the event we are unable to obtain sufficient surety bonding, letters of credit or third-party insurance coverage at reasonable cost, or one or more states cease to view captive insurance as adequate coverage, we would need to rely on other forms of financial assurance. It is possible that we could be required to deposit cash to collateralize certain obligations, which could negatively impact our liquidity.We may record material charges against our earnings due to impairments to our assets.Events that have in the past and may in the future lead to an impairment include, but are not limited to, shutting down a facility or operation, abandoning a development project, project cost overruns or the denial of an expansion permit. Additionally, declining waste volumes and development of, and customer preference for, alternatives to traditional waste disposal could warrant asset impairments. If we determine an asset or expansion project is impaired, we will charge against earnings any unamortized capitalized expenditures and advances relating to such asset or project reduced by any portion of the capitalized costs that we estimate will be recoverable, through sale or otherwise. We also carry a significant amount of goodwill on our Consolidated Balance Sheets, which is required to be assessed for impairment annually, and more frequently in the case of certain triggering events. We have in the past and may in the future be required to incur charges against earnings if such impairment tests indicate that the fair value of a reporting unit is below its carrying amount. Any such charges could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.We could face significant liabilities for withdrawal from Multiemployer Pension Plans.We are a participating employer in a number of trustee-managed multiemployer defined benefit pension plans (“Multiemployer Pension Plans”) for employees who are covered by collective bargaining agreements. In the event of our withdrawal from a Multiemployer Pension Plan, we may incur expenses associated with our obligations for unfunded vested benefits at the time of the withdrawal. Depending on various factors, including potential legislative changes, future withdrawals could have a material adverse effect on results of operations or cash flows for a particular reporting period, and our ongoing costs of participation in Multiemployer Pension Plans may increase. See Notes 9 and 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for more information related to our participation in Multiemployer Pension Plans. ​​ insurers are unable to meet their obligations, the requirement that we pay such obligations could have a material adverse effect on our financial results. In addition, to fulfill our financial assurance obligations with respect to variable-rate tax-exempt debt, and final capping, closure, post-closure and environmental remediation obligations, we generally obtain letters of credit or surety bonds, rely on insurance, including captive insurance, fund trust and escrow accounts or rely upon WMI financial guarantees. Our financial position, which can be negatively affected by asset impairments, our credit profile and general economic factors, may increase the cost of our current financial assurance instruments, and changes in regulations may impose stricter requirements on the types of financial assurance that will be accepted. In the event we are unable to obtain sufficient surety bonding, letters of credit or third-party insurance coverage at reasonable cost, or one or more states cease to view captive insurance as adequate coverage, we would need to rely on other forms of financial assurance. It is possible that we could be required to deposit cash to collateralize certain obligations, which could negatively impact our liquidity."
    },
    {
      "status": "MODIFIED",
      "current_title": "Useful Lives",
      "prior_title": "Useful Lives",
      "similarity_score": 0.863,
      "confidence": "high",
      "key_changes": [
        "Reworded sentence: \"Our operating lease activities primarily consist of leases for real estate, landfills, fleet vehicles and operating equipment.\"",
        "Reworded sentence: \"Some may include renewal or purchase options, escalation clauses, restrictions, penalties or other obligations that we consider in determining minimum lease payments.\"",
        "Reworded sentence: \"For operating and financing leases, including landfill leases, our rent expense for each of the last three years and future minimum lease payments are disclosed in Note 7.\""
      ],
      "current_body": "Vehicles — excluding rail haul cars 3 to 10 3 10 Vehicles — rail haul cars 10 to 30 10 30 Machinery and equipment (a) 3 to 30 3 30 Buildings and improvements 5 to 40 5 40 Furniture, fixtures and office equipment 3 to 10 3 10 Leases We lease property and equipment in the ordinary course of our business. Our operating lease activities primarily consist of leases for real estate, landfills, fleet vehicles and operating equipment. Our financing lease activities primarily consist of leases for operating equipment, railcars and landfill assets. Our leases have varying terms. Some may include renewal or purchase options, escalation clauses, restrictions, penalties or other obligations that we consider in determining minimum lease payments. The leases are classified as either operating leases or financing leases, as appropriate. Operating Leases (excluding landfill leases discussed below) — The majority of our leases are operating leases. This classification generally can be attributed to either (i) relatively low fixed minimum lease payments as a result of real property lease obligations that vary based on the volume of waste we receive or process or (ii) minimum lease terms that are much shorter than the assets’ economic useful lives. Management expects that in the normal course of business our operating leases will be renewed, replaced by other leases or replaced with fixed asset expenditures. Financing Leases (excluding landfill leases discussed below) — Assets under financing leases are capitalized using interest rates determined at the commencement of each lease and are depreciated over either the useful life of the asset or the lease term, as appropriate, on a straight-line basis. The present value of the related lease payments is recorded as a debt obligation. Landfill Leases — From an operating perspective, landfills that we lease are similar to landfills we own because generally we will operate the landfill for the life of the operating permit. The most significant portion of our rental obligations for landfill leases is contingent upon operating factors such as disposal volume and often there are no contractual minimum rental obligations. Contingent rental obligations are expensed as incurred. For landfill financing leases that provide for minimum contractual rental obligations, we record the present value of the minimum obligation as part of the landfill asset, which is depleted on a units-of-consumption basis over the shorter of the lease term or the life of the landfill. For operating and financing leases, including landfill leases, our rent expense for each of the last three years and future minimum lease payments are disclosed in Note 7.",
      "prior_body": "Vehicles — excluding rail haul cars 3 to 10 3 10 Vehicles — rail haul cars 10 to 30 10 30 Machinery and equipment (a) 3 to 30 3 30 Buildings and improvements 5 to 40 5 40 Furniture, fixtures and office equipment 3 to 10 3 10 Leases We lease property and equipment in the ordinary course of our business. Our operating lease activities primarily consist of leases for real estate, landfills and operating equipment. Our financing lease activities primarily consist of leases for operating equipment, railcars and landfill assets. Our leases have varying terms. Some may include renewal or purchase 85 85 Table of ContentsWASTE MANAGEMENT, INC.NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)​options, escalation clauses, restrictions, penalties or other obligations that we consider in determining minimum lease payments. The leases are classified as either operating leases or financing leases, as appropriate. Operating Leases (excluding landfill leases discussed below) — The majority of our leases are operating leases. This classification generally can be attributed to either (i) relatively low fixed minimum lease payments as a result of real property lease obligations that vary based on the volume of waste we receive or process or (ii) minimum lease terms that are much shorter than the assets’ economic useful lives. Management expects that in the normal course of business our operating leases will be renewed, replaced by other leases or replaced with fixed asset expenditures. Financing Leases (excluding landfill leases discussed below) — Assets under financing leases are capitalized using interest rates determined at the commencement of each lease and are depreciated over either the useful life of the asset or the lease term, as appropriate, on a straight-line basis. The present value of the related lease payments is recorded as a debt obligation. Landfill Leases — From an operating perspective, landfills that we lease are similar to landfills we own because generally we will operate the landfill for the life of the operating permit. The most significant portion of our rental obligations for landfill leases is contingent upon operating factors such as disposal volume and often there are no contractual minimum rental obligations. Contingent rental obligations are expensed as incurred. For landfill financing leases that provide for minimum contractual rental obligations, we record the present value of the minimum obligation as part of the landfill asset, which is depleted on a units-of-consumption basis over the shorter of the lease term or the life of the landfill. For operating and financing leases, including landfill leases, our rent expense for each of the last three years and future minimum lease payments are disclosed in Note 7.AcquisitionsWe generally recognize assets acquired and liabilities assumed in business combinations, including contingent assets and liabilities, based on fair value estimates as of the date of acquisition.Contingent Consideration — In certain acquisitions, we agree to pay additional amounts to sellers contingent upon achievement by the acquired businesses of certain negotiated goals, such as targeted revenue levels, targeted disposal volumes or the issuance of permits for expanded landfill airspace. We have recognized liabilities for these contingent obligations based on their estimated fair value as of the date of acquisition with any differences between the acquisition-date fair value, subsequent remeasurements and the ultimate settlement of the obligations being recognized as an adjustment to income from operations. Refer to Note 11 for adjustments recognized during the reported periods.Acquired Assets and Assumed Liabilities — Assets and liabilities arising from contingencies such as pre-acquisition environmental matters and litigation are recognized at their acquisition-date fair value when their respective fair values can be determined. If the fair values of such contingencies cannot be readily determined, they are recognized as of the acquisition date if the contingencies are probable and an amount can be reasonably estimated.Acquisition-date fair value estimates are revised as necessary if, and when, additional information regarding these contingencies becomes available to further define and quantify assets acquired and liabilities assumed. Subsequent to finalization of purchase accounting, these revisions are accounted for as adjustments to income from operations. All acquisition-related transaction costs are expensed as incurred. See Note 17 for additional information related to our acquisitions.86 Table of ContentsWASTE MANAGEMENT, INC.NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)​ Table of Contents Table of Contents"
    },
    {
      "status": "MODIFIED",
      "current_title": "Intercompany",
      "prior_title": "Intercompany",
      "similarity_score": 0.86,
      "confidence": "high",
      "key_changes": [
        "Reworded sentence: \"​ Gross ​ Operating ​ Operating ​ Operating ​ ​ Revenues\""
      ],
      "current_body": "​ Gross ​ Operating ​ Operating ​ Operating ​ ​ Revenues",
      "prior_body": "​ Net ​ Operating ​ Operating ​ Operating ​ ​ Revenues"
    },
    {
      "status": "MODIFIED",
      "current_title": "We could face significant liabilities for withdrawal from Multiemployer Pension Plans.",
      "prior_title": "We could face significant liabilities for withdrawal from Multiemployer Pension Plans.",
      "similarity_score": 0.857,
      "confidence": "high",
      "key_changes": [
        "Reworded sentence: \"​ ​ ​ 42 42 Table of ContentsItem 1B.\"",
        "Reworded sentence: \"The CISO and his team are responsible for leading enterprise-wide cybersecurity strategy, policy, standards, architecture and processes.\"",
        "Reworded sentence: \"We have a Data Protection Office that works closely with, and assists, our enterprise Privacy Program, overseen by the Chief Privacy Officer, along with advisory support from appointed Data Protection Officers in Europe and Quebec.\"",
        "Reworded sentence: \"The Audit Committee receives reports on these matters from our most senior executives in the digital organization, including 43 Table of Contents Table of Contents Table of Contents Item 1B.\"",
        "Reworded sentence: \"The CISO and his team are responsible for leading enterprise-wide cybersecurity strategy, policy, standards, architecture and processes.\""
      ],
      "current_body": "We are a participating employer in a number of trustee-managed multiemployer defined benefit pension plans (“Multiemployer Pension Plans”) for employees who are covered by collective bargaining agreements. In the event of our withdrawal from a Multiemployer Pension Plan, we may incur expenses associated with our obligations for unfunded vested benefits at the time of the withdrawal. Depending on various factors, including potential legislative changes, future withdrawals could have a material adverse effect on results of operations or cash flows for a particular reporting period, and our ongoing costs of participation in Multiemployer Pension Plans may increase. See Notes 9 and 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for more information related to our participation in Multiemployer Pension Plans. ​ ​ ​ 42 42 Table of ContentsItem 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments.None. ​Item 1C. Cybersecurity.Strategy, Governance and Risk ManagementOur Technology Risk Program is designed to proactively identify, monitor, and mitigate technology-related risks across our digital operations and assess cybersecurity risks related to third-party vendors and suppliers. Our Cybersecurity Program and our Technology Risk Program are led by our Chief Information Security Officer (“CISO”) a Certified Information Systems Security Professional with two decades of cybersecurity leadership. The CISO and his team are responsible for leading enterprise-wide cybersecurity strategy, policy, standards, architecture and processes. The Technology Risk Oversight Committee chaired by our CISO, with members representing leadership throughout our Company, provides oversight and guidance to technology risks, including cybersecurity. Our Company’s Cybersecurity Program is designed to align with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (“NIST”) Cybersecurity Framework and leading industry practices, and our Cybersecurity Program is integrated into our Company’s Enterprise Risk Management framework. Internal and external experts regularly evaluate our Cybersecurity Program, and the results of those reviews are reported to senior management and our Company’s Board of Directors. Our Incident Response Committee, which is comprised of leaders in the areas of information security, digital, legal, finance, privacy, compliance and ethics, corporate security and communications, is responsible for leading our Company’s response to cyber incidents. Our Cybersecurity Incident Response Plan outlines the processes by which management is informed about and monitors detection and mediation of cyber incidents. We actively engage with key vendors, industry participants, and intelligence and law enforcement communities as part of our continuing efforts to evaluate and enhance the effectiveness of our information security policies and procedures. We have a Data Protection Office that works closely with, and assists, our enterprise Privacy Program, overseen by the Chief Privacy Officer, along with advisory support from appointed Data Protection Officers in Europe and Quebec. While we have experienced cybersecurity threats and breaches targeting our information technology systems and networks and those of our third-party providers, including within the last three years, these incidents have not had a material impact on our Company, including our business strategy, results of operations or financial condition. Risks from cybersecurity threats, including previous cybersecurity incidents encountered by the Company and known incidents encountered by third parties with a connection to the Company, are also not currently viewed as reasonably likely to materially impact our Company, including our business strategy, results of operations or financial condition. We are regularly the target of attempted cyber intrusions, have experienced cyber intrusions, and we anticipate continuing to be subject to such attempts as cyber intrusions become increasingly sophisticated and more difficult to predict and protect against. Geopolitical conflicts and developments and technological advancements also increase the risk and likelihood of cyber incidents. As such, we must commit substantial resources to continuously monitor and further develop our networks and infrastructure to prevent, detect, and address the risk of unauthorized access, misuse, computer viruses and other events. Although we have implemented and maintain commercially reasonable security measures and safeguards, including to protect against and identify potential threats, these protections and other systems designed to mitigate cybersecurity risks may not fully defend against an attack or future cybersecurity incident, which can be unpredictable in nature. Although we believe that the probability of occurrence of a significant cybersecurity incident is less than likely, if such an incident were to occur, the impact on the Company could be substantial. See Item 1A. Risk Factors — Significant cybersecurity incidents negatively impact our business and our relationships with customers, vendors and employees and expose us to increased liability for additional discussion.Board OversightManagement has primary responsibility for risk management within our Company. The Company’s Board of Directors, with the support of its committees, oversees risk management to ensure that the processes designed, implemented and maintained by our executives are functioning as intended and adapted when necessary to respond to changes in our Company’s strategy as well as emerging risks. The Audit Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors has responsibility for oversight of information and cybersecurity risks and assessment of cyber threats and defenses. The Audit Committee receives reports on these matters from our most senior executives in the digital organization, including 43 Table of Contents Table of Contents Table of Contents Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments.None. ​Item 1C. Cybersecurity.Strategy, Governance and Risk ManagementOur Technology Risk Program is designed to proactively identify, monitor, and mitigate technology-related risks across our digital operations and assess cybersecurity risks related to third-party vendors and suppliers. Our Cybersecurity Program and our Technology Risk Program are led by our Chief Information Security Officer (“CISO”) a Certified Information Systems Security Professional with two decades of cybersecurity leadership. The CISO and his team are responsible for leading enterprise-wide cybersecurity strategy, policy, standards, architecture and processes. The Technology Risk Oversight Committee chaired by our CISO, with members representing leadership throughout our Company, provides oversight and guidance to technology risks, including cybersecurity. Our Company’s Cybersecurity Program is designed to align with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (“NIST”) Cybersecurity Framework and leading industry practices, and our Cybersecurity Program is integrated into our Company’s Enterprise Risk Management framework. Internal and external experts regularly evaluate our Cybersecurity Program, and the results of those reviews are reported to senior management and our Company’s Board of Directors. Our Incident Response Committee, which is comprised of leaders in the areas of information security, digital, legal, finance, privacy, compliance and ethics, corporate security and communications, is responsible for leading our Company’s response to cyber incidents. Our Cybersecurity Incident Response Plan outlines the processes by which management is informed about and monitors detection and mediation of cyber incidents. We actively engage with key vendors, industry participants, and intelligence and law enforcement communities as part of our continuing efforts to evaluate and enhance the effectiveness of our information security policies and procedures. We have a Data Protection Office that works closely with, and assists, our enterprise Privacy Program, overseen by the Chief Privacy Officer, along with advisory support from appointed Data Protection Officers in Europe and Quebec. While we have experienced cybersecurity threats and breaches targeting our information technology systems and networks and those of our third-party providers, including within the last three years, these incidents have not had a material impact on our Company, including our business strategy, results of operations or financial condition. Risks from cybersecurity threats, including previous cybersecurity incidents encountered by the Company and known incidents encountered by third parties with a connection to the Company, are also not currently viewed as reasonably likely to materially impact our Company, including our business strategy, results of operations or financial condition. We are regularly the target of attempted cyber intrusions, have experienced cyber intrusions, and we anticipate continuing to be subject to such attempts as cyber intrusions become increasingly sophisticated and more difficult to predict and protect against. Geopolitical conflicts and developments and technological advancements also increase the risk and likelihood of cyber incidents. As such, we must commit substantial resources to continuously monitor and further develop our networks and infrastructure to prevent, detect, and address the risk of unauthorized access, misuse, computer viruses and other events. Although we have implemented and maintain commercially reasonable security measures and safeguards, including to protect against and identify potential threats, these protections and other systems designed to mitigate cybersecurity risks may not fully defend against an attack or future cybersecurity incident, which can be unpredictable in nature. Although we believe that the probability of occurrence of a significant cybersecurity incident is less than likely, if such an incident were to occur, the impact on the Company could be substantial. See Item 1A. Risk Factors — Significant cybersecurity incidents negatively impact our business and our relationships with customers, vendors and employees and expose us to increased liability for additional discussion.Board OversightManagement has primary responsibility for risk management within our Company. The Company’s Board of Directors, with the support of its committees, oversees risk management to ensure that the processes designed, implemented and maintained by our executives are functioning as intended and adapted when necessary to respond to changes in our Company’s strategy as well as emerging risks. The Audit Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors has responsibility for oversight of information and cybersecurity risks and assessment of cyber threats and defenses. The Audit Committee receives reports on these matters from our most senior executives in the digital organization, including Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments.None. ​Item 1C. Cybersecurity.Strategy, Governance and Risk ManagementOur Technology Risk Program is designed to proactively identify, monitor, and mitigate technology-related risks across our digital operations and assess cybersecurity risks related to third-party vendors and suppliers. Our Cybersecurity Program and our Technology Risk Program are led by our Chief Information Security Officer (“CISO”) a Certified Information Systems Security Professional with two decades of cybersecurity leadership. The CISO and his team are responsible for leading enterprise-wide cybersecurity strategy, policy, standards, architecture and processes. The Technology Risk Oversight Committee chaired by our CISO, with members representing leadership throughout our Company, provides oversight and guidance to technology risks, including cybersecurity. Our Company’s Cybersecurity Program is designed to align with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (“NIST”) Cybersecurity Framework and leading industry practices, and our Cybersecurity Program is integrated into our Company’s Enterprise Risk Management framework. Internal and external experts regularly evaluate our Cybersecurity Program, and the results of those reviews are reported to senior management and our Company’s Board of Directors. Our Incident Response Committee, which is comprised of leaders in the areas of information security, digital, legal, finance, privacy, compliance and ethics, corporate security and communications, is responsible for leading our Company’s response to cyber incidents. Our Cybersecurity Incident Response Plan outlines the processes by which management is informed about and monitors detection and mediation of cyber incidents. We actively engage with key vendors, industry participants, and intelligence and law enforcement communities as part of our continuing efforts to evaluate and enhance the effectiveness of our information security policies and procedures. We have a Data Protection Office that works closely with, and assists, our enterprise Privacy Program, overseen by the Chief Privacy Officer, along with advisory support from appointed Data Protection Officers in Europe and Quebec. While we have experienced cybersecurity threats and breaches targeting our information technology systems and networks and those of our third-party providers, including within the last three years, these incidents have not had a material impact on our Company, including our business strategy, results of operations or financial condition. Risks from cybersecurity threats, including previous cybersecurity incidents encountered by the Company and known incidents encountered by third parties with a connection to the Company, are also not currently viewed as reasonably likely to materially impact our Company, including our business strategy, results of operations or financial condition. We are regularly the target of attempted cyber intrusions, have experienced cyber intrusions, and we anticipate continuing to be subject to such attempts as cyber intrusions become increasingly sophisticated and more difficult to predict and protect against. Geopolitical conflicts and developments and technological advancements also increase the risk and likelihood of cyber incidents. As such, we must commit substantial resources to continuously monitor and further develop our networks and infrastructure to prevent, detect, and address the risk of unauthorized access, misuse, computer viruses and other events. Although we have implemented and maintain commercially reasonable security measures and safeguards, including to protect against and identify potential threats, these protections and other systems designed to mitigate cybersecurity risks may not fully defend against an attack or future cybersecurity incident, which can be unpredictable in nature. Although we believe that the probability of occurrence of a significant cybersecurity incident is less than likely, if such an incident were to occur, the impact on the Company could be substantial. See Item 1A. Risk Factors — Significant cybersecurity incidents negatively impact our business and our relationships with customers, vendors and employees and expose us to increased liability for additional discussion.Board OversightManagement has primary responsibility for risk management within our Company. The Company’s Board of Directors, with the support of its committees, oversees risk management to ensure that the processes designed, implemented and maintained by our executives are functioning as intended and adapted when necessary to respond to changes in our Company’s strategy as well as emerging risks. The Audit Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors has responsibility for oversight of information and cybersecurity risks and assessment of cyber threats and defenses. The Audit Committee receives reports on these matters from our most senior executives in the digital organization, including Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments. None. ​ Item 1C. Cybersecurity.",
      "prior_body": "We are a participating employer in a number of trustee-managed multiemployer defined benefit pension plans (“Multiemployer Pension Plans”) for employees who are covered by collective bargaining agreements. In the event of our withdrawal from a Multiemployer Pension Plan, we may incur expenses associated with our obligations for unfunded vested benefits at the time of the withdrawal. Depending on various factors, including potential legislative changes, future withdrawals could have a material adverse effect on results of operations or cash flows for a particular reporting period, and our ongoing costs of participation in Multiemployer Pension Plans may increase. See Notes 9 and 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for more information related to our participation in Multiemployer Pension Plans. ​ ​ 34 34 Table of ContentsItem 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments.None. ​Item 1C. Cybersecurity.Strategy, Governance and Risk ManagementOur Technology Risk Program is designed to proactively identify, monitor, and mitigate technology-related risks across our digital operations and assess cybersecurity risks related to third-party vendors and suppliers. Our Cybersecurity Program and our Technology Risk Program are led by our Chief Information Security Officer (“CISO”) a Certified Information Systems Security Professional with two decades of cybersecurity leadership. The CISO and his team are responsible for leading enterprise-wide cybersecurity strategy, policy, standards, architecture, and processes. The Technology Risk Oversight Committee chaired by our CISO, with members representing leadership throughout our Company, provides oversight and guidance to technology risks, including cybersecurity. Our Company’s Cybersecurity Program is designed to align with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (“NIST”) Cybersecurity Framework and leading industry practices, and our Cybersecurity Program is integrated into our Company’s Enterprise Risk Management framework. Internal and external experts regularly evaluate our Cybersecurity Program, and the results of those reviews are reported to senior management and our Company’s Board of Directors. Our Incident Response Committee, which is comprised of leaders in the areas of information security, digital, legal, finance, privacy, compliance and ethics, corporate security and communications, is responsible for leading our Company’s response to cyber incidents. Our Cybersecurity Incident Response Plan outlines the processes by which management is informed about and monitors detection and mediation of cyber incidents. We actively engage with key vendors, industry participants, and intelligence and law enforcement communities as part of our continuing efforts to evaluate and enhance the effectiveness of our information security policies and procedures. Risks from cybersecurity threats, including as a result of previous cybersecurity incidents encountered by the Company and known incidents encountered by third parties with a connection to the Company, have not materially affected, and are not currently viewed as reasonably likely to materially affect our Company, including our business strategy, results of operations or financial condition. However, we are regularly the target of attempted cyber intrusions, and we anticipate continuing to be subject to such attempts. Our security programs and measures do not prevent all intrusions. Cyber intrusions require a significant amount of time and effort to assess and remedy, and our incident response efforts may not be effective in all cases. Although we believe that the probability of occurrence of a significant cybersecurity incident is less than likely, if such an incident were to occur, the impact on the Company could be substantial. See Item 1A. Risk Factors — Significant cybersecurity incidents negatively impact our business and our relationships with customers, vendors and employees and expose us to increased liability for additional discussion.Board OversightManagement has primary responsibility for risk management within our Company. The Company’s Board of Directors, with the support of its committees, oversees risk management to ensure that the processes designed, implemented and maintained by our executives are functioning as intended and adapted when necessary to respond to changes in our Company’s strategy as well as emerging risks. The Audit Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors has responsibility for oversight of information and cybersecurity risks and assessment of cyber threats and defenses. The Audit Committee receives reports on these matters from our most senior executives in the digital organization, including our Chief Information Officer and CISO, and the Company’s executive officers, at least twice a year. Topics historically covered in such reports include third-party evaluation of our technology infrastructure and information security against the NIST cybersecurity framework; risk mitigation through the Company’s enterprise-wide cybersecurity training, including our Board of Directors, conducted at least annually; regular simulated phishing tests and third-party penetration testing; review of the Company’s cyber incident insurance coverage and external cyber incident resources; review of the Company’s Cybersecurity Incident Response Plan and consideration of applicable laws and regulations, including those related to privacy. The Company’s Cybersecurity Incident Response Plan includes a section on Board escalation that specifies the process for notification of the Chair of the Audit Committee and the Chair of the Board of the Directors upon certain triggering events, and that group then determines the appropriate form and frequency of communication with the full Audit Committee or Board of Directors, depending on the unique characteristics of the incident.35 Table of Contents Table of Contents Table of Contents Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments.None. ​Item 1C. Cybersecurity.Strategy, Governance and Risk ManagementOur Technology Risk Program is designed to proactively identify, monitor, and mitigate technology-related risks across our digital operations and assess cybersecurity risks related to third-party vendors and suppliers. Our Cybersecurity Program and our Technology Risk Program are led by our Chief Information Security Officer (“CISO”) a Certified Information Systems Security Professional with two decades of cybersecurity leadership. The CISO and his team are responsible for leading enterprise-wide cybersecurity strategy, policy, standards, architecture, and processes. The Technology Risk Oversight Committee chaired by our CISO, with members representing leadership throughout our Company, provides oversight and guidance to technology risks, including cybersecurity. Our Company’s Cybersecurity Program is designed to align with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (“NIST”) Cybersecurity Framework and leading industry practices, and our Cybersecurity Program is integrated into our Company’s Enterprise Risk Management framework. Internal and external experts regularly evaluate our Cybersecurity Program, and the results of those reviews are reported to senior management and our Company’s Board of Directors. Our Incident Response Committee, which is comprised of leaders in the areas of information security, digital, legal, finance, privacy, compliance and ethics, corporate security and communications, is responsible for leading our Company’s response to cyber incidents. Our Cybersecurity Incident Response Plan outlines the processes by which management is informed about and monitors detection and mediation of cyber incidents. We actively engage with key vendors, industry participants, and intelligence and law enforcement communities as part of our continuing efforts to evaluate and enhance the effectiveness of our information security policies and procedures. Risks from cybersecurity threats, including as a result of previous cybersecurity incidents encountered by the Company and known incidents encountered by third parties with a connection to the Company, have not materially affected, and are not currently viewed as reasonably likely to materially affect our Company, including our business strategy, results of operations or financial condition. However, we are regularly the target of attempted cyber intrusions, and we anticipate continuing to be subject to such attempts. Our security programs and measures do not prevent all intrusions. Cyber intrusions require a significant amount of time and effort to assess and remedy, and our incident response efforts may not be effective in all cases. Although we believe that the probability of occurrence of a significant cybersecurity incident is less than likely, if such an incident were to occur, the impact on the Company could be substantial. See Item 1A. Risk Factors — Significant cybersecurity incidents negatively impact our business and our relationships with customers, vendors and employees and expose us to increased liability for additional discussion.Board OversightManagement has primary responsibility for risk management within our Company. The Company’s Board of Directors, with the support of its committees, oversees risk management to ensure that the processes designed, implemented and maintained by our executives are functioning as intended and adapted when necessary to respond to changes in our Company’s strategy as well as emerging risks. The Audit Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors has responsibility for oversight of information and cybersecurity risks and assessment of cyber threats and defenses. The Audit Committee receives reports on these matters from our most senior executives in the digital organization, including our Chief Information Officer and CISO, and the Company’s executive officers, at least twice a year. Topics historically covered in such reports include third-party evaluation of our technology infrastructure and information security against the NIST cybersecurity framework; risk mitigation through the Company’s enterprise-wide cybersecurity training, including our Board of Directors, conducted at least annually; regular simulated phishing tests and third-party penetration testing; review of the Company’s cyber incident insurance coverage and external cyber incident resources; review of the Company’s Cybersecurity Incident Response Plan and consideration of applicable laws and regulations, including those related to privacy. The Company’s Cybersecurity Incident Response Plan includes a section on Board escalation that specifies the process for notification of the Chair of the Audit Committee and the Chair of the Board of the Directors upon certain triggering events, and that group then determines the appropriate form and frequency of communication with the full Audit Committee or Board of Directors, depending on the unique characteristics of the incident. Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments. None. ​ Item 1C. Cybersecurity."
    },
    {
      "status": "MODIFIED",
      "current_title": "Operating Expenses",
      "prior_title": "Operating Expenses",
      "similarity_score": 0.853,
      "confidence": "high",
      "key_changes": [
        "Reworded sentence: \"The following table summarizes the major components of our operating expenses for the year ended December 31 (dollars in millions and as a percentage of revenues): ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 2024 ​ 2023 ​ 2022 ​ Labor and related benefits ​ $ 3,845 17.4 % ​ $ 3,669 18.0 % ​ $ 3,452 17.5 % Transfer and disposal costs ​ 1,331 ​ 6.0 ​ ​ 1,273 ​ 6.2 ​ ​ 1,215 ​ 6.2 ​ Maintenance and repairs ​ 2,079 ​ 9.4 ​ ​ 1,978 ​ 9.7 ​ ​ 1,835 ​ 9.3 ​ Subcontractor costs ​ 2,240 ​ 10.2 ​ ​ 2,185 ​ 10.7 ​ ​ 2,006 ​ 10.2 ​ Cost of goods sold ​ 1,048 ​ 4.7 ​ ​ 769 ​ 3.8 ​ ​ 973 ​ 4.9 ​ Fuel ​ 437 ​ 2.0 ​ ​ 501 ​ 2.4 ​ ​ 592 ​ 3.0 ​ Disposal and franchise fees and taxes ​ 744 ​ 3.4 ​ ​ 736 ​ 3.6 ​ ​ 720 ​ 3.7 ​ Landfill operating costs ​ 524 ​ 2.4 ​ ​ 453 ​ 2.2 ​ ​ 421 ​ 2.1 ​ Risk management ​ 351 ​ 1.6 ​ ​ 320 ​ 1.6 ​ ​ 348 ​ 1.8 ​ Other ​ 784 ​ 3.6 ​ ​ 722 ​ 3.5 ​ ​ 732 ​ 3.7 ​ ​ ​ $ 13,383 ​ 60.7 % ​ $ 12,606 ​ 61.7 % ​ $ 12,294 ​ 62.4 % ​ As a percentage of revenue, operating expenses improved significantly compared to the prior year as revenue growth from price, efficiency gains, improved employee retention and momentum in truck deliveries offset the impacts of inflationary increases in wages and other expenses.\"",
        "Reworded sentence: \"Our focus on operating efficiency and efforts to control our costs, along with revenue growth, enabled us to improve operating costs as a percent of revenues in 2023 as compared with 2022.Significant items affecting the comparison of operating expenses between reported periods include: Labor and Related Benefits — Our investments in technology that focus on driving route optimization, improving driver retention, and creating efficiencies have positively impacted our labor and related benefits costs.\"",
        "Reworded sentence: \"Transfer and Disposal Costs — The increase in transfer and disposal costs in 2024, as compared with 2023, was primarily due to (i) inflationary cost increases, which includes increased disposal fees at third-party sites and higher rates from our third-party haulers and (ii) incremental third-party transfer and disposal costs as a result of our recent acquisitions.\"",
        "Reworded sentence: \"Transfer and Disposal Costs — The increase in transfer and disposal costs in 2024, as compared with 2023, was primarily due to (i) inflationary cost increases, which includes increased disposal fees at third-party sites and higher rates from our third-party haulers and (ii) incremental third-party transfer and disposal costs as a result of our recent acquisitions.\"",
        "Reworded sentence: \"Transfer and Disposal Costs — The increase in transfer and disposal costs in 2024, as compared with 2023, was primarily due to (i) inflationary cost increases, which includes increased disposal fees at third-party sites and higher rates from our third-party haulers and (ii) incremental third-party transfer and disposal costs as a result of our recent acquisitions.\""
      ],
      "current_body": "Our operating expenses are comprised of (i) labor and related benefits costs (excluding labor costs associated with maintenance and repairs discussed below), which include salaries and wages, bonuses, related payroll taxes, insurance and benefits costs and the costs associated with contract labor; (ii) transfer and disposal costs, which include tipping fees paid to third-party disposal facilities and transfer stations; (iii) maintenance and repairs costs relating to equipment, vehicles and facilities and related labor costs; (iv) subcontractor costs, which include the costs of independent haulers who transport waste collected by us to disposal facilities and are affected by variables such as volumes, distance and fuel prices; (v) costs of goods sold, which includes the cost to purchase recycling materials for our Recycling Processing and Sales segment, including certain rebates paid to suppliers; (vi) fuel costs, net of tax credits for alternative fuel, which represent the costs of fuel to operate our truck fleet and landfill operating equipment; (vii) disposal and franchise fees and taxes, which include landfill taxes, municipal franchise fees, host community fees, contingent landfill lease payments and royalties; (viii) landfill operating costs, which include interest accretion on landfill liabilities, interest accretion on and discount rate adjustments to environmental remediation liabilities, leachate and methane collection and treatment, landfill remediation costs and other landfill site costs; (ix) risk management costs, which include general liability, automobile liability and workers’ compensation claims programs costs and (x) other operating costs, which include gains and losses on sale of assets, telecommunications, equipment and facility lease expenses, property taxes, utilities and supplies. Variations in volumes year-over-year, as discussed above in Operating Revenues, in addition to cost inflation, affect the comparability of the components of our operating expenses. The following table summarizes the major components of our operating expenses for the year ended December 31 (dollars in millions and as a percentage of revenues): ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 2024 ​ 2023 ​ 2022 ​ Labor and related benefits ​ $ 3,845 17.4 % ​ $ 3,669 18.0 % ​ $ 3,452 17.5 % Transfer and disposal costs ​ 1,331 ​ 6.0 ​ ​ 1,273 ​ 6.2 ​ ​ 1,215 ​ 6.2 ​ Maintenance and repairs ​ 2,079 ​ 9.4 ​ ​ 1,978 ​ 9.7 ​ ​ 1,835 ​ 9.3 ​ Subcontractor costs ​ 2,240 ​ 10.2 ​ ​ 2,185 ​ 10.7 ​ ​ 2,006 ​ 10.2 ​ Cost of goods sold ​ 1,048 ​ 4.7 ​ ​ 769 ​ 3.8 ​ ​ 973 ​ 4.9 ​ Fuel ​ 437 ​ 2.0 ​ ​ 501 ​ 2.4 ​ ​ 592 ​ 3.0 ​ Disposal and franchise fees and taxes ​ 744 ​ 3.4 ​ ​ 736 ​ 3.6 ​ ​ 720 ​ 3.7 ​ Landfill operating costs ​ 524 ​ 2.4 ​ ​ 453 ​ 2.2 ​ ​ 421 ​ 2.1 ​ Risk management ​ 351 ​ 1.6 ​ ​ 320 ​ 1.6 ​ ​ 348 ​ 1.8 ​ Other ​ 784 ​ 3.6 ​ ​ 722 ​ 3.5 ​ ​ 732 ​ 3.7 ​ ​ ​ $ 13,383 ​ 60.7 % ​ $ 12,606 ​ 61.7 % ​ $ 12,294 ​ 62.4 % ​ As a percentage of revenue, operating expenses improved significantly compared to the prior year as revenue growth from price, efficiency gains, improved employee retention and momentum in truck deliveries offset the impacts of inflationary increases in wages and other expenses. The increase in total operating expenses from prior year related primarily to (i) acquisitions; (ii) inflationary pressure on wages and expenses; (iii) higher recycling customer rebates resulting from an approximate 50% increase in single-stream recycling commodity prices; (iv) volume growth within our WMSBS business which relies more extensively on subcontracted hauling and services than our Collection and Disposal businesses; (v) increases in landfill operating costs due to wet weather and (vi) higher risk management spend, due in part, to increases in certain large loss claims reserves. These increases were partially offset by lower diesel fuel prices and an increase in gains on the sale of non-strategic assets in 2024 as compared with the prior year. Our operating expenses increased in 2023, as compared with 2022, primarily due to (i) inflationary cost pressures, 55 55 Table of Contentsparticularly for maintenance and repairs and subcontractor costs and (ii) labor cost pressure from frontline employee market wage adjustments. These increases were offset, in part, by commodity-driven business impacts, particularly from lower recycling rebates reflected in costs of goods sold and lower fuel prices. Our focus on operating efficiency and efforts to control our costs, along with revenue growth, enabled us to improve operating costs as a percent of revenues in 2023 as compared with 2022.Significant items affecting the comparison of operating expenses between reported periods include: Labor and Related Benefits — Our investments in technology that focus on driving route optimization, improving driver retention, and creating efficiencies have positively impacted our labor and related benefits costs. The increase in costs in 2024, as compared with 2023, was primarily driven by (i) increased headcount from our recent acquisitions and (ii) annual employee wage increases and higher annual incentive compensation. These increases were offset, in part, by the benefit of productivity and operational efficiency gains. The increase in labor and related benefits costs in 2023, as compared with 2022, was primarily driven by (i) employee market wage adjustments; (ii) increased headcount primarily from acquisitions and (iii) increases in health and welfare costs and in medical care activity. These increases were offset, in part, by lower annual incentive compensation. Transfer and Disposal Costs — The increase in transfer and disposal costs in 2024, as compared with 2023, was primarily due to (i) inflationary cost increases, which includes increased disposal fees at third-party sites and higher rates from our third-party haulers and (ii) incremental third-party transfer and disposal costs as a result of our recent acquisitions. These cost increases were offset, in part, by decreases in industrial and residential collection volumes. The increase in transfer and disposal costs in 2023, as compared with 2022, was primarily due to inflationary cost increases, which includes increased disposal fees at third-party sites and higher rates from our third-party haulers, offset, in part, by a decrease in collection volumes.Maintenance and Repairs — The increase in maintenance and repairs costs in 2024, as compared with 2023, was primarily driven by (i) inflationary and acquisition related cost increases for parts, supplies and third-party services, and (ii) annual wage increases and higher technician headcount. These cost increases were offset, in part, by an improvement in new truck deliveries, which require less maintenance than older trucks, (ii) fleet rationalization efforts that removed older trucks and reduced our fleet count and (iii) improvements in operational efficiencies. The increase in maintenance and repairs costs in 2023, as compared with 2022, was primarily driven by (i) continued inflationary cost increases for parts, supplies and third-party services, although the impact of such inflationary cost increases moderated throughout the year and (ii) labor cost increases for our technicians, including additional headcount.Subcontractor Costs — The increase in subcontractor costs in 2024, as compared with 2023, was primarily due to (i) an increase in volumes in our WMSBS business, which relies more extensively on subcontracted hauling and services than our Collection and Disposal businesses (ii) continued inflationary cost increases related to labor costs from third-party haulers and (iii) our recent acquisitions. These increases were offset, in part, by the impact of lower fuel prices on third-party subcontracted hauling and services. The increase in subcontractor costs in 2023, as compared with 2022, was primarily due to (i) an increase in volumes in our WMSBS and SES businesses, which rely more extensively on subcontracted hauling and services than other parts of our Collection and Disposal businesses and (ii) continued inflationary cost increases, particularly labor and other costs from third-party haulers. Cost of Goods Sold — The increase in cost of goods sold in 2024, as compared with 2023, was primarily driven by an approximate 50% increase in single-stream recycling commodity prices. The decrease in cost of goods sold in 2023, as compared with 2022, was primarily driven by a 40% decrease in average single-stream recycling commodity prices.Fuel — The decrease in fuel costs was primarily due to a decrease of approximately 10% in average market prices for diesel fuel in 2024 and 15% in 2023. Disposal and Franchise Fees and Taxes — The increase in disposal and franchise fees and taxes in 2024, as compared with 2023, was primarily driven by an increase in landfill volumes and an overall rate increase in fees and taxes paid to municipalities on our disposal volumes. The increase in disposal and franchise fees and taxes in 2023, as compared with 2022, was primarily driven by an overall rate increase in fees and taxes paid to municipalities on our disposal volumes. 56 Table of Contents Table of Contents Table of Contents particularly for maintenance and repairs and subcontractor costs and (ii) labor cost pressure from frontline employee market wage adjustments. These increases were offset, in part, by commodity-driven business impacts, particularly from lower recycling rebates reflected in costs of goods sold and lower fuel prices. Our focus on operating efficiency and efforts to control our costs, along with revenue growth, enabled us to improve operating costs as a percent of revenues in 2023 as compared with 2022.Significant items affecting the comparison of operating expenses between reported periods include: Labor and Related Benefits — Our investments in technology that focus on driving route optimization, improving driver retention, and creating efficiencies have positively impacted our labor and related benefits costs. The increase in costs in 2024, as compared with 2023, was primarily driven by (i) increased headcount from our recent acquisitions and (ii) annual employee wage increases and higher annual incentive compensation. These increases were offset, in part, by the benefit of productivity and operational efficiency gains. The increase in labor and related benefits costs in 2023, as compared with 2022, was primarily driven by (i) employee market wage adjustments; (ii) increased headcount primarily from acquisitions and (iii) increases in health and welfare costs and in medical care activity. These increases were offset, in part, by lower annual incentive compensation. Transfer and Disposal Costs — The increase in transfer and disposal costs in 2024, as compared with 2023, was primarily due to (i) inflationary cost increases, which includes increased disposal fees at third-party sites and higher rates from our third-party haulers and (ii) incremental third-party transfer and disposal costs as a result of our recent acquisitions. These cost increases were offset, in part, by decreases in industrial and residential collection volumes. The increase in transfer and disposal costs in 2023, as compared with 2022, was primarily due to inflationary cost increases, which includes increased disposal fees at third-party sites and higher rates from our third-party haulers, offset, in part, by a decrease in collection volumes.Maintenance and Repairs — The increase in maintenance and repairs costs in 2024, as compared with 2023, was primarily driven by (i) inflationary and acquisition related cost increases for parts, supplies and third-party services, and (ii) annual wage increases and higher technician headcount. These cost increases were offset, in part, by an improvement in new truck deliveries, which require less maintenance than older trucks, (ii) fleet rationalization efforts that removed older trucks and reduced our fleet count and (iii) improvements in operational efficiencies. The increase in maintenance and repairs costs in 2023, as compared with 2022, was primarily driven by (i) continued inflationary cost increases for parts, supplies and third-party services, although the impact of such inflationary cost increases moderated throughout the year and (ii) labor cost increases for our technicians, including additional headcount.Subcontractor Costs — The increase in subcontractor costs in 2024, as compared with 2023, was primarily due to (i) an increase in volumes in our WMSBS business, which relies more extensively on subcontracted hauling and services than our Collection and Disposal businesses (ii) continued inflationary cost increases related to labor costs from third-party haulers and (iii) our recent acquisitions. These increases were offset, in part, by the impact of lower fuel prices on third-party subcontracted hauling and services. The increase in subcontractor costs in 2023, as compared with 2022, was primarily due to (i) an increase in volumes in our WMSBS and SES businesses, which rely more extensively on subcontracted hauling and services than other parts of our Collection and Disposal businesses and (ii) continued inflationary cost increases, particularly labor and other costs from third-party haulers. Cost of Goods Sold — The increase in cost of goods sold in 2024, as compared with 2023, was primarily driven by an approximate 50% increase in single-stream recycling commodity prices. The decrease in cost of goods sold in 2023, as compared with 2022, was primarily driven by a 40% decrease in average single-stream recycling commodity prices.Fuel — The decrease in fuel costs was primarily due to a decrease of approximately 10% in average market prices for diesel fuel in 2024 and 15% in 2023. Disposal and Franchise Fees and Taxes — The increase in disposal and franchise fees and taxes in 2024, as compared with 2023, was primarily driven by an increase in landfill volumes and an overall rate increase in fees and taxes paid to municipalities on our disposal volumes. The increase in disposal and franchise fees and taxes in 2023, as compared with 2022, was primarily driven by an overall rate increase in fees and taxes paid to municipalities on our disposal volumes. particularly for maintenance and repairs and subcontractor costs and (ii) labor cost pressure from frontline employee market wage adjustments. These increases were offset, in part, by commodity-driven business impacts, particularly from lower recycling rebates reflected in costs of goods sold and lower fuel prices. Our focus on operating efficiency and efforts to control our costs, along with revenue growth, enabled us to improve operating costs as a percent of revenues in 2023 as compared with 2022.Significant items affecting the comparison of operating expenses between reported periods include: Labor and Related Benefits — Our investments in technology that focus on driving route optimization, improving driver retention, and creating efficiencies have positively impacted our labor and related benefits costs. The increase in costs in 2024, as compared with 2023, was primarily driven by (i) increased headcount from our recent acquisitions and (ii) annual employee wage increases and higher annual incentive compensation. These increases were offset, in part, by the benefit of productivity and operational efficiency gains. The increase in labor and related benefits costs in 2023, as compared with 2022, was primarily driven by (i) employee market wage adjustments; (ii) increased headcount primarily from acquisitions and (iii) increases in health and welfare costs and in medical care activity. These increases were offset, in part, by lower annual incentive compensation. Transfer and Disposal Costs — The increase in transfer and disposal costs in 2024, as compared with 2023, was primarily due to (i) inflationary cost increases, which includes increased disposal fees at third-party sites and higher rates from our third-party haulers and (ii) incremental third-party transfer and disposal costs as a result of our recent acquisitions. These cost increases were offset, in part, by decreases in industrial and residential collection volumes. The increase in transfer and disposal costs in 2023, as compared with 2022, was primarily due to inflationary cost increases, which includes increased disposal fees at third-party sites and higher rates from our third-party haulers, offset, in part, by a decrease in collection volumes.Maintenance and Repairs — The increase in maintenance and repairs costs in 2024, as compared with 2023, was primarily driven by (i) inflationary and acquisition related cost increases for parts, supplies and third-party services, and (ii) annual wage increases and higher technician headcount. These cost increases were offset, in part, by an improvement in new truck deliveries, which require less maintenance than older trucks, (ii) fleet rationalization efforts that removed older trucks and reduced our fleet count and (iii) improvements in operational efficiencies. The increase in maintenance and repairs costs in 2023, as compared with 2022, was primarily driven by (i) continued inflationary cost increases for parts, supplies and third-party services, although the impact of such inflationary cost increases moderated throughout the year and (ii) labor cost increases for our technicians, including additional headcount.Subcontractor Costs — The increase in subcontractor costs in 2024, as compared with 2023, was primarily due to (i) an increase in volumes in our WMSBS business, which relies more extensively on subcontracted hauling and services than our Collection and Disposal businesses (ii) continued inflationary cost increases related to labor costs from third-party haulers and (iii) our recent acquisitions. These increases were offset, in part, by the impact of lower fuel prices on third-party subcontracted hauling and services. The increase in subcontractor costs in 2023, as compared with 2022, was primarily due to (i) an increase in volumes in our WMSBS and SES businesses, which rely more extensively on subcontracted hauling and services than other parts of our Collection and Disposal businesses and (ii) continued inflationary cost increases, particularly labor and other costs from third-party haulers. Cost of Goods Sold — The increase in cost of goods sold in 2024, as compared with 2023, was primarily driven by an approximate 50% increase in single-stream recycling commodity prices. The decrease in cost of goods sold in 2023, as compared with 2022, was primarily driven by a 40% decrease in average single-stream recycling commodity prices.Fuel — The decrease in fuel costs was primarily due to a decrease of approximately 10% in average market prices for diesel fuel in 2024 and 15% in 2023. Disposal and Franchise Fees and Taxes — The increase in disposal and franchise fees and taxes in 2024, as compared with 2023, was primarily driven by an increase in landfill volumes and an overall rate increase in fees and taxes paid to municipalities on our disposal volumes. The increase in disposal and franchise fees and taxes in 2023, as compared with 2022, was primarily driven by an overall rate increase in fees and taxes paid to municipalities on our disposal volumes. particularly for maintenance and repairs and subcontractor costs and (ii) labor cost pressure from frontline employee market wage adjustments. These increases were offset, in part, by commodity-driven business impacts, particularly from lower recycling rebates reflected in costs of goods sold and lower fuel prices. Our focus on operating efficiency and efforts to control our costs, along with revenue growth, enabled us to improve operating costs as a percent of revenues in 2023 as compared with 2022. Significant items affecting the comparison of operating expenses between reported periods include: Labor and Related Benefits — Our investments in technology that focus on driving route optimization, improving driver retention, and creating efficiencies have positively impacted our labor and related benefits costs. The increase in costs in 2024, as compared with 2023, was primarily driven by (i) increased headcount from our recent acquisitions and (ii) annual employee wage increases and higher annual incentive compensation. These increases were offset, in part, by the benefit of productivity and operational efficiency gains. The increase in labor and related benefits costs in 2023, as compared with 2022, was primarily driven by (i) employee market wage adjustments; (ii) increased headcount primarily from acquisitions and (iii) increases in health and welfare costs and in medical care activity. These increases were offset, in part, by lower annual incentive compensation. Transfer and Disposal Costs — The increase in transfer and disposal costs in 2024, as compared with 2023, was primarily due to (i) inflationary cost increases, which includes increased disposal fees at third-party sites and higher rates from our third-party haulers and (ii) incremental third-party transfer and disposal costs as a result of our recent acquisitions. These cost increases were offset, in part, by decreases in industrial and residential collection volumes. The increase in transfer and disposal costs in 2023, as compared with 2022, was primarily due to inflationary cost increases, which includes increased disposal fees at third-party sites and higher rates from our third-party haulers, offset, in part, by a decrease in collection volumes. Maintenance and Repairs — The increase in maintenance and repairs costs in 2024, as compared with 2023, was primarily driven by (i) inflationary and acquisition related cost increases for parts, supplies and third-party services, and (ii) annual wage increases and higher technician headcount. These cost increases were offset, in part, by an improvement in new truck deliveries, which require less maintenance than older trucks, (ii) fleet rationalization efforts that removed older trucks and reduced our fleet count and (iii) improvements in operational efficiencies. The increase in maintenance and repairs costs in 2023, as compared with 2022, was primarily driven by (i) continued inflationary cost increases for parts, supplies and third-party services, although the impact of such inflationary cost increases moderated throughout the year and (ii) labor cost increases for our technicians, including additional headcount. Subcontractor Costs — The increase in subcontractor costs in 2024, as compared with 2023, was primarily due to (i) an increase in volumes in our WMSBS business, which relies more extensively on subcontracted hauling and services than our Collection and Disposal businesses (ii) continued inflationary cost increases related to labor costs from third-party haulers and (iii) our recent acquisitions. These increases were offset, in part, by the impact of lower fuel prices on third-party subcontracted hauling and services. The increase in subcontractor costs in 2023, as compared with 2022, was primarily due to (i) an increase in volumes in our WMSBS and SES businesses, which rely more extensively on subcontracted hauling and services than other parts of our Collection and Disposal businesses and (ii) continued inflationary cost increases, particularly labor and other costs from third-party haulers. Cost of Goods Sold — The increase in cost of goods sold in 2024, as compared with 2023, was primarily driven by an approximate 50% increase in single-stream recycling commodity prices. The decrease in cost of goods sold in 2023, as compared with 2022, was primarily driven by a 40% decrease in average single-stream recycling commodity prices. Fuel — The decrease in fuel costs was primarily due to a decrease of approximately 10% in average market prices for diesel fuel in 2024 and 15% in 2023. Disposal and Franchise Fees and Taxes — The increase in disposal and franchise fees and taxes in 2024, as compared with 2023, was primarily driven by an increase in landfill volumes and an overall rate increase in fees and taxes paid to municipalities on our disposal volumes. The increase in disposal and franchise fees and taxes in 2023, as compared with 2022, was primarily driven by an overall rate increase in fees and taxes paid to municipalities on our disposal volumes. 56 56 Table of ContentsLandfill Operating Costs — The increase in landfill operating costs in 2024, as compared with 2023, was primarily due to (i) higher leachate collection and treatment and site maintenance costs which can largely be attributed to particularly wet weather in certain markets throughout 2024 and (ii) increased methane collection and treatment costs. Our landfill operating costs increased in 2023, as compared with 2022, primarily due to (i) higher expenses for interest accretion on landfill and environmental remediation liabilities and (ii) an increase in remediation expense due to changes in measurement of certain environmental remediation obligations.​Risk Management — The increase in risk management in 2024, as compared with 2023, was primarily due to (i) adjustments to our reserves for certain large loss claims; (ii) higher auto and workers compensation claims costs and (iii) increases in premiums for property coverage. These increases were offset, in part, by current year insurance recoveries for property claims associated with a fire and natural disasters. Risk management costs decreased in 2023, as compared with 2022, primarily due to lower levels of large loss claims.​Other — Other operating costs increased in 2024, as compared with 2023, primarily due to (i) our recent acquisitions (ii) higher supply chain rebates in 2023 and (iii) a prior year favorable litigation settlement, which reduced our expenses in that period. These increases were offset, in part, by gains on the sales of non-strategic assets in 2024. Other operating costs decreased in 2023, as compared with 2022, primarily due to (i) supply chain rebates in 2023 and (ii) a favorable litigation settlement, which were offset, in part, by (i) inflationary cost pressures, although the impact of such continued inflationary cost increases moderated throughout the year; (ii) higher utility costs at our facilities; (iii) an increase in business travel and (iv) higher equipment rental costs. Selling, General and Administrative Expenses Our selling, general and administrative expenses consist of (i) labor and related benefits costs, which include salaries, bonuses, related insurance and benefits, contract labor, payroll taxes and equity-based compensation; (ii) professional fees, which include fees for consulting, legal, audit and tax services; (iii) provision for bad debts, which includes allowances for uncollectible customer accounts and collection fees and (iv) other selling, general and administrative expenses, which include, among other costs, facility-related expenses, voice and data telecommunication, advertising, bank charges, computer costs, travel and entertainment, rentals, postage and printing. In addition, the financial impacts of litigation reserves generally are included in our “Other” selling, general and administrative expenses.The following table summarizes the major components of our selling, general and administrative expenses for the year ended December 31 (dollars in millions and as a percentage of revenues):​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ 2024​ 2023​ 2022​Labor and related benefits​$ 1,400 6.4%​$ 1,205 5.9%​$ 1,195 6.1%Professional fees​ 358​ 1.6​​ 228​ 1.1​​ 268​ 1.4​Provision for bad debts​ 51​ 0.2​​ 56​ 0.3​​ 50​ 0.2​Other​ 455​ 2.1​​ 437​ 2.1​​ 425​ 2.1​​​$ 2,264​ 10.3%​$ 1,926​ 9.4%​$ 1,938​ 9.8%​Selling, general and administrative expenses in 2024, as compared with 2023, have increased due to (i) severance and consulting costs incurred in connection with the acquisition and integration of Stericycle, of which a significant portion are transaction and integration costs that are not expected to recur; (ii) increased labor costs from higher annual and long-term incentive compensation and annual wage increases and (iii) increased professional fees to support strategic initiatives. Partially offsetting these increases was a decline in litigation costs.​Selling, general and administrative expenses in 2023, as compared with 2022, decreased primarily due to (i) reduced professional fees in connection with investments in our digital platform, as certain digital projects have moved from higher cost development activities to implementation activities, and (ii) lower annual incentive compensation costs. These decreases were partially offset by annual wage increases and increased litigation costs. ​57 Table of Contents Table of Contents Table of Contents Landfill Operating Costs — The increase in landfill operating costs in 2024, as compared with 2023, was primarily due to (i) higher leachate collection and treatment and site maintenance costs which can largely be attributed to particularly wet weather in certain markets throughout 2024 and (ii) increased methane collection and treatment costs. Our landfill operating costs increased in 2023, as compared with 2022, primarily due to (i) higher expenses for interest accretion on landfill and environmental remediation liabilities and (ii) an increase in remediation expense due to changes in measurement of certain environmental remediation obligations.​Risk Management — The increase in risk management in 2024, as compared with 2023, was primarily due to (i) adjustments to our reserves for certain large loss claims; (ii) higher auto and workers compensation claims costs and (iii) increases in premiums for property coverage. These increases were offset, in part, by current year insurance recoveries for property claims associated with a fire and natural disasters. Risk management costs decreased in 2023, as compared with 2022, primarily due to lower levels of large loss claims.​Other — Other operating costs increased in 2024, as compared with 2023, primarily due to (i) our recent acquisitions (ii) higher supply chain rebates in 2023 and (iii) a prior year favorable litigation settlement, which reduced our expenses in that period. These increases were offset, in part, by gains on the sales of non-strategic assets in 2024. Other operating costs decreased in 2023, as compared with 2022, primarily due to (i) supply chain rebates in 2023 and (ii) a favorable litigation settlement, which were offset, in part, by (i) inflationary cost pressures, although the impact of such continued inflationary cost increases moderated throughout the year; (ii) higher utility costs at our facilities; (iii) an increase in business travel and (iv) higher equipment rental costs. Selling, General and Administrative Expenses Our selling, general and administrative expenses consist of (i) labor and related benefits costs, which include salaries, bonuses, related insurance and benefits, contract labor, payroll taxes and equity-based compensation; (ii) professional fees, which include fees for consulting, legal, audit and tax services; (iii) provision for bad debts, which includes allowances for uncollectible customer accounts and collection fees and (iv) other selling, general and administrative expenses, which include, among other costs, facility-related expenses, voice and data telecommunication, advertising, bank charges, computer costs, travel and entertainment, rentals, postage and printing. In addition, the financial impacts of litigation reserves generally are included in our “Other” selling, general and administrative expenses.The following table summarizes the major components of our selling, general and administrative expenses for the year ended December 31 (dollars in millions and as a percentage of revenues):​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ 2024​ 2023​ 2022​Labor and related benefits​$ 1,400 6.4%​$ 1,205 5.9%​$ 1,195 6.1%Professional fees​ 358​ 1.6​​ 228​ 1.1​​ 268​ 1.4​Provision for bad debts​ 51​ 0.2​​ 56​ 0.3​​ 50​ 0.2​Other​ 455​ 2.1​​ 437​ 2.1​​ 425​ 2.1​​​$ 2,264​ 10.3%​$ 1,926​ 9.4%​$ 1,938​ 9.8%​Selling, general and administrative expenses in 2024, as compared with 2023, have increased due to (i) severance and consulting costs incurred in connection with the acquisition and integration of Stericycle, of which a significant portion are transaction and integration costs that are not expected to recur; (ii) increased labor costs from higher annual and long-term incentive compensation and annual wage increases and (iii) increased professional fees to support strategic initiatives. Partially offsetting these increases was a decline in litigation costs.​Selling, general and administrative expenses in 2023, as compared with 2022, decreased primarily due to (i) reduced professional fees in connection with investments in our digital platform, as certain digital projects have moved from higher cost development activities to implementation activities, and (ii) lower annual incentive compensation costs. These decreases were partially offset by annual wage increases and increased litigation costs. ​ Landfill Operating Costs — The increase in landfill operating costs in 2024, as compared with 2023, was primarily due to (i) higher leachate collection and treatment and site maintenance costs which can largely be attributed to particularly wet weather in certain markets throughout 2024 and (ii) increased methane collection and treatment costs. Our landfill operating costs increased in 2023, as compared with 2022, primarily due to (i) higher expenses for interest accretion on landfill and environmental remediation liabilities and (ii) an increase in remediation expense due to changes in measurement of certain environmental remediation obligations.​Risk Management — The increase in risk management in 2024, as compared with 2023, was primarily due to (i) adjustments to our reserves for certain large loss claims; (ii) higher auto and workers compensation claims costs and (iii) increases in premiums for property coverage. These increases were offset, in part, by current year insurance recoveries for property claims associated with a fire and natural disasters. Risk management costs decreased in 2023, as compared with 2022, primarily due to lower levels of large loss claims.​Other — Other operating costs increased in 2024, as compared with 2023, primarily due to (i) our recent acquisitions (ii) higher supply chain rebates in 2023 and (iii) a prior year favorable litigation settlement, which reduced our expenses in that period. These increases were offset, in part, by gains on the sales of non-strategic assets in 2024. Other operating costs decreased in 2023, as compared with 2022, primarily due to (i) supply chain rebates in 2023 and (ii) a favorable litigation settlement, which were offset, in part, by (i) inflationary cost pressures, although the impact of such continued inflationary cost increases moderated throughout the year; (ii) higher utility costs at our facilities; (iii) an increase in business travel and (iv) higher equipment rental costs. Selling, General and Administrative Expenses Our selling, general and administrative expenses consist of (i) labor and related benefits costs, which include salaries, bonuses, related insurance and benefits, contract labor, payroll taxes and equity-based compensation; (ii) professional fees, which include fees for consulting, legal, audit and tax services; (iii) provision for bad debts, which includes allowances for uncollectible customer accounts and collection fees and (iv) other selling, general and administrative expenses, which include, among other costs, facility-related expenses, voice and data telecommunication, advertising, bank charges, computer costs, travel and entertainment, rentals, postage and printing. In addition, the financial impacts of litigation reserves generally are included in our “Other” selling, general and administrative expenses.The following table summarizes the major components of our selling, general and administrative expenses for the year ended December 31 (dollars in millions and as a percentage of revenues):​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ 2024​ 2023​ 2022​Labor and related benefits​$ 1,400 6.4%​$ 1,205 5.9%​$ 1,195 6.1%Professional fees​ 358​ 1.6​​ 228​ 1.1​​ 268​ 1.4​Provision for bad debts​ 51​ 0.2​​ 56​ 0.3​​ 50​ 0.2​Other​ 455​ 2.1​​ 437​ 2.1​​ 425​ 2.1​​​$ 2,264​ 10.3%​$ 1,926​ 9.4%​$ 1,938​ 9.8%​Selling, general and administrative expenses in 2024, as compared with 2023, have increased due to (i) severance and consulting costs incurred in connection with the acquisition and integration of Stericycle, of which a significant portion are transaction and integration costs that are not expected to recur; (ii) increased labor costs from higher annual and long-term incentive compensation and annual wage increases and (iii) increased professional fees to support strategic initiatives. Partially offsetting these increases was a decline in litigation costs.​Selling, general and administrative expenses in 2023, as compared with 2022, decreased primarily due to (i) reduced professional fees in connection with investments in our digital platform, as certain digital projects have moved from higher cost development activities to implementation activities, and (ii) lower annual incentive compensation costs. These decreases were partially offset by annual wage increases and increased litigation costs. ​ Landfill Operating Costs — The increase in landfill operating costs in 2024, as compared with 2023, was primarily due to (i) higher leachate collection and treatment and site maintenance costs which can largely be attributed to particularly wet weather in certain markets throughout 2024 and (ii) increased methane collection and treatment costs. Our landfill operating costs increased in 2023, as compared with 2022, primarily due to (i) higher expenses for interest accretion on landfill and environmental remediation liabilities and (ii) an increase in remediation expense due to changes in measurement of certain environmental remediation obligations. ​ Risk Management — The increase in risk management in 2024, as compared with 2023, was primarily due to (i) adjustments to our reserves for certain large loss claims; (ii) higher auto and workers compensation claims costs and (iii) increases in premiums for property coverage. These increases were offset, in part, by current year insurance recoveries for property claims associated with a fire and natural disasters. Risk management costs decreased in 2023, as compared with 2022, primarily due to lower levels of large loss claims. ​ Other — Other operating costs increased in 2024, as compared with 2023, primarily due to (i) our recent acquisitions (ii) higher supply chain rebates in 2023 and (iii) a prior year favorable litigation settlement, which reduced our expenses in that period. These increases were offset, in part, by gains on the sales of non-strategic assets in 2024. Other operating costs decreased in 2023, as compared with 2022, primarily due to (i) supply chain rebates in 2023 and (ii) a favorable litigation settlement, which were offset, in part, by (i) inflationary cost pressures, although the impact of such continued inflationary cost increases moderated throughout the year; (ii) higher utility costs at our facilities; (iii) an increase in business travel and (iv) higher equipment rental costs.",
      "prior_body": "Our operating expenses are comprised of (i) labor and related benefits costs (excluding labor costs associated with maintenance and repairs discussed below), which include salaries and wages, bonuses, related payroll taxes, insurance and benefits costs and the costs associated with contract labor; (ii) transfer and disposal costs, which include tipping fees paid to third-party disposal facilities and transfer stations; (iii) maintenance and repairs costs relating to equipment, vehicles and facilities and related labor costs; (iv) subcontractor costs, which include the costs of independent haulers who transport waste collected by us to disposal facilities and are affected by variables such as volumes, distance and fuel prices; (v) costs of goods sold, which includes the cost to purchase recycling materials for our Recycling Processing and Sales segment, including certain rebates paid to suppliers; (vi) fuel costs, net of tax credits for alternative fuel, which represent the costs of fuel to operate our truck fleet and landfill operating equipment; (vii) disposal and franchise fees and taxes, which include landfill taxes, municipal franchise fees, host community fees, contingent landfill lease payments and royalties; (viii) landfill operating costs, which include interest accretion on landfill liabilities, interest accretion on and discount rate adjustments to environmental remediation liabilities, leachate and methane collection and treatment, landfill remediation costs and other landfill site costs; (ix) risk management costs, which include general liability, automobile liability and workers’ compensation claims programs costs and (x) other operating costs, which include gains and losses on sale of assets, telecommunications, equipment and facility lease expenses, property taxes, utilities and supplies. Variations in volumes year-over-year, as discussed above in Operating Revenues, in addition to cost inflation, affect the comparability of the components of our operating expenses. The following table summarizes the major components of our operating expenses for the year ended December 31 (dollars in millions and as a percentage of revenues): ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 2023 ​ 2022 ​ 2021 ​ Labor and related benefits ​ $ 3,669 18.0 % ​ $ 3,452 17.5 % ​ $ 3,223 18.0 % Transfer and disposal costs ​ 1,273 ​ 6.2 ​ ​ 1,215 ​ 6.2 ​ ​ 1,161 ​ 6.5 ​ Maintenance and repairs ​ 1,978 ​ 9.7 ​ ​ 1,835 ​ 9.3 ​ ​ 1,596 ​ 8.9 ​ Subcontractor costs ​ 2,185 ​ 10.7 ​ ​ 2,006 ​ 10.2 ​ ​ 1,766 ​ 9.9 ​ Cost of goods sold ​ 769 ​ 3.8 ​ ​ 973 ​ 4.9 ​ ​ 936 ​ 5.2 ​ Fuel ​ 501 ​ 2.4 ​ ​ 592 ​ 3.0 ​ ​ 393 ​ 2.2 ​ Disposal and franchise fees and taxes ​ 736 ​ 3.6 ​ ​ 720 ​ 3.7 ​ ​ 698 ​ 3.9 ​ Landfill operating costs ​ 453 ​ 2.2 ​ ​ 421 ​ 2.1 ​ ​ 412 ​ 2.3 ​ Risk management ​ 320 ​ 1.6 ​ ​ 348 ​ 1.8 ​ ​ 344 ​ 1.9 ​ Other ​ 722 ​ 3.5 ​ ​ 732 ​ 3.7 ​ ​ 582 ​ 3.2 ​ ​ ​ $ 12,606 ​ 61.7 % ​ $ 12,294 ​ 62.4 % ​ $ 11,111 ​ 62.0 % ​ Our operating expenses increased in 2023, as compared with 2022, primarily due to (i) inflationary cost pressures, particularly for maintenance and repairs and subcontractor costs and (ii) labor cost pressure from frontline employee market wage adjustments. These increases were offset, in part, by commodity-driven business impacts, particularly from lower recycling rebates reflected in costs of goods sold and lower fuel prices. We continue to focus on operating efficiency and efforts to control our costs, which along with revenue growth, enabled us to improve operating costs as a percent of revenues in 2023 as compared with 2022. Our operating expenses increased in 2022, as compared with 2021, primarily due to (i) inflationary cost pressures, particularly for maintenance and repairs and subcontractor costs; (ii) commodity-driven business impacts from higher fuel and recycling prices and (iii) labor cost pressure from frontline employee wage adjustments. These impacts were partially offset by our continued focus on operating efficiency and efforts to control costs as volumes grow. 47 47 Table of ContentsSignificant items affecting the comparison of operating expenses between reported periods include: Labor and Related Benefits — The increase in labor and related benefits costs in 2023, as compared with 2022, was primarily driven by (i) employee market wage adjustments; (ii) increased headcount primarily from acquisitions and (iii) increases in health and welfare costs and in medical care activity. These increases were offset, in part, by lower annual incentive compensation. The increase in labor and related benefits costs in 2022, as compared with 2021, was largely driven by (i) proactive market wage adjustments to hire and retain talent; (ii) annual merit and annual incentive compensation cost increases and (iii) increases in health and welfare costs attributable to our investment in delivering a leading benefits program for our employees and increases in medical care activity. Transfer and Disposal Costs — The increase in transfer and disposal costs in 2023, as compared with 2022, was primarily due to inflationary cost increases, which includes increased disposal fees at third-party sites and higher rates from our third-party haulers, offset, in part, by a decrease in collection volumes. The increase in transfer and disposal costs in 2022, as compared with 2021, was largely driven by inflationary cost increases, which includes increased disposal fees at third-party sites and higher fuel from our third-party haulers, offset, in part, by decreases in residential collection and transfer volume.Maintenance and Repairs — The increase in maintenance and repairs costs in 2023, as compared with 2022, was primarily driven by (i) continued inflationary cost increases for parts, supplies and third-party services, although the impact of such inflationary cost increases moderated throughout the year and (ii) labor cost increases for our technicians, including additional headcount. The increase in maintenance and repairs costs in 2022, as compared with 2021, was largely driven by (i) inflationary cost increases for parts, supplies and third-party services; (ii) additional fleet maintenance driven by supply chain constraints, which have delayed deliveries of new trucks; (iii) labor cost increases for our technicians, including higher overtime; (iv) increased building maintenance costs including improvements to facilities and (v) an increase in container repairs driven by delays in delivery of steel containers due to supply chain constraints.Subcontractor Costs — The increase in subcontractor costs in 2023, as compared with 2022, was primarily due to (i) an increase in volumes in our WMSBS and SES businesses, which rely more extensively on subcontracted hauling and services than other parts of our Collection and Disposal businesses and (ii) continued inflationary cost increases, particularly labor and other costs from third-party haulers. The increase in subcontractor costs in 2022, as compared with 2021, was largely driven by (i) inflationary cost increases, particularly for fuel and labor costs from third-party haulers and (ii) an increase in volumes in our WMSBS business, which relies more extensively on subcontracted hauling than other parts of our Collection and Disposal businesses. Cost of Goods Sold — The decrease in cost of goods sold in 2023, as compared with 2022, was primarily driven by a 40% decrease in average single-stream recycling commodity prices. The increase in cost of goods sold in 2022, as compared with 2021, was primarily driven by all-time high recycling commodity pricing in the first half of the year offset, in part, by the historically low pricing through the second half of the year that persisted into 2023.Fuel — The decrease in fuel costs in 2023, as compared with 2022, was primarily due to a decrease of approximately 15% in average market prices for diesel fuel. The approximate 50% increase in fuel costs in 2022, as compared with 2021, was primarily due to increases in market diesel and natural gas fuel prices as compared to the prior year. Disposal and Franchise Fees and Taxes — The increase in disposal and franchise fees and taxes in 2023, as compared with 2022, was primarily driven by an overall rate increase in fees and taxes paid to municipalities on our disposal volumes. The increase in disposal and franchise fees and taxes in 2022, as compared with 2021, was primarily driven by higher franchise fees, driven by an increase in landfill volumes, paid to certain municipalities where we operate and overall rate increases in our fees and taxes paid on our disposal volumes. Landfill Operating Costs — The increase in landfill operating costs in 2023, as compared with 2022, was primarily due to (i) higher expenses for interest accretion on landfill and environmental remediation liabilities and (ii) an increase in remediation expense due to changes in measurement of certain environmental remediation obligations. Our measurement of these balances includes application of a risk-free discount rate, which is based on the rate for U.S. Treasury bonds. In 2023, the U.S Treasury bond rate remained flat versus a significant increase in 2022, which decreased our remediation 48 Table of Contents Table of Contents Table of Contents Significant items affecting the comparison of operating expenses between reported periods include: Labor and Related Benefits — The increase in labor and related benefits costs in 2023, as compared with 2022, was primarily driven by (i) employee market wage adjustments; (ii) increased headcount primarily from acquisitions and (iii) increases in health and welfare costs and in medical care activity. These increases were offset, in part, by lower annual incentive compensation. The increase in labor and related benefits costs in 2022, as compared with 2021, was largely driven by (i) proactive market wage adjustments to hire and retain talent; (ii) annual merit and annual incentive compensation cost increases and (iii) increases in health and welfare costs attributable to our investment in delivering a leading benefits program for our employees and increases in medical care activity. Transfer and Disposal Costs — The increase in transfer and disposal costs in 2023, as compared with 2022, was primarily due to inflationary cost increases, which includes increased disposal fees at third-party sites and higher rates from our third-party haulers, offset, in part, by a decrease in collection volumes. The increase in transfer and disposal costs in 2022, as compared with 2021, was largely driven by inflationary cost increases, which includes increased disposal fees at third-party sites and higher fuel from our third-party haulers, offset, in part, by decreases in residential collection and transfer volume.Maintenance and Repairs — The increase in maintenance and repairs costs in 2023, as compared with 2022, was primarily driven by (i) continued inflationary cost increases for parts, supplies and third-party services, although the impact of such inflationary cost increases moderated throughout the year and (ii) labor cost increases for our technicians, including additional headcount. The increase in maintenance and repairs costs in 2022, as compared with 2021, was largely driven by (i) inflationary cost increases for parts, supplies and third-party services; (ii) additional fleet maintenance driven by supply chain constraints, which have delayed deliveries of new trucks; (iii) labor cost increases for our technicians, including higher overtime; (iv) increased building maintenance costs including improvements to facilities and (v) an increase in container repairs driven by delays in delivery of steel containers due to supply chain constraints.Subcontractor Costs — The increase in subcontractor costs in 2023, as compared with 2022, was primarily due to (i) an increase in volumes in our WMSBS and SES businesses, which rely more extensively on subcontracted hauling and services than other parts of our Collection and Disposal businesses and (ii) continued inflationary cost increases, particularly labor and other costs from third-party haulers. The increase in subcontractor costs in 2022, as compared with 2021, was largely driven by (i) inflationary cost increases, particularly for fuel and labor costs from third-party haulers and (ii) an increase in volumes in our WMSBS business, which relies more extensively on subcontracted hauling than other parts of our Collection and Disposal businesses. Cost of Goods Sold — The decrease in cost of goods sold in 2023, as compared with 2022, was primarily driven by a 40% decrease in average single-stream recycling commodity prices. The increase in cost of goods sold in 2022, as compared with 2021, was primarily driven by all-time high recycling commodity pricing in the first half of the year offset, in part, by the historically low pricing through the second half of the year that persisted into 2023.Fuel — The decrease in fuel costs in 2023, as compared with 2022, was primarily due to a decrease of approximately 15% in average market prices for diesel fuel. The approximate 50% increase in fuel costs in 2022, as compared with 2021, was primarily due to increases in market diesel and natural gas fuel prices as compared to the prior year. Disposal and Franchise Fees and Taxes — The increase in disposal and franchise fees and taxes in 2023, as compared with 2022, was primarily driven by an overall rate increase in fees and taxes paid to municipalities on our disposal volumes. The increase in disposal and franchise fees and taxes in 2022, as compared with 2021, was primarily driven by higher franchise fees, driven by an increase in landfill volumes, paid to certain municipalities where we operate and overall rate increases in our fees and taxes paid on our disposal volumes. Landfill Operating Costs — The increase in landfill operating costs in 2023, as compared with 2022, was primarily due to (i) higher expenses for interest accretion on landfill and environmental remediation liabilities and (ii) an increase in remediation expense due to changes in measurement of certain environmental remediation obligations. Our measurement of these balances includes application of a risk-free discount rate, which is based on the rate for U.S. Treasury bonds. In 2023, the U.S Treasury bond rate remained flat versus a significant increase in 2022, which decreased our remediation Significant items affecting the comparison of operating expenses between reported periods include: Labor and Related Benefits — The increase in labor and related benefits costs in 2023, as compared with 2022, was primarily driven by (i) employee market wage adjustments; (ii) increased headcount primarily from acquisitions and (iii) increases in health and welfare costs and in medical care activity. These increases were offset, in part, by lower annual incentive compensation. The increase in labor and related benefits costs in 2022, as compared with 2021, was largely driven by (i) proactive market wage adjustments to hire and retain talent; (ii) annual merit and annual incentive compensation cost increases and (iii) increases in health and welfare costs attributable to our investment in delivering a leading benefits program for our employees and increases in medical care activity. Transfer and Disposal Costs — The increase in transfer and disposal costs in 2023, as compared with 2022, was primarily due to inflationary cost increases, which includes increased disposal fees at third-party sites and higher rates from our third-party haulers, offset, in part, by a decrease in collection volumes. The increase in transfer and disposal costs in 2022, as compared with 2021, was largely driven by inflationary cost increases, which includes increased disposal fees at third-party sites and higher fuel from our third-party haulers, offset, in part, by decreases in residential collection and transfer volume. Maintenance and Repairs — The increase in maintenance and repairs costs in 2023, as compared with 2022, was primarily driven by (i) continued inflationary cost increases for parts, supplies and third-party services, although the impact of such inflationary cost increases moderated throughout the year and (ii) labor cost increases for our technicians, including additional headcount. The increase in maintenance and repairs costs in 2022, as compared with 2021, was largely driven by (i) inflationary cost increases for parts, supplies and third-party services; (ii) additional fleet maintenance driven by supply chain constraints, which have delayed deliveries of new trucks; (iii) labor cost increases for our technicians, including higher overtime; (iv) increased building maintenance costs including improvements to facilities and (v) an increase in container repairs driven by delays in delivery of steel containers due to supply chain constraints. Subcontractor Costs — The increase in subcontractor costs in 2023, as compared with 2022, was primarily due to (i) an increase in volumes in our WMSBS and SES businesses, which rely more extensively on subcontracted hauling and services than other parts of our Collection and Disposal businesses and (ii) continued inflationary cost increases, particularly labor and other costs from third-party haulers. The increase in subcontractor costs in 2022, as compared with 2021, was largely driven by (i) inflationary cost increases, particularly for fuel and labor costs from third-party haulers and (ii) an increase in volumes in our WMSBS business, which relies more extensively on subcontracted hauling than other parts of our Collection and Disposal businesses. Cost of Goods Sold — The decrease in cost of goods sold in 2023, as compared with 2022, was primarily driven by a 40% decrease in average single-stream recycling commodity prices. The increase in cost of goods sold in 2022, as compared with 2021, was primarily driven by all-time high recycling commodity pricing in the first half of the year offset, in part, by the historically low pricing through the second half of the year that persisted into 2023. Fuel — The decrease in fuel costs in 2023, as compared with 2022, was primarily due to a decrease of approximately 15% in average market prices for diesel fuel. The approximate 50% increase in fuel costs in 2022, as compared with 2021, was primarily due to increases in market diesel and natural gas fuel prices as compared to the prior year. Disposal and Franchise Fees and Taxes — The increase in disposal and franchise fees and taxes in 2023, as compared with 2022, was primarily driven by an overall rate increase in fees and taxes paid to municipalities on our disposal volumes. The increase in disposal and franchise fees and taxes in 2022, as compared with 2021, was primarily driven by higher franchise fees, driven by an increase in landfill volumes, paid to certain municipalities where we operate and overall rate increases in our fees and taxes paid on our disposal volumes. Landfill Operating Costs — The increase in landfill operating costs in 2023, as compared with 2022, was primarily due to (i) higher expenses for interest accretion on landfill and environmental remediation liabilities and (ii) an increase in remediation expense due to changes in measurement of certain environmental remediation obligations. Our measurement of these balances includes application of a risk-free discount rate, which is based on the rate for U.S. Treasury bonds. In 2023, the U.S Treasury bond rate remained flat versus a significant increase in 2022, which decreased our remediation 48 48 Table of Contentsexpense in 2022. Our landfill operating costs increased in 2022, as compared with 2021, primarily due to increases in methane and leachate management costs. Risk Management — The decrease in risk management in 2023, as compared with 2022, was primarily due to lower levels of large loss claims. Risk management costs increased slightly in 2022, as compared with 2021, primarily due to inflation in premiums and a stable level of large loss claims.Other — Other operating costs decreased in 2023, as compared with 2022, primarily due to (i) supply chain rebates in 2023 and (ii) a favorable litigation settlement, which were offset, in part, by (i) inflationary cost pressures, although the impact of such continued inflationary cost increases moderated throughout the year; (ii) higher utility costs at our facilities; (iii) an increase in business travel and (iv) higher equipment rental costs. Other operating cost increases in 2022, as compared with 2021, were primarily due to (i) inflationary cost pressures; (ii) higher equipment rental costs attributable, in part, to supply chain constraints slowing normal course fleet and equipment orders; (iii) higher utility costs at our facilities and (iv) an increase in business travel in 2022. Additionally, a favorable litigation settlement in 2021 impacted the comparison. Net gains on sales of certain assets during each year also impacted the comparability of the reported periods. Selling, General and Administrative Expenses Our selling, general and administrative expenses consist of (i) labor and related benefits costs, which include salaries, bonuses, related insurance and benefits, contract labor, payroll taxes and equity-based compensation; (ii) professional fees, which include fees for consulting, legal, audit and tax services; (iii) provision for bad debts, which includes allowances for uncollectible customer accounts and collection fees and (iv) other selling, general and administrative expenses, which include, among other costs, facility-related expenses, voice and data telecommunication, advertising, bank charges, computer costs, travel and entertainment, rentals, postage and printing. In addition, the financial impacts of litigation reserves generally are included in our “Other” selling, general and administrative expenses.The following table summarizes the major components of our selling, general and administrative expenses for the year ended December 31 (dollars in millions and as a percentage of revenues):​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ 2023​ 2022​ 2021​Labor and related benefits​$ 1,205 5.9%​$ 1,195 6.1%​$ 1,215 6.8%Professional fees​ 228​ 1.1​​ 268​ 1.4​​ 228​ 1.3​Provision for bad debts​ 56​ 0.3​​ 50​ 0.2​​ 37​ 0.2​Other​ 437​ 2.1​​ 425​ 2.1​​ 384​ 2.1​​​$ 1,926​ 9.4%​$ 1,938​ 9.8%​$ 1,864​ 10.4%​Selling, general and administrative expenses in 2023, as compared with 2022, decreased primarily due to (i) reduced professional fees in connection with investments in our digital platform, as certain digital projects have moved from higher cost development activities to implementation activities, and (ii) lower annual incentive compensation costs. These decreases were partially offset by annual wage increases and increased litigation costs.​Selling, general and administrative expenses in 2022, as compared with 2021, increased primarily due to (i) strategic investments in our digital platform, including those that support our ongoing sustainability initiatives; (ii) higher annual incentive compensation costs and merit increases for our employees; (iii) increased business travel and entertainment expense and (iv) an increase in provision for bad debts, partially offset by (i) lower long-term incentive compensation costs; (ii) market adjustments for deferred compensation plans related to investment performance and (iii) lower litigation costs.​The effective management of our costs resulted in a significant reduction in our selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of revenues when compared with each of the prior year periods. Partially offsetting these reductions are annual merit increases and increased litigation costs.​49 Table of Contents Table of Contents Table of Contents expense in 2022. Our landfill operating costs increased in 2022, as compared with 2021, primarily due to increases in methane and leachate management costs. Risk Management — The decrease in risk management in 2023, as compared with 2022, was primarily due to lower levels of large loss claims. Risk management costs increased slightly in 2022, as compared with 2021, primarily due to inflation in premiums and a stable level of large loss claims.Other — Other operating costs decreased in 2023, as compared with 2022, primarily due to (i) supply chain rebates in 2023 and (ii) a favorable litigation settlement, which were offset, in part, by (i) inflationary cost pressures, although the impact of such continued inflationary cost increases moderated throughout the year; (ii) higher utility costs at our facilities; (iii) an increase in business travel and (iv) higher equipment rental costs. Other operating cost increases in 2022, as compared with 2021, were primarily due to (i) inflationary cost pressures; (ii) higher equipment rental costs attributable, in part, to supply chain constraints slowing normal course fleet and equipment orders; (iii) higher utility costs at our facilities and (iv) an increase in business travel in 2022. Additionally, a favorable litigation settlement in 2021 impacted the comparison. Net gains on sales of certain assets during each year also impacted the comparability of the reported periods. Selling, General and Administrative Expenses Our selling, general and administrative expenses consist of (i) labor and related benefits costs, which include salaries, bonuses, related insurance and benefits, contract labor, payroll taxes and equity-based compensation; (ii) professional fees, which include fees for consulting, legal, audit and tax services; (iii) provision for bad debts, which includes allowances for uncollectible customer accounts and collection fees and (iv) other selling, general and administrative expenses, which include, among other costs, facility-related expenses, voice and data telecommunication, advertising, bank charges, computer costs, travel and entertainment, rentals, postage and printing. In addition, the financial impacts of litigation reserves generally are included in our “Other” selling, general and administrative expenses.The following table summarizes the major components of our selling, general and administrative expenses for the year ended December 31 (dollars in millions and as a percentage of revenues):​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ 2023​ 2022​ 2021​Labor and related benefits​$ 1,205 5.9%​$ 1,195 6.1%​$ 1,215 6.8%Professional fees​ 228​ 1.1​​ 268​ 1.4​​ 228​ 1.3​Provision for bad debts​ 56​ 0.3​​ 50​ 0.2​​ 37​ 0.2​Other​ 437​ 2.1​​ 425​ 2.1​​ 384​ 2.1​​​$ 1,926​ 9.4%​$ 1,938​ 9.8%​$ 1,864​ 10.4%​Selling, general and administrative expenses in 2023, as compared with 2022, decreased primarily due to (i) reduced professional fees in connection with investments in our digital platform, as certain digital projects have moved from higher cost development activities to implementation activities, and (ii) lower annual incentive compensation costs. These decreases were partially offset by annual wage increases and increased litigation costs.​Selling, general and administrative expenses in 2022, as compared with 2021, increased primarily due to (i) strategic investments in our digital platform, including those that support our ongoing sustainability initiatives; (ii) higher annual incentive compensation costs and merit increases for our employees; (iii) increased business travel and entertainment expense and (iv) an increase in provision for bad debts, partially offset by (i) lower long-term incentive compensation costs; (ii) market adjustments for deferred compensation plans related to investment performance and (iii) lower litigation costs.​The effective management of our costs resulted in a significant reduction in our selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of revenues when compared with each of the prior year periods. Partially offsetting these reductions are annual merit increases and increased litigation costs.​ expense in 2022. Our landfill operating costs increased in 2022, as compared with 2021, primarily due to increases in methane and leachate management costs. Risk Management — The decrease in risk management in 2023, as compared with 2022, was primarily due to lower levels of large loss claims. Risk management costs increased slightly in 2022, as compared with 2021, primarily due to inflation in premiums and a stable level of large loss claims. Other — Other operating costs decreased in 2023, as compared with 2022, primarily due to (i) supply chain rebates in 2023 and (ii) a favorable litigation settlement, which were offset, in part, by (i) inflationary cost pressures, although the impact of such continued inflationary cost increases moderated throughout the year; (ii) higher utility costs at our facilities; (iii) an increase in business travel and (iv) higher equipment rental costs. Other operating cost increases in 2022, as compared with 2021, were primarily due to (i) inflationary cost pressures; (ii) higher equipment rental costs attributable, in part, to supply chain constraints slowing normal course fleet and equipment orders; (iii) higher utility costs at our facilities and (iv) an increase in business travel in 2022. Additionally, a favorable litigation settlement in 2021 impacted the comparison. Net gains on sales of certain assets during each year also impacted the comparability of the reported periods."
    },
    {
      "status": "MODIFIED",
      "current_title": "Opinion on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting",
      "prior_title": "Opinion on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting",
      "similarity_score": 0.852,
      "confidence": "high",
      "key_changes": [
        "Reworded sentence: \"We have audited Waste Management, Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2024, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework) (the COSO criteria).\"",
        "Reworded sentence: \"(the Company) maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2024, based on the COSO criteria.\""
      ],
      "current_body": "We have audited Waste Management, Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2024, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework) (the COSO criteria). In our opinion, Waste Management, Inc. (the Company) maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2024, based on the COSO criteria. ​ As indicated in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting, management’s assessment of and conclusion on the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting did not include the internal controls of Stericycle, Inc., which is included in the 2024 consolidated financial statements of the Company and constituted approximately 13.0% of total assets, excluding goodwill, as of December 31, 2024 and approximately 1.8% of consolidated operating revenues, for the year then ended. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting of the Company also did not include an evaluation of the internal control over financial reporting of Stericycle, Inc. ​ We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the 2024 consolidated financial statements of the Company, and our report dated February 19, 2025 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon. ​",
      "prior_body": "​ We have audited Waste Management, Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework) (the COSO criteria). In our opinion, Waste Management, Inc. (the Company) maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023, based on the COSO criteria. ​ We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the 2023 consolidated financial statements of the Company, and our report dated February 13, 2024 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon. ​"
    },
    {
      "status": "MODIFIED",
      "current_title": "Stericycle Acquisition",
      "prior_title": "the Plans or Programs(a)",
      "similarity_score": 0.849,
      "confidence": "high",
      "key_changes": [
        "Reworded sentence: \"On November 4, 2024, we completed our acquisition of all outstanding shares of Stericycle for $62.00 per share in cash, pursuant to an Agreement and Plan of Merger dated June 3, 2024.\"",
        "Reworded sentence: \"Additionally, we provide Other Ancillary services that are not managed through the Tier segments but that support our collection and disposal operations.\"",
        "Reworded sentence: \"Fees charged at transfer stations are generally based on the weight or volume of waste deposited, considering our cost of loading, transporting and disposing of the solid waste at a disposal site.Included within our Collection and Disposal businesses are landfills having (i) 20 third-party power generating facilities converting our landfill gas to fuel electricity generators; (ii) 16 third-party renewable natural gas (“RNG”) facilities processing landfill gas to be sold to natural gas suppliers and (iii) six third-party projects delivering our landfill gas by pipeline to industrial customers as a direct substitute for fossil fuels in industrial processes.\"",
        "Reworded sentence: \"Recycling Processing and Sales revenues generally consist of tipping fees and the sale of recycling commodities to and/or on behalf of third parties.\"",
        "Reworded sentence: \"Additionally, we provide Other Ancillary services that are not managed through the Tier segments but that support our collection and disposal operations.\""
      ],
      "current_body": "On November 4, 2024, we completed our acquisition of all outstanding shares of Stericycle for $62.00 per share in cash, pursuant to an Agreement and Plan of Merger dated June 3, 2024. Total enterprise value of the acquisition was $7.2 billion (net of cash acquired) when including the assumption of $0.5 billion of debt and the repayment of approximately $0.8 billion of net debt. The acquisition expands our offerings in the U.S., Canada and parts of Western Europe. The post-closing operating results of Stericycle have been included in our Consolidated Financial Statements, as a new reportable segment referred to as WM Healthcare Solutions. 46 46 Table of ContentsFor the year ended December 31, 2024, we incurred approximately $160 million of acquisition and integration related costs, which are primarily classified as “Selling, general and administrative expenses.” Refer to Note 19 for more information on the performance of our WM Healthcare Solutions segment.Our senior management evaluates, oversees and manages the financial performance of our business through five reportable segments, referred to as (i) Collection and Disposal - East Tier (“East Tier”); (ii) Collection and Disposal - West Tier (“West Tier”); (iii) Recycling Processing and Sales; (iv) WM Renewable Energy and (v) WM Healthcare Solutions. Our East and West Tiers along with certain ancillary services (“Other Ancillary”) that are not managed through our Tier segments, but that support our collection and disposal operations, form our “Collection and Disposal” businesses. We also provide additional services not managed through our five reportable segments, which are presented as Corporate and Other.Collection and DisposalOur Collection and Disposal businesses provide integrated environmental services, including collection, transfer, disposal and resource recovery services. We evaluate our Collection and Disposal businesses primarily through two geographic segments, East Tier and West Tier. Our East Tier primarily consists of geographic areas located in the Eastern U.S., the Great Lakes region and substantially all of Canada. Our West Tier primarily includes geographic areas located in the Western U.S., including the upper Midwest region, and British Columbia, Canada. Additionally, we provide Other Ancillary services that are not managed through the Tier segments but that support our collection and disposal operations. Other Ancillary includes specialized services performed for customers that have differentiated needs. These specialized services are targeted at large industrial customers managed through our Sustainability and Environmental Solutions (“SES”) business or geographically dispersed customers managed through our Strategic Business Solutions (“WMSBS”) business. Also included within Other Ancillary are the results of non-operating entities that provide financial assurance and self-insurance support for our business, net of intercompany activity.Our Collection and Disposal businesses’ operating revenues are primarily generated from fees charged for our collection, transfer, disposal and resource recovery services. Revenues from our collection operations are influenced by factors such as collection frequency, type of collection equipment furnished, type and volume or weight of the waste collected, distance to the disposal facility or recycling facility and our disposal costs. Revenues from our landfill operations consist of tipping fees, which are generally based on the type and weight or volume of waste being disposed of at our disposal facilities. Fees charged at transfer stations are generally based on the weight or volume of waste deposited, considering our cost of loading, transporting and disposing of the solid waste at a disposal site.Included within our Collection and Disposal businesses are landfills having (i) 20 third-party power generating facilities converting our landfill gas to fuel electricity generators; (ii) 16 third-party renewable natural gas (“RNG”) facilities processing landfill gas to be sold to natural gas suppliers and (iii) six third-party projects delivering our landfill gas by pipeline to industrial customers as a direct substitute for fossil fuels in industrial processes. In return for providing our landfill gas, we receive royalties from each facility, including the benefit of a 15% royalty from our WM Renewable Energy segment based on net operating revenue generated through the sale of RNG, renewable identification numbers (“RINs”), electricity and capacity, Renewable Energy Credits (“RECs”) and related environmental attributes from the 84 landfill beneficial use renewable energy projects owned by WM Renewable Energy on our active landfills, which is eliminated in consolidation.Recycling Processing and SalesOur Recycling Processing and Sales segment includes the processing and sales of materials collected from residential, commercial and industrial customers. The materials are delivered to and processed at one of our many recycling facilities. Through our brokerage business, we also manage the marketing of recycling commodities that are processed in our facilities and by third parties by maintaining comprehensive service centers that continuously analyze market prices, logistics, market demands and product quality. Recycling Processing and Sales revenues generally consist of tipping fees and the sale of recycling commodities to and/or on behalf of third parties. Our Recycling Processing and Sales segment excludes the collection of recycled materials 47 Table of Contents Table of Contents Table of Contents For the year ended December 31, 2024, we incurred approximately $160 million of acquisition and integration related costs, which are primarily classified as “Selling, general and administrative expenses.” Refer to Note 19 for more information on the performance of our WM Healthcare Solutions segment.Our senior management evaluates, oversees and manages the financial performance of our business through five reportable segments, referred to as (i) Collection and Disposal - East Tier (“East Tier”); (ii) Collection and Disposal - West Tier (“West Tier”); (iii) Recycling Processing and Sales; (iv) WM Renewable Energy and (v) WM Healthcare Solutions. Our East and West Tiers along with certain ancillary services (“Other Ancillary”) that are not managed through our Tier segments, but that support our collection and disposal operations, form our “Collection and Disposal” businesses. We also provide additional services not managed through our five reportable segments, which are presented as Corporate and Other.Collection and DisposalOur Collection and Disposal businesses provide integrated environmental services, including collection, transfer, disposal and resource recovery services. We evaluate our Collection and Disposal businesses primarily through two geographic segments, East Tier and West Tier. Our East Tier primarily consists of geographic areas located in the Eastern U.S., the Great Lakes region and substantially all of Canada. Our West Tier primarily includes geographic areas located in the Western U.S., including the upper Midwest region, and British Columbia, Canada. Additionally, we provide Other Ancillary services that are not managed through the Tier segments but that support our collection and disposal operations. Other Ancillary includes specialized services performed for customers that have differentiated needs. These specialized services are targeted at large industrial customers managed through our Sustainability and Environmental Solutions (“SES”) business or geographically dispersed customers managed through our Strategic Business Solutions (“WMSBS”) business. Also included within Other Ancillary are the results of non-operating entities that provide financial assurance and self-insurance support for our business, net of intercompany activity.Our Collection and Disposal businesses’ operating revenues are primarily generated from fees charged for our collection, transfer, disposal and resource recovery services. Revenues from our collection operations are influenced by factors such as collection frequency, type of collection equipment furnished, type and volume or weight of the waste collected, distance to the disposal facility or recycling facility and our disposal costs. Revenues from our landfill operations consist of tipping fees, which are generally based on the type and weight or volume of waste being disposed of at our disposal facilities. Fees charged at transfer stations are generally based on the weight or volume of waste deposited, considering our cost of loading, transporting and disposing of the solid waste at a disposal site.Included within our Collection and Disposal businesses are landfills having (i) 20 third-party power generating facilities converting our landfill gas to fuel electricity generators; (ii) 16 third-party renewable natural gas (“RNG”) facilities processing landfill gas to be sold to natural gas suppliers and (iii) six third-party projects delivering our landfill gas by pipeline to industrial customers as a direct substitute for fossil fuels in industrial processes. In return for providing our landfill gas, we receive royalties from each facility, including the benefit of a 15% royalty from our WM Renewable Energy segment based on net operating revenue generated through the sale of RNG, renewable identification numbers (“RINs”), electricity and capacity, Renewable Energy Credits (“RECs”) and related environmental attributes from the 84 landfill beneficial use renewable energy projects owned by WM Renewable Energy on our active landfills, which is eliminated in consolidation.Recycling Processing and SalesOur Recycling Processing and Sales segment includes the processing and sales of materials collected from residential, commercial and industrial customers. The materials are delivered to and processed at one of our many recycling facilities. Through our brokerage business, we also manage the marketing of recycling commodities that are processed in our facilities and by third parties by maintaining comprehensive service centers that continuously analyze market prices, logistics, market demands and product quality. Recycling Processing and Sales revenues generally consist of tipping fees and the sale of recycling commodities to and/or on behalf of third parties. Our Recycling Processing and Sales segment excludes the collection of recycled materials For the year ended December 31, 2024, we incurred approximately $160 million of acquisition and integration related costs, which are primarily classified as “Selling, general and administrative expenses.” Refer to Note 19 for more information on the performance of our WM Healthcare Solutions segment.Our senior management evaluates, oversees and manages the financial performance of our business through five reportable segments, referred to as (i) Collection and Disposal - East Tier (“East Tier”); (ii) Collection and Disposal - West Tier (“West Tier”); (iii) Recycling Processing and Sales; (iv) WM Renewable Energy and (v) WM Healthcare Solutions. Our East and West Tiers along with certain ancillary services (“Other Ancillary”) that are not managed through our Tier segments, but that support our collection and disposal operations, form our “Collection and Disposal” businesses. We also provide additional services not managed through our five reportable segments, which are presented as Corporate and Other.Collection and DisposalOur Collection and Disposal businesses provide integrated environmental services, including collection, transfer, disposal and resource recovery services. We evaluate our Collection and Disposal businesses primarily through two geographic segments, East Tier and West Tier. Our East Tier primarily consists of geographic areas located in the Eastern U.S., the Great Lakes region and substantially all of Canada. Our West Tier primarily includes geographic areas located in the Western U.S., including the upper Midwest region, and British Columbia, Canada. Additionally, we provide Other Ancillary services that are not managed through the Tier segments but that support our collection and disposal operations. Other Ancillary includes specialized services performed for customers that have differentiated needs. These specialized services are targeted at large industrial customers managed through our Sustainability and Environmental Solutions (“SES”) business or geographically dispersed customers managed through our Strategic Business Solutions (“WMSBS”) business. Also included within Other Ancillary are the results of non-operating entities that provide financial assurance and self-insurance support for our business, net of intercompany activity.Our Collection and Disposal businesses’ operating revenues are primarily generated from fees charged for our collection, transfer, disposal and resource recovery services. Revenues from our collection operations are influenced by factors such as collection frequency, type of collection equipment furnished, type and volume or weight of the waste collected, distance to the disposal facility or recycling facility and our disposal costs. Revenues from our landfill operations consist of tipping fees, which are generally based on the type and weight or volume of waste being disposed of at our disposal facilities. Fees charged at transfer stations are generally based on the weight or volume of waste deposited, considering our cost of loading, transporting and disposing of the solid waste at a disposal site.Included within our Collection and Disposal businesses are landfills having (i) 20 third-party power generating facilities converting our landfill gas to fuel electricity generators; (ii) 16 third-party renewable natural gas (“RNG”) facilities processing landfill gas to be sold to natural gas suppliers and (iii) six third-party projects delivering our landfill gas by pipeline to industrial customers as a direct substitute for fossil fuels in industrial processes. In return for providing our landfill gas, we receive royalties from each facility, including the benefit of a 15% royalty from our WM Renewable Energy segment based on net operating revenue generated through the sale of RNG, renewable identification numbers (“RINs”), electricity and capacity, Renewable Energy Credits (“RECs”) and related environmental attributes from the 84 landfill beneficial use renewable energy projects owned by WM Renewable Energy on our active landfills, which is eliminated in consolidation.Recycling Processing and SalesOur Recycling Processing and Sales segment includes the processing and sales of materials collected from residential, commercial and industrial customers. The materials are delivered to and processed at one of our many recycling facilities. Through our brokerage business, we also manage the marketing of recycling commodities that are processed in our facilities and by third parties by maintaining comprehensive service centers that continuously analyze market prices, logistics, market demands and product quality. Recycling Processing and Sales revenues generally consist of tipping fees and the sale of recycling commodities to and/or on behalf of third parties. Our Recycling Processing and Sales segment excludes the collection of recycled materials For the year ended December 31, 2024, we incurred approximately $160 million of acquisition and integration related costs, which are primarily classified as “Selling, general and administrative expenses.” Refer to Note 19 for more information on the performance of our WM Healthcare Solutions segment. Our senior management evaluates, oversees and manages the financial performance of our business through five reportable segments, referred to as (i) Collection and Disposal - East Tier (“East Tier”); (ii) Collection and Disposal - West Tier (“West Tier”); (iii) Recycling Processing and Sales; (iv) WM Renewable Energy and (v) WM Healthcare Solutions. Our East and West Tiers along with certain ancillary services (“Other Ancillary”) that are not managed through our Tier segments, but that support our collection and disposal operations, form our “Collection and Disposal” businesses. We also provide additional services not managed through our five reportable segments, which are presented as Corporate and Other.",
      "prior_body": "October 1 — 31 (b) 1.6 ​ $ 161.15 ​ 1.6 ​ $ 257.5 million ​ November 1 — 30 — ​ $ — ​ — ​ $ 257.5 million ​ December 1 — 31 — ​ $ — ​ — ​ $ 1.5 billion ​ Total 1.6 ​ $ 161.15 ​ 1.6 ​ ​ ​ ​ The amount of future share repurchases executed under our Board of Directors’ authorization is determined in management’s discretion, based on various factors, including our net earnings, financial condition and cash required for future business plans, growth and acquisitions. ​ Item 6. [Reserved] None. Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. This section includes a discussion of our results of operations for the three years ended December 31, 2023. This discussion may contain forward-looking statements. See “Cautionary Statement about Forward-Looking Statements” in Part I of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for more information. Forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from our historical experience and our present expectations or anticipated results. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, those described in Part I, “Item 1A. Risk Factors” and elsewhere in this report and may also be described from time to time in our future reports filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). The following discussion should be read considering those disclosures and together with the Consolidated Financial Statements and the notes thereto. Overview We are North America’s leading provider of comprehensive environmental solutions, providing services throughout the United States (“U.S.”) and Canada. We partner with our customers and the communities we serve to manage and reduce waste at each stage from collection to disposal, while recovering valuable resources and creating clean, renewable energy. We own or operate the largest network of landfills throughout the U.S. and Canada. In order to make disposal more practical for larger urban markets, where the distance to landfills is typically farther, we manage transfer stations that consolidate, compact and transport waste efficiently and economically. Our solid waste business is operated and managed locally by our subsidiaries that focus on distinct geographic areas and provide collection, transfer, disposal, recycling and resource recovery services. Through our subsidiaries, including our Waste Management Renewable Energy (“WM Renewable Energy”) business, we are also a leading developer, operator and owner of landfill gas-to-energy facilities in the U.S. and Canada that produce renewable electricity and renewable natural gas, which is a significant source 38 38 Table of Contentsof fuel that we allocate to our natural gas fleet. Additionally, we are a leading recycler in the U.S. and Canada, handling materials that include paper, cardboard, glass, plastic and metal.To enhance transparency regarding our financial performance, highlight the strength and consistency of our core solid waste businesses, and underscore our commitment to sustainability through planned and ongoing investments in our Recycling Processing and Sales and WM Renewable Energy businesses, beginning in the fourth quarter of 2023, our senior management revised its segment reporting to (i) reflect the financial results of our collection, transfer, disposal and resource recovery service businesses independently; (ii) combine the results of all recycling facilities from our East and West Tier segments with our recycling brokerage and sales activities to form a newly created Recycling Processing and Sales reportable segment and (iii) include our WM Renewable Energy business as a reportable segment. Accordingly, our senior management now evaluates, oversees and manages the financial performance of our business through four reportable segments, referred to as (i) Collection and Disposal East Tier (“East Tier”); (ii) Collection and Disposal - West Tier (“West Tier”); (iii) Recycling Processing and Sales and (iv) WM Renewable Energy. Our East and West Tiers along with certain ancillary services not managed through our Tier segments, but that support our collection and disposal operations, form our “Collection and Disposal” businesses. Collection and DisposalOur Collection and Disposal businesses provide integrated environmental services, including collection, transfer, disposal and resource recovery services. We evaluate our Collection and Disposal businesses primarily through two geographic segments, East Tier and West Tier. Our East Tier primarily consists of geographic areas located in the Eastern U.S., the Great Lakes region and substantially all of Canada. Our West Tier primarily includes geographic areas located in the Western U.S., including the upper Midwest region, and British Columbia, Canada. Additionally, we provide certain ancillary services (“Other Ancillary”) that are not managed through the Tier segments but that support our collection and disposal operations. Other Ancillary includes specialized services performed for customers that have differentiated needs. These specialized services are targeted at large industrial customers managed through our Sustainability and Environmental Solutions (“SES”) business or geographically dispersed customers managed through our Strategic Business Solutions (“WMSBS”) business. Also included within Other Ancillary are the results of non-operating entities that provide financial assurance and self-insurance support for our business, net of intercompany activity.Our Collection and Disposal businesses’ operating revenues are primarily generated from fees charged for our collection, transfer, disposal and resource recovery services. Revenues from our collection operations are influenced by factors such as collection frequency, type of collection equipment furnished, type and volume or weight of the waste collected, distance to the disposal facility or recycling facility and our disposal costs. Revenues from our landfill operations consist of tipping fees, which are generally based on the type and weight or volume of waste being disposed of at our disposal facilities. Fees charged at transfer stations are generally based on the weight or volume of waste deposited, considering our cost of loading, transporting and disposing of the solid waste at a disposal site.Included within our Collection and Disposal businesses are landfills having (i) 21 third-party power generating facilities converting our landfill gas to fuel electricity generators; (ii) 14 third-party renewable natural gas (“RNG”) facilities processing landfill gas to be sold to natural gas suppliers and (iii) two third-party projects delivering our landfill gas by pipeline to industrial customers as a direct substitute for fossil fuels in industrial processes. In return for providing our landfill gas, we receive royalties from each facility, including the benefit of a 15% royalty from our WM Renewable Energy segment based on net operating revenue generated through the sale of RNG, renewable identification numbers (“RINs”), electricity and capacity, Renewable Energy Credits (“RECs”) and related environmental attributes from the 83 landfill beneficial use renewable energy projects owned by WM Renewable Energy on our active landfills, which is eliminated in consolidation.Recycling Processing and SalesOur Recycling Processing and Sales segment includes the processing and sales of materials collected from residential, commercial and industrial customers. The materials are delivered to and processed at one of our many recycling facilities. Through our brokerage business, we also manage the marketing of recycling commodities that are processed in our facilities and by third parties by maintaining comprehensive service centers that continuously analyze market prices, logistics, market demands and product quality. 39 Table of Contents Table of Contents Table of Contents of fuel that we allocate to our natural gas fleet. Additionally, we are a leading recycler in the U.S. and Canada, handling materials that include paper, cardboard, glass, plastic and metal.To enhance transparency regarding our financial performance, highlight the strength and consistency of our core solid waste businesses, and underscore our commitment to sustainability through planned and ongoing investments in our Recycling Processing and Sales and WM Renewable Energy businesses, beginning in the fourth quarter of 2023, our senior management revised its segment reporting to (i) reflect the financial results of our collection, transfer, disposal and resource recovery service businesses independently; (ii) combine the results of all recycling facilities from our East and West Tier segments with our recycling brokerage and sales activities to form a newly created Recycling Processing and Sales reportable segment and (iii) include our WM Renewable Energy business as a reportable segment. Accordingly, our senior management now evaluates, oversees and manages the financial performance of our business through four reportable segments, referred to as (i) Collection and Disposal East Tier (“East Tier”); (ii) Collection and Disposal - West Tier (“West Tier”); (iii) Recycling Processing and Sales and (iv) WM Renewable Energy. Our East and West Tiers along with certain ancillary services not managed through our Tier segments, but that support our collection and disposal operations, form our “Collection and Disposal” businesses. Collection and DisposalOur Collection and Disposal businesses provide integrated environmental services, including collection, transfer, disposal and resource recovery services. We evaluate our Collection and Disposal businesses primarily through two geographic segments, East Tier and West Tier. Our East Tier primarily consists of geographic areas located in the Eastern U.S., the Great Lakes region and substantially all of Canada. Our West Tier primarily includes geographic areas located in the Western U.S., including the upper Midwest region, and British Columbia, Canada. Additionally, we provide certain ancillary services (“Other Ancillary”) that are not managed through the Tier segments but that support our collection and disposal operations. Other Ancillary includes specialized services performed for customers that have differentiated needs. These specialized services are targeted at large industrial customers managed through our Sustainability and Environmental Solutions (“SES”) business or geographically dispersed customers managed through our Strategic Business Solutions (“WMSBS”) business. Also included within Other Ancillary are the results of non-operating entities that provide financial assurance and self-insurance support for our business, net of intercompany activity.Our Collection and Disposal businesses’ operating revenues are primarily generated from fees charged for our collection, transfer, disposal and resource recovery services. Revenues from our collection operations are influenced by factors such as collection frequency, type of collection equipment furnished, type and volume or weight of the waste collected, distance to the disposal facility or recycling facility and our disposal costs. Revenues from our landfill operations consist of tipping fees, which are generally based on the type and weight or volume of waste being disposed of at our disposal facilities. Fees charged at transfer stations are generally based on the weight or volume of waste deposited, considering our cost of loading, transporting and disposing of the solid waste at a disposal site.Included within our Collection and Disposal businesses are landfills having (i) 21 third-party power generating facilities converting our landfill gas to fuel electricity generators; (ii) 14 third-party renewable natural gas (“RNG”) facilities processing landfill gas to be sold to natural gas suppliers and (iii) two third-party projects delivering our landfill gas by pipeline to industrial customers as a direct substitute for fossil fuels in industrial processes. In return for providing our landfill gas, we receive royalties from each facility, including the benefit of a 15% royalty from our WM Renewable Energy segment based on net operating revenue generated through the sale of RNG, renewable identification numbers (“RINs”), electricity and capacity, Renewable Energy Credits (“RECs”) and related environmental attributes from the 83 landfill beneficial use renewable energy projects owned by WM Renewable Energy on our active landfills, which is eliminated in consolidation.Recycling Processing and SalesOur Recycling Processing and Sales segment includes the processing and sales of materials collected from residential, commercial and industrial customers. The materials are delivered to and processed at one of our many recycling facilities. Through our brokerage business, we also manage the marketing of recycling commodities that are processed in our facilities and by third parties by maintaining comprehensive service centers that continuously analyze market prices, logistics, market demands and product quality. of fuel that we allocate to our natural gas fleet. Additionally, we are a leading recycler in the U.S. and Canada, handling materials that include paper, cardboard, glass, plastic and metal. To enhance transparency regarding our financial performance, highlight the strength and consistency of our core solid waste businesses, and underscore our commitment to sustainability through planned and ongoing investments in our Recycling Processing and Sales and WM Renewable Energy businesses, beginning in the fourth quarter of 2023, our senior management revised its segment reporting to (i) reflect the financial results of our collection, transfer, disposal and resource recovery service businesses independently; (ii) combine the results of all recycling facilities from our East and West Tier segments with our recycling brokerage and sales activities to form a newly created Recycling Processing and Sales reportable segment and (iii) include our WM Renewable Energy business as a reportable segment. Accordingly, our senior management now evaluates, oversees and manages the financial performance of our business through four reportable segments, referred to as (i) Collection and Disposal East Tier (“East Tier”); (ii) Collection and Disposal - West Tier (“West Tier”); (iii) Recycling Processing and Sales and (iv) WM Renewable Energy. Our East and West Tiers along with certain ancillary services not managed through our Tier segments, but that support our collection and disposal operations, form our “Collection and Disposal” businesses."
    },
    {
      "status": "MODIFIED",
      "current_title": "Accounts and Other Receivables",
      "prior_title": "Accounts and Other Receivables",
      "similarity_score": 0.841,
      "confidence": "high",
      "key_changes": [
        "Reworded sentence: \"Past-due receivable balances are written off when our collection efforts have been unsuccessful.\"",
        "Reworded sentence: \"89 89 Table of ContentsWASTE MANAGEMENT, INC.NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)​The following table reflects the activity in our allowance for doubtful accounts of trade receivables for the year ended December 31 (in millions):​​​​​​​​ 2024 2023Balance as of January 1​$ 30​$ 26Additions charged to expense​ 65​ 53Accounts written-off, net of recoveries​ (55)​ (58)Acquisitions, divestitures and other, net​ 125​ 9Balance as of December 31​$ 165​$ 30​To determine the allowance for doubtful accounts for trade receivables, we rely upon, among other factors, historical loss trends, the age of outstanding receivables, and existing as well as expected economic conditions, and we believe that all of our trade receivables share similar risk characteristics.\"",
        "Reworded sentence: \"Our acquisition of Stericycle introduced a new mix of customers which we believe generally share similar risk characteristics with our existing trade receivables; however, Stericycle has and continues to encounter certain billing and collection delays.\"",
        "Reworded sentence: \"Other receivables, as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, include receivables related to income tax payments in excess of our current income tax obligations of $255 million and $120 million, respectively.\"",
        "Reworded sentence: \"These costs are discussed below.90 Table of ContentsWASTE MANAGEMENT, INC.NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)​ Table of Contents Table of Contents\""
      ],
      "current_body": "Our receivables, which are recorded when billed, when services are performed or when cash is advanced, are claims against third parties that will generally be settled in cash. The carrying value of our receivables, net of the allowance for doubtful accounts, represents the estimated net realizable value. We estimate our allowance for doubtful accounts based on historical collection trends; type of customer, such as municipal or commercial; the age of outstanding receivables and existing as well as expected economic conditions. If events or changes in circumstances indicate that specific receivable balances may be impaired, further consideration is given to the collectability of those balances and the allowance is adjusted accordingly. Past-due receivable balances are written off when our collection efforts have been unsuccessful. Also, we recognize interest income on long-term interest-bearing notes receivable as the interest accrues under the terms of the notes. We no longer accrue interest once the notes are deemed uncollectible. 89 89 Table of ContentsWASTE MANAGEMENT, INC.NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)​The following table reflects the activity in our allowance for doubtful accounts of trade receivables for the year ended December 31 (in millions):​​​​​​​​ 2024 2023Balance as of January 1​$ 30​$ 26Additions charged to expense​ 65​ 53Accounts written-off, net of recoveries​ (55)​ (58)Acquisitions, divestitures and other, net​ 125​ 9Balance as of December 31​$ 165​$ 30​To determine the allowance for doubtful accounts for trade receivables, we rely upon, among other factors, historical loss trends, the age of outstanding receivables, and existing as well as expected economic conditions, and we believe that all of our trade receivables share similar risk characteristics. We monitor our credit exposure on an ongoing basis and assess whether assets in the pool continue to display similar risk characteristics. Our acquisition of Stericycle introduced a new mix of customers which we believe generally share similar risk characteristics with our existing trade receivables; however, Stericycle has and continues to encounter certain billing and collection delays. The Company determined that a portion of the acquired Stericycle receivables have experienced more-than-insignificant deterioration in credit quality since origination, as of the acquisition date. As a result, a gross allowance for doubtful accounts of trade receivables was recognized in the amount of $130 million as of the acquisition date of November 4, 2024. Based on aging analysis as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, approximately 85% and 90%, respectively, of our trade receivables were outstanding less than 60 days. To determine the allowance for doubtful accounts for other receivables, as well as loans and other instruments, we rely primarily on credit ratings and associated default rates based on the maturity of the instrument. Other receivables, as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, include receivables related to income tax payments in excess of our current income tax obligations of $255 million and $120 million, respectively. Other receivables as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 also include a receivable of $46 million and $26 million, respectively, related to alternative fuel tax credits. Based on an aging analysis as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, approximately 65% and 50%, respectively, of our other receivables were due within 12 months or less.Parts and SuppliesParts and supplies consist primarily of spare parts, fuel, tires, lubricants and processed recycling materials. Our parts and supplies are stated at the lower of cost (using the average cost method) or market.Landfill AccountingCost Basis of Landfill Assets — We capitalize various costs that we incur to make a landfill ready to accept waste. These costs generally include expenditures for land (including the landfill footprint and required landfill buffer property); permitting; excavation; liner material and installation; landfill leachate collection systems; landfill gas collection systems; environmental monitoring equipment for groundwater and landfill gas; and directly related engineering, capitalized interest, on-site road construction and other capital infrastructure costs. The cost basis of our landfill assets also includes asset retirement costs, which represent estimates of future costs associated with landfill final capping, closure and post-closure activities. These costs are discussed below.90 Table of ContentsWASTE MANAGEMENT, INC.NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)​ Table of Contents Table of Contents",
      "prior_body": "Our receivables, which are recorded when billed, when services are performed or when cash is advanced, are claims against third parties that will generally be settled in cash. The carrying value of our receivables, net of the allowance for doubtful accounts, represents the estimated net realizable value. We estimate our allowance for doubtful accounts based on historical collection trends; type of customer, such as municipal or commercial; the age of outstanding receivables and existing as well as expected economic conditions. If events or changes in circumstances indicate that specific receivable balances may be impaired, further consideration is given to the collectability of those balances and the allowance is adjusted accordingly. Past-due receivable balances are written off when our internal collection efforts have been unsuccessful. Also, we recognize interest income on long-term interest-bearing notes receivable as the interest accrues under the terms of the notes. We no longer accrue interest once the notes are deemed uncollectible. 80 80 Table of ContentsWASTE MANAGEMENT, INC.NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)​The following table reflects the activity in our allowance for doubtful accounts of trade receivables for the year ended December 31 (in millions):​​​​​​​​ 2023 2022Balance as of January 1​$ 26​$ 25Additions charged to expense​ 53​ 55Accounts written-off, net of recoveries​ (58)​ (49)Acquisitions, divestitures and other, net​ 9​ (5)Balance as of December 31​$ 30​$ 26​To determine the allowance for doubtful accounts for trade receivables, we rely upon, among other factors, historical loss trends, the age of outstanding receivables, and existing as well as expected economic conditions. We determined that all of our trade receivables share similar risk characteristics. We monitor our credit exposure on an ongoing basis and assess whether assets in the pool continue to display similar risk characteristics. Based on aging analysis as of both December 31, 2023 and 2022, approximately 90% of our trade receivables were outstanding less than 60 days. To determine the allowance for doubtful accounts for other receivables, as well as loans and other instruments, we rely primarily on credit ratings and associated default rates based on the maturity of the instrument. Other receivables, as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, include receivables related to income tax payments in excess of our current income tax obligations of $120 million and $150 million, respectively. Other receivables as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 also include a receivable of $26 million and $19 million, respectively, related to alternative fuel tax credits. Based on an aging analysis as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, approximately 50% and 55%, respectively, of our other receivables were due within 12 months or less.Parts and SuppliesParts and supplies consist primarily of spare parts, fuel, tires, lubricants and processed recycling materials. Our parts and supplies are stated at the lower of cost (using the average cost method) or market.Landfill AccountingCost Basis of Landfill Assets — We capitalize various costs that we incur to make a landfill ready to accept waste. These costs generally include expenditures for land (including the landfill footprint and required landfill buffer property); permitting; excavation; liner material and installation; landfill leachate collection systems; landfill gas collection systems; environmental monitoring equipment for groundwater and landfill gas; and directly related engineering, capitalized interest, on-site road construction and other capital infrastructure costs. The cost basis of our landfill assets also includes asset retirement costs, which represent estimates of future costs associated with landfill final capping, closure and post-closure activities. These costs are discussed below.Final Capping, Closure and Post-Closure Costs — Following is a description of our asset retirement activities and our related accounting:●Final Capping — Generally involves the installation of flexible membrane liners and geosynthetic clay liners, drainage and compacted soil layers and topsoil over areas of a landfill where total airspace has been consumed. Final capping asset retirement obligations are recorded on a units-of-consumption basis as airspace is consumed related to the specific final capping event with a corresponding increase in the landfill asset. Each final capping event is accounted for as a discrete obligation and recorded as an asset and a liability based on estimates of the discounted cash flows associated with each final capping event.●Closure — Includes the construction of the final portion of methane gas collection systems (when required), demobilization and routine maintenance costs. These are costs incurred after the site ceases to accept waste, but 81 Table of ContentsWASTE MANAGEMENT, INC.NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)​ Table of Contents Table of Contents"
    },
    {
      "status": "MODIFIED",
      "current_title": "NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)",
      "prior_title": "Revenue Recognition",
      "similarity_score": 0.84,
      "confidence": "high",
      "key_changes": [
        "Reworded sentence: \"​ and residential contracts, and equipment rentals.\"",
        "Reworded sentence: \"Our WM Renewable Energy revenue is primarily generated from (i) the sale of captured and converted landfill methane gas; (ii) the sale of RINs under the Renewable Fuel Standard (“RFS”) program implemented by the U.S.\"",
        "Reworded sentence: \"five As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, we had $218 million and $207 million of deferred contract costs, respectively, of which $154 million and $148 million, respectively, were related to deferred sales incentives.\"",
        "Reworded sentence: \"The variable elements of these contracts primarily include the number of homes and businesses served, weight, number of containers served and annual rate changes based on consumer price index, fuel prices or other operating costs.\"",
        "Reworded sentence: \"We do not disclose the value of unsatisfied performance obligations for these contracts as our right to consideration corresponds directly to the value provided to the customer for services completed to date and all future variable consideration is allocated to wholly unsatisfied performance obligations.Environmental Credits We generate environmental credits through our production and sale of renewable energy.\""
      ],
      "current_body": "​ balances and transactions have been eliminated. Investments in unconsolidated entities are accounted for under the appropriate method of accounting.Estimates and AssumptionsIn preparing our financial statements, we make numerous estimates and assumptions that affect the accounting for and recognition and disclosure of assets, liabilities, equity, revenues and expenses. We must make these estimates and assumptions because certain information that we use is dependent on future events, cannot be calculated with precision from available data or simply cannot be calculated. In some cases, these estimates are difficult to determine, and we must exercise significant judgment. In preparing our financial statements, the most difficult, subjective and complex estimates and the assumptions that present the greatest amount of uncertainty relate to our accounting for landfills, environmental remediation liabilities, long-lived asset impairments, intangible asset impairments and the fair value of assets and liabilities acquired in business combinations. Each of these items is discussed in additional detail below. Actual results could differ materially from the estimates and assumptions that we use in the preparation of our financial statements.Cash and Cash EquivalentsCash in excess of current operating requirements is invested in short-term interest-bearing instruments with maturities of three months or less at the date of purchase and is stated at cost, which approximates market value.Concentrations of Credit RiskFinancial instruments that potentially subject us to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, investments held within restricted funds, and accounts receivable. We make efforts to control our exposure to credit risk associated with these instruments by (i) placing our assets and other financial interests with a diverse group of credit-worthy financial institutions; (ii) holding high-quality financial instruments while limiting investments in any one instrument and (iii) maintaining strict policies over credit extension that include credit evaluations, credit limits and monitoring procedures, although generally we do not have collateral requirements for credit extensions. We also control our exposure associated with trade receivables by discontinuing service, to the extent allowable, to non-paying customers. However, our overall credit risk associated with trade receivables is limited due to the large number and diversity of customers we serve. As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, no single customer represented greater than 5% of total accounts receivable.Accounts and Other Receivables Our receivables, which are recorded when billed, when services are performed or when cash is advanced, are claims against third parties that will generally be settled in cash. The carrying value of our receivables, net of the allowance for doubtful accounts, represents the estimated net realizable value. We estimate our allowance for doubtful accounts based on historical collection trends; type of customer, such as municipal or commercial; the age of outstanding receivables and existing as well as expected economic conditions. If events or changes in circumstances indicate that specific receivable balances may be impaired, further consideration is given to the collectability of those balances and the allowance is adjusted accordingly. Past-due receivable balances are written off when our collection efforts have been unsuccessful. Also, we recognize interest income on long-term interest-bearing notes receivable as the interest accrues under the terms of the notes. We no longer accrue interest once the notes are deemed uncollectible. balances and transactions have been eliminated. Investments in unconsolidated entities are accounted for under the appropriate method of accounting.Estimates and AssumptionsIn preparing our financial statements, we make numerous estimates and assumptions that affect the accounting for and recognition and disclosure of assets, liabilities, equity, revenues and expenses. We must make these estimates and assumptions because certain information that we use is dependent on future events, cannot be calculated with precision from available data or simply cannot be calculated. In some cases, these estimates are difficult to determine, and we must exercise significant judgment. In preparing our financial statements, the most difficult, subjective and complex estimates and the assumptions that present the greatest amount of uncertainty relate to our accounting for landfills, environmental remediation liabilities, long-lived asset impairments, intangible asset impairments and the fair value of assets and liabilities acquired in business combinations. Each of these items is discussed in additional detail below. Actual results could differ materially from the estimates and assumptions that we use in the preparation of our financial statements.Cash and Cash EquivalentsCash in excess of current operating requirements is invested in short-term interest-bearing instruments with maturities of three months or less at the date of purchase and is stated at cost, which approximates market value.Concentrations of Credit RiskFinancial instruments that potentially subject us to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, investments held within restricted funds, and accounts receivable. We make efforts to control our exposure to credit risk associated with these instruments by (i) placing our assets and other financial interests with a diverse group of credit-worthy financial institutions; (ii) holding high-quality financial instruments while limiting investments in any one instrument and (iii) maintaining strict policies over credit extension that include credit evaluations, credit limits and monitoring procedures, although generally we do not have collateral requirements for credit extensions. We also control our exposure associated with trade receivables by discontinuing service, to the extent allowable, to non-paying customers. However, our overall credit risk associated with trade receivables is limited due to the large number and diversity of customers we serve. As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, no single customer represented greater than 5% of total accounts receivable.Accounts and Other Receivables Our receivables, which are recorded when billed, when services are performed or when cash is advanced, are claims against third parties that will generally be settled in cash. The carrying value of our receivables, net of the allowance for doubtful accounts, represents the estimated net realizable value. We estimate our allowance for doubtful accounts based on historical collection trends; type of customer, such as municipal or commercial; the age of outstanding receivables and existing as well as expected economic conditions. If events or changes in circumstances indicate that specific receivable balances may be impaired, further consideration is given to the collectability of those balances and the allowance is adjusted accordingly. Past-due receivable balances are written off when our collection efforts have been unsuccessful. Also, we recognize interest income on long-term interest-bearing notes receivable as the interest accrues under the terms of the notes. We no longer accrue interest once the notes are deemed uncollectible. balances and transactions have been eliminated. Investments in unconsolidated entities are accounted for under the appropriate method of accounting.",
      "prior_body": "We generally recognize revenue as services are performed or products are delivered. For example, revenue typically is recognized as waste is collected, tons are received at our landfills or transfer stations, or recycling commodities are collected or delivered as product. We bill for certain services prior to performance. Such services include, among others, certain commercial and residential contracts, and equipment rentals. These advanced billings are included in deferred revenues and recognized as revenue in the period service is provided. Our Collection and Disposal operating revenues are primarily generated from fees charged for our collection, transfer and disposal. Revenues from our collection operations are influenced by factors such as collection frequency, type of collection equipment furnished, type and volume or weight of the waste collected, distance to the disposal facility or recycling facility and our disposal costs. Revenues from our landfill operations consist of tipping fees, which are generally based on the type and weight or volume of waste being disposed of at our disposal facilities. Fees charged at transfer stations are generally based on the weight or volume of waste deposited, considering our cost of loading, transporting and disposing of the solid waste at a disposal site. The fees we charge for our services generally include applicable fees, such as our energy surcharge, which are intended to pass through to customers direct and indirect costs incurred. Recycling Processing and Sales revenues generally consist of tipping fees and the sale of recycling commodities to and/or on behalf of third parties. Our WM Renewable Energy revenue is primarily generated from (i) the sale of captured and converted landfill methane gas; (ii) the sale of Renewable Identification Numbers (“RINs”) under the Renewable Fuel Standard (“RFS”) program implemented by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”); (iii) sale of Low Carbon Fuel credits designed to stimulate the use of low-carbon fuels and (iv) the sale of energy (electricity and capacity) and associated Renewable Energy Credits (“RECs”). See Note 19 for additional information related to revenue by reportable segment and major lines of business. Deferred Revenues We record deferred revenues when cash payments are received or due in advance of our performance and classify them as current since they are earned within a year and there are no significant financing components. Substantially all our deferred revenues during the reported periods are realized as revenues within one to three months, when the related services are performed. one Contract Acquisition Costs Our incremental direct costs of obtaining a contract, which consist primarily of sales incentives, are generally deferred and amortized to selling, general and administrative expense over the estimated life of the relevant customer relationship, ranging from five to 13 years. Contract acquisition costs that are paid to the customer are deferred and amortized as a reduction in revenue over the contract life. Our contract acquisition costs are classified as current or noncurrent based on the timing of when we expect to recognize amortization and are included in other assets in our Consolidated Balance Sheets. five As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, we had $207 million and $192 million of deferred contract costs, respectively, of which $148 million and $137 million, respectively, were related to deferred sales incentives. During each of the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, we amortized $26 million, $24 million and $23 million, respectively, of sales incentives to selling, general and administrative expense. 90 90 Table of ContentsWASTE MANAGEMENT, INC.NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)​Long-Term ContractsApproximately 20% of our total revenue is derived from contracts with a remaining term greater than one year. The consideration for these contracts is primarily variable in nature. The variable elements of these contracts primarily include the number of homes and businesses served and annual rate changes based on consumer price index, fuel prices or other operating costs. Such contracts are generally within our collection, recycling and other lines of business and have a weighted average remaining contract life of approximately four years. We do not disclose the value of unsatisfied performance obligations for these contracts as our right to consideration corresponds directly to the value provided to the customer for services completed to date and all future variable consideration is allocated to wholly unsatisfied performance obligations.Capitalized InterestWe capitalize interest on certain projects under development, including landfill expansion projects, certain assets under construction, including operating landfills and landfill gas-to-energy projects and internal-use software. During 2023, 2022 and 2021, total interest costs were $590 million, $425 million and $388 million, respectively, of which $63 million, $29 million and $13 million was capitalized in 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively.Income TaxesThe Company is primarily subject to income tax in the U.S. and Canada. Current tax obligations associated with our income tax expense are reflected in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets as a component of accrued liabilities and our deferred tax obligations are reflected in deferred income taxes.Deferred income taxes are based on the difference between the financial reporting and tax basis of assets and liabilities. Deferred income tax expense represents the change during the reporting period in the deferred tax assets and liabilities, net of the effect of acquisitions and dispositions. Deferred tax assets include tax loss and credit carry-forwards and are reduced by a valuation allowance if, based on available evidence, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. We establish reserves for uncertain tax positions when, despite our belief that our tax return positions are supportable, we believe that certain positions may be challenged and potentially disallowed. When facts and circumstances change, we adjust these reserves through our income tax expense.Should interest and penalties be assessed by taxing authorities on any underpayment of income tax, such amounts would be accrued and classified as a component of our income tax expense in our Consolidated Statements of Operations.See Note 8 for discussion of our income taxes.Contingent LiabilitiesWe estimate the amount of potential exposure we may have with respect to claims, assessments and litigation in accordance with authoritative guidance on accounting for contingencies. We are party to pending or threatened legal proceedings covering a wide range of matters in various jurisdictions. It is difficult to predict the outcome of litigation, as it is subject to many uncertainties. Additionally, it is not always possible for management to make a meaningful estimate of the potential loss or range of loss associated with such contingencies. See Note 10 for discussion of our commitments and contingencies.91 Table of ContentsWASTE MANAGEMENT, INC.NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)​ Table of Contents Table of Contents"
    },
    {
      "status": "MODIFIED",
      "current_title": "Increasing regulatory focus on privacy and data protection issues and expanding laws could negatively impact our business, subject us to criticism and expose us to increased liability.",
      "prior_title": "Increasing regulatory focus on privacy and data protection issues and expanding laws could negatively impact our business, subject us to criticism and expose us to increased liability.",
      "similarity_score": 0.84,
      "confidence": "high",
      "key_changes": [
        "Reworded sentence: \"The legislative and regulatory framework for security, privacy and data protection issues worldwide is rapidly evolving and becoming increasingly demanding and is likely to remain uncertain for the foreseeable future.\"",
        "Reworded sentence: \"Government officials, regulators, customers, privacy advocates and class action attorneys are increasingly scrutinizing how companies collect, process, use, store, share, transmit and destroy personal data.\"",
        "Reworded sentence: \"Costs to remediate or restore the condition of closed sites may be significant.Our sustainability growth strategy includes significant planned and ongoing investments in our WM Renewable Energy segment; changes to federal and state renewable fuel policies could affect our financial performance, and such investments may not yield the results anticipated.The primary drivers of renewable fuel development at our landfills are tax policies, such as the federal tax credits for RNG production and renewable electricity generation under the IRA, and federal and state incentive programs, such as the federal Renewable Fuel Standard (“RFS”) program, the California Low Carbon Fuel Standard and similar state programs that promote the production and use of renewable transportation fuels.\"",
        "Reworded sentence: \"The value of the RINs is set through a market established by the RFS program, which market has historically been very volatile.\"",
        "Reworded sentence: \"Costs to remediate or restore the condition of closed sites may be significant.Our sustainability growth strategy includes significant planned and ongoing investments in our WM Renewable Energy segment; changes to federal and state renewable fuel policies could affect our financial performance, and such investments may not yield the results anticipated.The primary drivers of renewable fuel development at our landfills are tax policies, such as the federal tax credits for RNG production and renewable electricity generation under the IRA, and federal and state incentive programs, such as the federal Renewable Fuel Standard (“RFS”) program, the California Low Carbon Fuel Standard and similar state programs that promote the production and use of renewable transportation fuels.\""
      ],
      "current_body": "The legislative and regulatory framework for security, privacy and data protection issues worldwide is rapidly evolving and becoming increasingly demanding and is likely to remain uncertain for the foreseeable future. We collect, use, share, retain, delete and otherwise process certain personal information and other sensitive information in connection with our operations and while providing services, including secure information destruction. We are subject to a variety of U.S. and international laws and regulations related to data privacy and the protection of confidential information, and we anticipate that regulation in this area will continue to expand. Applicable laws and regulations require disclosure and create other obligations for businesses that collect personal information and provide individual rights relating to personal information. These laws and regulations are inconsistent across jurisdictions and are subject to evolving interpretations. Government officials, regulators, customers, privacy advocates and class action attorneys are increasingly scrutinizing how companies collect, process, use, store, share, transmit and destroy personal data. The continued emphasis on personal privacy and information security may result in customers requesting that we implement additional safeguards or controls. We must continually monitor the development and adoption of, and commit substantial time and resources to comply with, 37 37 Table of Contentsnew and emerging laws and regulations and/ or expanded or novel interpretations of existing laws. Additionally, customers and regulators may seek to hold us responsible for the actions of third parties we work with, such as sub-processors, vendors, or developers.Any inability, or perceived inability, to adequately address privacy and data protection concerns, even if unfounded, or to comply with laws, regulations, policies, industry standards, contractual obligations, or other legal obligations, including through acquired companies or third parties, could subject us to regulatory enforcement, private litigation, public criticism, business disruption, loss of customers, additional costs and legal liability, reputational damage, and other harm.Legal, Regulatory and Compliance RisksOur operations are subject to environmental, health and safety laws and regulations, as well as contractual obligations that may result in significant liabilities.There is risk of incurring significant environmental liabilities in the use, treatment, storage, transfer, processing and disposal or destruction of waste materials. Under applicable environmental laws and regulations, we could be liable if it is alleged that our operations cause environmental damage to our properties or to the property of other landowners, particularly as a result of the contamination of air, drinking water or soil. Under current law, we could also be held liable for damage caused by conditions that existed before we acquired the assets or operations involved and for conditions resulting from waste types or compounds previously considered non-hazardous but later determined to present possible threat to public health or the environment. The risks of successor liability and emerging contaminants are of particular concern as we execute our growth strategy, partially through acquisitions, because we may be unsuccessful in identifying and assessing potential liabilities during our due diligence investigations. Further, the counterparties in such transactions may be unable to perform their indemnification obligations owed to us. Any substantial liability for environmental damage could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.In the ordinary course of our business, we have in the past, we are currently, and we may in the future, become involved in legal and administrative proceedings relating to land use and environmental laws and regulations. These include proceedings in which governmental entities, private groups or individuals seek to impose liability on us for alleged environmental damage or violation of statutes or desire to revoke or deny permits required for our operations. We generally seek to work with the authorities or other persons involved in these proceedings to resolve any issues raised. If we are not successful, the adverse outcome of one or more of these proceedings could result in, among other things, material increases in our costs or liabilities as well as material charges for asset impairments.Further, we often enter into agreements with landowners imposing obligations on us to meet certain regulatory or contractual conditions upon site closure or upon termination of the agreements. Compliance with these agreements inherently involves subjective determinations and may result in disputes, including litigation. Costs to remediate or restore the condition of closed sites may be significant.Our sustainability growth strategy includes significant planned and ongoing investments in our WM Renewable Energy segment; changes to federal and state renewable fuel policies could affect our financial performance, and such investments may not yield the results anticipated.The primary drivers of renewable fuel development at our landfills are tax policies, such as the federal tax credits for RNG production and renewable electricity generation under the IRA, and federal and state incentive programs, such as the federal Renewable Fuel Standard (“RFS”) program, the California Low Carbon Fuel Standard and similar state programs that promote the production and use of renewable transportation fuels. At the federal level, oil refiners and importers are required through the RFS program to blend specified volumes of renewable transportation fuels with gasoline or buy RINs, from renewable fuel producers. The Company has invested, and continues to invest, in facilities that capture and process landfill gas into RNG so that we can participate in the RFS program, and the Company has grown and stated its intention to continue to grow its asset base to increase its RNG production. RINs prices generally respond to regulations enacted by the EPA, as well as fluctuations in supply and demand. The value of the RINs is set through a market established by the RFS program, which market has historically been very volatile. The new U.S. presidential administration could seek to reduce existing renewable fuel targets in a new rulemaking or otherwise set reduced targets for renewable fuels under the RFS program in future rulemakings. Moreover, consistent with its prior approach, the new administration may also increase the frequency with which it grants small refinery exemptions from RFS program requirements. While we cannot predict what actions the new administration may take with respect to the RFS program, any changes to existing or future renewable fuel targets or more frequent approval of requests for small 38 Table of Contents Table of Contents Table of Contents new and emerging laws and regulations and/ or expanded or novel interpretations of existing laws. Additionally, customers and regulators may seek to hold us responsible for the actions of third parties we work with, such as sub-processors, vendors, or developers.Any inability, or perceived inability, to adequately address privacy and data protection concerns, even if unfounded, or to comply with laws, regulations, policies, industry standards, contractual obligations, or other legal obligations, including through acquired companies or third parties, could subject us to regulatory enforcement, private litigation, public criticism, business disruption, loss of customers, additional costs and legal liability, reputational damage, and other harm.Legal, Regulatory and Compliance RisksOur operations are subject to environmental, health and safety laws and regulations, as well as contractual obligations that may result in significant liabilities.There is risk of incurring significant environmental liabilities in the use, treatment, storage, transfer, processing and disposal or destruction of waste materials. Under applicable environmental laws and regulations, we could be liable if it is alleged that our operations cause environmental damage to our properties or to the property of other landowners, particularly as a result of the contamination of air, drinking water or soil. Under current law, we could also be held liable for damage caused by conditions that existed before we acquired the assets or operations involved and for conditions resulting from waste types or compounds previously considered non-hazardous but later determined to present possible threat to public health or the environment. The risks of successor liability and emerging contaminants are of particular concern as we execute our growth strategy, partially through acquisitions, because we may be unsuccessful in identifying and assessing potential liabilities during our due diligence investigations. Further, the counterparties in such transactions may be unable to perform their indemnification obligations owed to us. Any substantial liability for environmental damage could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.In the ordinary course of our business, we have in the past, we are currently, and we may in the future, become involved in legal and administrative proceedings relating to land use and environmental laws and regulations. These include proceedings in which governmental entities, private groups or individuals seek to impose liability on us for alleged environmental damage or violation of statutes or desire to revoke or deny permits required for our operations. We generally seek to work with the authorities or other persons involved in these proceedings to resolve any issues raised. If we are not successful, the adverse outcome of one or more of these proceedings could result in, among other things, material increases in our costs or liabilities as well as material charges for asset impairments.Further, we often enter into agreements with landowners imposing obligations on us to meet certain regulatory or contractual conditions upon site closure or upon termination of the agreements. Compliance with these agreements inherently involves subjective determinations and may result in disputes, including litigation. Costs to remediate or restore the condition of closed sites may be significant.Our sustainability growth strategy includes significant planned and ongoing investments in our WM Renewable Energy segment; changes to federal and state renewable fuel policies could affect our financial performance, and such investments may not yield the results anticipated.The primary drivers of renewable fuel development at our landfills are tax policies, such as the federal tax credits for RNG production and renewable electricity generation under the IRA, and federal and state incentive programs, such as the federal Renewable Fuel Standard (“RFS”) program, the California Low Carbon Fuel Standard and similar state programs that promote the production and use of renewable transportation fuels. At the federal level, oil refiners and importers are required through the RFS program to blend specified volumes of renewable transportation fuels with gasoline or buy RINs, from renewable fuel producers. The Company has invested, and continues to invest, in facilities that capture and process landfill gas into RNG so that we can participate in the RFS program, and the Company has grown and stated its intention to continue to grow its asset base to increase its RNG production. RINs prices generally respond to regulations enacted by the EPA, as well as fluctuations in supply and demand. The value of the RINs is set through a market established by the RFS program, which market has historically been very volatile. The new U.S. presidential administration could seek to reduce existing renewable fuel targets in a new rulemaking or otherwise set reduced targets for renewable fuels under the RFS program in future rulemakings. Moreover, consistent with its prior approach, the new administration may also increase the frequency with which it grants small refinery exemptions from RFS program requirements. While we cannot predict what actions the new administration may take with respect to the RFS program, any changes to existing or future renewable fuel targets or more frequent approval of requests for small new and emerging laws and regulations and/ or expanded or novel interpretations of existing laws. Additionally, customers and regulators may seek to hold us responsible for the actions of third parties we work with, such as sub-processors, vendors, or developers.Any inability, or perceived inability, to adequately address privacy and data protection concerns, even if unfounded, or to comply with laws, regulations, policies, industry standards, contractual obligations, or other legal obligations, including through acquired companies or third parties, could subject us to regulatory enforcement, private litigation, public criticism, business disruption, loss of customers, additional costs and legal liability, reputational damage, and other harm.Legal, Regulatory and Compliance RisksOur operations are subject to environmental, health and safety laws and regulations, as well as contractual obligations that may result in significant liabilities.There is risk of incurring significant environmental liabilities in the use, treatment, storage, transfer, processing and disposal or destruction of waste materials. Under applicable environmental laws and regulations, we could be liable if it is alleged that our operations cause environmental damage to our properties or to the property of other landowners, particularly as a result of the contamination of air, drinking water or soil. Under current law, we could also be held liable for damage caused by conditions that existed before we acquired the assets or operations involved and for conditions resulting from waste types or compounds previously considered non-hazardous but later determined to present possible threat to public health or the environment. The risks of successor liability and emerging contaminants are of particular concern as we execute our growth strategy, partially through acquisitions, because we may be unsuccessful in identifying and assessing potential liabilities during our due diligence investigations. Further, the counterparties in such transactions may be unable to perform their indemnification obligations owed to us. Any substantial liability for environmental damage could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.In the ordinary course of our business, we have in the past, we are currently, and we may in the future, become involved in legal and administrative proceedings relating to land use and environmental laws and regulations. These include proceedings in which governmental entities, private groups or individuals seek to impose liability on us for alleged environmental damage or violation of statutes or desire to revoke or deny permits required for our operations. We generally seek to work with the authorities or other persons involved in these proceedings to resolve any issues raised. If we are not successful, the adverse outcome of one or more of these proceedings could result in, among other things, material increases in our costs or liabilities as well as material charges for asset impairments.Further, we often enter into agreements with landowners imposing obligations on us to meet certain regulatory or contractual conditions upon site closure or upon termination of the agreements. Compliance with these agreements inherently involves subjective determinations and may result in disputes, including litigation. Costs to remediate or restore the condition of closed sites may be significant.Our sustainability growth strategy includes significant planned and ongoing investments in our WM Renewable Energy segment; changes to federal and state renewable fuel policies could affect our financial performance, and such investments may not yield the results anticipated.The primary drivers of renewable fuel development at our landfills are tax policies, such as the federal tax credits for RNG production and renewable electricity generation under the IRA, and federal and state incentive programs, such as the federal Renewable Fuel Standard (“RFS”) program, the California Low Carbon Fuel Standard and similar state programs that promote the production and use of renewable transportation fuels. At the federal level, oil refiners and importers are required through the RFS program to blend specified volumes of renewable transportation fuels with gasoline or buy RINs, from renewable fuel producers. The Company has invested, and continues to invest, in facilities that capture and process landfill gas into RNG so that we can participate in the RFS program, and the Company has grown and stated its intention to continue to grow its asset base to increase its RNG production. RINs prices generally respond to regulations enacted by the EPA, as well as fluctuations in supply and demand. The value of the RINs is set through a market established by the RFS program, which market has historically been very volatile. The new U.S. presidential administration could seek to reduce existing renewable fuel targets in a new rulemaking or otherwise set reduced targets for renewable fuels under the RFS program in future rulemakings. Moreover, consistent with its prior approach, the new administration may also increase the frequency with which it grants small refinery exemptions from RFS program requirements. While we cannot predict what actions the new administration may take with respect to the RFS program, any changes to existing or future renewable fuel targets or more frequent approval of requests for small new and emerging laws and regulations and/ or expanded or novel interpretations of existing laws. Additionally, customers and regulators may seek to hold us responsible for the actions of third parties we work with, such as sub-processors, vendors, or developers. Any inability, or perceived inability, to adequately address privacy and data protection concerns, even if unfounded, or to comply with laws, regulations, policies, industry standards, contractual obligations, or other legal obligations, including through acquired companies or third parties, could subject us to regulatory enforcement, private litigation, public criticism, business disruption, loss of customers, additional costs and legal liability, reputational damage, and other harm.",
      "prior_body": "The legislative and regulatory framework for privacy and data protection issues worldwide is rapidly evolving and is likely to remain uncertain for the foreseeable future. We collect, use, share, retain, delete and otherwise process certain personal information and other sensitive information in connection with our operations and providing environmental and other services. We are subject to a variety of laws and regulations, including GDPR and other international data protection laws, and may become subject to additional pending laws and regulations, that govern the collection, use and other processing of information obtained from individuals, businesses and other third parties. These laws and regulations are inconsistent across jurisdictions and are subject to evolving interpretations. Government officials, regulators, privacy advocates and class action attorneys are increasingly scrutinizing how companies collect, process, use, store, share, transmit and destroy personal data. We must continually monitor the development and adoption of, and commit substantial time and resources to comply with, new and emerging laws and regulations and/ or expanded interpretations of existing laws. These laws and regulations provide disclosure and other obligations for businesses that collect personal information, 30 30 Table of Contentsindividual rights relating to personal information, collection, use, storage, transmission and other processing requirements, automated decision-making transparency, and potential liability expansion. Any inability, or perceived inability, to adequately address privacy and data protection concerns, even if unfounded, or comply with laws, regulations, policies, industry standards, contractual obligations, or other legal obligations, including at newly acquired companies, could subject us to regulatory enforcement, private litigation, public criticism, business disruption, loss of customers, additional costs and legal liability, reputational damage, and other harm.Legal, Regulatory and Compliance RisksOur operations are subject to environmental, health and safety laws and regulations, as well as contractual obligations that may result in significant liabilities.There is risk of incurring significant environmental liabilities in the use, treatment, storage, transfer and disposal of waste materials. Under applicable environmental laws and regulations, we could be liable if it is alleged that our operations cause environmental damage to our properties or to the property of other landowners, particularly as a result of the contamination of air, drinking water or soil. Under current law, we could also be held liable for damage caused by conditions that existed before we acquired the assets or operations involved and for conditions resulting from waste types or compounds previously considered non-hazardous but later determined to present possible threat to public health or the environment. The risks of successor liability and emerging contaminants are of particular concern as we execute our growth strategy, partially through acquisitions, because we may be unsuccessful in identifying and assessing potential liabilities during our due diligence investigations. Further, the counterparties in such transactions may be unable to perform their indemnification obligations owed to us. Any substantial liability for environmental damage could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.In the ordinary course of our business, we have in the past, we are currently, and we may in the future, become involved in legal and administrative proceedings relating to land use and environmental laws and regulations. These include proceedings in which governmental entities, private groups or individuals seek to impose liability on us for alleged environmental damage or violation of statutes or desire to revoke or deny permits required for our operations. We generally seek to work with the authorities or other persons involved in these proceedings to resolve any issues raised. If we are not successful, the adverse outcome of one or more of these proceedings could result in, among other things, material increases in our costs or liabilities as well as material charges for asset impairments.Further, we often enter into agreements with landowners imposing obligations on us to meet certain regulatory or contractual conditions upon site closure or upon termination of the agreements. Compliance with these agreements inherently involves subjective determinations and may result in disputes, including litigation. Costs to remediate or restore the condition of closed sites may be significant.Our sustainability growth strategy includes significant planned and ongoing investments in our WM Renewable Energy segment; changes to federal and state renewable fuel policies could affect our financial performance, and such investments may not yield the results anticipated.The primary drivers of renewable fuel development at our landfills are tax policies, such as the recently expanded federal tax credits for RNG production and renewable electricity generation, and federal and state incentive programs, such as the federal Renewable Fuel Standard (“RFS”) program and the California Low Carbon Fuel Standard. At the federal level, oil refiners and importers are required through the RFS program to blend specified volumes of renewable transportation fuels with gasoline or buy credits, referred to as RINs, from renewable fuel producers. The Company has invested, and continues to invest, in facilities that capture and convert landfill gas into RNG, and also works with facilities that capture and convert dairy digester gas into RNG, so that we can participate in the program, and the Company has stated its intention to grow its asset base to notably increase its RNG production by 2026. RINs prices generally respond to regulations enacted by the EPA, as well as fluctuations in supply and demand. The value of the RINs associated with RNG is set through a market established by the program, which market has historically been very volatile. Prior to 2022, the EPA had promulgated rules on an annual basis establishing refiners’ obligations to purchase RNG and other cellulosic biofuels under the RFS program, which introduced a level of uncertainty into the renewable fuels and RINs market. However, in 2023, the EPA issued a highly anticipated rule establishing biofuel blending volumes under the RFS program for compliance years 2023 through 2025. The rule reflected the outsized role of biogas under the program, delivered on many reforms that benefit the solid waste sector, and recognized the continued growth of the market for RNG in vehicle applications. However, we cannot be certain that these changes, or the outcome of litigation challenging various 31 Table of Contents Table of Contents Table of Contents individual rights relating to personal information, collection, use, storage, transmission and other processing requirements, automated decision-making transparency, and potential liability expansion. Any inability, or perceived inability, to adequately address privacy and data protection concerns, even if unfounded, or comply with laws, regulations, policies, industry standards, contractual obligations, or other legal obligations, including at newly acquired companies, could subject us to regulatory enforcement, private litigation, public criticism, business disruption, loss of customers, additional costs and legal liability, reputational damage, and other harm.Legal, Regulatory and Compliance RisksOur operations are subject to environmental, health and safety laws and regulations, as well as contractual obligations that may result in significant liabilities.There is risk of incurring significant environmental liabilities in the use, treatment, storage, transfer and disposal of waste materials. Under applicable environmental laws and regulations, we could be liable if it is alleged that our operations cause environmental damage to our properties or to the property of other landowners, particularly as a result of the contamination of air, drinking water or soil. Under current law, we could also be held liable for damage caused by conditions that existed before we acquired the assets or operations involved and for conditions resulting from waste types or compounds previously considered non-hazardous but later determined to present possible threat to public health or the environment. The risks of successor liability and emerging contaminants are of particular concern as we execute our growth strategy, partially through acquisitions, because we may be unsuccessful in identifying and assessing potential liabilities during our due diligence investigations. Further, the counterparties in such transactions may be unable to perform their indemnification obligations owed to us. Any substantial liability for environmental damage could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.In the ordinary course of our business, we have in the past, we are currently, and we may in the future, become involved in legal and administrative proceedings relating to land use and environmental laws and regulations. These include proceedings in which governmental entities, private groups or individuals seek to impose liability on us for alleged environmental damage or violation of statutes or desire to revoke or deny permits required for our operations. We generally seek to work with the authorities or other persons involved in these proceedings to resolve any issues raised. If we are not successful, the adverse outcome of one or more of these proceedings could result in, among other things, material increases in our costs or liabilities as well as material charges for asset impairments.Further, we often enter into agreements with landowners imposing obligations on us to meet certain regulatory or contractual conditions upon site closure or upon termination of the agreements. Compliance with these agreements inherently involves subjective determinations and may result in disputes, including litigation. Costs to remediate or restore the condition of closed sites may be significant.Our sustainability growth strategy includes significant planned and ongoing investments in our WM Renewable Energy segment; changes to federal and state renewable fuel policies could affect our financial performance, and such investments may not yield the results anticipated.The primary drivers of renewable fuel development at our landfills are tax policies, such as the recently expanded federal tax credits for RNG production and renewable electricity generation, and federal and state incentive programs, such as the federal Renewable Fuel Standard (“RFS”) program and the California Low Carbon Fuel Standard. At the federal level, oil refiners and importers are required through the RFS program to blend specified volumes of renewable transportation fuels with gasoline or buy credits, referred to as RINs, from renewable fuel producers. The Company has invested, and continues to invest, in facilities that capture and convert landfill gas into RNG, and also works with facilities that capture and convert dairy digester gas into RNG, so that we can participate in the program, and the Company has stated its intention to grow its asset base to notably increase its RNG production by 2026. RINs prices generally respond to regulations enacted by the EPA, as well as fluctuations in supply and demand. The value of the RINs associated with RNG is set through a market established by the program, which market has historically been very volatile. Prior to 2022, the EPA had promulgated rules on an annual basis establishing refiners’ obligations to purchase RNG and other cellulosic biofuels under the RFS program, which introduced a level of uncertainty into the renewable fuels and RINs market. However, in 2023, the EPA issued a highly anticipated rule establishing biofuel blending volumes under the RFS program for compliance years 2023 through 2025. The rule reflected the outsized role of biogas under the program, delivered on many reforms that benefit the solid waste sector, and recognized the continued growth of the market for RNG in vehicle applications. However, we cannot be certain that these changes, or the outcome of litigation challenging various individual rights relating to personal information, collection, use, storage, transmission and other processing requirements, automated decision-making transparency, and potential liability expansion. Any inability, or perceived inability, to adequately address privacy and data protection concerns, even if unfounded, or comply with laws, regulations, policies, industry standards, contractual obligations, or other legal obligations, including at newly acquired companies, could subject us to regulatory enforcement, private litigation, public criticism, business disruption, loss of customers, additional costs and legal liability, reputational damage, and other harm."
    },
    {
      "status": "MODIFIED",
      "current_title": "Damage to our reputation and the value of our brand would negatively impact our business.",
      "prior_title": "Our business depends on our reputation and the value of our brand.",
      "similarity_score": 0.836,
      "confidence": "high",
      "key_changes": [
        "Reworded sentence: \"Risk Factors — Focus on, and regulation of, sustainability performance and disclosure can result in increased costs, risk of noncompliance, damage to our reputation and related adverse effects).\""
      ],
      "current_body": "We believe we have developed a reputation for high-quality service, reliability and social and environmental responsibility, and we believe our brand symbolizes these attributes. The WM brand name, trademarks and logos and our reputation are powerful sales and marketing tools, and we devote significant resources to promoting and protecting them. Adverse publicity, whether or not justified, relating to activities by our operations, employees or agents, or challenges to our assertions of social and environmental responsibility, could tarnish our reputation and reduce the value of our brand. (Also see Item 1A. Risk Factors — Focus on, and regulation of, sustainability performance and disclosure can result in increased costs, risk of noncompliance, damage to our reputation and related adverse effects).",
      "prior_body": "We believe we have developed a reputation for high-quality service, reliability and social and environmental responsibility, and we believe our brand symbolizes these attributes. The WM brand name, trademarks and logos and our reputation are powerful sales and marketing tools, and we devote significant resources to promoting and protecting them. Adverse publicity, whether or not justified, relating to activities by our operations, employees or agents, or challenges to our assertions of social and environmental responsibility, could tarnish our reputation and reduce the value of our brand. (Also see Item 1A. Risk Factors — Focus on, and regulation of, environmental, social and governance (“ESG”) performance and disclosure can result in increased costs, risk of noncompliance, damage to our reputation and related adverse effects.) Damage to our reputation could reduce demand for our services and potentially have an adverse effect on our financial condition, liquidity and results of operations, as well as require additional resources to rebuild our reputation and restore the value of our brand."
    },
    {
      "status": "MODIFIED",
      "current_title": "1. Basis of Presentation",
      "prior_title": "1. Basis of Presentation",
      "similarity_score": 0.832,
      "confidence": "high",
      "key_changes": [
        "Reworded sentence: \"Through our subsidiaries, including our Waste Management Renewable Energy (“WM Renewable Energy”) segment, we are also a leading developer, operator and owner of landfill gas-to-energy facilities in the U.S.\"",
        "Reworded sentence: \"On November 4, 2024, we completed our acquisition of all outstanding shares of Stericycle, Inc.\""
      ],
      "current_body": "The financial statements presented in this report represent the consolidation of Waste Management, Inc., a Delaware corporation; its wholly-owned and majority-owned subsidiaries; and certain variable interest entities for which Waste Management, Inc. or its subsidiaries are the primary beneficiaries as described in Note 18. Waste Management, Inc. is a holding company and all operations are conducted by its subsidiaries. When the terms “the Company,” “we,” “us” or “our” are used in this document, those terms refer to Waste Management, Inc., together with its consolidated subsidiaries and consolidated variable interest entities. When we use the term “WMI,” we are referring only to Waste Management, Inc., the parent holding company. We are North America’s leading provider of comprehensive environmental solutions, providing services throughout the United States (“U.S.”) and Canada. We partner with our customers and the communities we serve to manage and reduce waste at each stage from collection to disposal, while recovering valuable resources and creating clean, renewable energy. Our solid waste business is operated and managed locally by our subsidiaries that focus on distinct geographic areas and provide collection, transfer, disposal, recycling and resource recovery services. Through our subsidiaries, including our Waste Management Renewable Energy (“WM Renewable Energy”) segment, we are also a leading developer, operator and owner of landfill gas-to-energy facilities in the U.S. and Canada that produce renewable electricity and renewable natural gas, which is a significant source of fuel that we allocate to our natural gas fleet. On November 4, 2024, we completed our acquisition of all outstanding shares of Stericycle, Inc. (“Stericycle”), the operations of which are presented in this report as our new WM Healthcare Solutions segment. The acquisition expands our offerings in the U.S. and Canada and adds operations in parts of Western Europe. These businesses provide Regulated Waste and Compliance Services (“RWCS”) and Secure Information Destruction (“SID”) services that protect people and brands, promote health and well-being and safeguard the environment. Refer to Note 17 for further discussion. Our senior management evaluates, oversees and manages the financial performance of our business through five reportable segments, referred to as (i) Collection and Disposal - East Tier (“East Tier”); (ii) Collection and Disposal - West Tier (“West Tier”); (iii) Recycling Processing and Sales; (iv) WM Renewable Energy and (v) WM Healthcare Solutions. Our East and West Tiers along with certain ancillary services (“Other Ancillary”) that are not managed through our Tier segments, but that support our collection and disposal operations, form our “Collection and Disposal” businesses. We also provide additional services not managed through our five reportable segments, which are presented as Corporate and Other. Refer to Note 19 for further discussion.",
      "prior_body": "The financial statements presented in this report represent the consolidation of Waste Management, Inc., a Delaware corporation; its wholly-owned and majority-owned subsidiaries; and certain variable interest entities for which Waste Management, Inc. or its subsidiaries are the primary beneficiaries as described in Note 18. Waste Management, Inc. is a holding company and all operations are conducted by its subsidiaries. When the terms “the Company,” “we,” “us” or “our” are used in this document, those terms refer to Waste Management, Inc., together with its consolidated subsidiaries and consolidated variable interest entities. When we use the term “WMI,” we are referring only to Waste Management, Inc., the parent holding company. We are North America’s leading provider of comprehensive environmental solutions, providing services throughout the United States (“U.S.”) and Canada. We partner with our customers and the communities we serve to manage and reduce waste at each stage from collection to disposal, while recovering valuable resources and creating clean, renewable energy. Our solid waste business is operated and managed locally by our subsidiaries that focus on distinct geographic areas and provide collection, transfer, disposal, recycling and resource recovery services. Through our subsidiaries, including our Waste Management Renewable Energy (“WM Renewable Energy”) business, we are also a leading developer, operator and owner of landfill gas-to-energy facilities in the U.S. and Canada that produce renewable electricity and renewable natural gas, which is a significant source of fuel that we allocate to our natural gas fleet. To enhance transparency regarding our financial performance, highlight the strength and consistency of our core solid waste businesses, and underscore our commitment to sustainability through planned and ongoing investments in our Recycling Processing and Sales and WM Renewable Energy businesses, beginning in the fourth quarter of 2023, our senior management revised its segment reporting to (i) reflect the financial results of our collection, transfer, disposal and resource recovery services businesses independently; (ii) combine the results of all recycling facilities from our East and West Tier segments with our recycling brokerage and sales activities to form a newly created Recycling Processing and Sales reportable segment and (iii) include our WM Renewable Energy business as a reportable segment. Accordingly, our senior management now evaluates, oversees and manages the financial performance of our business through four reportable segments, referred to as (i) Collection and Disposal - East Tier (“East Tier”); (ii) Collection and Disposal - West Tier (“West Tier”); (iii) Recycling Processing and Sales and (iv) WM Renewable Energy. Our East and West Tier, along with certain ancillary services not managed through our tier segments, but that support our collection and disposal operations, form our “Collection and Disposal” businesses. We also provide additional services not managed through our four reportable segments, which are presented as Corporate and Other. Refer to Note 19 for further discussion."
    },
    {
      "status": "MODIFIED",
      "current_title": "See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.",
      "prior_title": "See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.",
      "similarity_score": 0.831,
      "confidence": "high",
      "key_changes": [
        "Reworded sentence: \"​ ​ ​ 87 87 Table of ContentsWASTE MANAGEMENT, INC.NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSYears Ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 20221.\"",
        "Reworded sentence: \"Through our subsidiaries, including our Waste Management Renewable Energy (“WM Renewable Energy”) segment, we are also a leading developer, operator and owner of landfill gas-to-energy facilities in the U.S.\"",
        "Reworded sentence: \"In the opinion of management, these Consolidated Financial Statements include all adjustments, which, unless otherwise disclosed, are of a normal recurring nature, necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position, results of operations, comprehensive income, cash flows, and changes in equity for the periods presented.\"",
        "Reworded sentence: \"Through our subsidiaries, including our Waste Management Renewable Energy (“WM Renewable Energy”) segment, we are also a leading developer, operator and owner of landfill gas-to-energy facilities in the U.S.\"",
        "Reworded sentence: \"In the opinion of management, these Consolidated Financial Statements include all adjustments, which, unless otherwise disclosed, are of a normal recurring nature, necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position, results of operations, comprehensive income, cash flows, and changes in equity for the periods presented.\""
      ],
      "current_body": "​ ​ ​ 87 87 Table of ContentsWASTE MANAGEMENT, INC.NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSYears Ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 20221. Basis of PresentationThe financial statements presented in this report represent the consolidation of Waste Management, Inc., a Delaware corporation; its wholly-owned and majority-owned subsidiaries; and certain variable interest entities for which Waste Management, Inc. or its subsidiaries are the primary beneficiaries as described in Note 18. Waste Management, Inc. is a holding company and all operations are conducted by its subsidiaries. When the terms “the Company,” “we,” “us” or “our” are used in this document, those terms refer to Waste Management, Inc., together with its consolidated subsidiaries and consolidated variable interest entities. When we use the term “WMI,” we are referring only to Waste Management, Inc., the parent holding company.We are North America’s leading provider of comprehensive environmental solutions, providing services throughout the United States (“U.S.”) and Canada. We partner with our customers and the communities we serve to manage and reduce waste at each stage from collection to disposal, while recovering valuable resources and creating clean, renewable energy. Our solid waste business is operated and managed locally by our subsidiaries that focus on distinct geographic areas and provide collection, transfer, disposal, recycling and resource recovery services. Through our subsidiaries, including our Waste Management Renewable Energy (“WM Renewable Energy”) segment, we are also a leading developer, operator and owner of landfill gas-to-energy facilities in the U.S. and Canada that produce renewable electricity and renewable natural gas, which is a significant source of fuel that we allocate to our natural gas fleet.On November 4, 2024, we completed our acquisition of all outstanding shares of Stericycle, Inc. (“Stericycle”), the operations of which are presented in this report as our new WM Healthcare Solutions segment. The acquisition expands our offerings in the U.S. and Canada and adds operations in parts of Western Europe. These businesses provide Regulated Waste and Compliance Services (“RWCS”) and Secure Information Destruction (“SID”) services that protect people and brands, promote health and well-being and safeguard the environment. Refer to Note 17 for further discussion.Our senior management evaluates, oversees and manages the financial performance of our business through five reportable segments, referred to as (i) Collection and Disposal - East Tier (“East Tier”); (ii) Collection and Disposal - West Tier (“West Tier”); (iii) Recycling Processing and Sales; (iv) WM Renewable Energy and (v) WM Healthcare Solutions. Our East and West Tiers along with certain ancillary services (“Other Ancillary”) that are not managed through our Tier segments, but that support our collection and disposal operations, form our “Collection and Disposal” businesses. We also provide additional services not managed through our five reportable segments, which are presented as Corporate and Other. Refer to Note 19 for further discussion.ReclassificationsWhen necessary, reclassifications have been made to our prior period financial information to conform to the current year presentation and are not material to our consolidated financial statements. ​​2. Summary of Significant Accounting PoliciesPrinciples of ConsolidationThe accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of WMI, its wholly-owned and majority-owned subsidiaries and certain variable interest entities for which we have determined that we are the primary beneficiary. In the opinion of management, these Consolidated Financial Statements include all adjustments, which, unless otherwise disclosed, are of a normal recurring nature, necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position, results of operations, comprehensive income, cash flows, and changes in equity for the periods presented. All material intercompany 88 Table of Contents Table of Contents Table of Contents WASTE MANAGEMENT, INC.NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSYears Ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 20221. Basis of PresentationThe financial statements presented in this report represent the consolidation of Waste Management, Inc., a Delaware corporation; its wholly-owned and majority-owned subsidiaries; and certain variable interest entities for which Waste Management, Inc. or its subsidiaries are the primary beneficiaries as described in Note 18. Waste Management, Inc. is a holding company and all operations are conducted by its subsidiaries. When the terms “the Company,” “we,” “us” or “our” are used in this document, those terms refer to Waste Management, Inc., together with its consolidated subsidiaries and consolidated variable interest entities. When we use the term “WMI,” we are referring only to Waste Management, Inc., the parent holding company.We are North America’s leading provider of comprehensive environmental solutions, providing services throughout the United States (“U.S.”) and Canada. We partner with our customers and the communities we serve to manage and reduce waste at each stage from collection to disposal, while recovering valuable resources and creating clean, renewable energy. Our solid waste business is operated and managed locally by our subsidiaries that focus on distinct geographic areas and provide collection, transfer, disposal, recycling and resource recovery services. Through our subsidiaries, including our Waste Management Renewable Energy (“WM Renewable Energy”) segment, we are also a leading developer, operator and owner of landfill gas-to-energy facilities in the U.S. and Canada that produce renewable electricity and renewable natural gas, which is a significant source of fuel that we allocate to our natural gas fleet.On November 4, 2024, we completed our acquisition of all outstanding shares of Stericycle, Inc. (“Stericycle”), the operations of which are presented in this report as our new WM Healthcare Solutions segment. The acquisition expands our offerings in the U.S. and Canada and adds operations in parts of Western Europe. These businesses provide Regulated Waste and Compliance Services (“RWCS”) and Secure Information Destruction (“SID”) services that protect people and brands, promote health and well-being and safeguard the environment. Refer to Note 17 for further discussion.Our senior management evaluates, oversees and manages the financial performance of our business through five reportable segments, referred to as (i) Collection and Disposal - East Tier (“East Tier”); (ii) Collection and Disposal - West Tier (“West Tier”); (iii) Recycling Processing and Sales; (iv) WM Renewable Energy and (v) WM Healthcare Solutions. Our East and West Tiers along with certain ancillary services (“Other Ancillary”) that are not managed through our Tier segments, but that support our collection and disposal operations, form our “Collection and Disposal” businesses. We also provide additional services not managed through our five reportable segments, which are presented as Corporate and Other. Refer to Note 19 for further discussion.ReclassificationsWhen necessary, reclassifications have been made to our prior period financial information to conform to the current year presentation and are not material to our consolidated financial statements. ​​2. Summary of Significant Accounting PoliciesPrinciples of ConsolidationThe accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of WMI, its wholly-owned and majority-owned subsidiaries and certain variable interest entities for which we have determined that we are the primary beneficiary. In the opinion of management, these Consolidated Financial Statements include all adjustments, which, unless otherwise disclosed, are of a normal recurring nature, necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position, results of operations, comprehensive income, cash flows, and changes in equity for the periods presented. All material intercompany WASTE MANAGEMENT, INC.NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSYears Ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 20221. Basis of PresentationThe financial statements presented in this report represent the consolidation of Waste Management, Inc., a Delaware corporation; its wholly-owned and majority-owned subsidiaries; and certain variable interest entities for which Waste Management, Inc. or its subsidiaries are the primary beneficiaries as described in Note 18. Waste Management, Inc. is a holding company and all operations are conducted by its subsidiaries. When the terms “the Company,” “we,” “us” or “our” are used in this document, those terms refer to Waste Management, Inc., together with its consolidated subsidiaries and consolidated variable interest entities. When we use the term “WMI,” we are referring only to Waste Management, Inc., the parent holding company.We are North America’s leading provider of comprehensive environmental solutions, providing services throughout the United States (“U.S.”) and Canada. We partner with our customers and the communities we serve to manage and reduce waste at each stage from collection to disposal, while recovering valuable resources and creating clean, renewable energy. Our solid waste business is operated and managed locally by our subsidiaries that focus on distinct geographic areas and provide collection, transfer, disposal, recycling and resource recovery services. Through our subsidiaries, including our Waste Management Renewable Energy (“WM Renewable Energy”) segment, we are also a leading developer, operator and owner of landfill gas-to-energy facilities in the U.S. and Canada that produce renewable electricity and renewable natural gas, which is a significant source of fuel that we allocate to our natural gas fleet.On November 4, 2024, we completed our acquisition of all outstanding shares of Stericycle, Inc. (“Stericycle”), the operations of which are presented in this report as our new WM Healthcare Solutions segment. The acquisition expands our offerings in the U.S. and Canada and adds operations in parts of Western Europe. These businesses provide Regulated Waste and Compliance Services (“RWCS”) and Secure Information Destruction (“SID”) services that protect people and brands, promote health and well-being and safeguard the environment. Refer to Note 17 for further discussion.Our senior management evaluates, oversees and manages the financial performance of our business through five reportable segments, referred to as (i) Collection and Disposal - East Tier (“East Tier”); (ii) Collection and Disposal - West Tier (“West Tier”); (iii) Recycling Processing and Sales; (iv) WM Renewable Energy and (v) WM Healthcare Solutions. Our East and West Tiers along with certain ancillary services (“Other Ancillary”) that are not managed through our Tier segments, but that support our collection and disposal operations, form our “Collection and Disposal” businesses. We also provide additional services not managed through our five reportable segments, which are presented as Corporate and Other. Refer to Note 19 for further discussion.ReclassificationsWhen necessary, reclassifications have been made to our prior period financial information to conform to the current year presentation and are not material to our consolidated financial statements. ​​2. Summary of Significant Accounting PoliciesPrinciples of ConsolidationThe accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of WMI, its wholly-owned and majority-owned subsidiaries and certain variable interest entities for which we have determined that we are the primary beneficiary. In the opinion of management, these Consolidated Financial Statements include all adjustments, which, unless otherwise disclosed, are of a normal recurring nature, necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position, results of operations, comprehensive income, cash flows, and changes in equity for the periods presented. All material intercompany",
      "prior_body": "​ ​ ​ 78 78 Table of ContentsWASTE MANAGEMENT, INC.NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSYears Ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 20211. Basis of PresentationThe financial statements presented in this report represent the consolidation of Waste Management, Inc., a Delaware corporation; its wholly-owned and majority-owned subsidiaries; and certain variable interest entities for which Waste Management, Inc. or its subsidiaries are the primary beneficiaries as described in Note 18. Waste Management, Inc. is a holding company and all operations are conducted by its subsidiaries. When the terms “the Company,” “we,” “us” or “our” are used in this document, those terms refer to Waste Management, Inc., together with its consolidated subsidiaries and consolidated variable interest entities. When we use the term “WMI,” we are referring only to Waste Management, Inc., the parent holding company.We are North America’s leading provider of comprehensive environmental solutions, providing services throughout the United States (“U.S.”) and Canada. We partner with our customers and the communities we serve to manage and reduce waste at each stage from collection to disposal, while recovering valuable resources and creating clean, renewable energy. Our solid waste business is operated and managed locally by our subsidiaries that focus on distinct geographic areas and provide collection, transfer, disposal, recycling and resource recovery services. Through our subsidiaries, including our Waste Management Renewable Energy (“WM Renewable Energy”) business, we are also a leading developer, operator and owner of landfill gas-to-energy facilities in the U.S. and Canada that produce renewable electricity and renewable natural gas, which is a significant source of fuel that we allocate to our natural gas fleet.To enhance transparency regarding our financial performance, highlight the strength and consistency of our core solid waste businesses, and underscore our commitment to sustainability through planned and ongoing investments in our Recycling Processing and Sales and WM Renewable Energy businesses, beginning in the fourth quarter of 2023, our senior management revised its segment reporting to (i) reflect the financial results of our collection, transfer, disposal and resource recovery services businesses independently; (ii) combine the results of all recycling facilities from our East and West Tier segments with our recycling brokerage and sales activities to form a newly created Recycling Processing and Sales reportable segment and (iii) include our WM Renewable Energy business as a reportable segment. Accordingly, our senior management now evaluates, oversees and manages the financial performance of our business through four reportable segments, referred to as (i) Collection and Disposal - East Tier (“East Tier”); (ii) Collection and Disposal - West Tier (“West Tier”); (iii) Recycling Processing and Sales and (iv) WM Renewable Energy. Our East and West Tier, along with certain ancillary services not managed through our tier segments, but that support our collection and disposal operations, form our “Collection and Disposal” businesses. We also provide additional services not managed through our four reportable segments, which are presented as Corporate and Other. Refer to Note 19 for further discussion.ReclassificationsWhen necessary, reclassifications have been made to our prior period financial information to conform to the current year presentation and are not material to our consolidated financial statements. ​​2. Summary of Significant Accounting PoliciesPrinciples of ConsolidationThe accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of WMI, its wholly-owned and majority-owned subsidiaries and certain variable interest entities for which we have determined that we are the primary beneficiary. All material intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated. Investments in unconsolidated entities are accounted for under the appropriate method of accounting.79 Table of Contents Table of Contents Table of Contents WASTE MANAGEMENT, INC.NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSYears Ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 20211. Basis of PresentationThe financial statements presented in this report represent the consolidation of Waste Management, Inc., a Delaware corporation; its wholly-owned and majority-owned subsidiaries; and certain variable interest entities for which Waste Management, Inc. or its subsidiaries are the primary beneficiaries as described in Note 18. Waste Management, Inc. is a holding company and all operations are conducted by its subsidiaries. When the terms “the Company,” “we,” “us” or “our” are used in this document, those terms refer to Waste Management, Inc., together with its consolidated subsidiaries and consolidated variable interest entities. When we use the term “WMI,” we are referring only to Waste Management, Inc., the parent holding company.We are North America’s leading provider of comprehensive environmental solutions, providing services throughout the United States (“U.S.”) and Canada. We partner with our customers and the communities we serve to manage and reduce waste at each stage from collection to disposal, while recovering valuable resources and creating clean, renewable energy. Our solid waste business is operated and managed locally by our subsidiaries that focus on distinct geographic areas and provide collection, transfer, disposal, recycling and resource recovery services. Through our subsidiaries, including our Waste Management Renewable Energy (“WM Renewable Energy”) business, we are also a leading developer, operator and owner of landfill gas-to-energy facilities in the U.S. and Canada that produce renewable electricity and renewable natural gas, which is a significant source of fuel that we allocate to our natural gas fleet.To enhance transparency regarding our financial performance, highlight the strength and consistency of our core solid waste businesses, and underscore our commitment to sustainability through planned and ongoing investments in our Recycling Processing and Sales and WM Renewable Energy businesses, beginning in the fourth quarter of 2023, our senior management revised its segment reporting to (i) reflect the financial results of our collection, transfer, disposal and resource recovery services businesses independently; (ii) combine the results of all recycling facilities from our East and West Tier segments with our recycling brokerage and sales activities to form a newly created Recycling Processing and Sales reportable segment and (iii) include our WM Renewable Energy business as a reportable segment. Accordingly, our senior management now evaluates, oversees and manages the financial performance of our business through four reportable segments, referred to as (i) Collection and Disposal - East Tier (“East Tier”); (ii) Collection and Disposal - West Tier (“West Tier”); (iii) Recycling Processing and Sales and (iv) WM Renewable Energy. Our East and West Tier, along with certain ancillary services not managed through our tier segments, but that support our collection and disposal operations, form our “Collection and Disposal” businesses. We also provide additional services not managed through our four reportable segments, which are presented as Corporate and Other. Refer to Note 19 for further discussion.ReclassificationsWhen necessary, reclassifications have been made to our prior period financial information to conform to the current year presentation and are not material to our consolidated financial statements. ​​2. Summary of Significant Accounting PoliciesPrinciples of ConsolidationThe accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of WMI, its wholly-owned and majority-owned subsidiaries and certain variable interest entities for which we have determined that we are the primary beneficiary. All material intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated. Investments in unconsolidated entities are accounted for under the appropriate method of accounting."
    },
    {
      "status": "MODIFIED",
      "current_title": "NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)",
      "prior_title": "NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)",
      "similarity_score": 0.827,
      "confidence": "high",
      "key_changes": [
        "Reworded sentence: \"​ Long-Term ContractsApproximately 25% of our total revenue is derived from contracts with a remaining term greater than one year.\"",
        "Reworded sentence: \"The variable elements of these contracts primarily include the number of homes and businesses served, weight, number of containers served and annual rate changes based on consumer price index, fuel prices or other operating costs.\"",
        "Reworded sentence: \"We do not disclose the value of unsatisfied performance obligations for these contracts as our right to consideration corresponds directly to the value provided to the customer for services completed to date and all future variable consideration is allocated to wholly unsatisfied performance obligations.Environmental Credits We generate environmental credits through our production and sale of renewable energy.\"",
        "Reworded sentence: \"We are party to pending or threatened legal Long-Term ContractsApproximately 25% of our total revenue is derived from contracts with a remaining term greater than one year.\"",
        "Reworded sentence: \"The variable elements of these contracts primarily include the number of homes and businesses served, weight, number of containers served and annual rate changes based on consumer price index, fuel prices or other operating costs.\""
      ],
      "current_body": "​ balances and transactions have been eliminated. Investments in unconsolidated entities are accounted for under the appropriate method of accounting.Estimates and AssumptionsIn preparing our financial statements, we make numerous estimates and assumptions that affect the accounting for and recognition and disclosure of assets, liabilities, equity, revenues and expenses. We must make these estimates and assumptions because certain information that we use is dependent on future events, cannot be calculated with precision from available data or simply cannot be calculated. In some cases, these estimates are difficult to determine, and we must exercise significant judgment. In preparing our financial statements, the most difficult, subjective and complex estimates and the assumptions that present the greatest amount of uncertainty relate to our accounting for landfills, environmental remediation liabilities, long-lived asset impairments, intangible asset impairments and the fair value of assets and liabilities acquired in business combinations. Each of these items is discussed in additional detail below. Actual results could differ materially from the estimates and assumptions that we use in the preparation of our financial statements.Cash and Cash EquivalentsCash in excess of current operating requirements is invested in short-term interest-bearing instruments with maturities of three months or less at the date of purchase and is stated at cost, which approximates market value.Concentrations of Credit RiskFinancial instruments that potentially subject us to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, investments held within restricted funds, and accounts receivable. We make efforts to control our exposure to credit risk associated with these instruments by (i) placing our assets and other financial interests with a diverse group of credit-worthy financial institutions; (ii) holding high-quality financial instruments while limiting investments in any one instrument and (iii) maintaining strict policies over credit extension that include credit evaluations, credit limits and monitoring procedures, although generally we do not have collateral requirements for credit extensions. We also control our exposure associated with trade receivables by discontinuing service, to the extent allowable, to non-paying customers. However, our overall credit risk associated with trade receivables is limited due to the large number and diversity of customers we serve. As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, no single customer represented greater than 5% of total accounts receivable.Accounts and Other Receivables Our receivables, which are recorded when billed, when services are performed or when cash is advanced, are claims against third parties that will generally be settled in cash. The carrying value of our receivables, net of the allowance for doubtful accounts, represents the estimated net realizable value. We estimate our allowance for doubtful accounts based on historical collection trends; type of customer, such as municipal or commercial; the age of outstanding receivables and existing as well as expected economic conditions. If events or changes in circumstances indicate that specific receivable balances may be impaired, further consideration is given to the collectability of those balances and the allowance is adjusted accordingly. Past-due receivable balances are written off when our collection efforts have been unsuccessful. Also, we recognize interest income on long-term interest-bearing notes receivable as the interest accrues under the terms of the notes. We no longer accrue interest once the notes are deemed uncollectible. balances and transactions have been eliminated. Investments in unconsolidated entities are accounted for under the appropriate method of accounting.Estimates and AssumptionsIn preparing our financial statements, we make numerous estimates and assumptions that affect the accounting for and recognition and disclosure of assets, liabilities, equity, revenues and expenses. We must make these estimates and assumptions because certain information that we use is dependent on future events, cannot be calculated with precision from available data or simply cannot be calculated. In some cases, these estimates are difficult to determine, and we must exercise significant judgment. In preparing our financial statements, the most difficult, subjective and complex estimates and the assumptions that present the greatest amount of uncertainty relate to our accounting for landfills, environmental remediation liabilities, long-lived asset impairments, intangible asset impairments and the fair value of assets and liabilities acquired in business combinations. Each of these items is discussed in additional detail below. Actual results could differ materially from the estimates and assumptions that we use in the preparation of our financial statements.Cash and Cash EquivalentsCash in excess of current operating requirements is invested in short-term interest-bearing instruments with maturities of three months or less at the date of purchase and is stated at cost, which approximates market value.Concentrations of Credit RiskFinancial instruments that potentially subject us to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, investments held within restricted funds, and accounts receivable. We make efforts to control our exposure to credit risk associated with these instruments by (i) placing our assets and other financial interests with a diverse group of credit-worthy financial institutions; (ii) holding high-quality financial instruments while limiting investments in any one instrument and (iii) maintaining strict policies over credit extension that include credit evaluations, credit limits and monitoring procedures, although generally we do not have collateral requirements for credit extensions. We also control our exposure associated with trade receivables by discontinuing service, to the extent allowable, to non-paying customers. However, our overall credit risk associated with trade receivables is limited due to the large number and diversity of customers we serve. As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, no single customer represented greater than 5% of total accounts receivable.Accounts and Other Receivables Our receivables, which are recorded when billed, when services are performed or when cash is advanced, are claims against third parties that will generally be settled in cash. The carrying value of our receivables, net of the allowance for doubtful accounts, represents the estimated net realizable value. We estimate our allowance for doubtful accounts based on historical collection trends; type of customer, such as municipal or commercial; the age of outstanding receivables and existing as well as expected economic conditions. If events or changes in circumstances indicate that specific receivable balances may be impaired, further consideration is given to the collectability of those balances and the allowance is adjusted accordingly. Past-due receivable balances are written off when our collection efforts have been unsuccessful. Also, we recognize interest income on long-term interest-bearing notes receivable as the interest accrues under the terms of the notes. We no longer accrue interest once the notes are deemed uncollectible. balances and transactions have been eliminated. Investments in unconsolidated entities are accounted for under the appropriate method of accounting.",
      "prior_body": "​ Estimates and AssumptionsIn preparing our financial statements, we make numerous estimates and assumptions that affect the accounting for and recognition and disclosure of assets, liabilities, equity, revenues and expenses. We must make these estimates and assumptions because certain information that we use is dependent on future events, cannot be calculated with precision from available data or simply cannot be calculated. In some cases, these estimates are difficult to determine, and we must exercise significant judgment. In preparing our financial statements, the most difficult, subjective and complex estimates and the assumptions that present the greatest amount of uncertainty relate to our accounting for landfills, environmental remediation liabilities, long-lived asset impairments, intangible asset impairments and the fair value of assets and liabilities acquired in business combinations. Each of these items is discussed in additional detail below. Actual results could differ materially from the estimates and assumptions that we use in the preparation of our financial statements.Cash and Cash EquivalentsCash in excess of current operating requirements is invested in short-term interest-bearing instruments with maturities of three months or less at the date of purchase and is stated at cost, which approximates market value.Concentrations of Credit RiskFinancial instruments that potentially subject us to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, investments held within restricted funds, and accounts receivable. We make efforts to control our exposure to credit risk associated with these instruments by (i) placing our assets and other financial interests with a diverse group of credit-worthy financial institutions; (ii) holding high-quality financial instruments while limiting investments in any one instrument and (iii) maintaining strict policies over credit extension that include credit evaluations, credit limits and monitoring procedures, although generally we do not have collateral requirements for credit extensions. We also control our exposure associated with trade receivables by discontinuing service, to the extent allowable, to non-paying customers. However, our overall credit risk associated with trade receivables is limited due to the large number and diversity of customers we serve. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, no single customer represented greater than 5% of total accounts receivable.Accounts and Other Receivables Our receivables, which are recorded when billed, when services are performed or when cash is advanced, are claims against third parties that will generally be settled in cash. The carrying value of our receivables, net of the allowance for doubtful accounts, represents the estimated net realizable value. We estimate our allowance for doubtful accounts based on historical collection trends; type of customer, such as municipal or commercial; the age of outstanding receivables and existing as well as expected economic conditions. If events or changes in circumstances indicate that specific receivable balances may be impaired, further consideration is given to the collectability of those balances and the allowance is adjusted accordingly. Past-due receivable balances are written off when our internal collection efforts have been unsuccessful. Also, we recognize interest income on long-term interest-bearing notes receivable as the interest accrues under the terms of the notes. We no longer accrue interest once the notes are deemed uncollectible."
    },
    {
      "status": "MODIFIED",
      "current_title": "NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)",
      "prior_title": "Long-Lived Asset Impairments",
      "similarity_score": 0.823,
      "confidence": "high",
      "key_changes": [
        "Reworded sentence: \"​ generally determined by considering (i) internally developed discounted projected cash flow analysis of the asset or asset group; (ii) third-party valuations and/or (iii) information available regarding the current market for similar assets.\"",
        "Reworded sentence: \"As a result, our tests of recoverability, which generally make use of a probability-weighted cash flow estimation approach, may indicate that no impairment loss should be recorded.Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets, Including Goodwill — At least annually using a measurement date of October 1, and more frequently if warranted, we assess our indefinite-lived intangible assets, including the goodwill of our reporting units, for impairment.We first perform a qualitative assessment to determine if it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value.\"",
        "Reworded sentence: \"Estimated generally determined by considering (i) internally developed discounted projected cash flow analysis of the asset or asset group; (ii) third-party valuations and/or (iii) information available regarding the current market for similar assets.\""
      ],
      "current_body": "​ balances and transactions have been eliminated. Investments in unconsolidated entities are accounted for under the appropriate method of accounting.Estimates and AssumptionsIn preparing our financial statements, we make numerous estimates and assumptions that affect the accounting for and recognition and disclosure of assets, liabilities, equity, revenues and expenses. We must make these estimates and assumptions because certain information that we use is dependent on future events, cannot be calculated with precision from available data or simply cannot be calculated. In some cases, these estimates are difficult to determine, and we must exercise significant judgment. In preparing our financial statements, the most difficult, subjective and complex estimates and the assumptions that present the greatest amount of uncertainty relate to our accounting for landfills, environmental remediation liabilities, long-lived asset impairments, intangible asset impairments and the fair value of assets and liabilities acquired in business combinations. Each of these items is discussed in additional detail below. Actual results could differ materially from the estimates and assumptions that we use in the preparation of our financial statements.Cash and Cash EquivalentsCash in excess of current operating requirements is invested in short-term interest-bearing instruments with maturities of three months or less at the date of purchase and is stated at cost, which approximates market value.Concentrations of Credit RiskFinancial instruments that potentially subject us to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, investments held within restricted funds, and accounts receivable. We make efforts to control our exposure to credit risk associated with these instruments by (i) placing our assets and other financial interests with a diverse group of credit-worthy financial institutions; (ii) holding high-quality financial instruments while limiting investments in any one instrument and (iii) maintaining strict policies over credit extension that include credit evaluations, credit limits and monitoring procedures, although generally we do not have collateral requirements for credit extensions. We also control our exposure associated with trade receivables by discontinuing service, to the extent allowable, to non-paying customers. However, our overall credit risk associated with trade receivables is limited due to the large number and diversity of customers we serve. As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, no single customer represented greater than 5% of total accounts receivable.Accounts and Other Receivables Our receivables, which are recorded when billed, when services are performed or when cash is advanced, are claims against third parties that will generally be settled in cash. The carrying value of our receivables, net of the allowance for doubtful accounts, represents the estimated net realizable value. We estimate our allowance for doubtful accounts based on historical collection trends; type of customer, such as municipal or commercial; the age of outstanding receivables and existing as well as expected economic conditions. If events or changes in circumstances indicate that specific receivable balances may be impaired, further consideration is given to the collectability of those balances and the allowance is adjusted accordingly. Past-due receivable balances are written off when our collection efforts have been unsuccessful. Also, we recognize interest income on long-term interest-bearing notes receivable as the interest accrues under the terms of the notes. We no longer accrue interest once the notes are deemed uncollectible. balances and transactions have been eliminated. Investments in unconsolidated entities are accounted for under the appropriate method of accounting.Estimates and AssumptionsIn preparing our financial statements, we make numerous estimates and assumptions that affect the accounting for and recognition and disclosure of assets, liabilities, equity, revenues and expenses. We must make these estimates and assumptions because certain information that we use is dependent on future events, cannot be calculated with precision from available data or simply cannot be calculated. In some cases, these estimates are difficult to determine, and we must exercise significant judgment. In preparing our financial statements, the most difficult, subjective and complex estimates and the assumptions that present the greatest amount of uncertainty relate to our accounting for landfills, environmental remediation liabilities, long-lived asset impairments, intangible asset impairments and the fair value of assets and liabilities acquired in business combinations. Each of these items is discussed in additional detail below. Actual results could differ materially from the estimates and assumptions that we use in the preparation of our financial statements.Cash and Cash EquivalentsCash in excess of current operating requirements is invested in short-term interest-bearing instruments with maturities of three months or less at the date of purchase and is stated at cost, which approximates market value.Concentrations of Credit RiskFinancial instruments that potentially subject us to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, investments held within restricted funds, and accounts receivable. We make efforts to control our exposure to credit risk associated with these instruments by (i) placing our assets and other financial interests with a diverse group of credit-worthy financial institutions; (ii) holding high-quality financial instruments while limiting investments in any one instrument and (iii) maintaining strict policies over credit extension that include credit evaluations, credit limits and monitoring procedures, although generally we do not have collateral requirements for credit extensions. We also control our exposure associated with trade receivables by discontinuing service, to the extent allowable, to non-paying customers. However, our overall credit risk associated with trade receivables is limited due to the large number and diversity of customers we serve. As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, no single customer represented greater than 5% of total accounts receivable.Accounts and Other Receivables Our receivables, which are recorded when billed, when services are performed or when cash is advanced, are claims against third parties that will generally be settled in cash. The carrying value of our receivables, net of the allowance for doubtful accounts, represents the estimated net realizable value. We estimate our allowance for doubtful accounts based on historical collection trends; type of customer, such as municipal or commercial; the age of outstanding receivables and existing as well as expected economic conditions. If events or changes in circumstances indicate that specific receivable balances may be impaired, further consideration is given to the collectability of those balances and the allowance is adjusted accordingly. Past-due receivable balances are written off when our collection efforts have been unsuccessful. Also, we recognize interest income on long-term interest-bearing notes receivable as the interest accrues under the terms of the notes. We no longer accrue interest once the notes are deemed uncollectible. balances and transactions have been eliminated. Investments in unconsolidated entities are accounted for under the appropriate method of accounting.",
      "prior_body": "We assess our long-lived assets for impairment as required under the applicable accounting standards. If necessary, impairments are recorded in (gain) loss from divestitures, asset impairments and unusual items, net in our Consolidated Statements of Operations. Property and Equipment, Including Landfills and Definite-Lived Intangible Assets — We monitor the carrying value of our long-lived assets for potential impairment on an ongoing basis and test the recoverability of such assets generally using significant unobservable (“Level 3”) inputs whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying amounts may not be recoverable. These events or changes in circumstances, including management decisions pertaining to such assets, are referred to as impairment indicators. If an impairment indicator occurs, we perform a test of recoverability by comparing the carrying value of the asset or asset group to its undiscounted expected future cash flows. If cash flows cannot be separately and independently identified for a single asset, we will determine whether an impairment has occurred for the group of assets for which we can identify the projected cash flows. If the carrying values are in excess of undiscounted expected future cash flows, we measure any impairment by comparing the fair value of the asset or asset group to its carrying value and the difference is recorded in the period that the impairment indicator occurs. Fair value is generally determined by considering (i) internally developed discounted projected cash flow analysis of the asset or asset group; (ii) third-party valuations and/or (iii) information available regarding the current market for similar assets. Estimating future cash flows requires significant judgment and projections may vary from the cash flows eventually realized, which could impact our ability to accurately assess whether an asset has been impaired. The assessment of impairment indicators and the recoverability of our capitalized costs associated with landfills and related expansion projects require significant judgment due to the unique nature of the waste industry, the highly regulated permitting process and the sensitive estimates involved. During the review of a landfill expansion application, a regulator may initially deny the expansion application although the expansion permit is ultimately granted. In addition, management may periodically divert waste from one landfill to another to conserve remaining permitted landfill airspace, or a landfill may be required to cease accepting waste, prior to receipt of the expansion permit. However, such events occur in the ordinary course of business in the waste industry and do not necessarily result in impairment of our landfill assets because, after consideration of all facts, such events may not affect our belief that we will ultimately obtain the expansion permit. As a result, our tests of recoverability, which generally make use of a probability-weighted cash flow estimation approach, may indicate that no impairment loss should be recorded. Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets, Including Goodwill — At least annually using a measurement date of October 1, and more frequently if warranted, we assess our indefinite-lived intangible assets, including the goodwill of our reporting units, for impairment. 87 87 Table of ContentsWASTE MANAGEMENT, INC.NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)​We first perform a qualitative assessment to determine if it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value. If the assessment indicates a possible impairment, we complete a quantitative review, comparing the estimated fair value of a reporting unit to its carrying amount, including goodwill. An impairment charge is recognized if the asset’s estimated fair value is less than its carrying amount. Fair value is typically estimated using an income approach using Level 3 inputs. However, when appropriate, we may also use a market approach. The income approach is based on the long-term projected future cash flows of the reporting units. We discount the estimated cash flows to present value using a weighted average cost of capital that considers factors such as market assumptions, the timing of the cash flows and the risks inherent in those cash flows. We believe that this approach is appropriate because it provides a fair value estimate based upon the reporting units’ expected long-term performance considering the economic and market conditions that generally affect our business. The market approach estimates fair value by measuring the aggregate market value of publicly-traded companies with similar characteristics to our business as a multiple of their reported earnings. We then apply that multiple to the reporting units’ earnings to estimate their fair values. We believe that this approach may also be appropriate in certain circumstances because it provides a fair value estimate using valuation inputs from entities with operations and economic characteristics comparable to our reporting units.Fair value is computed using several factors, including projected future operating results, economic projections, anticipated future cash flows, comparable marketplace data and the cost of capital. There are inherent uncertainties related to these factors and to our judgment in applying them in our analysis. However, we believe our methodology for estimating the fair value of our reporting units is reasonable.Refer to Note 11 for information related to impairments recognized during the reported periods. Insured and Self-Insured ClaimsWe have retained a significant portion of the risks related to our health and welfare, general liability, automobile liability and workers’ compensation claims programs. For our self-insured portions, the exposure for unpaid claims and associated expenses, including incurred but not reported losses, is based on an actuarial valuation or internal estimates. The gross estimated liability associated with settling unpaid claims is included in accrued liabilities in our Consolidated Balance Sheets if expected to be settled within one year; otherwise, it is included in other long-term liabilities. Estimated insurance recoveries related to recorded liabilities are reflected as other current receivables or other long-term assets in our Consolidated Balance Sheets when we believe that the receipt of such amounts is probable.We use a wholly-owned insurance captive to insure the deductibles for our general liability, automobile liability and workers’ compensation claims programs. We continue to maintain conventional insurance policies with third-party insurers. WMI pays an annual premium to the insurance captive on behalf of WMI and its insured subsidiaries, typically in the first quarter of the year, for estimated losses based on an external actuarial analysis. These premiums are held in a restricted funds account to be used solely for paying insurance claims, resulting in a transfer of risk from our Company to the insurance captive, and are allocated between current and long-term assets depending on estimated timing of the use of funds.Restricted Funds Our restricted funds accounts primarily consist of funds deposited for purposes of funding insurance claims and settling landfill final capping, closure, post-closure and environmental remediation obligations. These funds are generally allocated between cash, money market funds, equity securities and available-for-sale debt securities depending on the estimated timing and purpose of the use of funds. We use a wholly-owned insurance captive to insure the deductibles for certain claims programs and the premiums paid are directly deposited into a restricted funds account to be used solely for paying insurance claims. At several of our landfills, we provide financial assurance by depositing cash into restricted trust funds for purposes of settling final capping, closure, post-closure and environmental remediation obligations. Balances maintained in these restricted funds accounts will fluctuate based on (i) changes in statutory requirements; (ii) future 88 Table of ContentsWASTE MANAGEMENT, INC.NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)​ Table of Contents Table of Contents"
    },
    {
      "status": "MODIFIED",
      "current_title": "Year Ended December 31,",
      "prior_title": "Year Ended December 31,",
      "similarity_score": 0.819,
      "confidence": "high",
      "key_changes": [
        "Reworded sentence: \"​ 2024 2023 2022 Consolidated net income ​ $ 2,745 ​ $ 2,276 ​ $ 2,240 Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax: ​ ​ ​ Derivative instruments, net ​ 27 ​ 14 ​ 3 Available-for-sale securities, net ​ 7 ​ (11) ​ (24) Foreign currency translation adjustments ​ (111) ​ 26 ​ (65) Post-retirement benefit obligations, net ​ (1) ​ 3 ​ — Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax ​ (78) ​ 32 ​ (86) Comprehensive income ​ 2,667 ​ 2,308 ​ 2,154 Less: Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests ​ (1) ​ (28) ​ 2 Comprehensive income attributable to Waste Management, Inc.\""
      ],
      "current_body": "​ 2024 2023 2022 Operating revenues ​ $ 22,063 ​ $ 20,426 ​ $ 19,698 Costs and expenses: ​ ​ ​ ​ Operating ​ 13,383 ​ 12,606 ​ 12,294 Selling, general and administrative ​ 2,264 ​ 1,926 ​ 1,938 Depreciation, depletion and amortization ​ 2,267 ​ 2,071 ​ 2,038 Restructuring ​ 4 ​ 5 ​ 1 (Gain) loss from divestitures, asset impairments and unusual items, net ​ 82 ​ 243 ​ 62 ​ ​ 18,000 ​ 16,851 ​ 16,333 Income from operations ​ 4,063 ​ 3,575 ​ 3,365 Other income (expense): ​ ​ ​ ​ Interest expense, net ​ (598) ​ (500) ​ (378) Loss on early extinguishment of debt, net ​ ​ (7) ​ ​ — ​ ​ — Equity in net income (losses) of unconsolidated entities ​ 4 ​ (60) ​ (67) Other, net ​ (4) ​ 6 ​ (2) ​ ​ (605) ​ (554) ​ (447) Income before income taxes ​ 3,458 ​ 3,021 ​ 2,918 Income tax expense ​ 713 ​ 745 ​ 678 Consolidated net income ​ 2,745 ​ 2,276 ​ 2,240 Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests ​ (1) ​ (28) ​ 2 Net income attributable to Waste Management, Inc. ​ $ 2,746 ​ $ 2,304 ​ $ 2,238 Basic earnings per common share ​ $ 6.84 ​ $ 5.69 ​ $ 5.42 Diluted earnings per common share ​ $ 6.81 ​ $ 5.66 ​ $ 5.39 ​ ​ ​",
      "prior_body": "​ 2023 2022 2021 Operating revenues ​ $ 20,426 ​ $ 19,698 ​ $ 17,931 Costs and expenses: ​ ​ ​ ​ Operating ​ 12,606 ​ 12,294 ​ 11,111 Selling, general and administrative ​ 1,926 ​ 1,938 ​ 1,864 Depreciation, depletion and amortization ​ 2,071 ​ 2,038 ​ 1,999 Restructuring ​ 5 ​ 1 ​ 8 (Gain) loss from divestitures, asset impairments and unusual items, net ​ 243 ​ 62 ​ (16) ​ ​ 16,851 ​ 16,333 ​ 14,966 Income from operations ​ 3,575 ​ 3,365 ​ 2,965 Other income (expense): ​ ​ ​ ​ Interest expense, net ​ (500) ​ (378) ​ (365) Loss on early extinguishment of debt, net ​ ​ — ​ ​ — ​ ​ (220) Equity in net losses of unconsolidated entities ​ (60) ​ (67) ​ (36) Other, net ​ 6 ​ (2) ​ 5 ​ ​ (554) ​ (447) ​ (616) Income before income taxes ​ 3,021 ​ 2,918 ​ 2,349 Income tax expense ​ 745 ​ 678 ​ 532 Consolidated net income ​ 2,276 ​ 2,240 ​ 1,817 Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests ​ (28) ​ 2 ​ 1 Net income attributable to Waste Management, Inc. ​ $ 2,304 ​ $ 2,238 ​ $ 1,816 Basic earnings per common share ​ $ 5.69 ​ $ 5.42 ​ $ 4.32 Diluted earnings per common share ​ $ 5.66 ​ $ 5.39 ​ $ 4.29 ​ ​ ​"
    },
    {
      "status": "MODIFIED",
      "current_title": "Currently pending or future litigation or governmental proceedings could result in material adverse consequences, including judgments or settlements.",
      "prior_title": "We could be subject to significant fines and penalties, and our reputation could be adversely affected, if our businesses, or third parties with whom we have a relationship, were to fail to comply with U.S. or foreign laws or regulations.",
      "similarity_score": 0.803,
      "confidence": "high",
      "key_changes": [
        "Reworded sentence: \"As a large company with extensive operations, we are subject to various proceedings, lawsuits, disputes and claims arising in the ordinary course of our business, including governmental proceedings.\"",
        "Reworded sentence: \"government’s future actions regarding its debt ceiling and any possibility that the U.S.\"",
        "Added sentence: \"An important factor in our credit ratings is our leverage.\"",
        "Added sentence: \"We have communicated the Company’s expectation that our leverage will return to targeted levels about 18 months after the November 2024 acquisition of Stericycle.\"",
        "Added sentence: \"If we do not achieve our projected reduction in leverage, it could negatively impact our credit ratings.\""
      ],
      "current_body": "As a large company with extensive operations, we are subject to various proceedings, lawsuits, disputes and claims arising in the ordinary course of our business, including governmental proceedings. Actions that have been filed against us, and that may be filed against us in the future, include personal injury, property damage, commercial, customer, and employment-related claims, including purported state and national class action lawsuits related to: The timing of the final resolutions to these types of matters is often uncertain. Additionally, the possible outcomes or resolutions to these matters could include adverse judgments or settlements, either of which could require substantial payments, adversely affecting our liquidity. Stericycle is, and has been, involved in government investigations, enforcement proceedings, private lawsuits and other disputes alleging noncompliance with applicable regulations, including alleged noncompliance with the Controlled Substances Act and other statutes involving its now-divested Domestic Environmental Solutions business of collecting, transporting, and destroying controlled substances from retail customers. With the acquisition of Stericycle, these matters may result in adverse consequences, including permit revocations or denials and civil, criminal and administrative penalties. ​ 40 40 Table of ContentsFinancial RisksOur capital requirements and our business strategy could increase our expenses, cause us to change our growth and development plans, or result in an inability to maintain our desired credit profile.If economic conditions or other risks and uncertainties cause a significant reduction in our cash flows from operations, we may reduce or suspend capital expenditures, growth and acquisition activity, implementation of our business strategy, dividend declarations or share repurchases. We may choose to incur indebtedness to pay for these activities, although our access to capital markets is not assured and we may not be able to incur indebtedness at a cost that is consistent with current borrowing rates. We also may need to incur indebtedness to refinance scheduled debt maturities, and it is possible that the cost of financing could increase significantly, thereby increasing our expenses and decreasing our net income. Macroeconomic pressures, including inflation and rising interest rates, and market disruption are continuing. The U.S. government’s future actions regarding its debt ceiling and any possibility that the U.S. could default on its debt obligations could cause further interest rate increases, disrupt access to capital markets and trigger recessionary conditions. Further, our ability to execute our financial strategy, manage interest rate exposure and incur indebtedness is somewhat dependent upon our ability to maintain investment grade credit ratings on our senior debt. The credit rating process is contingent upon our credit profile and several other factors, many of which are beyond our control, including methodologies established and interpreted by third-party rating agencies. An important factor in our credit ratings is our leverage. We have communicated the Company’s expectation that our leverage will return to targeted levels about 18 months after the November 2024 acquisition of Stericycle. If we do not achieve our projected reduction in leverage, it could negatively impact our credit ratings. If we were unable to maintain our investment grade credit ratings in the future, our interest expense would increase and our ability to obtain financing on favorable terms could be adversely affected. We have $2.7 billion of debt as of December 31, 2024 that is exposed to changes in market interest rates within the next 12 months, associated with our commercial paper borrowings and tax-exempt bonds. If interest rates increase, our interest expense would also increase, lowering our net income and decreasing our cash flow.We may use our $3.5 billion long-term U.S. and Canadian revolving credit facility (“$3.5 billion revolving credit facility”) to meet our cash needs, to the extent available, until maturity in May 2029. As of December 31, 2024, we had no outstanding borrowings under this facility. We had $1.2 billion of outstanding borrowings (net of related discount on issuance) under our commercial paper program and $224 million of letters of credit issued, both supported by this facility, leaving unused and available credit capacity of $2.1 billion as of December 31, 2024. In the event of a default under our $3.5 billion revolving credit facility we could be required to immediately repay all outstanding borrowings and make cash deposits as collateral for all obligations the facility supports, which we may not be able to do. Additionally, any such default could cause a default under many of our other credit agreements and debt instruments. Without waivers from lenders party to those agreements, any such default would have a material adverse effect on our ability to operate.Increases in the costs of obtaining adequate financial assurance, or the inadequacy of our insurance coverages, could negatively impact our liquidity and increase our liabilities.The amount of insurance we are required to maintain for environmental liability is governed by statutory requirements. We also carry a broad range of other insurance coverages that are customary for a company our size. To the extent our obligations for claims are more than we estimated, our insurance coverage is inadequate to cover our obligations, or our insurers are unable to meet their obligations, the requirement that we pay such obligations could have a material adverse effect on our financial results.In addition, to fulfill our financial assurance obligations with respect to variable-rate tax-exempt debt, and final capping, closure, post-closure and environmental remediation obligations, we generally obtain letters of credit or surety bonds, rely on insurance, including captive insurance, fund trust and escrow accounts or rely upon WMI financial guarantees. Our financial position, which can be negatively affected by asset impairments, our credit profile and general economic factors, may increase the cost of our current financial assurance instruments, and changes in regulations may impose stricter requirements on the types of financial assurance that will be accepted. In the event we are unable to obtain sufficient surety bonding, letters of credit or third-party insurance coverage at reasonable cost, or one or more states cease to view captive insurance as adequate coverage, we would need to rely on other forms of financial assurance. It is possible that we could be required to deposit cash to collateralize certain obligations, which could negatively impact our liquidity.41 Table of Contents Table of Contents Table of Contents Financial RisksOur capital requirements and our business strategy could increase our expenses, cause us to change our growth and development plans, or result in an inability to maintain our desired credit profile.If economic conditions or other risks and uncertainties cause a significant reduction in our cash flows from operations, we may reduce or suspend capital expenditures, growth and acquisition activity, implementation of our business strategy, dividend declarations or share repurchases. We may choose to incur indebtedness to pay for these activities, although our access to capital markets is not assured and we may not be able to incur indebtedness at a cost that is consistent with current borrowing rates. We also may need to incur indebtedness to refinance scheduled debt maturities, and it is possible that the cost of financing could increase significantly, thereby increasing our expenses and decreasing our net income. Macroeconomic pressures, including inflation and rising interest rates, and market disruption are continuing. The U.S. government’s future actions regarding its debt ceiling and any possibility that the U.S. could default on its debt obligations could cause further interest rate increases, disrupt access to capital markets and trigger recessionary conditions. Further, our ability to execute our financial strategy, manage interest rate exposure and incur indebtedness is somewhat dependent upon our ability to maintain investment grade credit ratings on our senior debt. The credit rating process is contingent upon our credit profile and several other factors, many of which are beyond our control, including methodologies established and interpreted by third-party rating agencies. An important factor in our credit ratings is our leverage. We have communicated the Company’s expectation that our leverage will return to targeted levels about 18 months after the November 2024 acquisition of Stericycle. If we do not achieve our projected reduction in leverage, it could negatively impact our credit ratings. If we were unable to maintain our investment grade credit ratings in the future, our interest expense would increase and our ability to obtain financing on favorable terms could be adversely affected. We have $2.7 billion of debt as of December 31, 2024 that is exposed to changes in market interest rates within the next 12 months, associated with our commercial paper borrowings and tax-exempt bonds. If interest rates increase, our interest expense would also increase, lowering our net income and decreasing our cash flow.We may use our $3.5 billion long-term U.S. and Canadian revolving credit facility (“$3.5 billion revolving credit facility”) to meet our cash needs, to the extent available, until maturity in May 2029. As of December 31, 2024, we had no outstanding borrowings under this facility. We had $1.2 billion of outstanding borrowings (net of related discount on issuance) under our commercial paper program and $224 million of letters of credit issued, both supported by this facility, leaving unused and available credit capacity of $2.1 billion as of December 31, 2024. In the event of a default under our $3.5 billion revolving credit facility we could be required to immediately repay all outstanding borrowings and make cash deposits as collateral for all obligations the facility supports, which we may not be able to do. Additionally, any such default could cause a default under many of our other credit agreements and debt instruments. Without waivers from lenders party to those agreements, any such default would have a material adverse effect on our ability to operate.Increases in the costs of obtaining adequate financial assurance, or the inadequacy of our insurance coverages, could negatively impact our liquidity and increase our liabilities.The amount of insurance we are required to maintain for environmental liability is governed by statutory requirements. We also carry a broad range of other insurance coverages that are customary for a company our size. To the extent our obligations for claims are more than we estimated, our insurance coverage is inadequate to cover our obligations, or our insurers are unable to meet their obligations, the requirement that we pay such obligations could have a material adverse effect on our financial results.In addition, to fulfill our financial assurance obligations with respect to variable-rate tax-exempt debt, and final capping, closure, post-closure and environmental remediation obligations, we generally obtain letters of credit or surety bonds, rely on insurance, including captive insurance, fund trust and escrow accounts or rely upon WMI financial guarantees. Our financial position, which can be negatively affected by asset impairments, our credit profile and general economic factors, may increase the cost of our current financial assurance instruments, and changes in regulations may impose stricter requirements on the types of financial assurance that will be accepted. In the event we are unable to obtain sufficient surety bonding, letters of credit or third-party insurance coverage at reasonable cost, or one or more states cease to view captive insurance as adequate coverage, we would need to rely on other forms of financial assurance. It is possible that we could be required to deposit cash to collateralize certain obligations, which could negatively impact our liquidity. Financial RisksOur capital requirements and our business strategy could increase our expenses, cause us to change our growth and development plans, or result in an inability to maintain our desired credit profile.If economic conditions or other risks and uncertainties cause a significant reduction in our cash flows from operations, we may reduce or suspend capital expenditures, growth and acquisition activity, implementation of our business strategy, dividend declarations or share repurchases. We may choose to incur indebtedness to pay for these activities, although our access to capital markets is not assured and we may not be able to incur indebtedness at a cost that is consistent with current borrowing rates. We also may need to incur indebtedness to refinance scheduled debt maturities, and it is possible that the cost of financing could increase significantly, thereby increasing our expenses and decreasing our net income. Macroeconomic pressures, including inflation and rising interest rates, and market disruption are continuing. The U.S. government’s future actions regarding its debt ceiling and any possibility that the U.S. could default on its debt obligations could cause further interest rate increases, disrupt access to capital markets and trigger recessionary conditions. Further, our ability to execute our financial strategy, manage interest rate exposure and incur indebtedness is somewhat dependent upon our ability to maintain investment grade credit ratings on our senior debt. The credit rating process is contingent upon our credit profile and several other factors, many of which are beyond our control, including methodologies established and interpreted by third-party rating agencies. An important factor in our credit ratings is our leverage. We have communicated the Company’s expectation that our leverage will return to targeted levels about 18 months after the November 2024 acquisition of Stericycle. If we do not achieve our projected reduction in leverage, it could negatively impact our credit ratings. If we were unable to maintain our investment grade credit ratings in the future, our interest expense would increase and our ability to obtain financing on favorable terms could be adversely affected. We have $2.7 billion of debt as of December 31, 2024 that is exposed to changes in market interest rates within the next 12 months, associated with our commercial paper borrowings and tax-exempt bonds. If interest rates increase, our interest expense would also increase, lowering our net income and decreasing our cash flow.We may use our $3.5 billion long-term U.S. and Canadian revolving credit facility (“$3.5 billion revolving credit facility”) to meet our cash needs, to the extent available, until maturity in May 2029. As of December 31, 2024, we had no outstanding borrowings under this facility. We had $1.2 billion of outstanding borrowings (net of related discount on issuance) under our commercial paper program and $224 million of letters of credit issued, both supported by this facility, leaving unused and available credit capacity of $2.1 billion as of December 31, 2024. In the event of a default under our $3.5 billion revolving credit facility we could be required to immediately repay all outstanding borrowings and make cash deposits as collateral for all obligations the facility supports, which we may not be able to do. Additionally, any such default could cause a default under many of our other credit agreements and debt instruments. Without waivers from lenders party to those agreements, any such default would have a material adverse effect on our ability to operate.Increases in the costs of obtaining adequate financial assurance, or the inadequacy of our insurance coverages, could negatively impact our liquidity and increase our liabilities.The amount of insurance we are required to maintain for environmental liability is governed by statutory requirements. We also carry a broad range of other insurance coverages that are customary for a company our size. To the extent our obligations for claims are more than we estimated, our insurance coverage is inadequate to cover our obligations, or our insurers are unable to meet their obligations, the requirement that we pay such obligations could have a material adverse effect on our financial results.In addition, to fulfill our financial assurance obligations with respect to variable-rate tax-exempt debt, and final capping, closure, post-closure and environmental remediation obligations, we generally obtain letters of credit or surety bonds, rely on insurance, including captive insurance, fund trust and escrow accounts or rely upon WMI financial guarantees. Our financial position, which can be negatively affected by asset impairments, our credit profile and general economic factors, may increase the cost of our current financial assurance instruments, and changes in regulations may impose stricter requirements on the types of financial assurance that will be accepted. In the event we are unable to obtain sufficient surety bonding, letters of credit or third-party insurance coverage at reasonable cost, or one or more states cease to view captive insurance as adequate coverage, we would need to rely on other forms of financial assurance. It is possible that we could be required to deposit cash to collateralize certain obligations, which could negatively impact our liquidity.",
      "prior_body": "Some of our projects and new business may be conducted in countries where corruption has historically been prevalent. It is our policy to comply with all applicable anti-bribery laws, such as the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, and with applicable local laws of the foreign countries in which we operate, and we monitor our local partners’ compliance with such laws as well. Our reputation may be adversely affected if we were reported to be associated with corrupt practices 32 32 Table of Contentsor if we or our local partners failed to comply with such laws. Additionally, violations of such laws could subject us to significant fines and penalties.Currently pending or future litigation or governmental proceedings could result in material adverse consequences, including judgments or settlements.As a large company with operations across the U.S. and Canada, we are subject to various proceedings, lawsuits, disputes and claims arising in the ordinary course of our business, including governmental proceedings. Actions that have been filed against us, and that may be filed against us in the future, include personal injury, property damage, commercial, customer, and employment-related claims, including purported state and national class action lawsuits related to:●alleged environmental contamination, including releases of hazardous materials and odors;●sales and marketing practices, customer service agreements, prices and fees; and●federal and state wage and hour and other laws.The timing of the final resolutions to these types of matters is often uncertain. Additionally, the possible outcomes or resolutions to these matters could include adverse judgments or settlements, either of which could require substantial payments, adversely affecting our liquidity.Financial RisksOur capital requirements and our business strategy could increase our expenses, cause us to change our growth and development plans, or result in an inability to maintain our desired credit profile.If economic conditions or other risks and uncertainties cause a significant reduction in our cash flows from operations, we may reduce or suspend capital expenditures, growth and acquisition activity, implementation of our business strategy, dividend declarations or share repurchases. We may choose to incur indebtedness to pay for these activities, although our access to capital markets is not assured and we may not be able to incur indebtedness at a cost that is consistent with current borrowing rates. We also may need to incur indebtedness to refinance scheduled debt maturities, and it is possible that the cost of financing could increase significantly, thereby increasing our expenses and decreasing our net income. Macroeconomic pressures, including inflation and rising interest rates, and market disruption are continuing. The U.S. government’s decisions regarding its debt ceiling and the possibility that the U.S. could default on its debt obligations may cause further interest rate increases, disrupt access to capital markets and trigger recessionary conditions. Further, our ability to execute our financial strategy and our ability to incur indebtedness is somewhat dependent upon our ability to maintain investment grade credit ratings on our senior debt. The credit rating process is contingent upon our credit profile and several other factors, many of which are beyond our control, including methodologies established and interpreted by third-party rating agencies. If we were unable to maintain our investment grade credit ratings in the future, our interest expense would increase and our ability to obtain financing on favorable terms could be adversely affected. We have $2.5 billion of debt as of December 31, 2023 that is exposed to changes in market interest rates within the next 12 months, associated with our commercial paper borrowings and tax-exempt bonds. If interest rates increase, our interest expense would also increase, lowering our net income and decreasing our cash flow.We may use our $3.5 billion long-term U.S. and Canadian revolving credit facility (“$3.5 billion revolving credit facility”) to meet our cash needs, to the extent available, until maturity in May 2027. As of December 31, 2023, we had no outstanding borrowings under this facility. We had $859 million of outstanding borrowings (net of related discount on issuance) under our commercial paper program and $180 million of letters of credit issued, both supported by this facility, leaving unused and available credit capacity of $2.5 billion as of December 31, 2023. In the event of a default under our $3.5 billion revolving credit facility we could be required to immediately repay all outstanding borrowings and make cash deposits as collateral for all obligations the facility supports, which we may not be able to do. Additionally, any such default could cause a default under many of our other credit agreements and debt instruments. Without waivers from lenders party to those agreements, any such default would have a material adverse effect on our ability to operate.We have substantial financial assurance and insurance requirements and increases in the costs of obtaining adequate financial assurance, or the inadequacy of our insurance coverages, could negatively impact our liquidity and increase our liabilities.The amount of insurance we are required to maintain for environmental liability is governed by statutory requirements. We also carry a broad range of other insurance coverages that are customary for a company our size. To the extent our obligations for claims are more than we estimated, our insurance coverage is inadequate to cover our obligations, or our 33 Table of Contents Table of Contents Table of Contents or if we or our local partners failed to comply with such laws. Additionally, violations of such laws could subject us to significant fines and penalties.Currently pending or future litigation or governmental proceedings could result in material adverse consequences, including judgments or settlements.As a large company with operations across the U.S. and Canada, we are subject to various proceedings, lawsuits, disputes and claims arising in the ordinary course of our business, including governmental proceedings. Actions that have been filed against us, and that may be filed against us in the future, include personal injury, property damage, commercial, customer, and employment-related claims, including purported state and national class action lawsuits related to:●alleged environmental contamination, including releases of hazardous materials and odors;●sales and marketing practices, customer service agreements, prices and fees; and●federal and state wage and hour and other laws.The timing of the final resolutions to these types of matters is often uncertain. Additionally, the possible outcomes or resolutions to these matters could include adverse judgments or settlements, either of which could require substantial payments, adversely affecting our liquidity.Financial RisksOur capital requirements and our business strategy could increase our expenses, cause us to change our growth and development plans, or result in an inability to maintain our desired credit profile.If economic conditions or other risks and uncertainties cause a significant reduction in our cash flows from operations, we may reduce or suspend capital expenditures, growth and acquisition activity, implementation of our business strategy, dividend declarations or share repurchases. We may choose to incur indebtedness to pay for these activities, although our access to capital markets is not assured and we may not be able to incur indebtedness at a cost that is consistent with current borrowing rates. We also may need to incur indebtedness to refinance scheduled debt maturities, and it is possible that the cost of financing could increase significantly, thereby increasing our expenses and decreasing our net income. Macroeconomic pressures, including inflation and rising interest rates, and market disruption are continuing. The U.S. government’s decisions regarding its debt ceiling and the possibility that the U.S. could default on its debt obligations may cause further interest rate increases, disrupt access to capital markets and trigger recessionary conditions. Further, our ability to execute our financial strategy and our ability to incur indebtedness is somewhat dependent upon our ability to maintain investment grade credit ratings on our senior debt. The credit rating process is contingent upon our credit profile and several other factors, many of which are beyond our control, including methodologies established and interpreted by third-party rating agencies. If we were unable to maintain our investment grade credit ratings in the future, our interest expense would increase and our ability to obtain financing on favorable terms could be adversely affected. We have $2.5 billion of debt as of December 31, 2023 that is exposed to changes in market interest rates within the next 12 months, associated with our commercial paper borrowings and tax-exempt bonds. If interest rates increase, our interest expense would also increase, lowering our net income and decreasing our cash flow.We may use our $3.5 billion long-term U.S. and Canadian revolving credit facility (“$3.5 billion revolving credit facility”) to meet our cash needs, to the extent available, until maturity in May 2027. As of December 31, 2023, we had no outstanding borrowings under this facility. We had $859 million of outstanding borrowings (net of related discount on issuance) under our commercial paper program and $180 million of letters of credit issued, both supported by this facility, leaving unused and available credit capacity of $2.5 billion as of December 31, 2023. In the event of a default under our $3.5 billion revolving credit facility we could be required to immediately repay all outstanding borrowings and make cash deposits as collateral for all obligations the facility supports, which we may not be able to do. Additionally, any such default could cause a default under many of our other credit agreements and debt instruments. Without waivers from lenders party to those agreements, any such default would have a material adverse effect on our ability to operate.We have substantial financial assurance and insurance requirements and increases in the costs of obtaining adequate financial assurance, or the inadequacy of our insurance coverages, could negatively impact our liquidity and increase our liabilities.The amount of insurance we are required to maintain for environmental liability is governed by statutory requirements. We also carry a broad range of other insurance coverages that are customary for a company our size. To the extent our obligations for claims are more than we estimated, our insurance coverage is inadequate to cover our obligations, or our or if we or our local partners failed to comply with such laws. Additionally, violations of such laws could subject us to significant fines and penalties."
    },
    {
      "status": "MODIFIED",
      "current_title": "(Gain) Loss from Divestitures, Asset Impairments and Unusual Items, Net",
      "prior_title": "(Gain) Loss from Divestitures, Asset Impairments and Unusual Items, Net",
      "similarity_score": 0.802,
      "confidence": "high",
      "key_changes": [
        "Reworded sentence: \"The following table summarizes the major components of (gain) loss from divestitures, asset impairments and unusual items, net for the year ended December 31 (in millions): ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 2024 2023 2022 Gain from divestitures, net ​ $ (26) ​ $ — ​ $ (5) Asset impairments ​ 90 ​ 275 ​ 50 Other, net ​ 18 ​ (32) ​ 17 ​ ​ $ 82 ​ $ 243 ​ $ 62 ​ During the year ended December 31, 2024, we recognized $82 million of net charges primarily consisting of (i) a $54 million charge required to increase the estimated fair value of a liability associated with the expected disposition of an investment the Company holds in a waste diversion technology business; (ii) a $14 million loss associated with the divestiture of a minority investment in a medical waste company within Corporate and Other, in connection with our acquisition of Stericycle and (iii) a $13 million charge pertaining to reserves for loss contingencies in our Corporate and Other segment to adjust an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary’s estimated potential share of the liability for a proposed environmental remediation plan at a closed site, as discussed in Note 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information.\"",
        "Reworded sentence: \"During the year ended December 31, 2022, we recognized $62 million of net charges consisting of (i) $50 million of asset impairment charges primarily related to management’s decision to close two landfills within our East Tier and (ii) a $17 million charge pertaining to reserves for loss contingencies within Corporate and Other to adjust an indirect wholly owned subsidiary’s estimated potential share of the liability for a proposed environmental remediation plan at a closed site, as discussed in Note 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.\"",
        "Removed sentence: \"During the year ended December 31, 2021, we recognized net gains of $16 million primarily consisting of (i) a $35 million pre-tax gain from the recognition of cumulative translation adjustments on the divestiture of certain non-strategic Canadian operations in our East Tier and (ii) an $8 million gain from divestitures of certain ancillary operations within our Collection and Disposal businesses.\"",
        "Removed sentence: \"These gains were partially offset by (i) a $20 million charge pertaining to reserves for loss contingencies within Corporate and Other and (ii) $8 million of asset impairment charges primarily related to our WM Renewable Energy segment.\"",
        "Reworded sentence: \"59 59 Table of ContentsIncome from OperationsThe following table summarizes income from operations for the year ended December 31 (dollars in millions):​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Period-to- ​​​Period-to-​​​​​​​​​Period ​​​Period​​​​​ 2024 Change 2023 Change 2022​Collection and Disposal: ​ ​ ​​ ​ ​​​ East Tier ​$ 2,760​$ 314 12.8 % $ 2,446​$ 268 12.3 % $ 2,178​West Tier​​ 2,693​​ 310​13.0 ​​ 2,383​​ 201​9.2 ​​ 2,182​Other Ancillary​ (9)​ (1) *​ (8)​ (8) *​ —​Collection and Disposal ​ 5,444​ 623 12.9 ​ 4,821​ 461 10.6 ​ 4,360​Recycling Processing and Sales ​​ 86​​ 130​*​​ (44)​​ (172)​*​​ 128​WM Renewable Energy​ 99​ 20 25.3 ​ 79​ (53) (40.2)​ 132​WM Healthcare Solutions​​ (69)​​ (69) *​​ —​​ —​*​​ —​Corporate and Other​​ (1,497)​​ (216)​16.9 ​​ (1,281)​​ (26)​2.1 ​​ (1,255)​Total​$ 4,063​$ 488 13.7 % $ 3,575​$ 210 6.2 % $ 3,365​Percentage of revenues​​ 18.4%​​ ​​​ 17.5%​​​​​​ 17.1%* Percentage change does not provide a meaningful comparison.Collection and Disposal — The most significant items affecting the results of operations of our Collection and Disposal businesses during the three years ended December 31, 2024 are summarized below:●Income from operations in our Collection and Disposal businesses increased in 2024, as compared with 2023, primarily due to (i) our focus on pricing our services to keep pace with inflationary cost pressures, alongside intentional efforts to improve efficiency and operating costs incurred to serve our customers; (ii) contributions from higher landfill volumes generated from special waste and municipal solid waste and (iii) gains on the sales of non-strategic assets.\""
      ],
      "current_body": "The following table summarizes the major components of (gain) loss from divestitures, asset impairments and unusual items, net for the year ended December 31 (in millions): ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 2024 2023 2022 Gain from divestitures, net ​ $ (26) ​ $ — ​ $ (5) Asset impairments ​ 90 ​ 275 ​ 50 Other, net ​ 18 ​ (32) ​ 17 ​ ​ $ 82 ​ $ 243 ​ $ 62 ​ During the year ended December 31, 2024, we recognized $82 million of net charges primarily consisting of (i) a $54 million charge required to increase the estimated fair value of a liability associated with the expected disposition of an investment the Company holds in a waste diversion technology business; (ii) a $14 million loss associated with the divestiture of a minority investment in a medical waste company within Corporate and Other, in connection with our acquisition of Stericycle and (iii) a $13 million charge pertaining to reserves for loss contingencies in our Corporate and Other segment to adjust an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary’s estimated potential share of the liability for a proposed environmental remediation plan at a closed site, as discussed in Note 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information. During the year ended December 31, 2023, we recognized $243 million of net charges primarily consisting of (i) a $168 million goodwill impairment charge within our Recycling Processing and Sales segment related to a business engaged in accelerating film and plastic wrap recycling capabilities, with $22 million attributable to noncontrolling interests. This charge was partially offset by the recognition of $46 million of income related to the reversal of a liability for contingent consideration associated with our investment in such business; (ii) $107 million of impairment charges within Corporate and Other for certain investments in waste diversion technology businesses and (iii) a $17 million charge within Corporate and Other to adjust an indirect wholly owned subsidiary’s estimated potential share of the liability for a proposed environmental remediation plan at a closed site. Refer to Notes 5 and 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information. During the year ended December 31, 2022, we recognized $62 million of net charges consisting of (i) $50 million of asset impairment charges primarily related to management’s decision to close two landfills within our East Tier and (ii) a $17 million charge pertaining to reserves for loss contingencies within Corporate and Other to adjust an indirect wholly owned subsidiary’s estimated potential share of the liability for a proposed environmental remediation plan at a closed site, as discussed in Note 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. These losses were partially offset by a $5 million gain from the divestiture of a collection and disposal operation in our West Tier. See Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information related to the accounting policy and analysis involved in identifying and calculating impairments. See Note 19 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information related to the impact of impairments on the results of operations of our reportable segments. 59 59 Table of ContentsIncome from OperationsThe following table summarizes income from operations for the year ended December 31 (dollars in millions):​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Period-to- ​​​Period-to-​​​​​​​​​Period ​​​Period​​​​​ 2024 Change 2023 Change 2022​Collection and Disposal: ​ ​ ​​ ​ ​​​ East Tier ​$ 2,760​$ 314 12.8 % $ 2,446​$ 268 12.3 % $ 2,178​West Tier​​ 2,693​​ 310​13.0 ​​ 2,383​​ 201​9.2 ​​ 2,182​Other Ancillary​ (9)​ (1) *​ (8)​ (8) *​ —​Collection and Disposal ​ 5,444​ 623 12.9 ​ 4,821​ 461 10.6 ​ 4,360​Recycling Processing and Sales ​​ 86​​ 130​*​​ (44)​​ (172)​*​​ 128​WM Renewable Energy​ 99​ 20 25.3 ​ 79​ (53) (40.2)​ 132​WM Healthcare Solutions​​ (69)​​ (69) *​​ —​​ —​*​​ —​Corporate and Other​​ (1,497)​​ (216)​16.9 ​​ (1,281)​​ (26)​2.1 ​​ (1,255)​Total​$ 4,063​$ 488 13.7 % $ 3,575​$ 210 6.2 % $ 3,365​Percentage of revenues​​ 18.4%​​ ​​​ 17.5%​​​​​​ 17.1%* Percentage change does not provide a meaningful comparison.Collection and Disposal — The most significant items affecting the results of operations of our Collection and Disposal businesses during the three years ended December 31, 2024 are summarized below:●Income from operations in our Collection and Disposal businesses increased in 2024, as compared with 2023, primarily due to (i) our focus on pricing our services to keep pace with inflationary cost pressures, alongside intentional efforts to improve efficiency and operating costs incurred to serve our customers; (ii) contributions from higher landfill volumes generated from special waste and municipal solid waste and (iii) gains on the sales of non-strategic assets. These increases were partially offset by (i) a decline in contributions from lower industrial volumes; (ii) an increase in landfill operating costs and (iii) increased depreciation expenses with relation to our fleet, machinery and equipment as well as higher depletion costs at our landfills.●Income from operations in our Collection and Disposal businesses increased in 2023, as compared with 2022, primarily due to revenue growth in our collection and disposal operations driven by both yield and volume. This increase was partially offset by (i) inflationary cost pressures, particularly for maintenance and repairs and subcontractor costs and (ii) labor cost pressure from frontline employee market wage adjustments. Recycling Processing and Sales — Income from operations in our Recycling Processing and Sales segment increased in 2024, as compared with 2023, primarily due to (i) net charges of $122 million recognized in 2023 related to a goodwill impairment and reversal of contingent consideration, as discussed below and (ii) benefits from the automation of our recycling facilities as well as investments in new facilities and cost management. These improvements were partially offset by the impact of higher costs incurred from the temporary shutdown of facilities for technology upgrades.​Income from operations in our Recycling Processing and Sales segment decreased in 2023, as compared with 2022, primarily due to (i) a $168 million goodwill impairment charge, with $22 million attributable to noncontrolling interests, which was partially offset by the recognition of $46 million of income related to the reversal of contingent consideration as discussed above in (Gain) Loss from Divestitures, Asset Impairments and Unusual Items, Net; (ii) a decline in recycling commodity prices; (iii) lower revenue resulting from the temporary shutdown of facilities for technology upgrades combined with increased costs associated with the transportation and third-party tip fees for processing recyclables and (iv) startup costs linked to the establishment of a new processing facility. ​WM Renewable Energy — Income from operations in our WM Renewable Energy segment increased in 2024, as compared with 2023, primarily due to (i) higher RIN quantities generated and sold at higher market values in the current year and (ii) increased beneficial use of landfill gas sold to third parties due to the completion of additional projects. Income from operations in our WM Renewable Energy segment decreased in 2023, as compared with 2022, primarily due to (i) lower energy prices and the value of RINs and (ii) increased operating and selling, general and administrative costs 60 Table of Contents Table of Contents Table of Contents Income from OperationsThe following table summarizes income from operations for the year ended December 31 (dollars in millions):​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Period-to- ​​​Period-to-​​​​​​​​​Period ​​​Period​​​​​ 2024 Change 2023 Change 2022​Collection and Disposal: ​ ​ ​​ ​ ​​​ East Tier ​$ 2,760​$ 314 12.8 % $ 2,446​$ 268 12.3 % $ 2,178​West Tier​​ 2,693​​ 310​13.0 ​​ 2,383​​ 201​9.2 ​​ 2,182​Other Ancillary​ (9)​ (1) *​ (8)​ (8) *​ —​Collection and Disposal ​ 5,444​ 623 12.9 ​ 4,821​ 461 10.6 ​ 4,360​Recycling Processing and Sales ​​ 86​​ 130​*​​ (44)​​ (172)​*​​ 128​WM Renewable Energy​ 99​ 20 25.3 ​ 79​ (53) (40.2)​ 132​WM Healthcare Solutions​​ (69)​​ (69) *​​ —​​ —​*​​ —​Corporate and Other​​ (1,497)​​ (216)​16.9 ​​ (1,281)​​ (26)​2.1 ​​ (1,255)​Total​$ 4,063​$ 488 13.7 % $ 3,575​$ 210 6.2 % $ 3,365​Percentage of revenues​​ 18.4%​​ ​​​ 17.5%​​​​​​ 17.1%* Percentage change does not provide a meaningful comparison.Collection and Disposal — The most significant items affecting the results of operations of our Collection and Disposal businesses during the three years ended December 31, 2024 are summarized below:●Income from operations in our Collection and Disposal businesses increased in 2024, as compared with 2023, primarily due to (i) our focus on pricing our services to keep pace with inflationary cost pressures, alongside intentional efforts to improve efficiency and operating costs incurred to serve our customers; (ii) contributions from higher landfill volumes generated from special waste and municipal solid waste and (iii) gains on the sales of non-strategic assets. These increases were partially offset by (i) a decline in contributions from lower industrial volumes; (ii) an increase in landfill operating costs and (iii) increased depreciation expenses with relation to our fleet, machinery and equipment as well as higher depletion costs at our landfills.●Income from operations in our Collection and Disposal businesses increased in 2023, as compared with 2022, primarily due to revenue growth in our collection and disposal operations driven by both yield and volume. This increase was partially offset by (i) inflationary cost pressures, particularly for maintenance and repairs and subcontractor costs and (ii) labor cost pressure from frontline employee market wage adjustments. Recycling Processing and Sales — Income from operations in our Recycling Processing and Sales segment increased in 2024, as compared with 2023, primarily due to (i) net charges of $122 million recognized in 2023 related to a goodwill impairment and reversal of contingent consideration, as discussed below and (ii) benefits from the automation of our recycling facilities as well as investments in new facilities and cost management. These improvements were partially offset by the impact of higher costs incurred from the temporary shutdown of facilities for technology upgrades.​Income from operations in our Recycling Processing and Sales segment decreased in 2023, as compared with 2022, primarily due to (i) a $168 million goodwill impairment charge, with $22 million attributable to noncontrolling interests, which was partially offset by the recognition of $46 million of income related to the reversal of contingent consideration as discussed above in (Gain) Loss from Divestitures, Asset Impairments and Unusual Items, Net; (ii) a decline in recycling commodity prices; (iii) lower revenue resulting from the temporary shutdown of facilities for technology upgrades combined with increased costs associated with the transportation and third-party tip fees for processing recyclables and (iv) startup costs linked to the establishment of a new processing facility. ​WM Renewable Energy — Income from operations in our WM Renewable Energy segment increased in 2024, as compared with 2023, primarily due to (i) higher RIN quantities generated and sold at higher market values in the current year and (ii) increased beneficial use of landfill gas sold to third parties due to the completion of additional projects. Income from operations in our WM Renewable Energy segment decreased in 2023, as compared with 2022, primarily due to (i) lower energy prices and the value of RINs and (ii) increased operating and selling, general and administrative costs Income from OperationsThe following table summarizes income from operations for the year ended December 31 (dollars in millions):​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Period-to- ​​​Period-to-​​​​​​​​​Period ​​​Period​​​​​ 2024 Change 2023 Change 2022​Collection and Disposal: ​ ​ ​​ ​ ​​​ East Tier ​$ 2,760​$ 314 12.8 % $ 2,446​$ 268 12.3 % $ 2,178​West Tier​​ 2,693​​ 310​13.0 ​​ 2,383​​ 201​9.2 ​​ 2,182​Other Ancillary​ (9)​ (1) *​ (8)​ (8) *​ —​Collection and Disposal ​ 5,444​ 623 12.9 ​ 4,821​ 461 10.6 ​ 4,360​Recycling Processing and Sales ​​ 86​​ 130​*​​ (44)​​ (172)​*​​ 128​WM Renewable Energy​ 99​ 20 25.3 ​ 79​ (53) (40.2)​ 132​WM Healthcare Solutions​​ (69)​​ (69) *​​ —​​ —​*​​ —​Corporate and Other​​ (1,497)​​ (216)​16.9 ​​ (1,281)​​ (26)​2.1 ​​ (1,255)​Total​$ 4,063​$ 488 13.7 % $ 3,575​$ 210 6.2 % $ 3,365​Percentage of revenues​​ 18.4%​​ ​​​ 17.5%​​​​​​ 17.1%* Percentage change does not provide a meaningful comparison.Collection and Disposal — The most significant items affecting the results of operations of our Collection and Disposal businesses during the three years ended December 31, 2024 are summarized below:●Income from operations in our Collection and Disposal businesses increased in 2024, as compared with 2023, primarily due to (i) our focus on pricing our services to keep pace with inflationary cost pressures, alongside intentional efforts to improve efficiency and operating costs incurred to serve our customers; (ii) contributions from higher landfill volumes generated from special waste and municipal solid waste and (iii) gains on the sales of non-strategic assets. These increases were partially offset by (i) a decline in contributions from lower industrial volumes; (ii) an increase in landfill operating costs and (iii) increased depreciation expenses with relation to our fleet, machinery and equipment as well as higher depletion costs at our landfills.●Income from operations in our Collection and Disposal businesses increased in 2023, as compared with 2022, primarily due to revenue growth in our collection and disposal operations driven by both yield and volume. This increase was partially offset by (i) inflationary cost pressures, particularly for maintenance and repairs and subcontractor costs and (ii) labor cost pressure from frontline employee market wage adjustments. Recycling Processing and Sales — Income from operations in our Recycling Processing and Sales segment increased in 2024, as compared with 2023, primarily due to (i) net charges of $122 million recognized in 2023 related to a goodwill impairment and reversal of contingent consideration, as discussed below and (ii) benefits from the automation of our recycling facilities as well as investments in new facilities and cost management. These improvements were partially offset by the impact of higher costs incurred from the temporary shutdown of facilities for technology upgrades.​Income from operations in our Recycling Processing and Sales segment decreased in 2023, as compared with 2022, primarily due to (i) a $168 million goodwill impairment charge, with $22 million attributable to noncontrolling interests, which was partially offset by the recognition of $46 million of income related to the reversal of contingent consideration as discussed above in (Gain) Loss from Divestitures, Asset Impairments and Unusual Items, Net; (ii) a decline in recycling commodity prices; (iii) lower revenue resulting from the temporary shutdown of facilities for technology upgrades combined with increased costs associated with the transportation and third-party tip fees for processing recyclables and (iv) startup costs linked to the establishment of a new processing facility. ​WM Renewable Energy — Income from operations in our WM Renewable Energy segment increased in 2024, as compared with 2023, primarily due to (i) higher RIN quantities generated and sold at higher market values in the current year and (ii) increased beneficial use of landfill gas sold to third parties due to the completion of additional projects. Income from operations in our WM Renewable Energy segment decreased in 2023, as compared with 2022, primarily due to (i) lower energy prices and the value of RINs and (ii) increased operating and selling, general and administrative costs",
      "prior_body": "The following table summarizes the major components of (gain) loss from divestitures, asset impairments and unusual items, net for the year ended December 31 (in millions): ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 2023 2022 2021 Gain from divestitures, net ​ $ — ​ $ (5) ​ $ (44) Asset impairments ​ 275 ​ 50 ​ 8 Other, net ​ (32) ​ 17 ​ 20 ​ ​ $ 243 ​ $ 62 ​ $ (16) ​ During the year ended December 31, 2023, we recognized $243 million of net charges primarily consisting of (i) a $168 million goodwill impairment charge within our Recycling Processing and Sales segment related to a business engaged in accelerating film and plastic wrap recycling capabilities, with $22 million attributable to noncontrolling interests. This charge was partially offset by the recognition of $46 million of income related to the reversal of a liability for contingent consideration associated with our investment in such business; (ii) $107 million of impairment charges within Corporate and Other for certain investments in waste diversion technology businesses and (iii) a $17 million charge within Corporate and Other to adjust an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary’s estimated potential share of the liability for a proposed environmental remediation plan at a closed site. Refer to Notes 5 and 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information. During the year ended December 31, 2022, we recognized $62 million of net charges consisting of (i) $50 million of asset impairment charges primarily related to management’s decision to close two landfills within our East Tier and (ii) a $17 million charge pertaining to reserves for loss contingencies within Corporate and Other to adjust an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary’s estimated potential share of the liability for a proposed environmental remediation plan at a closed site, as discussed in Note 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. These losses were partially offset by a $5 million gain from the divestiture of a collection and disposal operation in our West Tier. During the year ended December 31, 2021, we recognized net gains of $16 million primarily consisting of (i) a $35 million pre-tax gain from the recognition of cumulative translation adjustments on the divestiture of certain non-strategic Canadian operations in our East Tier and (ii) an $8 million gain from divestitures of certain ancillary operations within our Collection and Disposal businesses. These gains were partially offset by (i) a $20 million charge pertaining to reserves for loss contingencies within Corporate and Other and (ii) $8 million of asset impairment charges primarily related to our WM Renewable Energy segment. See Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information related to the accounting policy and analysis involved in identifying and calculating impairments. See Note 19 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information related to the impact of impairments on the results of operations of our reportable segments. 51 51 Table of ContentsIncome from OperationsThe following table summarizes income from operations for the year ended December 31 (dollars in millions):​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Period-to- ​​​Period-to-​​​​​​​​​Period ​​​Period​​​​​ 2023 Change 2022 Change 2021​Collection and Disposal: ​ ​ ​​ ​ ​​​ East Tier ​$ 2,446​$ 268 12.3 % $ 2,178​$ 223 11.4 % $ 1,955​West Tier​​ 2,383​​ 201​9.2 ​​ 2,182​​ 243​12.5 ​​ 1,939​Other Ancillary​ (8)​ (8) *​ —​ 18 *​ (18)​Collection and Disposal ​ 4,821​ 461 10.6 ​ 4,360​ 484 12.5 ​ 3,876​Recycling Processing and Sales ​​ (44)​​ (172)​*​​ 128​​ (89)​(41.0)​​ 217​WM Renewable Energy​ 79​ (53) (40.2)​ 132​ 24 22.2 ​ 108​Corporate and Other​​ (1,281)​​ (26)​2.1 ​​ (1,255)​​ (19)​1.5 ​​ (1,236)​Total (a)​$ 3,575​$ 210 6.2 % $ 3,365​$ 400 13.5 % $ 2,965​Percentage of revenues​​ 17.5%​​ ​​​ 17.1%​​ ​​​ 16.5%* Percentage change does not provide a meaningful comparison.(a)From time to time, the operating results of our reportable segments are significantly affected by certain transactions or events that management believes are not indicative or representative of our results.Collection and Disposal — The most significant items affecting the results of operations of our Collection and Disposal businesses during the three years ended December 31, 2023 are summarized below:●Income from operations in our Collection and Disposal businesses increased in 2023, as compared with 2022, primarily due to revenue growth in our collection and disposal operations driven by both yield and volume. This increase was partially offset by (i) inflationary cost pressures, particularly for maintenance and repairs and subcontractor costs and (ii) labor cost pressure from frontline employee market wage adjustments. ●Income from operations in our Collection and Disposal businesses increased in 2022, as compared with 2021, primarily due to revenue growth in our collection and disposal operations driven by both yield and volume. This increase was partially offset by (i) inflationary cost pressures; (ii) labor cost increases from frontline employee wage adjustments and (iii) divestitures, asset impairments and unusual items discussed below in (Gain) Loss from Divestitures, Asset Impairments and Unusual Items, Net, that impacted our East Tier results.Recycling Processing and Sales — Income from operations in our Recycling Processing and Sales segment decreased in 2023, as compared with 2022, primarily due to (i) a $168 million goodwill impairment charge, with $22 million attributable to noncontrolling interests, which was partially offset by the recognition of $46 million of income related to the reversal of contingent consideration, as discussed above in (Gain) Loss from Divestitures, Asset Impairments and Unusual Items, Net; (ii) a decline in recycling commodity prices; (iii) lower revenue resulting from the temporary shutdown of facilities for technology upgrades combined with increased costs associated with the transportation and third-party tip fees for processing recyclables and (iv) startup costs linked to the establishment of a new processing facility. Income from operations in our Recycling Processing and Sales segment decreased in 2022, as compared with 2021, primarily due to the decline in recycling commodity prices.​WM Renewable Energy — Income from operations in our WM Renewable Energy segment decreased in 2023, as compared with 2022, primarily due to (i) lower energy prices and the value of RINs and (ii) increased operating and selling, general and administrative costs associated with the construction of new projects to increase the beneficial use of landfill gas. These decreases were partially offset by an increase in volume of RFS credits, electricity and natural gas. Income from operations in our WM Renewable Energy segment increased in 2022, as compared with 2021, primarily due to higher market values for RINs credits.​Corporate and Other — Income from operations in Corporate and Other decreased in 2023, as compared with 2022, primarily due to non-cash impairment charges for certain investments as discussed above in (Gain) Loss from Divestitures, Asset Impairments and Unusual Items, Net. Income from operations in Corporate and Other decreased in 2022, as 52 Table of Contents Table of Contents Table of Contents Income from OperationsThe following table summarizes income from operations for the year ended December 31 (dollars in millions):​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Period-to- ​​​Period-to-​​​​​​​​​Period ​​​Period​​​​​ 2023 Change 2022 Change 2021​Collection and Disposal: ​ ​ ​​ ​ ​​​ East Tier ​$ 2,446​$ 268 12.3 % $ 2,178​$ 223 11.4 % $ 1,955​West Tier​​ 2,383​​ 201​9.2 ​​ 2,182​​ 243​12.5 ​​ 1,939​Other Ancillary​ (8)​ (8) *​ —​ 18 *​ (18)​Collection and Disposal ​ 4,821​ 461 10.6 ​ 4,360​ 484 12.5 ​ 3,876​Recycling Processing and Sales ​​ (44)​​ (172)​*​​ 128​​ (89)​(41.0)​​ 217​WM Renewable Energy​ 79​ (53) (40.2)​ 132​ 24 22.2 ​ 108​Corporate and Other​​ (1,281)​​ (26)​2.1 ​​ (1,255)​​ (19)​1.5 ​​ (1,236)​Total (a)​$ 3,575​$ 210 6.2 % $ 3,365​$ 400 13.5 % $ 2,965​Percentage of revenues​​ 17.5%​​ ​​​ 17.1%​​ ​​​ 16.5%* Percentage change does not provide a meaningful comparison.(a)From time to time, the operating results of our reportable segments are significantly affected by certain transactions or events that management believes are not indicative or representative of our results.Collection and Disposal — The most significant items affecting the results of operations of our Collection and Disposal businesses during the three years ended December 31, 2023 are summarized below:●Income from operations in our Collection and Disposal businesses increased in 2023, as compared with 2022, primarily due to revenue growth in our collection and disposal operations driven by both yield and volume. This increase was partially offset by (i) inflationary cost pressures, particularly for maintenance and repairs and subcontractor costs and (ii) labor cost pressure from frontline employee market wage adjustments. ●Income from operations in our Collection and Disposal businesses increased in 2022, as compared with 2021, primarily due to revenue growth in our collection and disposal operations driven by both yield and volume. This increase was partially offset by (i) inflationary cost pressures; (ii) labor cost increases from frontline employee wage adjustments and (iii) divestitures, asset impairments and unusual items discussed below in (Gain) Loss from Divestitures, Asset Impairments and Unusual Items, Net, that impacted our East Tier results.Recycling Processing and Sales — Income from operations in our Recycling Processing and Sales segment decreased in 2023, as compared with 2022, primarily due to (i) a $168 million goodwill impairment charge, with $22 million attributable to noncontrolling interests, which was partially offset by the recognition of $46 million of income related to the reversal of contingent consideration, as discussed above in (Gain) Loss from Divestitures, Asset Impairments and Unusual Items, Net; (ii) a decline in recycling commodity prices; (iii) lower revenue resulting from the temporary shutdown of facilities for technology upgrades combined with increased costs associated with the transportation and third-party tip fees for processing recyclables and (iv) startup costs linked to the establishment of a new processing facility. Income from operations in our Recycling Processing and Sales segment decreased in 2022, as compared with 2021, primarily due to the decline in recycling commodity prices.​WM Renewable Energy — Income from operations in our WM Renewable Energy segment decreased in 2023, as compared with 2022, primarily due to (i) lower energy prices and the value of RINs and (ii) increased operating and selling, general and administrative costs associated with the construction of new projects to increase the beneficial use of landfill gas. These decreases were partially offset by an increase in volume of RFS credits, electricity and natural gas. Income from operations in our WM Renewable Energy segment increased in 2022, as compared with 2021, primarily due to higher market values for RINs credits.​Corporate and Other — Income from operations in Corporate and Other decreased in 2023, as compared with 2022, primarily due to non-cash impairment charges for certain investments as discussed above in (Gain) Loss from Divestitures, Asset Impairments and Unusual Items, Net. Income from operations in Corporate and Other decreased in 2022, as"
    },
    {
      "status": "MODIFIED",
      "current_title": "NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)",
      "prior_title": "NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)",
      "similarity_score": 0.799,
      "confidence": "high",
      "key_changes": [
        "Reworded sentence: \"​ The following table reflects the activity in our allowance for doubtful accounts of trade receivables for the year ended December 31 (in millions):​​​​​​​​ 2024 2023Balance as of January 1​$ 30​$ 26Additions charged to expense​ 65​ 53Accounts written-off, net of recoveries​ (55)​ (58)Acquisitions, divestitures and other, net​ 125​ 9Balance as of December 31​$ 165​$ 30​To determine the allowance for doubtful accounts for trade receivables, we rely upon, among other factors, historical loss trends, the age of outstanding receivables, and existing as well as expected economic conditions, and we believe that all of our trade receivables share similar risk characteristics.\"",
        "Reworded sentence: \"Our acquisition of Stericycle introduced a new mix of customers which we believe generally share similar risk characteristics with our existing trade receivables; however, Stericycle has and continues to encounter certain billing and collection delays.\"",
        "Reworded sentence: \"Other receivables, as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, include receivables related to income tax payments in excess of our current income tax obligations of $255 million and $120 million, respectively.\"",
        "Reworded sentence: \"These costs are discussed below.\"",
        "Reworded sentence: \"Our acquisition of Stericycle introduced a new mix of customers which we believe generally share similar risk characteristics with our existing trade receivables; however, Stericycle has and continues to encounter certain billing and collection delays.\""
      ],
      "current_body": "​ balances and transactions have been eliminated. Investments in unconsolidated entities are accounted for under the appropriate method of accounting.Estimates and AssumptionsIn preparing our financial statements, we make numerous estimates and assumptions that affect the accounting for and recognition and disclosure of assets, liabilities, equity, revenues and expenses. We must make these estimates and assumptions because certain information that we use is dependent on future events, cannot be calculated with precision from available data or simply cannot be calculated. In some cases, these estimates are difficult to determine, and we must exercise significant judgment. In preparing our financial statements, the most difficult, subjective and complex estimates and the assumptions that present the greatest amount of uncertainty relate to our accounting for landfills, environmental remediation liabilities, long-lived asset impairments, intangible asset impairments and the fair value of assets and liabilities acquired in business combinations. Each of these items is discussed in additional detail below. Actual results could differ materially from the estimates and assumptions that we use in the preparation of our financial statements.Cash and Cash EquivalentsCash in excess of current operating requirements is invested in short-term interest-bearing instruments with maturities of three months or less at the date of purchase and is stated at cost, which approximates market value.Concentrations of Credit RiskFinancial instruments that potentially subject us to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, investments held within restricted funds, and accounts receivable. We make efforts to control our exposure to credit risk associated with these instruments by (i) placing our assets and other financial interests with a diverse group of credit-worthy financial institutions; (ii) holding high-quality financial instruments while limiting investments in any one instrument and (iii) maintaining strict policies over credit extension that include credit evaluations, credit limits and monitoring procedures, although generally we do not have collateral requirements for credit extensions. We also control our exposure associated with trade receivables by discontinuing service, to the extent allowable, to non-paying customers. However, our overall credit risk associated with trade receivables is limited due to the large number and diversity of customers we serve. As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, no single customer represented greater than 5% of total accounts receivable.Accounts and Other Receivables Our receivables, which are recorded when billed, when services are performed or when cash is advanced, are claims against third parties that will generally be settled in cash. The carrying value of our receivables, net of the allowance for doubtful accounts, represents the estimated net realizable value. We estimate our allowance for doubtful accounts based on historical collection trends; type of customer, such as municipal or commercial; the age of outstanding receivables and existing as well as expected economic conditions. If events or changes in circumstances indicate that specific receivable balances may be impaired, further consideration is given to the collectability of those balances and the allowance is adjusted accordingly. Past-due receivable balances are written off when our collection efforts have been unsuccessful. Also, we recognize interest income on long-term interest-bearing notes receivable as the interest accrues under the terms of the notes. We no longer accrue interest once the notes are deemed uncollectible. balances and transactions have been eliminated. Investments in unconsolidated entities are accounted for under the appropriate method of accounting.Estimates and AssumptionsIn preparing our financial statements, we make numerous estimates and assumptions that affect the accounting for and recognition and disclosure of assets, liabilities, equity, revenues and expenses. We must make these estimates and assumptions because certain information that we use is dependent on future events, cannot be calculated with precision from available data or simply cannot be calculated. In some cases, these estimates are difficult to determine, and we must exercise significant judgment. In preparing our financial statements, the most difficult, subjective and complex estimates and the assumptions that present the greatest amount of uncertainty relate to our accounting for landfills, environmental remediation liabilities, long-lived asset impairments, intangible asset impairments and the fair value of assets and liabilities acquired in business combinations. Each of these items is discussed in additional detail below. Actual results could differ materially from the estimates and assumptions that we use in the preparation of our financial statements.Cash and Cash EquivalentsCash in excess of current operating requirements is invested in short-term interest-bearing instruments with maturities of three months or less at the date of purchase and is stated at cost, which approximates market value.Concentrations of Credit RiskFinancial instruments that potentially subject us to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, investments held within restricted funds, and accounts receivable. We make efforts to control our exposure to credit risk associated with these instruments by (i) placing our assets and other financial interests with a diverse group of credit-worthy financial institutions; (ii) holding high-quality financial instruments while limiting investments in any one instrument and (iii) maintaining strict policies over credit extension that include credit evaluations, credit limits and monitoring procedures, although generally we do not have collateral requirements for credit extensions. We also control our exposure associated with trade receivables by discontinuing service, to the extent allowable, to non-paying customers. However, our overall credit risk associated with trade receivables is limited due to the large number and diversity of customers we serve. As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, no single customer represented greater than 5% of total accounts receivable.Accounts and Other Receivables Our receivables, which are recorded when billed, when services are performed or when cash is advanced, are claims against third parties that will generally be settled in cash. The carrying value of our receivables, net of the allowance for doubtful accounts, represents the estimated net realizable value. We estimate our allowance for doubtful accounts based on historical collection trends; type of customer, such as municipal or commercial; the age of outstanding receivables and existing as well as expected economic conditions. If events or changes in circumstances indicate that specific receivable balances may be impaired, further consideration is given to the collectability of those balances and the allowance is adjusted accordingly. Past-due receivable balances are written off when our collection efforts have been unsuccessful. Also, we recognize interest income on long-term interest-bearing notes receivable as the interest accrues under the terms of the notes. We no longer accrue interest once the notes are deemed uncollectible. balances and transactions have been eliminated. Investments in unconsolidated entities are accounted for under the appropriate method of accounting.",
      "prior_body": "​ Estimates and AssumptionsIn preparing our financial statements, we make numerous estimates and assumptions that affect the accounting for and recognition and disclosure of assets, liabilities, equity, revenues and expenses. We must make these estimates and assumptions because certain information that we use is dependent on future events, cannot be calculated with precision from available data or simply cannot be calculated. In some cases, these estimates are difficult to determine, and we must exercise significant judgment. In preparing our financial statements, the most difficult, subjective and complex estimates and the assumptions that present the greatest amount of uncertainty relate to our accounting for landfills, environmental remediation liabilities, long-lived asset impairments, intangible asset impairments and the fair value of assets and liabilities acquired in business combinations. Each of these items is discussed in additional detail below. Actual results could differ materially from the estimates and assumptions that we use in the preparation of our financial statements.Cash and Cash EquivalentsCash in excess of current operating requirements is invested in short-term interest-bearing instruments with maturities of three months or less at the date of purchase and is stated at cost, which approximates market value.Concentrations of Credit RiskFinancial instruments that potentially subject us to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, investments held within restricted funds, and accounts receivable. We make efforts to control our exposure to credit risk associated with these instruments by (i) placing our assets and other financial interests with a diverse group of credit-worthy financial institutions; (ii) holding high-quality financial instruments while limiting investments in any one instrument and (iii) maintaining strict policies over credit extension that include credit evaluations, credit limits and monitoring procedures, although generally we do not have collateral requirements for credit extensions. We also control our exposure associated with trade receivables by discontinuing service, to the extent allowable, to non-paying customers. However, our overall credit risk associated with trade receivables is limited due to the large number and diversity of customers we serve. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, no single customer represented greater than 5% of total accounts receivable.Accounts and Other Receivables Our receivables, which are recorded when billed, when services are performed or when cash is advanced, are claims against third parties that will generally be settled in cash. The carrying value of our receivables, net of the allowance for doubtful accounts, represents the estimated net realizable value. We estimate our allowance for doubtful accounts based on historical collection trends; type of customer, such as municipal or commercial; the age of outstanding receivables and existing as well as expected economic conditions. If events or changes in circumstances indicate that specific receivable balances may be impaired, further consideration is given to the collectability of those balances and the allowance is adjusted accordingly. Past-due receivable balances are written off when our internal collection efforts have been unsuccessful. Also, we recognize interest income on long-term interest-bearing notes receivable as the interest accrues under the terms of the notes. We no longer accrue interest once the notes are deemed uncollectible."
    },
    {
      "status": "MODIFIED",
      "current_title": "Selling, General and Administrative Expenses",
      "prior_title": "Selling, General and Administrative Expenses",
      "similarity_score": 0.796,
      "confidence": "high",
      "key_changes": [
        "Reworded sentence: \"The following table summarizes the major components of our selling, general and administrative expenses for the year ended December 31 (dollars in millions and as a percentage of revenues): ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 2024 ​ 2023 ​ 2022 ​ Labor and related benefits ​ $ 1,400 6.4 % ​ $ 1,205 5.9 % ​ $ 1,195 6.1 % Professional fees ​ 358 ​ 1.6 ​ ​ 228 ​ 1.1 ​ ​ 268 ​ 1.4 ​ Provision for bad debts ​ 51 ​ 0.2 ​ ​ 56 ​ 0.3 ​ ​ 50 ​ 0.2 ​ Other ​ 455 ​ 2.1 ​ ​ 437 ​ 2.1 ​ ​ 425 ​ 2.1 ​ ​ ​ $ 2,264 ​ 10.3 % ​ $ 1,926 ​ 9.4 % ​ $ 1,938 ​ 9.8 % ​ Selling, general and administrative expenses in 2024, as compared with 2023, have increased due to (i) severance and consulting costs incurred in connection with the acquisition and integration of Stericycle, of which a significant portion are transaction and integration costs that are not expected to recur; (ii) increased labor costs from higher annual and long-term incentive compensation and annual wage increases and (iii) increased professional fees to support strategic initiatives.\"",
        "Reworded sentence: \"​ 57 57 Table of ContentsSignificant items affecting the comparison of our selling, general and administrative expenses between reported periods include: Labor and Related Benefits — The increase in labor and related benefits costs in 2024, as compared with 2023, was primarily related to (i) costs incurred in connection with our acquisition of Stericycle, including severance costs and additional headcount; (ii) higher annual and long-term incentive compensation costs and (iii) annual employee wage increases.\""
      ],
      "current_body": "Our selling, general and administrative expenses consist of (i) labor and related benefits costs, which include salaries, bonuses, related insurance and benefits, contract labor, payroll taxes and equity-based compensation; (ii) professional fees, which include fees for consulting, legal, audit and tax services; (iii) provision for bad debts, which includes allowances for uncollectible customer accounts and collection fees and (iv) other selling, general and administrative expenses, which include, among other costs, facility-related expenses, voice and data telecommunication, advertising, bank charges, computer costs, travel and entertainment, rentals, postage and printing. In addition, the financial impacts of litigation reserves generally are included in our “Other” selling, general and administrative expenses. The following table summarizes the major components of our selling, general and administrative expenses for the year ended December 31 (dollars in millions and as a percentage of revenues): ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 2024 ​ 2023 ​ 2022 ​ Labor and related benefits ​ $ 1,400 6.4 % ​ $ 1,205 5.9 % ​ $ 1,195 6.1 % Professional fees ​ 358 ​ 1.6 ​ ​ 228 ​ 1.1 ​ ​ 268 ​ 1.4 ​ Provision for bad debts ​ 51 ​ 0.2 ​ ​ 56 ​ 0.3 ​ ​ 50 ​ 0.2 ​ Other ​ 455 ​ 2.1 ​ ​ 437 ​ 2.1 ​ ​ 425 ​ 2.1 ​ ​ ​ $ 2,264 ​ 10.3 % ​ $ 1,926 ​ 9.4 % ​ $ 1,938 ​ 9.8 % ​ Selling, general and administrative expenses in 2024, as compared with 2023, have increased due to (i) severance and consulting costs incurred in connection with the acquisition and integration of Stericycle, of which a significant portion are transaction and integration costs that are not expected to recur; (ii) increased labor costs from higher annual and long-term incentive compensation and annual wage increases and (iii) increased professional fees to support strategic initiatives. Partially offsetting these increases was a decline in litigation costs. ​ Selling, general and administrative expenses in 2023, as compared with 2022, decreased primarily due to (i) reduced professional fees in connection with investments in our digital platform, as certain digital projects have moved from higher cost development activities to implementation activities, and (ii) lower annual incentive compensation costs. These decreases were partially offset by annual wage increases and increased litigation costs. ​ 57 57 Table of ContentsSignificant items affecting the comparison of our selling, general and administrative expenses between reported periods include: Labor and Related Benefits — The increase in labor and related benefits costs in 2024, as compared with 2023, was primarily related to (i) costs incurred in connection with our acquisition of Stericycle, including severance costs and additional headcount; (ii) higher annual and long-term incentive compensation costs and (iii) annual employee wage increases. The increase in labor and related benefits costs in 2023, as compared with 2022, was primarily related to (i) annual wage increases for our employees; (ii) market adjustments for deferred compensation plans related to investment performance and (iii) higher long-term incentive compensation costs, partially offset by lower annual incentive compensation costs and lower contract labor expenses.Professional Fees — The increase in professional fees in 2024, as compared with 2023, was primarily attributable to legal, consulting and accounting costs incurred to support strategic initiatives, including our acquisition of Stericycle. The decrease in professional fees in 2023, as compared with 2022, was primarily attributable to reduced expenses in connection with investments in our digital platform.Other — The increase in other expenses in 2024, as compared with 2023, was primarily related to (i) risk management costs incurred in connection with the acquisition and integration of Stericycle and (ii) increased spend across multiple cost categories including technology and travel. These cost increases were partially offset by a decline in litigation costs. The increase in other expenses in 2023, as compared with 2022, was primarily related to (i) increased litigation costs; (ii) increased bank charges and (iii) higher advertising spend, which were partially offset by lower travel expenses and lower telecommunication costs. Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization ExpensesThe following table summarizes the components of our depreciation, depletion and amortization expenses for the year ended December 31 (dollars in millions and as a percentage of revenues):​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ 2024​ 2023​ 2022 Depreciation of tangible property and equipment​$ 1,292 5.9%​$ 1,197 5.9%​$ 1,155 5.9%Depletion of landfill airspace​ 795​ 3.6​​ 745​ 3.6​​ 754​ 3.8​Amortization of intangible assets​ 180​ 0.8​​ 129​ 0.6​​ 129​ 0.6​​​$ 2,267​10.3 %​$ 2,071​10.1 %​$ 2,038​10.3 %​The increase in depreciation of tangible property and equipment in 2024, as compared with 2023, was driven by (i) increased investments in capital assets such as trucks and containers and (ii) the acquisition of Stericycle. The increase in depletion of landfill airspace in 2024, as compared to with 2023, was driven by changes in amortization rates from revisions in landfill estimates and volume increases, partially offset by the closure of a landfill in our East Tier. The increase in amortization of intangibles was driven by the amortization of acquired intangible assets. The increase in depreciation of tangible property and equipment in 2023, as compared with 2022, was mainly influenced by strategic investments in our digital platform and investments in capital assets to service our customers, such as machinery and containers. The decrease in depletion of landfill airspace in 2023, as compared with 2022, was primarily driven by reductions in volume partially offset by the reopening of a previously closed site in our East Tier. 58 Table of Contents Table of Contents Table of Contents Significant items affecting the comparison of our selling, general and administrative expenses between reported periods include: Labor and Related Benefits — The increase in labor and related benefits costs in 2024, as compared with 2023, was primarily related to (i) costs incurred in connection with our acquisition of Stericycle, including severance costs and additional headcount; (ii) higher annual and long-term incentive compensation costs and (iii) annual employee wage increases. The increase in labor and related benefits costs in 2023, as compared with 2022, was primarily related to (i) annual wage increases for our employees; (ii) market adjustments for deferred compensation plans related to investment performance and (iii) higher long-term incentive compensation costs, partially offset by lower annual incentive compensation costs and lower contract labor expenses.Professional Fees — The increase in professional fees in 2024, as compared with 2023, was primarily attributable to legal, consulting and accounting costs incurred to support strategic initiatives, including our acquisition of Stericycle. The decrease in professional fees in 2023, as compared with 2022, was primarily attributable to reduced expenses in connection with investments in our digital platform.Other — The increase in other expenses in 2024, as compared with 2023, was primarily related to (i) risk management costs incurred in connection with the acquisition and integration of Stericycle and (ii) increased spend across multiple cost categories including technology and travel. These cost increases were partially offset by a decline in litigation costs. The increase in other expenses in 2023, as compared with 2022, was primarily related to (i) increased litigation costs; (ii) increased bank charges and (iii) higher advertising spend, which were partially offset by lower travel expenses and lower telecommunication costs. Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization ExpensesThe following table summarizes the components of our depreciation, depletion and amortization expenses for the year ended December 31 (dollars in millions and as a percentage of revenues):​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ 2024​ 2023​ 2022 Depreciation of tangible property and equipment​$ 1,292 5.9%​$ 1,197 5.9%​$ 1,155 5.9%Depletion of landfill airspace​ 795​ 3.6​​ 745​ 3.6​​ 754​ 3.8​Amortization of intangible assets​ 180​ 0.8​​ 129​ 0.6​​ 129​ 0.6​​​$ 2,267​10.3 %​$ 2,071​10.1 %​$ 2,038​10.3 %​The increase in depreciation of tangible property and equipment in 2024, as compared with 2023, was driven by (i) increased investments in capital assets such as trucks and containers and (ii) the acquisition of Stericycle. The increase in depletion of landfill airspace in 2024, as compared to with 2023, was driven by changes in amortization rates from revisions in landfill estimates and volume increases, partially offset by the closure of a landfill in our East Tier. The increase in amortization of intangibles was driven by the amortization of acquired intangible assets. The increase in depreciation of tangible property and equipment in 2023, as compared with 2022, was mainly influenced by strategic investments in our digital platform and investments in capital assets to service our customers, such as machinery and containers. The decrease in depletion of landfill airspace in 2023, as compared with 2022, was primarily driven by reductions in volume partially offset by the reopening of a previously closed site in our East Tier. Significant items affecting the comparison of our selling, general and administrative expenses between reported periods include: Labor and Related Benefits — The increase in labor and related benefits costs in 2024, as compared with 2023, was primarily related to (i) costs incurred in connection with our acquisition of Stericycle, including severance costs and additional headcount; (ii) higher annual and long-term incentive compensation costs and (iii) annual employee wage increases. The increase in labor and related benefits costs in 2023, as compared with 2022, was primarily related to (i) annual wage increases for our employees; (ii) market adjustments for deferred compensation plans related to investment performance and (iii) higher long-term incentive compensation costs, partially offset by lower annual incentive compensation costs and lower contract labor expenses.Professional Fees — The increase in professional fees in 2024, as compared with 2023, was primarily attributable to legal, consulting and accounting costs incurred to support strategic initiatives, including our acquisition of Stericycle. The decrease in professional fees in 2023, as compared with 2022, was primarily attributable to reduced expenses in connection with investments in our digital platform.Other — The increase in other expenses in 2024, as compared with 2023, was primarily related to (i) risk management costs incurred in connection with the acquisition and integration of Stericycle and (ii) increased spend across multiple cost categories including technology and travel. These cost increases were partially offset by a decline in litigation costs. The increase in other expenses in 2023, as compared with 2022, was primarily related to (i) increased litigation costs; (ii) increased bank charges and (iii) higher advertising spend, which were partially offset by lower travel expenses and lower telecommunication costs. Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization ExpensesThe following table summarizes the components of our depreciation, depletion and amortization expenses for the year ended December 31 (dollars in millions and as a percentage of revenues):​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ 2024​ 2023​ 2022 Depreciation of tangible property and equipment​$ 1,292 5.9%​$ 1,197 5.9%​$ 1,155 5.9%Depletion of landfill airspace​ 795​ 3.6​​ 745​ 3.6​​ 754​ 3.8​Amortization of intangible assets​ 180​ 0.8​​ 129​ 0.6​​ 129​ 0.6​​​$ 2,267​10.3 %​$ 2,071​10.1 %​$ 2,038​10.3 %​The increase in depreciation of tangible property and equipment in 2024, as compared with 2023, was driven by (i) increased investments in capital assets such as trucks and containers and (ii) the acquisition of Stericycle. The increase in depletion of landfill airspace in 2024, as compared to with 2023, was driven by changes in amortization rates from revisions in landfill estimates and volume increases, partially offset by the closure of a landfill in our East Tier. The increase in amortization of intangibles was driven by the amortization of acquired intangible assets. The increase in depreciation of tangible property and equipment in 2023, as compared with 2022, was mainly influenced by strategic investments in our digital platform and investments in capital assets to service our customers, such as machinery and containers. The decrease in depletion of landfill airspace in 2023, as compared with 2022, was primarily driven by reductions in volume partially offset by the reopening of a previously closed site in our East Tier. Significant items affecting the comparison of our selling, general and administrative expenses between reported periods include: Labor and Related Benefits — The increase in labor and related benefits costs in 2024, as compared with 2023, was primarily related to (i) costs incurred in connection with our acquisition of Stericycle, including severance costs and additional headcount; (ii) higher annual and long-term incentive compensation costs and (iii) annual employee wage increases. The increase in labor and related benefits costs in 2023, as compared with 2022, was primarily related to (i) annual wage increases for our employees; (ii) market adjustments for deferred compensation plans related to investment performance and (iii) higher long-term incentive compensation costs, partially offset by lower annual incentive compensation costs and lower contract labor expenses. Professional Fees — The increase in professional fees in 2024, as compared with 2023, was primarily attributable to legal, consulting and accounting costs incurred to support strategic initiatives, including our acquisition of Stericycle. The decrease in professional fees in 2023, as compared with 2022, was primarily attributable to reduced expenses in connection with investments in our digital platform. Other — The increase in other expenses in 2024, as compared with 2023, was primarily related to (i) risk management costs incurred in connection with the acquisition and integration of Stericycle and (ii) increased spend across multiple cost categories including technology and travel. These cost increases were partially offset by a decline in litigation costs. The increase in other expenses in 2023, as compared with 2022, was primarily related to (i) increased litigation costs; (ii) increased bank charges and (iii) higher advertising spend, which were partially offset by lower travel expenses and lower telecommunication costs.",
      "prior_body": "Our selling, general and administrative expenses consist of (i) labor and related benefits costs, which include salaries, bonuses, related insurance and benefits, contract labor, payroll taxes and equity-based compensation; (ii) professional fees, which include fees for consulting, legal, audit and tax services; (iii) provision for bad debts, which includes allowances for uncollectible customer accounts and collection fees and (iv) other selling, general and administrative expenses, which include, among other costs, facility-related expenses, voice and data telecommunication, advertising, bank charges, computer costs, travel and entertainment, rentals, postage and printing. In addition, the financial impacts of litigation reserves generally are included in our “Other” selling, general and administrative expenses. The following table summarizes the major components of our selling, general and administrative expenses for the year ended December 31 (dollars in millions and as a percentage of revenues): ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 2023 ​ 2022 ​ 2021 ​ Labor and related benefits ​ $ 1,205 5.9 % ​ $ 1,195 6.1 % ​ $ 1,215 6.8 % Professional fees ​ 228 ​ 1.1 ​ ​ 268 ​ 1.4 ​ ​ 228 ​ 1.3 ​ Provision for bad debts ​ 56 ​ 0.3 ​ ​ 50 ​ 0.2 ​ ​ 37 ​ 0.2 ​ Other ​ 437 ​ 2.1 ​ ​ 425 ​ 2.1 ​ ​ 384 ​ 2.1 ​ ​ ​ $ 1,926 ​ 9.4 % ​ $ 1,938 ​ 9.8 % ​ $ 1,864 ​ 10.4 % ​ Selling, general and administrative expenses in 2023, as compared with 2022, decreased primarily due to (i) reduced professional fees in connection with investments in our digital platform, as certain digital projects have moved from higher cost development activities to implementation activities, and (ii) lower annual incentive compensation costs. These decreases were partially offset by annual wage increases and increased litigation costs. ​ Selling, general and administrative expenses in 2022, as compared with 2021, increased primarily due to (i) strategic investments in our digital platform, including those that support our ongoing sustainability initiatives; (ii) higher annual incentive compensation costs and merit increases for our employees; (iii) increased business travel and entertainment expense and (iv) an increase in provision for bad debts, partially offset by (i) lower long-term incentive compensation costs; (ii) market adjustments for deferred compensation plans related to investment performance and (iii) lower litigation costs. ​ The effective management of our costs resulted in a significant reduction in our selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of revenues when compared with each of the prior year periods. Partially offsetting these reductions are annual merit increases and increased litigation costs. ​ 49 49 Table of ContentsSignificant items affecting the comparison of our selling, general and administrative expenses between reported periods include: Labor and Related Benefits — The increase in labor and related benefits costs in 2023, as compared with 2022, was primarily related to (i) annual wage increases for our employees; (ii) market adjustments for deferred compensation plans related to investment performance and (iii) higher long-term incentive compensation costs, partially offset by lower annual incentive compensation costs and lower contract labor expenses. The decrease in labor and related benefits costs in 2022, as compared with 2021, was primarily due to (i) lower long-term incentive compensation costs; (ii) reductions in contract labor and (iii) market adjustments for deferred compensation plans related to investment performance, partially offset by higher annual incentive compensation and annual merit increases for our employees. Professional Fees — The decrease in professional fees in 2023, as compared with 2022, was primarily attributable to reduced expenses in connection with investments in our digital platform, as certain digital projects have moved from higher cost development activities to implementation activities. The increase in professional fees in 2022, as compared with 2021, was primarily driven by strategic investments in our digital platform, including those that support our ongoing sustainability initiatives, partially offset by lower acquisition and integration costs. Provision for Bad Debts — The increase in provision for bad debts in 2023, as compared with 2022, was primarily related to an increase in revenue and customer-specific provisions required for bankruptcies of two of our WMSBS customers. The increase in provision for bad debts in 2022, as compared with 2021, was primarily related to (i) increased revenue; (ii) increased collection risk with certain customers and (iii) favorable adjustments to our reserves taken in 2021 as a result of improvement in customer account collections. Other — The increase in other expenses in 2023, as compared with 2022, was primarily related to (i) increased litigation costs; (ii) increased bank charges and (iii) higher advertising spend, which were partially offset by lower travel expenses and lower telecommunication costs. The increase in other expenses in 2022, as compared with 2021, was primarily driven by costs associated with technology infrastructure to support our strategic investments in our digital platform and an increase in business travel and entertainment expense, partially offset by lower litigation costs. Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization ExpensesThe following table summarizes the components of our depreciation, depletion and amortization expenses for the year ended December 31 (dollars in millions and as a percentage of revenues):​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ 2023​ 2022​ 2021 Depreciation of tangible property and equipment​$ 1,197 5.9%​$ 1,155 5.9%​$ 1,125 6.2%Depletion of landfill airspace​ 745​ 3.6​​ 754​ 3.8​​ 731​ 4.1​Amortization of intangible assets​ 129​ 0.6​​ 129​ 0.6​​ 143​ 0.8​​​$ 2,071​10.1 %​$ 2,038​10.3 %​$ 1,999​11.1 %​The increase in depreciation of tangible property and equipment in 2023, as compared with 2022, was mainly influenced by strategic investments in our digital platform and investments in capital assets to service our customers, such as machinery and containers. The decrease in depletion of landfill airspace in 2023, as compared with 2022, was primarily driven by reductions in volume partially offset by the reopening of a previously closed site in our East Tier.The increase in depreciation of tangible property and equipment in 2022, as compared with 2021, was primarily driven by investments in capital assets, including containers to service our customers and strategic investments in our digital platform. The increase in depletion of landfill airspace in 2022, as compared with 2021, was primarily driven by changes in depletion rates from revisions in landfill cost estimates and increased volumes at our landfills, partially offset by a prior year charge due to management’s decision to close a landfill in our West Tier earlier than expected, resulting in the acceleration of the timing of capping, closure, and post-closure activities. The decrease in amortization of intangible assets in 2022, as compared with 2021, was primarily driven by the amortization of acquired intangible assets from the acquisition of Advanced Disposal Services, Inc. 50 Table of Contents Table of Contents Table of Contents Significant items affecting the comparison of our selling, general and administrative expenses between reported periods include: Labor and Related Benefits — The increase in labor and related benefits costs in 2023, as compared with 2022, was primarily related to (i) annual wage increases for our employees; (ii) market adjustments for deferred compensation plans related to investment performance and (iii) higher long-term incentive compensation costs, partially offset by lower annual incentive compensation costs and lower contract labor expenses. The decrease in labor and related benefits costs in 2022, as compared with 2021, was primarily due to (i) lower long-term incentive compensation costs; (ii) reductions in contract labor and (iii) market adjustments for deferred compensation plans related to investment performance, partially offset by higher annual incentive compensation and annual merit increases for our employees. Professional Fees — The decrease in professional fees in 2023, as compared with 2022, was primarily attributable to reduced expenses in connection with investments in our digital platform, as certain digital projects have moved from higher cost development activities to implementation activities. The increase in professional fees in 2022, as compared with 2021, was primarily driven by strategic investments in our digital platform, including those that support our ongoing sustainability initiatives, partially offset by lower acquisition and integration costs. Provision for Bad Debts — The increase in provision for bad debts in 2023, as compared with 2022, was primarily related to an increase in revenue and customer-specific provisions required for bankruptcies of two of our WMSBS customers. The increase in provision for bad debts in 2022, as compared with 2021, was primarily related to (i) increased revenue; (ii) increased collection risk with certain customers and (iii) favorable adjustments to our reserves taken in 2021 as a result of improvement in customer account collections. Other — The increase in other expenses in 2023, as compared with 2022, was primarily related to (i) increased litigation costs; (ii) increased bank charges and (iii) higher advertising spend, which were partially offset by lower travel expenses and lower telecommunication costs. The increase in other expenses in 2022, as compared with 2021, was primarily driven by costs associated with technology infrastructure to support our strategic investments in our digital platform and an increase in business travel and entertainment expense, partially offset by lower litigation costs. Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization ExpensesThe following table summarizes the components of our depreciation, depletion and amortization expenses for the year ended December 31 (dollars in millions and as a percentage of revenues):​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ 2023​ 2022​ 2021 Depreciation of tangible property and equipment​$ 1,197 5.9%​$ 1,155 5.9%​$ 1,125 6.2%Depletion of landfill airspace​ 745​ 3.6​​ 754​ 3.8​​ 731​ 4.1​Amortization of intangible assets​ 129​ 0.6​​ 129​ 0.6​​ 143​ 0.8​​​$ 2,071​10.1 %​$ 2,038​10.3 %​$ 1,999​11.1 %​The increase in depreciation of tangible property and equipment in 2023, as compared with 2022, was mainly influenced by strategic investments in our digital platform and investments in capital assets to service our customers, such as machinery and containers. The decrease in depletion of landfill airspace in 2023, as compared with 2022, was primarily driven by reductions in volume partially offset by the reopening of a previously closed site in our East Tier.The increase in depreciation of tangible property and equipment in 2022, as compared with 2021, was primarily driven by investments in capital assets, including containers to service our customers and strategic investments in our digital platform. The increase in depletion of landfill airspace in 2022, as compared with 2021, was primarily driven by changes in depletion rates from revisions in landfill cost estimates and increased volumes at our landfills, partially offset by a prior year charge due to management’s decision to close a landfill in our West Tier earlier than expected, resulting in the acceleration of the timing of capping, closure, and post-closure activities. The decrease in amortization of intangible assets in 2022, as compared with 2021, was primarily driven by the amortization of acquired intangible assets from the acquisition of Advanced Disposal Services, Inc. Significant items affecting the comparison of our selling, general and administrative expenses between reported periods include: Labor and Related Benefits — The increase in labor and related benefits costs in 2023, as compared with 2022, was primarily related to (i) annual wage increases for our employees; (ii) market adjustments for deferred compensation plans related to investment performance and (iii) higher long-term incentive compensation costs, partially offset by lower annual incentive compensation costs and lower contract labor expenses. The decrease in labor and related benefits costs in 2022, as compared with 2021, was primarily due to (i) lower long-term incentive compensation costs; (ii) reductions in contract labor and (iii) market adjustments for deferred compensation plans related to investment performance, partially offset by higher annual incentive compensation and annual merit increases for our employees. Professional Fees — The decrease in professional fees in 2023, as compared with 2022, was primarily attributable to reduced expenses in connection with investments in our digital platform, as certain digital projects have moved from higher cost development activities to implementation activities. The increase in professional fees in 2022, as compared with 2021, was primarily driven by strategic investments in our digital platform, including those that support our ongoing sustainability initiatives, partially offset by lower acquisition and integration costs. Provision for Bad Debts — The increase in provision for bad debts in 2023, as compared with 2022, was primarily related to an increase in revenue and customer-specific provisions required for bankruptcies of two of our WMSBS customers. The increase in provision for bad debts in 2022, as compared with 2021, was primarily related to (i) increased revenue; (ii) increased collection risk with certain customers and (iii) favorable adjustments to our reserves taken in 2021 as a result of improvement in customer account collections. Other — The increase in other expenses in 2023, as compared with 2022, was primarily related to (i) increased litigation costs; (ii) increased bank charges and (iii) higher advertising spend, which were partially offset by lower travel expenses and lower telecommunication costs. The increase in other expenses in 2022, as compared with 2021, was primarily driven by costs associated with technology infrastructure to support our strategic investments in our digital platform and an increase in business travel and entertainment expense, partially offset by lower litigation costs."
    },
    {
      "status": "MODIFIED",
      "current_title": "2023 vs. 2022",
      "prior_title": "2022 vs. 2021",
      "similarity_score": 0.795,
      "confidence": "high",
      "key_changes": [
        "Reworded sentence: \"​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ As a % of ​ ​ ​ As a % of ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Related ​ ​ ​ Related ​ ​ ​ Amount Business Amount Business Commercial ​ ​ $ 327 ​ 6.2 % $ 321 ​ 6.5 % Industrial ​ ​ 176 ​ 5.0 ​ 240 ​ 7.2 ​ Residential ​ ​ 200 ​ 6.2 ​ 191 ​ 6.1 ​ Total collection ​ ​ 703 ​ 5.6 ​ 752 ​ 6.3 ​ Landfill ​ ​ 54 ​ 1.8 ​ 76 ​ 2.7 ​ Transfer ​ ​ 54 ​ 4.5 ​ 83 ​ 7.5 ​ Total Collection and Disposal ​ ​ $ 811 ​ 4.5 % $ 911 ​ 5.4 % ​ Our overall pricing efforts are focused on keeping pace with the increasing costs and capital intensity of our business.\"",
        "Reworded sentence: \"Additionally, revenue in our WM Renewable Energy segment increased $26 million in 2024 and decreased $73 million in 2023 as compared with the prior year periods, primarily driven by fluctuations in energy prices and the value and quantity of RINs.\"",
        "Reworded sentence: \"The decrease in energy surcharge revenues is primarily due to a decline in market prices for diesel fuel of approximately 10% in 2024 and 15% in 2023 as compared to the prior year periods.\"",
        "Reworded sentence: \"Volume Our revenues from volume (excluding volumes from acquisitions and divestitures) increased $88 million, or 0.4%, and $150 million, or 0.8%, in 2024 and 2023, respectively, as compared with the prior year periods.\""
      ],
      "current_body": "​ ​ ​ ​ ​ As a % of ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ As a % of ​ ​ ​ ​ As a % of ​ ​ ​ ​ As a % of ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Related ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Total ​ ​ ​ ​ Related ​ ​ ​ ​ Total ​ Amount",
      "prior_body": "​ ​ ​ ​ ​ As a % of ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ As a % of ​ ​ ​ ​ As a % of ​ ​ ​ ​ As a % of ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Related ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Total ​ ​ ​ ​ Related ​ ​ ​ ​ Total ​ Amount"
    },
    {
      "status": "MODIFIED",
      "current_title": "Board Oversight",
      "prior_title": "Board Oversight",
      "similarity_score": 0.794,
      "confidence": "high",
      "key_changes": [
        "Reworded sentence: \"The Audit Committee receives reports on these matters from our most senior executives in the digital organization, including Management has primary responsibility for risk management within our Company .\"",
        "Reworded sentence: \"We also have administrative offices in Arizona, Connecticut, Illinois, India and parts of Western Europe.\"",
        "Reworded sentence: \"We have operations (i) in all 50 states; (ii) in the District of Columbia; (iii) parts of Canada and (iv) parts of Western Europe.\"",
        "Reworded sentence: \"As of December 31, 2024, we had 102 landfill gas beneficial use projects producing commercial quantities of methane gas at owned or operated landfills.\"",
        "Reworded sentence: \"For 23 of these projects, the gas is used at the landfill or delivered by pipeline to industrial customers as a direct substitute for fossil fuels in industrial processes.\""
      ],
      "current_body": "Management has primary responsibility for risk management within our Company. The Company’s Board of Directors, with the support of its committees, oversees risk management to ensure that the processes designed, implemented and maintained by our executives are functioning as intended and adapted when necessary to respond to changes in our Company’s strategy as well as emerging risks. The Audit Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors has responsibility for oversight of information and cybersecurity risks and assessment of cyber threats and defenses. The Audit Committee receives reports on these matters from our most senior executives in the digital organization, including Management has primary responsibility for risk management within our Company . The Company’s Board of Directors, with the support of its committees, oversees risk management to ensure that the processes designed, implemented and maintained by our executives are functioning as intended and adapted when necessary to respond to changes in our Company’s strategy as well as emerging risks. The Audit Committee The Audit Committee receives reports on these matters from our most senior executives in the digital organization, including 43 43 Table of Contentsour Chief Information Officer and CISO, and the Company’s executive officers, at least twice a year. Topics historically covered in such reports, and for which our Board exercises oversight, include third-party evaluation of our technology infrastructure and information security against the NIST cybersecurity framework; management of emerging cyber threats such as merger and acquisition activity and the adoption and governance of artificial intelligence; risk mitigation through the Company’s enterprise-wide cybersecurity training, including our Board of Directors, conducted at least annually; regular simulated phishing tests and third-party penetration testing; review of the Company’s cyber incident insurance coverage and external cyber incident resources; review of the Company’s Cybersecurity Incident Response Plan; review of readouts from cyber incident table top exercises; and consideration of applicable laws and regulations, including those related to privacy. The Company’s Cybersecurity Incident Response Plan includes a section on Board escalation that specifies the process for notification of the Chair of the Audit Committee and the Chair of the Board of the Directors upon certain triggering events, and that group then determines the appropriate form and frequency of communication with the full Audit Committee or Board of Directors, depending on the unique characteristics of the incident.​Item 2. Properties. Our principal executive offices are in Houston, Texas where we lease approximately 285,000 square feet under a lease expiring in 2035. We also have administrative offices in Arizona, Connecticut, Illinois, India and parts of Western Europe. We own or lease real property in most locations where we have operations or administrative functions. We have operations (i) in all 50 states; (ii) in the District of Columbia; (iii) parts of Canada and (iv) parts of Western Europe. Our principal property and equipment consist of land (primarily landfills and other disposal facilities, transfer stations and bases for collection operations), buildings, vehicles and equipment. We believe that our operating properties, vehicles and equipment are adequately maintained and sufficient for our current operations. However, we expect to continue to make investments in additional property and equipment for expansion, for the replacement of aging assets and investment in assets that support our strategy of continuous improvement through efficiency and innovation. In addition, we continue to make progress on our planned investments to expand our Recycling Processing and Sales and WM Renewable Energy segments. As of December 31, 2024, we had 102 landfill gas beneficial use projects producing commercial quantities of methane gas at owned or operated landfills. For 65 of these projects, the processed gas is used to fuel electricity generators. The electricity is then sold to public utilities, municipal utilities or power cooperatives. For 23 of these projects, the gas is used at the landfill or delivered by pipeline to industrial customers as a direct substitute for fossil fuels in industrial processes. For 11 of these projects, the landfill gas is processed to pipeline quality RNG and then sold to natural gas suppliers. Additionally, three of these projects are on third-party landfills. For more information, see Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations included within this report.The following table summarizes our various operations as of December 31:​​​​​​ 2024(a) 2023Landfills owned or operated 262 263Transfer stations (a)(b) 506 332Recycling facilities​ 105​ 102Autoclave or alternative medical waste treatment facilities (b)​ 69​ —Medical waste incinerator facilities (b)​ 18​ —Secure information destruction processing facilities (b)​ 107​ —(a)Includes 167 transfer stations in 2024 that are related to our WM Healthcare Solutions segment. (b)Includes 35 Spain and Portugal locations consisting of 19 transfer stations, 12 autoclave or alternative medical waste treatment facilities, 1 medical waste incinerator facility and 3 secure information destruction processing facilities which were classified as assets held for sale as of December 31, 2024. See Note 17 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion.​​44 Table of Contents Table of Contents Table of Contents our Chief Information Officer and CISO, and the Company’s executive officers, at least twice a year. Topics historically covered in such reports, and for which our Board exercises oversight, include third-party evaluation of our technology infrastructure and information security against the NIST cybersecurity framework; management of emerging cyber threats such as merger and acquisition activity and the adoption and governance of artificial intelligence; risk mitigation through the Company’s enterprise-wide cybersecurity training, including our Board of Directors, conducted at least annually; regular simulated phishing tests and third-party penetration testing; review of the Company’s cyber incident insurance coverage and external cyber incident resources; review of the Company’s Cybersecurity Incident Response Plan; review of readouts from cyber incident table top exercises; and consideration of applicable laws and regulations, including those related to privacy. The Company’s Cybersecurity Incident Response Plan includes a section on Board escalation that specifies the process for notification of the Chair of the Audit Committee and the Chair of the Board of the Directors upon certain triggering events, and that group then determines the appropriate form and frequency of communication with the full Audit Committee or Board of Directors, depending on the unique characteristics of the incident.​Item 2. Properties. Our principal executive offices are in Houston, Texas where we lease approximately 285,000 square feet under a lease expiring in 2035. We also have administrative offices in Arizona, Connecticut, Illinois, India and parts of Western Europe. We own or lease real property in most locations where we have operations or administrative functions. We have operations (i) in all 50 states; (ii) in the District of Columbia; (iii) parts of Canada and (iv) parts of Western Europe. Our principal property and equipment consist of land (primarily landfills and other disposal facilities, transfer stations and bases for collection operations), buildings, vehicles and equipment. We believe that our operating properties, vehicles and equipment are adequately maintained and sufficient for our current operations. However, we expect to continue to make investments in additional property and equipment for expansion, for the replacement of aging assets and investment in assets that support our strategy of continuous improvement through efficiency and innovation. In addition, we continue to make progress on our planned investments to expand our Recycling Processing and Sales and WM Renewable Energy segments. As of December 31, 2024, we had 102 landfill gas beneficial use projects producing commercial quantities of methane gas at owned or operated landfills. For 65 of these projects, the processed gas is used to fuel electricity generators. The electricity is then sold to public utilities, municipal utilities or power cooperatives. For 23 of these projects, the gas is used at the landfill or delivered by pipeline to industrial customers as a direct substitute for fossil fuels in industrial processes. For 11 of these projects, the landfill gas is processed to pipeline quality RNG and then sold to natural gas suppliers. Additionally, three of these projects are on third-party landfills. For more information, see Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations included within this report.The following table summarizes our various operations as of December 31:​​​​​​ 2024(a) 2023Landfills owned or operated 262 263Transfer stations (a)(b) 506 332Recycling facilities​ 105​ 102Autoclave or alternative medical waste treatment facilities (b)​ 69​ —Medical waste incinerator facilities (b)​ 18​ —Secure information destruction processing facilities (b)​ 107​ —(a)Includes 167 transfer stations in 2024 that are related to our WM Healthcare Solutions segment. (b)Includes 35 Spain and Portugal locations consisting of 19 transfer stations, 12 autoclave or alternative medical waste treatment facilities, 1 medical waste incinerator facility and 3 secure information destruction processing facilities which were classified as assets held for sale as of December 31, 2024. See Note 17 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion.​​ our Chief Information Officer and CISO, and the Company’s executive officers, at least twice a year. Topics historically covered in such reports, and for which our Board exercises oversight, include third-party evaluation of our technology infrastructure and information security against the NIST cybersecurity framework; management of emerging cyber threats such as merger and acquisition activity and the adoption and governance of artificial intelligence; risk mitigation through the Company’s enterprise-wide cybersecurity training, including our Board of Directors, conducted at least annually; regular simulated phishing tests and third-party penetration testing; review of the Company’s cyber incident insurance coverage and external cyber incident resources; review of the Company’s Cybersecurity Incident Response Plan; review of readouts from cyber incident table top exercises; and consideration of applicable laws and regulations, including those related to privacy. The Company’s Cybersecurity Incident Response Plan includes a section on Board escalation that specifies the process for notification of the Chair of the Audit Committee and the Chair of the Board of the Directors upon certain triggering events, and that group then determines the appropriate form and frequency of communication with the full Audit Committee or Board of Directors, depending on the unique characteristics of the incident.​Item 2. Properties. Our principal executive offices are in Houston, Texas where we lease approximately 285,000 square feet under a lease expiring in 2035. We also have administrative offices in Arizona, Connecticut, Illinois, India and parts of Western Europe. We own or lease real property in most locations where we have operations or administrative functions. We have operations (i) in all 50 states; (ii) in the District of Columbia; (iii) parts of Canada and (iv) parts of Western Europe. Our principal property and equipment consist of land (primarily landfills and other disposal facilities, transfer stations and bases for collection operations), buildings, vehicles and equipment. We believe that our operating properties, vehicles and equipment are adequately maintained and sufficient for our current operations. However, we expect to continue to make investments in additional property and equipment for expansion, for the replacement of aging assets and investment in assets that support our strategy of continuous improvement through efficiency and innovation. In addition, we continue to make progress on our planned investments to expand our Recycling Processing and Sales and WM Renewable Energy segments. As of December 31, 2024, we had 102 landfill gas beneficial use projects producing commercial quantities of methane gas at owned or operated landfills. For 65 of these projects, the processed gas is used to fuel electricity generators. The electricity is then sold to public utilities, municipal utilities or power cooperatives. For 23 of these projects, the gas is used at the landfill or delivered by pipeline to industrial customers as a direct substitute for fossil fuels in industrial processes. For 11 of these projects, the landfill gas is processed to pipeline quality RNG and then sold to natural gas suppliers. Additionally, three of these projects are on third-party landfills. For more information, see Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations included within this report.The following table summarizes our various operations as of December 31:​​​​​​ 2024(a) 2023Landfills owned or operated 262 263Transfer stations (a)(b) 506 332Recycling facilities​ 105​ 102Autoclave or alternative medical waste treatment facilities (b)​ 69​ —Medical waste incinerator facilities (b)​ 18​ —Secure information destruction processing facilities (b)​ 107​ —(a)Includes 167 transfer stations in 2024 that are related to our WM Healthcare Solutions segment. (b)Includes 35 Spain and Portugal locations consisting of 19 transfer stations, 12 autoclave or alternative medical waste treatment facilities, 1 medical waste incinerator facility and 3 secure information destruction processing facilities which were classified as assets held for sale as of December 31, 2024. See Note 17 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion.​​ our Chief Information Officer and CISO, and the Company’s executive officers, at least twice a year. Topics historically covered in such reports, and for which our Board exercises oversight, include third-party evaluation of our technology infrastructure and information security against the NIST cybersecurity framework; management of emerging cyber threats such as merger and acquisition activity and the adoption and governance of artificial intelligence; risk mitigation through the Company’s enterprise-wide cybersecurity training, including our Board of Directors, conducted at least annually; regular simulated phishing tests and third-party penetration testing; review of the Company’s cyber incident insurance coverage and external cyber incident resources; review of the Company’s Cybersecurity Incident Response Plan; review of readouts from cyber incident table top exercises; and consideration of applicable laws and regulations, including those related to privacy. The Company’s Cybersecurity Incident Response Plan includes a section on Board escalation that specifies the process for notification of the Chair of the Audit Committee and the Chair of the Board of the Directors upon certain triggering events, and that group then determines the appropriate form and frequency of communication with the full Audit Committee or Board of Directors, depending on the unique characteristics of the incident. our Chief Information Officer and CISO, and the Company’s executive officers, at least twice a year. Topics historically covered in such reports, and for which our Board exercises oversight, include third-party evaluation of our technology infrastructure and information security against the NIST cybersecurity framework; management of emerging cyber threats such as merger and acquisition activity and the adoption and governance of artificial intelligence; risk mitigation through the Company’s enterprise-wide cybersecurity training, including our Board of Directors, conducted at least annually; regular simulated phishing tests and third-party penetration testing; review of the Company’s cyber incident insurance coverage and external cyber incident resources; review of the Company’s Cybersecurity Incident Response Plan; review of readouts from cyber incident table top exercises; and consideration of applicable laws and regulations, including those related to privacy. The Company’s Cybersecurity Incident Response Plan includes a section on Board escalation that specifies the process for notification of the Chair of the Audit Committee and the Chair of the Board of the Directors upon certain triggering events , and that group then determines the appropriate form and frequency of communication with the full Audit Committee or Board of Directors, depending on the unique characteristics of the incident ​ Item 2. Properties. Our principal executive offices are in Houston, Texas where we lease approximately 285,000 square feet under a lease expiring in 2035. We also have administrative offices in Arizona, Connecticut, Illinois, India and parts of Western Europe. We own or lease real property in most locations where we have operations or administrative functions. We have operations (i) in all 50 states; (ii) in the District of Columbia; (iii) parts of Canada and (iv) parts of Western Europe. Our principal property and equipment consist of land (primarily landfills and other disposal facilities, transfer stations and bases for collection operations), buildings, vehicles and equipment. We believe that our operating properties, vehicles and equipment are adequately maintained and sufficient for our current operations. However, we expect to continue to make investments in additional property and equipment for expansion, for the replacement of aging assets and investment in assets that support our strategy of continuous improvement through efficiency and innovation. In addition, we continue to make progress on our planned investments to expand our Recycling Processing and Sales and WM Renewable Energy segments. As of December 31, 2024, we had 102 landfill gas beneficial use projects producing commercial quantities of methane gas at owned or operated landfills. For 65 of these projects, the processed gas is used to fuel electricity generators. The electricity is then sold to public utilities, municipal utilities or power cooperatives. For 23 of these projects, the gas is used at the landfill or delivered by pipeline to industrial customers as a direct substitute for fossil fuels in industrial processes. For 11 of these projects, the landfill gas is processed to pipeline quality RNG and then sold to natural gas suppliers. Additionally, three of these projects are on third-party landfills. For more information, see Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations included within this report. The following table summarizes our various operations as of December 31: ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 2024(a) 2023 Landfills owned or operated 262 263 Transfer stations (a)(b) 506 332 Recycling facilities ​ 105 ​ 102 Autoclave or alternative medical waste treatment facilities (b) ​ 69 ​ — Medical waste incinerator facilities (b) ​ 18 ​ — Secure information destruction processing facilities (b) ​ 107 ​ — ​ ​ 44 44 Table of ContentsItem 3. Legal Proceedings.Information regarding our legal proceedings can be found under the Environmental Matters and Litigation sections of Note 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included within this report.​Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures.Information concerning mine safety and other regulatory matters required by Section 1503(a) of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and Item 104 of Regulation S-K is included in Exhibit 95 to this annual report.PART IIItem 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.Our common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) under the symbol “WM.” The number of holders of record of our common stock on February 14, 2025 was 7,046.The graph below shows the relative investment performance of Waste Management, Inc. common stock, the S&P 500 Index and the Dow Jones Waste & Disposal Services Index for the last five years, assuming reinvestment of dividends at date of payment into the common stock. The graph is presented pursuant to SEC rules and is not meant to be an indication of our future performance.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ ​ 12/31/19 12/31/20 12/31/21 12/31/22 12/31/23 12/31/24Waste Management, Inc.​$ 100​$ 105​$ 152​$ 145​$ 168​$ 192S&P 500 Index​$ 100​$ 118​$ 152​$ 125​$ 158​$ 197Dow Jones Waste & Disposal Services Index​$ 100​$ 107​$ 149​$ 141​$ 166​$ 198​45 Table of Contents Table of Contents Table of Contents Item 3. Legal Proceedings.Information regarding our legal proceedings can be found under the Environmental Matters and Litigation sections of Note 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included within this report.​Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures.Information concerning mine safety and other regulatory matters required by Section 1503(a) of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and Item 104 of Regulation S-K is included in Exhibit 95 to this annual report.PART IIItem 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.Our common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) under the symbol “WM.” The number of holders of record of our common stock on February 14, 2025 was 7,046.The graph below shows the relative investment performance of Waste Management, Inc. common stock, the S&P 500 Index and the Dow Jones Waste & Disposal Services Index for the last five years, assuming reinvestment of dividends at date of payment into the common stock. The graph is presented pursuant to SEC rules and is not meant to be an indication of our future performance.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ ​ 12/31/19 12/31/20 12/31/21 12/31/22 12/31/23 12/31/24Waste Management, Inc.​$ 100​$ 105​$ 152​$ 145​$ 168​$ 192S&P 500 Index​$ 100​$ 118​$ 152​$ 125​$ 158​$ 197Dow Jones Waste & Disposal Services Index​$ 100​$ 107​$ 149​$ 141​$ 166​$ 198​ Item 3. Legal Proceedings.Information regarding our legal proceedings can be found under the Environmental Matters and Litigation sections of Note 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included within this report.​Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures.Information concerning mine safety and other regulatory matters required by Section 1503(a) of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and Item 104 of Regulation S-K is included in Exhibit 95 to this annual report.PART IIItem 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.Our common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) under the symbol “WM.” The number of holders of record of our common stock on February 14, 2025 was 7,046.The graph below shows the relative investment performance of Waste Management, Inc. common stock, the S&P 500 Index and the Dow Jones Waste & Disposal Services Index for the last five years, assuming reinvestment of dividends at date of payment into the common stock. The graph is presented pursuant to SEC rules and is not meant to be an indication of our future performance.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ ​ 12/31/19 12/31/20 12/31/21 12/31/22 12/31/23 12/31/24Waste Management, Inc.​$ 100​$ 105​$ 152​$ 145​$ 168​$ 192S&P 500 Index​$ 100​$ 118​$ 152​$ 125​$ 158​$ 197Dow Jones Waste & Disposal Services Index​$ 100​$ 107​$ 149​$ 141​$ 166​$ 198​ Item 3. Legal Proceedings. Information regarding our legal proceedings can be found under the Environmental Matters and Litigation sections of Note 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included within this report. ​ Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures. Information concerning mine safety and other regulatory matters required by Section 1503(a) of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and Item 104 of Regulation S-K is included in Exhibit 95 to this annual report. PART II Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities. Our common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) under the symbol “WM.” The number of holders of record of our common stock on February 14, 2025 was 7,046. The graph below shows the relative investment performance of Waste Management, Inc. common stock, the S&P 500 Index and the Dow Jones Waste & Disposal Services Index for the last five years, assuming reinvestment of dividends at date of payment into the common stock. The graph is presented pursuant to SEC rules and is not meant to be an indication of our future performance. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 12/31/19 12/31/20 12/31/21 12/31/22 12/31/23 12/31/24 Waste Management, Inc. ​ $ 100 ​ $ 105 ​ $ 152 ​ $ 145 ​ $ 168 ​ $ 192 S&P 500 Index ​ $ 100 ​ $ 118 ​ $ 152 ​ $ 125 ​ $ 158 ​ $ 197 Dow Jones Waste & Disposal Services Index ​ $ 100 ​ $ 107 ​ $ 149 ​ $ 141 ​ $ 166 ​ $ 198 ​ 45 45 Table of ContentsThe Company repurchases shares of its common stock as part of capital allocation programs authorized by our Board of Directors. Share repurchases are a part of our long-term strategy and incorporated into our overall capital allocation plan to enhance our Company’s performance, in conjunction with our other uses of capital, and to return value to stockholders in a tax-efficient manner. During 2024, we allocated an aggregate of $262 million to repurchase our common stock under accelerated share repurchase (“ASR”) agreements and open market transactions. As of December 31, 2024, we had received 1.5 million shares with a weighted average price per share of $196.95, exclusive of per-share commissions. As a result of the Stericycle acquisition, the Company has temporarily suspended share repurchases. We expect to resume share repurchases once the Company’s leverage returns to targeted levels, which is currently projected to be about 18 months after the November 2024 acquisition of Stericycle. See Note 13 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.There were no common stock repurchases during the fourth quarter of 2024.​Item 6. [Reserved]None.Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.This section includes a discussion of our results of operations for the three years ended December 31, 2024. This discussion may contain forward-looking statements. See “Cautionary Statement about Forward-Looking Statements” in Part I of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for more information. Forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from our historical experience and our present expectations or anticipated results. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, those described in Part I, “Item 1A. Risk Factors” and elsewhere in this report and may also be described from time to time in our future reports filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). The following discussion should be read considering those disclosures and together with the Consolidated Financial Statements and the notes thereto.Overview We are North America’s leading provider of comprehensive environmental solutions, primarily providing services throughout the United States (“U.S.”) and Canada. We partner with our customers and the communities we serve to manage and reduce waste at each stage from collection to disposal, while recovering valuable resources and creating clean, renewable energy. We own or operate the largest network of landfills throughout the U.S. and Canada. In order to make disposal more practical for larger urban markets, where the distance to landfills is typically farther, we manage transfer stations that consolidate, compact and transport waste efficiently and economically. Our solid waste business is operated and managed locally by our subsidiaries that focus on distinct geographic areas and provide collection, transfer, disposal, recycling and resource recovery services. Through our subsidiaries, including our Waste Management Renewable Energy (“WM Renewable Energy”) segment, we are also a leading developer, operator and owner of landfill gas-to-energy facilities in the U.S. and Canada that produce renewable electricity and renewable natural gas, which is a significant source of fuel that we allocate to our natural gas fleet. Additionally, we are a leading recycler in the U.S. and Canada, handling materials that include paper, cardboard, glass, plastic and metal.Stericycle AcquisitionOn November 4, 2024, we completed our acquisition of all outstanding shares of Stericycle for $62.00 per share in cash, pursuant to an Agreement and Plan of Merger dated June 3, 2024. Total enterprise value of the acquisition was $7.2 billion (net of cash acquired) when including the assumption of $0.5 billion of debt and the repayment of approximately $0.8 billion of net debt. The acquisition expands our offerings in the U.S., Canada and parts of Western Europe. The post-closing operating results of Stericycle have been included in our Consolidated Financial Statements, as a new reportable segment referred to as WM Healthcare Solutions.46 Table of Contents Table of Contents Table of Contents The Company repurchases shares of its common stock as part of capital allocation programs authorized by our Board of Directors. Share repurchases are a part of our long-term strategy and incorporated into our overall capital allocation plan to enhance our Company’s performance, in conjunction with our other uses of capital, and to return value to stockholders in a tax-efficient manner. During 2024, we allocated an aggregate of $262 million to repurchase our common stock under accelerated share repurchase (“ASR”) agreements and open market transactions. As of December 31, 2024, we had received 1.5 million shares with a weighted average price per share of $196.95, exclusive of per-share commissions. As a result of the Stericycle acquisition, the Company has temporarily suspended share repurchases. We expect to resume share repurchases once the Company’s leverage returns to targeted levels, which is currently projected to be about 18 months after the November 2024 acquisition of Stericycle. See Note 13 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.There were no common stock repurchases during the fourth quarter of 2024.​Item 6. [Reserved]None.Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.This section includes a discussion of our results of operations for the three years ended December 31, 2024. This discussion may contain forward-looking statements. See “Cautionary Statement about Forward-Looking Statements” in Part I of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for more information. Forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from our historical experience and our present expectations or anticipated results. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, those described in Part I, “Item 1A. Risk Factors” and elsewhere in this report and may also be described from time to time in our future reports filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). The following discussion should be read considering those disclosures and together with the Consolidated Financial Statements and the notes thereto.Overview We are North America’s leading provider of comprehensive environmental solutions, primarily providing services throughout the United States (“U.S.”) and Canada. We partner with our customers and the communities we serve to manage and reduce waste at each stage from collection to disposal, while recovering valuable resources and creating clean, renewable energy. We own or operate the largest network of landfills throughout the U.S. and Canada. In order to make disposal more practical for larger urban markets, where the distance to landfills is typically farther, we manage transfer stations that consolidate, compact and transport waste efficiently and economically. Our solid waste business is operated and managed locally by our subsidiaries that focus on distinct geographic areas and provide collection, transfer, disposal, recycling and resource recovery services. Through our subsidiaries, including our Waste Management Renewable Energy (“WM Renewable Energy”) segment, we are also a leading developer, operator and owner of landfill gas-to-energy facilities in the U.S. and Canada that produce renewable electricity and renewable natural gas, which is a significant source of fuel that we allocate to our natural gas fleet. Additionally, we are a leading recycler in the U.S. and Canada, handling materials that include paper, cardboard, glass, plastic and metal.Stericycle AcquisitionOn November 4, 2024, we completed our acquisition of all outstanding shares of Stericycle for $62.00 per share in cash, pursuant to an Agreement and Plan of Merger dated June 3, 2024. Total enterprise value of the acquisition was $7.2 billion (net of cash acquired) when including the assumption of $0.5 billion of debt and the repayment of approximately $0.8 billion of net debt. The acquisition expands our offerings in the U.S., Canada and parts of Western Europe. The post-closing operating results of Stericycle have been included in our Consolidated Financial Statements, as a new reportable segment referred to as WM Healthcare Solutions. The Company repurchases shares of its common stock as part of capital allocation programs authorized by our Board of Directors. Share repurchases are a part of our long-term strategy and incorporated into our overall capital allocation plan to enhance our Company’s performance, in conjunction with our other uses of capital, and to return value to stockholders in a tax-efficient manner. During 2024, we allocated an aggregate of $262 million to repurchase our common stock under accelerated share repurchase (“ASR”) agreements and open market transactions. As of December 31, 2024, we had received 1.5 million shares with a weighted average price per share of $196.95, exclusive of per-share commissions. As a result of the Stericycle acquisition, the Company has temporarily suspended share repurchases. We expect to resume share repurchases once the Company’s leverage returns to targeted levels, which is currently projected to be about 18 months after the November 2024 acquisition of Stericycle. See Note 13 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.There were no common stock repurchases during the fourth quarter of 2024.​Item 6. [Reserved]None.Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.This section includes a discussion of our results of operations for the three years ended December 31, 2024. This discussion may contain forward-looking statements. See “Cautionary Statement about Forward-Looking Statements” in Part I of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for more information. Forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from our historical experience and our present expectations or anticipated results. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, those described in Part I, “Item 1A. Risk Factors” and elsewhere in this report and may also be described from time to time in our future reports filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). The following discussion should be read considering those disclosures and together with the Consolidated Financial Statements and the notes thereto.Overview We are North America’s leading provider of comprehensive environmental solutions, primarily providing services throughout the United States (“U.S.”) and Canada. We partner with our customers and the communities we serve to manage and reduce waste at each stage from collection to disposal, while recovering valuable resources and creating clean, renewable energy. We own or operate the largest network of landfills throughout the U.S. and Canada. In order to make disposal more practical for larger urban markets, where the distance to landfills is typically farther, we manage transfer stations that consolidate, compact and transport waste efficiently and economically. Our solid waste business is operated and managed locally by our subsidiaries that focus on distinct geographic areas and provide collection, transfer, disposal, recycling and resource recovery services. Through our subsidiaries, including our Waste Management Renewable Energy (“WM Renewable Energy”) segment, we are also a leading developer, operator and owner of landfill gas-to-energy facilities in the U.S. and Canada that produce renewable electricity and renewable natural gas, which is a significant source of fuel that we allocate to our natural gas fleet. Additionally, we are a leading recycler in the U.S. and Canada, handling materials that include paper, cardboard, glass, plastic and metal.Stericycle AcquisitionOn November 4, 2024, we completed our acquisition of all outstanding shares of Stericycle for $62.00 per share in cash, pursuant to an Agreement and Plan of Merger dated June 3, 2024. Total enterprise value of the acquisition was $7.2 billion (net of cash acquired) when including the assumption of $0.5 billion of debt and the repayment of approximately $0.8 billion of net debt. The acquisition expands our offerings in the U.S., Canada and parts of Western Europe. The post-closing operating results of Stericycle have been included in our Consolidated Financial Statements, as a new reportable segment referred to as WM Healthcare Solutions. The Company repurchases shares of its common stock as part of capital allocation programs authorized by our Board of Directors. Share repurchases are a part of our long-term strategy and incorporated into our overall capital allocation plan to enhance our Company’s performance, in conjunction with our other uses of capital, and to return value to stockholders in a tax-efficient manner. During 2024, we allocated an aggregate of $262 million to repurchase our common stock under accelerated share repurchase (“ASR”) agreements and open market transactions. As of December 31, 2024, we had received 1.5 million shares with a weighted average price per share of $196.95, exclusive of per-share commissions. As a result of the Stericycle acquisition, the Company has temporarily suspended share repurchases. We expect to resume share repurchases once the Company’s leverage returns to targeted levels, which is currently projected to be about 18 months after the November 2024 acquisition of Stericycle. See Note 13 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information. There were no common stock repurchases during the fourth quarter of 2024. ​ Item 6. [Reserved] None. Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. This section includes a discussion of our results of operations for the three years ended December 31, 2024. This discussion may contain forward-looking statements. See “Cautionary Statement about Forward-Looking Statements” in Part I of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for more information. Forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from our historical experience and our present expectations or anticipated results. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, those described in Part I, “Item 1A. Risk Factors” and elsewhere in this report and may also be described from time to time in our future reports filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). The following discussion should be read considering those disclosures and together with the Consolidated Financial Statements and the notes thereto. Overview We are North America’s leading provider of comprehensive environmental solutions, primarily providing services throughout the United States (“U.S.”) and Canada. We partner with our customers and the communities we serve to manage and reduce waste at each stage from collection to disposal, while recovering valuable resources and creating clean, renewable energy. We own or operate the largest network of landfills throughout the U.S. and Canada. In order to make disposal more practical for larger urban markets, where the distance to landfills is typically farther, we manage transfer stations that consolidate, compact and transport waste efficiently and economically. Our solid waste business is operated and managed locally by our subsidiaries that focus on distinct geographic areas and provide collection, transfer, disposal, recycling and resource recovery services. Through our subsidiaries, including our Waste Management Renewable Energy (“WM Renewable Energy”) segment, we are also a leading developer, operator and owner of landfill gas-to-energy facilities in the U.S. and Canada that produce renewable electricity and renewable natural gas, which is a significant source of fuel that we allocate to our natural gas fleet. Additionally, we are a leading recycler in the U.S. and Canada, handling materials that include paper, cardboard, glass, plastic and metal.",
      "prior_body": "Management has primary responsibility for risk management within our Company. The Company’s Board of Directors, with the support of its committees, oversees risk management to ensure that the processes designed, implemented and maintained by our executives are functioning as intended and adapted when necessary to respond to changes in our Company’s strategy as well as emerging risks. The Audit Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors has responsibility for oversight of information and cybersecurity risks and assessment of cyber threats and defenses. The Audit Committee receives reports on these matters from our most senior executives in the digital organization, including our Chief Information Officer and CISO, and the Company’s executive officers, at least twice a year. Topics historically covered in such reports include third-party evaluation of our technology infrastructure and information security against the NIST cybersecurity framework; risk mitigation through the Company’s enterprise-wide cybersecurity training, including our Board of Directors, conducted at least annually; regular simulated phishing tests and third-party penetration testing; review of the Company’s cyber incident insurance coverage and external cyber incident resources; review of the Company’s Cybersecurity Incident Response Plan and consideration of applicable laws and regulations, including those related to privacy. The Company’s Cybersecurity Incident Response Plan includes a section on Board escalation that specifies the process for notification of the Chair of the Audit Committee and the Chair of the Board of the Directors upon certain triggering events, and that group then determines the appropriate form and frequency of communication with the full Audit Committee or Board of Directors, depending on the unique characteristics of the incident. 35 35 Table of Contents​Item 2. Properties. Our principal executive offices are in Houston, Texas where we lease approximately 285,000 square feet under a lease expiring in 2035. We also have administrative offices in Arizona, Connecticut, Illinois and India. We own or lease real property in most locations where we have operations or administrative functions. We have operations (i) in all 50 states except Montana; (ii) in the District of Columbia and (iii) throughout Canada.Our principal property and equipment consist of land (primarily landfills and other disposal facilities, transfer stations and bases for collection operations), buildings, vehicles and equipment. We believe that our operating properties, vehicles and equipment are adequately maintained and sufficient for our current operations. However, we expect to continue to make investments in additional property and equipment for expansion, for the replacement of aging assets and investment in assets that support our strategy of continuous improvement through efficiency and innovation. In addition, we continue to make progress on our planned investments to expand our Recycling Processing and Sales and WM Renewable Energy segments. As of December 31, 2023, we had 92 landfill gas beneficial use projects producing commercial quantities of methane gas at owned or operated landfills. For 66 of these projects, the processed gas is used to fuel electricity generators. The electricity is then sold to public utilities, municipal utilities or power cooperatives. For 20 of these projects, the gas is used at the landfill or delivered by pipeline to industrial customers as a direct substitute for fossil fuels in industrial processes. For six of these projects, the landfill gas is processed to pipeline quality RNG and then sold to natural gas suppliers. For more information, see Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations included within this report.The following table summarizes our various operations as of December 31:​​​​​​ 2023 2022Landfills owned or operated 263 263Transfer stations 332 337Recycling facilities 102 97​​Item 3. Legal Proceedings.Information regarding our legal proceedings can be found under the Environmental Matters and Litigation sections of Note 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included within this report.​Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures.Information concerning mine safety and other regulatory matters required by Section 1503(a) of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and Item 104 of Regulation S-K is included in Exhibit 95 to this annual report.PART IIItem 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.Our common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) under the symbol “WM.” The number of holders of record of our common stock on February 8, 2024 was 7,489.36 Table of Contents Table of Contents Table of Contents ​Item 2. Properties. Our principal executive offices are in Houston, Texas where we lease approximately 285,000 square feet under a lease expiring in 2035. We also have administrative offices in Arizona, Connecticut, Illinois and India. We own or lease real property in most locations where we have operations or administrative functions. We have operations (i) in all 50 states except Montana; (ii) in the District of Columbia and (iii) throughout Canada.Our principal property and equipment consist of land (primarily landfills and other disposal facilities, transfer stations and bases for collection operations), buildings, vehicles and equipment. We believe that our operating properties, vehicles and equipment are adequately maintained and sufficient for our current operations. However, we expect to continue to make investments in additional property and equipment for expansion, for the replacement of aging assets and investment in assets that support our strategy of continuous improvement through efficiency and innovation. In addition, we continue to make progress on our planned investments to expand our Recycling Processing and Sales and WM Renewable Energy segments. As of December 31, 2023, we had 92 landfill gas beneficial use projects producing commercial quantities of methane gas at owned or operated landfills. For 66 of these projects, the processed gas is used to fuel electricity generators. The electricity is then sold to public utilities, municipal utilities or power cooperatives. For 20 of these projects, the gas is used at the landfill or delivered by pipeline to industrial customers as a direct substitute for fossil fuels in industrial processes. For six of these projects, the landfill gas is processed to pipeline quality RNG and then sold to natural gas suppliers. For more information, see Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations included within this report.The following table summarizes our various operations as of December 31:​​​​​​ 2023 2022Landfills owned or operated 263 263Transfer stations 332 337Recycling facilities 102 97​​Item 3. Legal Proceedings.Information regarding our legal proceedings can be found under the Environmental Matters and Litigation sections of Note 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included within this report.​Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures.Information concerning mine safety and other regulatory matters required by Section 1503(a) of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and Item 104 of Regulation S-K is included in Exhibit 95 to this annual report.PART IIItem 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.Our common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) under the symbol “WM.” The number of holders of record of our common stock on February 8, 2024 was 7,489. ​ Item 2. Properties. Our principal executive offices are in Houston, Texas where we lease approximately 285,000 square feet under a lease expiring in 2035. We also have administrative offices in Arizona, Connecticut, Illinois and India. We own or lease real property in most locations where we have operations or administrative functions. We have operations (i) in all 50 states except Montana; (ii) in the District of Columbia and (iii) throughout Canada. Our principal property and equipment consist of land (primarily landfills and other disposal facilities, transfer stations and bases for collection operations), buildings, vehicles and equipment. We believe that our operating properties, vehicles and equipment are adequately maintained and sufficient for our current operations. However, we expect to continue to make investments in additional property and equipment for expansion, for the replacement of aging assets and investment in assets that support our strategy of continuous improvement through efficiency and innovation. In addition, we continue to make progress on our planned investments to expand our Recycling Processing and Sales and WM Renewable Energy segments. As of December 31, 2023, we had 92 landfill gas beneficial use projects producing commercial quantities of methane gas at owned or operated landfills. For 66 of these projects, the processed gas is used to fuel electricity generators. The electricity is then sold to public utilities, municipal utilities or power cooperatives. For 20 of these projects, the gas is used at the landfill or delivered by pipeline to industrial customers as a direct substitute for fossil fuels in industrial processes. For six of these projects, the landfill gas is processed to pipeline quality RNG and then sold to natural gas suppliers. For more information, see Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations included within this report. The following table summarizes our various operations as of December 31: ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 2023 2022 Landfills owned or operated 263 263 Transfer stations 332 337 Recycling facilities 102 97 ​ ​ Item 3. Legal Proceedings. Information regarding our legal proceedings can be found under the Environmental Matters and Litigation sections of Note 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included within this report. ​ Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures. Information concerning mine safety and other regulatory matters required by Section 1503(a) of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and Item 104 of Regulation S-K is included in Exhibit 95 to this annual report. PART II Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities. Our common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) under the symbol “WM.” The number of holders of record of our common stock on February 8, 2024 was 7,489. 36 36 Table of ContentsThe graph below shows the relative investment performance of Waste Management, Inc. common stock, the S&P 500 Index and the Dow Jones Waste & Disposal Services Index for the last five years, assuming reinvestment of dividends at date of payment into the common stock. The graph is presented pursuant to SEC rules and is not meant to be an indication of our future performance.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ ​ 12/31/18 12/31/19 12/31/20 12/31/21 12/31/22 12/31/23Waste Management, Inc.​$ 100​$ 130​$ 138​$ 198​$ 189​$ 220S&P 500 Index​$ 100​$ 131​$ 156​$ 200​$ 164​$ 207Dow Jones Waste & Disposal Services Index​$ 100​$ 135​$ 144​$ 201​$ 190​$ 224​The Company repurchases shares of its common stock as part of capital allocation programs authorized by our Board of Directors. Share repurchases are a part of our long-term strategy and incorporated into our overall capital allocation plan to enhance our Company’s performance, in conjunction with our other uses of capital, and to return value to stockholders in a tax-efficient manner. During 2023, we allocated an aggregate of $1.3 billion to repurchase our common stock under accelerated share repurchase (“ASR”) agreements and open market transactions. As of December 31, 2023, we had received 7.8 million shares with a weighted average price per share of $158.47, exclusive of per-share commissions. In February 2024, we completed our ASR agreement executed in October 2023, at which time we received 0.2 million shares. See Note 13 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information. We announced in December 2023 that the Board of Directors has authorized up to $1.5 billion in future share repurchases, excluding the 1% excise tax discussed further below. This new authorization supersedes and replaces remaining authority under the prior Board of Directors’ authorization for share repurchases announced in December 2022.​​​37 Table of Contents Table of Contents Table of Contents The graph below shows the relative investment performance of Waste Management, Inc. common stock, the S&P 500 Index and the Dow Jones Waste & Disposal Services Index for the last five years, assuming reinvestment of dividends at date of payment into the common stock. The graph is presented pursuant to SEC rules and is not meant to be an indication of our future performance.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ ​ 12/31/18 12/31/19 12/31/20 12/31/21 12/31/22 12/31/23Waste Management, Inc.​$ 100​$ 130​$ 138​$ 198​$ 189​$ 220S&P 500 Index​$ 100​$ 131​$ 156​$ 200​$ 164​$ 207Dow Jones Waste & Disposal Services Index​$ 100​$ 135​$ 144​$ 201​$ 190​$ 224​The Company repurchases shares of its common stock as part of capital allocation programs authorized by our Board of Directors. Share repurchases are a part of our long-term strategy and incorporated into our overall capital allocation plan to enhance our Company’s performance, in conjunction with our other uses of capital, and to return value to stockholders in a tax-efficient manner. During 2023, we allocated an aggregate of $1.3 billion to repurchase our common stock under accelerated share repurchase (“ASR”) agreements and open market transactions. As of December 31, 2023, we had received 7.8 million shares with a weighted average price per share of $158.47, exclusive of per-share commissions. In February 2024, we completed our ASR agreement executed in October 2023, at which time we received 0.2 million shares. See Note 13 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information. We announced in December 2023 that the Board of Directors has authorized up to $1.5 billion in future share repurchases, excluding the 1% excise tax discussed further below. This new authorization supersedes and replaces remaining authority under the prior Board of Directors’ authorization for share repurchases announced in December 2022.​​​ The graph below shows the relative investment performance of Waste Management, Inc. common stock, the S&P 500 Index and the Dow Jones Waste & Disposal Services Index for the last five years, assuming reinvestment of dividends at date of payment into the common stock. The graph is presented pursuant to SEC rules and is not meant to be an indication of our future performance. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 12/31/18 12/31/19 12/31/20 12/31/21 12/31/22 12/31/23 Waste Management, Inc. ​ $ 100 ​ $ 130 ​ $ 138 ​ $ 198 ​ $ 189 ​ $ 220 S&P 500 Index ​ $ 100 ​ $ 131 ​ $ 156 ​ $ 200 ​ $ 164 ​ $ 207 Dow Jones Waste & Disposal Services Index ​ $ 100 ​ $ 135 ​ $ 144 ​ $ 201 ​ $ 190 ​ $ 224 ​ The Company repurchases shares of its common stock as part of capital allocation programs authorized by our Board of Directors. Share repurchases are a part of our long-term strategy and incorporated into our overall capital allocation plan to enhance our Company’s performance, in conjunction with our other uses of capital, and to return value to stockholders in a tax-efficient manner. During 2023, we allocated an aggregate of $1.3 billion to repurchase our common stock under accelerated share repurchase (“ASR”) agreements and open market transactions. As of December 31, 2023, we had received 7.8 million shares with a weighted average price per share of $158.47, exclusive of per-share commissions. In February 2024, we completed our ASR agreement executed in October 2023, at which time we received 0.2 million shares. See Note 13 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information. We announced in December 2023 that the Board of Directors has authorized up to $1.5 billion in future share repurchases, excluding the 1% excise tax discussed further below. This new authorization supersedes and replaces remaining authority under the prior Board of Directors’ authorization for share repurchases announced in December 2022. ​ ​ ​ 37 37 Table of ContentsThe following table summarizes common stock repurchases made during the fourth quarter of 2023 (shares in millions):​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Total Number of​​​ ​​Total​​​​Shares Purchased as​Approximate Maximum ​​Number of​Average​Part of Publicly​Dollar Value of Shares that ​​Shares​Price Paid​Announced Plans or​May Yet be Purchased Under Period Purchased per Share(a) Programs the Plans or Programs(a) October 1 — 31 (b) 1.6​$ 161.15​ 1.6​$257.5 million​November 1 — 30 —​$ —​ —​$257.5 million​December 1 — 31 —​$ —​ —​$1.5 billion​Total 1.6​$ 161.15​ 1.6​​​​(a)The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, which was enacted into law on August 16, 2022, imposed a nondeductible 1% excise tax on the net value of certain stock repurchases made after December 31, 2022. We reflected the applicable excise tax in treasury stock as part of the cost basis of the stock repurchased. In the table above and footnotes below, the average price paid per share, total repurchase costs and approximate maximum dollar value of shares that may yet be purchased under the plans or programs exclude the 1% excise tax.(b)In October 2023, we repurchased 70,350 shares of our common stock in open market transactions in compliance with Rule 10b5-1 and Rule 10b-18 of the Exchange Act for $11 million, inclusive of per share commissions, at a weighted average price of $156.35. Additionally, we repurchased $300 million of our common stock pursuant to an ASR agreement. At the beginning of the repurchase period, we delivered $300 million cash and received 1.5 million shares based on a stock price of $161.38. The ASR agreement completed in February 2024, at which time we received 0.2 million additional shares based on a final weighted average price of $175.29.The amount of future share repurchases executed under our Board of Directors’ authorization is determined in management’s discretion, based on various factors, including our net earnings, financial condition and cash required for future business plans, growth and acquisitions. ​Item 6. [Reserved]None.Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.This section includes a discussion of our results of operations for the three years ended December 31, 2023. This discussion may contain forward-looking statements. See “Cautionary Statement about Forward-Looking Statements” in Part I of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for more information. Forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from our historical experience and our present expectations or anticipated results. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, those described in Part I, “Item 1A. Risk Factors” and elsewhere in this report and may also be described from time to time in our future reports filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). The following discussion should be read considering those disclosures and together with the Consolidated Financial Statements and the notes thereto.Overview We are North America’s leading provider of comprehensive environmental solutions, providing services throughout the United States (“U.S.”) and Canada. We partner with our customers and the communities we serve to manage and reduce waste at each stage from collection to disposal, while recovering valuable resources and creating clean, renewable energy. We own or operate the largest network of landfills throughout the U.S. and Canada. In order to make disposal more practical for larger urban markets, where the distance to landfills is typically farther, we manage transfer stations that consolidate, compact and transport waste efficiently and economically. Our solid waste business is operated and managed locally by our subsidiaries that focus on distinct geographic areas and provide collection, transfer, disposal, recycling and resource recovery services. Through our subsidiaries, including our Waste Management Renewable Energy (“WM Renewable Energy”) business, we are also a leading developer, operator and owner of landfill gas-to-energy facilities in the U.S. and Canada that produce renewable electricity and renewable natural gas, which is a significant source 38 Table of Contents Table of Contents Table of Contents The following table summarizes common stock repurchases made during the fourth quarter of 2023 (shares in millions):​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Total Number of​​​ ​​Total​​​​Shares Purchased as​Approximate Maximum ​​Number of​Average​Part of Publicly​Dollar Value of Shares that ​​Shares​Price Paid​Announced Plans or​May Yet be Purchased Under Period Purchased per Share(a) Programs the Plans or Programs(a) October 1 — 31 (b) 1.6​$ 161.15​ 1.6​$257.5 million​November 1 — 30 —​$ —​ —​$257.5 million​December 1 — 31 —​$ —​ —​$1.5 billion​Total 1.6​$ 161.15​ 1.6​​​​(a)The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, which was enacted into law on August 16, 2022, imposed a nondeductible 1% excise tax on the net value of certain stock repurchases made after December 31, 2022. We reflected the applicable excise tax in treasury stock as part of the cost basis of the stock repurchased. In the table above and footnotes below, the average price paid per share, total repurchase costs and approximate maximum dollar value of shares that may yet be purchased under the plans or programs exclude the 1% excise tax.(b)In October 2023, we repurchased 70,350 shares of our common stock in open market transactions in compliance with Rule 10b5-1 and Rule 10b-18 of the Exchange Act for $11 million, inclusive of per share commissions, at a weighted average price of $156.35. Additionally, we repurchased $300 million of our common stock pursuant to an ASR agreement. At the beginning of the repurchase period, we delivered $300 million cash and received 1.5 million shares based on a stock price of $161.38. The ASR agreement completed in February 2024, at which time we received 0.2 million additional shares based on a final weighted average price of $175.29.The amount of future share repurchases executed under our Board of Directors’ authorization is determined in management’s discretion, based on various factors, including our net earnings, financial condition and cash required for future business plans, growth and acquisitions. ​Item 6. [Reserved]None.Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.This section includes a discussion of our results of operations for the three years ended December 31, 2023. This discussion may contain forward-looking statements. See “Cautionary Statement about Forward-Looking Statements” in Part I of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for more information. Forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from our historical experience and our present expectations or anticipated results. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, those described in Part I, “Item 1A. Risk Factors” and elsewhere in this report and may also be described from time to time in our future reports filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). The following discussion should be read considering those disclosures and together with the Consolidated Financial Statements and the notes thereto.Overview We are North America’s leading provider of comprehensive environmental solutions, providing services throughout the United States (“U.S.”) and Canada. We partner with our customers and the communities we serve to manage and reduce waste at each stage from collection to disposal, while recovering valuable resources and creating clean, renewable energy. We own or operate the largest network of landfills throughout the U.S. and Canada. In order to make disposal more practical for larger urban markets, where the distance to landfills is typically farther, we manage transfer stations that consolidate, compact and transport waste efficiently and economically. Our solid waste business is operated and managed locally by our subsidiaries that focus on distinct geographic areas and provide collection, transfer, disposal, recycling and resource recovery services. Through our subsidiaries, including our Waste Management Renewable Energy (“WM Renewable Energy”) business, we are also a leading developer, operator and owner of landfill gas-to-energy facilities in the U.S. and Canada that produce renewable electricity and renewable natural gas, which is a significant source The following table summarizes common stock repurchases made during the fourth quarter of 2023 (shares in millions): ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​"
    },
    {
      "status": "MODIFIED",
      "current_title": "Year Ended December 31:",
      "prior_title": "Year Ended December 31:",
      "similarity_score": 0.792,
      "confidence": "high",
      "key_changes": [
        "Reworded sentence: \"​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 2024 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Commercial $ 5,371 ​ $ 798 ​ $ 6,169 Industrial ​ 3,089 ​ ​ 794 ​ 3,883 Residential ​ ​ 3,466 ​ ​ 89 ​ ​ 3,555 Other collection ​ 2,964 ​ 230 ​ 3,194 Total collection ​ 14,890 ​ 1,911 ​ 16,801 Landfill ​ ​ 3,445 ​ ​ 1,513 ​ ​ 4,958 Transfer ​ ​ 1,381 ​ ​ 1,067 ​ ​ 2,448 Total Collection and Disposal ​ 19,716 ​ 4,491 ​ 24,207 Recycling Processing and Sales ​ 1,603 ​ 287 ​ 1,890 WM Renewable Energy ​ 318 ​ 3 ​ 321 WM Healthcare Solutions ​ ​ 403 ​ ​ 10 ​ ​ 413 Corporate and Other ​ ​ 23 ​ ​ 25 ​ ​ 48 Total ​ $ 22,063 ​ $ 4,816 ​ $ 26,879 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 2023 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Commercial $ 5,109 ​ $ 692 ​ $ 5,801 Industrial ​ 3,083 ​ ​ 753 ​ 3,836 Residential ​ ​ 3,378 ​ ​ 96 ​ ​ 3,474 Other collection ​ 2,786 ​ 220 ​ 3,006 Total collection ​ 14,356 ​ 1,761 ​ 16,117 Landfill ​ ​ 3,252 ​ ​ 1,479 ​ ​ 4,731 Transfer ​ ​ 1,257 ​ ​ 1,036 ​ ​ 2,293 Total Collection and Disposal ​ 18,865 ​ 4,276 ​ 23,141 Recycling Processing and Sales ​ 1,264 ​ 312 ​ 1,576 WM Renewable Energy ​ 273 ​ 3 ​ 276 Corporate and Other ​ ​ 24 ​ ​ 22 ​ ​ 46 Total ​ $ 20,426 ​ $ 4,613 ​ $ 25,039 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 2022 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Commercial $ 4,860 ​ $ 590 ​ $ 5,450 Industrial ​ 3,025 ​ ​ 656 ​ 3,681 Residential ​ ​ 3,264 ​ ​ 75 ​ ​ 3,339 Other collection ​ 2,466 ​ 217 ​ 2,683 Total collection ​ 13,615 ​ 1,538 ​ 15,153 Landfill ​ ​ 3,062 ​ ​ 1,454 ​ ​ 4,516 Transfer ​ ​ 1,166 ​ ​ 977 ​ ​ 2,143 Total Collection and Disposal ​ 17,843 ​ 3,969 ​ 21,812 Recycling Processing and Sales ​ 1,516 ​ 244 ​ 1,760 WM Renewable Energy ​ 312 ​ 3 ​ 315 Corporate and Other ​ ​ 27 ​ ​ 22 ​ ​ 49 Total ​ $ 19,698 ​ $ 4,238 ​ $ 23,936 52 52 Table of Contents(a)Intercompany operating revenues reflect each segment’s total intercompany sales, including intercompany sales within a segment and between segments.\""
      ],
      "current_body": "​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 2024 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Commercial $ 5,371 ​ $ 798 ​ $ 6,169 Industrial ​ 3,089 ​ ​ 794 ​ 3,883 Residential ​ ​ 3,466 ​ ​ 89 ​ ​ 3,555 Other collection ​ 2,964 ​ 230 ​ 3,194 Total collection ​ 14,890 ​ 1,911 ​ 16,801 Landfill ​ ​ 3,445 ​ ​ 1,513 ​ ​ 4,958 Transfer ​ ​ 1,381 ​ ​ 1,067 ​ ​ 2,448 Total Collection and Disposal ​ 19,716 ​ 4,491 ​ 24,207 Recycling Processing and Sales ​ 1,603 ​ 287 ​ 1,890 WM Renewable Energy ​ 318 ​ 3 ​ 321 WM Healthcare Solutions ​ ​ 403 ​ ​ 10 ​ ​ 413 Corporate and Other ​ ​ 23 ​ ​ 25 ​ ​ 48 Total ​ $ 22,063 ​ $ 4,816 ​ $ 26,879 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 2023 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Commercial $ 5,109 ​ $ 692 ​ $ 5,801 Industrial ​ 3,083 ​ ​ 753 ​ 3,836 Residential ​ ​ 3,378 ​ ​ 96 ​ ​ 3,474 Other collection ​ 2,786 ​ 220 ​ 3,006 Total collection ​ 14,356 ​ 1,761 ​ 16,117 Landfill ​ ​ 3,252 ​ ​ 1,479 ​ ​ 4,731 Transfer ​ ​ 1,257 ​ ​ 1,036 ​ ​ 2,293 Total Collection and Disposal ​ 18,865 ​ 4,276 ​ 23,141 Recycling Processing and Sales ​ 1,264 ​ 312 ​ 1,576 WM Renewable Energy ​ 273 ​ 3 ​ 276 Corporate and Other ​ ​ 24 ​ ​ 22 ​ ​ 46 Total ​ $ 20,426 ​ $ 4,613 ​ $ 25,039 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 2022 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Commercial $ 4,860 ​ $ 590 ​ $ 5,450 Industrial ​ 3,025 ​ ​ 656 ​ 3,681 Residential ​ ​ 3,264 ​ ​ 75 ​ ​ 3,339 Other collection ​ 2,466 ​ 217 ​ 2,683 Total collection ​ 13,615 ​ 1,538 ​ 15,153 Landfill ​ ​ 3,062 ​ ​ 1,454 ​ ​ 4,516 Transfer ​ ​ 1,166 ​ ​ 977 ​ ​ 2,143 Total Collection and Disposal ​ 17,843 ​ 3,969 ​ 21,812 Recycling Processing and Sales ​ 1,516 ​ 244 ​ 1,760 WM Renewable Energy ​ 312 ​ 3 ​ 315 Corporate and Other ​ ​ 27 ​ ​ 22 ​ ​ 49 Total ​ $ 19,698 ​ $ 4,238 ​ $ 23,936 52 52 Table of Contents(a)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.(b)In the fourth quarter of 2024, the Company adjusted gross and intercompany operating revenues to reflect the 15% royalty paid by WM Renewable Energy to Collection and Disposal and Corporate and Other businesses for the purchase of landfill gas. There was no change to net operating revenues. Prior periods were recast to conform to current year presentation.The following table provides details associated with the period-to-period change in revenues and average yield for the year ended December 31 (dollars in millions):​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​2024 vs. 2023 ​​2023 vs. 2022 ​​​​​As a % of​ ​​​​As a % of ​​​​As a % of ​​​​As a % of ​​​​​Related​​​​​Total ​​​​Related ​​​​Total ​ Amount Business(a) Amount Company(b)​ Amount Business(a) Amount Company(b)​Collection and disposal​$ 811​4.5 %​​​​​​​$ 911​5.4 %​​​​​​Recycling Processing and Sales and WM Renewable Energy (c)​ 271​17.1 ​​ ​​​​​ (381)​(20.2)​​ ​​​​Energy surcharge and mandated fees ​ (97)​(9.9)​​ ​​​​​ (104)​(9.7)​​ ​​​​Total average yield (d)​ ​​​​​$ 985​4.8 %​ ​​​​​$ 426​2.1 %Volume (e)​ ​​​​​ 88​0.4 ​​ ​​​​​ 150​0.8 ​Internal revenue growth​​​​​​​​ 1,073​5.2 ​​​​​​​​​ 576​2.9 ​Acquisitions​​​​​​​​ 584​2.9 ​​​​​​​​​ 186​0.9 ​Divestitures​​​​​​​​ (8)​ —​​​​​​​​​ (5)​ —​Foreign currency translation ​​​​​​​​ (12)​(0.1)​​​​​​​​​ (29)​(0.1)​Total​​​​​​​$ 1,637​8.0 %​​​​​​​$ 728​3.7 %(a)Calculated by dividing the increase or decrease for the current year by the prior year’s related business revenue adjusted to exclude the impacts of divestitures for the current year.(b)Calculated by dividing the increase or decrease for the current year by the prior year’s total Company revenue adjusted to exclude the impacts of divestitures for the current year.(c)Includes combined impact of commodity price variability in both our Recycling Processing and Sales and WM Renewable Energy segments, as well as changes in certain recycling fees charged by our collection and disposal operations.(d)The amounts reported herein represent the changes in our revenue attributable to average yield for the total Company.(e)Includes activities from our Corporate and Other businesses.The following provides further details about our period-to-period change in revenues:Average YieldCollection and Disposal Average Yield — This measure reflects the effect on our revenue from the pricing activities of our collection, transfer and landfill operations, exclusive of volume changes. Revenue growth from Collection and Disposal average yield includes not only base rate changes and environmental and service fee fluctuations, but also (i) certain average price changes related to the overall mix of services, which are due to the types of services provided; (ii) changes in average price from new and lost business and (iii) price decreases to retain customers.53 Table of Contents Table of Contents Table of Contents (a)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.(b)In the fourth quarter of 2024, the Company adjusted gross and intercompany operating revenues to reflect the 15% royalty paid by WM Renewable Energy to Collection and Disposal and Corporate and Other businesses for the purchase of landfill gas. There was no change to net operating revenues. Prior periods were recast to conform to current year presentation.The following table provides details associated with the period-to-period change in revenues and average yield for the year ended December 31 (dollars in millions):​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​2024 vs. 2023 ​​2023 vs. 2022 ​​​​​As a % of​ ​​​​As a % of ​​​​As a % of ​​​​As a % of ​​​​​Related​​​​​Total ​​​​Related ​​​​Total ​ Amount Business(a) Amount Company(b)​ Amount Business(a) Amount Company(b)​Collection and disposal​$ 811​4.5 %​​​​​​​$ 911​5.4 %​​​​​​Recycling Processing and Sales and WM Renewable Energy (c)​ 271​17.1 ​​ ​​​​​ (381)​(20.2)​​ ​​​​Energy surcharge and mandated fees ​ (97)​(9.9)​​ ​​​​​ (104)​(9.7)​​ ​​​​Total average yield (d)​ ​​​​​$ 985​4.8 %​ ​​​​​$ 426​2.1 %Volume (e)​ ​​​​​ 88​0.4 ​​ ​​​​​ 150​0.8 ​Internal revenue growth​​​​​​​​ 1,073​5.2 ​​​​​​​​​ 576​2.9 ​Acquisitions​​​​​​​​ 584​2.9 ​​​​​​​​​ 186​0.9 ​Divestitures​​​​​​​​ (8)​ —​​​​​​​​​ (5)​ —​Foreign currency translation ​​​​​​​​ (12)​(0.1)​​​​​​​​​ (29)​(0.1)​Total​​​​​​​$ 1,637​8.0 %​​​​​​​$ 728​3.7 %(a)Calculated by dividing the increase or decrease for the current year by the prior year’s related business revenue adjusted to exclude the impacts of divestitures for the current year.(b)Calculated by dividing the increase or decrease for the current year by the prior year’s total Company revenue adjusted to exclude the impacts of divestitures for the current year.(c)Includes combined impact of commodity price variability in both our Recycling Processing and Sales and WM Renewable Energy segments, as well as changes in certain recycling fees charged by our collection and disposal operations.(d)The amounts reported herein represent the changes in our revenue attributable to average yield for the total Company.(e)Includes activities from our Corporate and Other businesses.The following provides further details about our period-to-period change in revenues:Average YieldCollection and Disposal Average Yield — This measure reflects the effect on our revenue from the pricing activities of our collection, transfer and landfill operations, exclusive of volume changes. Revenue growth from Collection and Disposal average yield includes not only base rate changes and environmental and service fee fluctuations, but also (i) certain average price changes related to the overall mix of services, which are due to the types of services provided; (ii) changes in average price from new and lost business and (iii) price decreases to retain customers. (a)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.(b)In the fourth quarter of 2024, the Company adjusted gross and intercompany operating revenues to reflect the 15% royalty paid by WM Renewable Energy to Collection and Disposal and Corporate and Other businesses for the purchase of landfill gas. There was no change to net operating revenues. Prior periods were recast to conform to current year presentation.The following table provides details associated with the period-to-period change in revenues and average yield for the year ended December 31 (dollars in millions):​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​2024 vs. 2023 ​​2023 vs. 2022 ​​​​​As a % of​ ​​​​As a % of ​​​​As a % of ​​​​As a % of ​​​​​Related​​​​​Total ​​​​Related ​​​​Total ​ Amount Business(a) Amount Company(b)​ Amount Business(a) Amount Company(b)​Collection and disposal​$ 811​4.5 %​​​​​​​$ 911​5.4 %​​​​​​Recycling Processing and Sales and WM Renewable Energy (c)​ 271​17.1 ​​ ​​​​​ (381)​(20.2)​​ ​​​​Energy surcharge and mandated fees ​ (97)​(9.9)​​ ​​​​​ (104)​(9.7)​​ ​​​​Total average yield (d)​ ​​​​​$ 985​4.8 %​ ​​​​​$ 426​2.1 %Volume (e)​ ​​​​​ 88​0.4 ​​ ​​​​​ 150​0.8 ​Internal revenue growth​​​​​​​​ 1,073​5.2 ​​​​​​​​​ 576​2.9 ​Acquisitions​​​​​​​​ 584​2.9 ​​​​​​​​​ 186​0.9 ​Divestitures​​​​​​​​ (8)​ —​​​​​​​​​ (5)​ —​Foreign currency translation ​​​​​​​​ (12)​(0.1)​​​​​​​​​ (29)​(0.1)​Total​​​​​​​$ 1,637​8.0 %​​​​​​​$ 728​3.7 %(a)Calculated by dividing the increase or decrease for the current year by the prior year’s related business revenue adjusted to exclude the impacts of divestitures for the current year.(b)Calculated by dividing the increase or decrease for the current year by the prior year’s total Company revenue adjusted to exclude the impacts of divestitures for the current year.(c)Includes combined impact of commodity price variability in both our Recycling Processing and Sales and WM Renewable Energy segments, as well as changes in certain recycling fees charged by our collection and disposal operations.(d)The amounts reported herein represent the changes in our revenue attributable to average yield for the total Company.(e)Includes activities from our Corporate and Other businesses.The following provides further details about our period-to-period change in revenues:Average YieldCollection and Disposal Average Yield — This measure reflects the effect on our revenue from the pricing activities of our collection, transfer and landfill operations, exclusive of volume changes. Revenue growth from Collection and Disposal average yield includes not only base rate changes and environmental and service fee fluctuations, but also (i) certain average price changes related to the overall mix of services, which are due to the types of services provided; (ii) changes in average price from new and lost business and (iii) price decreases to retain customers. The following table provides details associated with the period-to-period change in revenues and average yield for the year ended December 31 (dollars in millions): ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​",
      "prior_body": "​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 2023 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Commercial $ 5,801 ​ $ (692) ​ $ 5,109 Industrial ​ 3,836 ​ ​ (753) ​ 3,083 Residential ​ ​ 3,474 ​ ​ (96) ​ ​ 3,378 Other collection ​ 3,006 ​ (220) ​ 2,786 Total collection ​ 16,117 ​ (1,761) ​ 14,356 Landfill ​ ​ 4,863 ​ ​ (1,611) ​ ​ 3,252 Transfer ​ ​ 2,293 ​ ​ (1,036) ​ ​ 1,257 Total Collection and Disposal ​ 23,273 ​ (4,408) ​ 18,865 Recycling Processing and Sales ​ 1,576 ​ (312) ​ 1,264 WM Renewable Energy ​ 276 ​ (3) ​ 273 Corporate and Other ​ ​ 51 ​ ​ (27) ​ ​ 24 Total ​ $ 25,176 ​ $ (4,750) ​ $ 20,426 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 2022 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Commercial $ 5,450 ​ $ (590) ​ $ 4,860 Industrial ​ 3,681 ​ ​ (656) ​ 3,025 Residential ​ ​ 3,339 ​ ​ (75) ​ ​ 3,264 Other collection ​ 2,683 ​ (217) ​ 2,466 Total collection ​ 15,153 ​ (1,538) ​ 13,615 Landfill ​ ​ 4,597 ​ ​ (1,535) ​ ​ 3,062 Transfer ​ ​ 2,143 ​ ​ (977) ​ ​ 1,166 Total Collection and Disposal ​ 21,893 ​ (4,050) ​ 17,843 Recycling Processing and Sales ​ 1,760 ​ (244) ​ 1,516 WM Renewable Energy ​ 315 ​ (3) ​ 312 Corporate and Other ​ ​ 50 ​ ​ (23) ​ ​ 27 Total ​ $ 24,018 ​ $ (4,320) ​ $ 19,698 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 2021 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Commercial $ 4,759 ​ $ (476) ​ $ 4,283 Industrial ​ 3,210 ​ ​ (524) ​ 2,686 Residential ​ ​ 3,181 ​ ​ (36) ​ ​ 3,145 Other collection ​ 2,309 ​ (179) ​ 2,130 Total collection ​ 13,459 ​ (1,215) ​ 12,244 Landfill ​ ​ 4,184 ​ ​ (1,434) ​ ​ 2,750 Transfer ​ ​ 2,023 ​ ​ (918) ​ ​ 1,105 Total Collection and Disposal ​ 19,666 ​ (3,567) ​ 16,099 Recycling Processing and Sales ​ 1,760 ​ (232) ​ 1,528 WM Renewable Energy ​ 220 ​ 56 ​ 276 Corporate and Other ​ ​ 47 ​ ​ (19) ​ ​ 28 Total ​ $ 21,693 ​ $ (3,762) ​ $ 17,931 44 44 Table of ContentsThe following table provides details associated with the period-to-period change in revenues and average yield for the year ended December 31 (dollars in millions):​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​2023 vs. 2022 ​​2022 vs. 2021 ​​​​​As a % of​ ​​​​As a % of ​​​​As a % of ​​​​As a % of ​​​​​Related​​​​​Total ​​​​Related ​​​​Total ​ Amount Business(a) Amount Company(b)​ Amount Business(a) Amount Company(b)​Collection and disposal​$ 911​5.4 %​​​​​​​$ 1,025​6.7 %​​​​​​Recycling Processing and Sales and WM Renewable Energy (c)(d)​ (381)​(20.2)​​ ​​​​​ 67​3.5 ​​ ​​​​Energy surcharge and mandated fees (d)(e)​ (104)​(9.7)​​ ​​​​​ 426​65.6 ​​ ​​​​Total average yield (f)​ ​​​​​$ 426​2.1 %​ ​​​​​$ 1,518​8.5 %Volume (g)​ ​​​​​ 150​0.8 ​​ ​​​​​ 233​1.3 ​Internal revenue growth​​​​​​​​ 576​2.9 ​​​​​​​​​ 1,751​9.8 ​Acquisitions​​​​​​​​ 186​0.9 ​​​​​​​​​ 62​0.4 ​Divestitures​​​​​​​​ (5)​ —​​​​​​​​​ (15)​(0.1)​Foreign currency translation ​​​​​​​​ (29)​(0.1)​​​​​​​​​ (31)​(0.2)​Total​​​​​​​$ 728​3.7 %​​​​​​​$ 1,767​9.9 %(a)Calculated by dividing the increase or decrease for the current year by the prior year’s related business revenue adjusted to exclude the impacts of divestitures for the current year.(b)Calculated by dividing the increase or decrease for the current year by the prior year’s total Company revenue adjusted to exclude the impacts of divestitures for the current year.(c)Includes combined impact of commodity price variability in both our Recycling Processing and Sales and WM Renewable Energy segments, as well as changes in certain recycling fees charged by our collection and disposal operations.(d)Beginning in 2023, the results include changes in our revenue attributable to our WM Renewable Energy segment. Previously these changes in revenue were included in energy surcharges and mandated fees. We have revised our prior year results to conform with the current year presentation.(e)Our energy surcharge was revised in the second quarter of 2023 to incorporate market prices for both diesel and compressed natural gas (“CNG”).(f)The amounts reported herein represent the changes in our revenue attributable to average yield for the total Company.(g)Includes activities from our Corporate and Other businesses. The following provides further details about our period-to-period change in revenues:Average YieldCollection and Disposal Average Yield — This measure reflects the effect on our revenue from the pricing activities of our collection, transfer and landfill operations, exclusive of volume changes. Revenue growth from Collection and Disposal average yield includes not only base rate changes and environmental and service fee fluctuations, but also (i) certain average price changes related to the overall mix of services, which are due to the types of services provided; (ii) changes in average price from new and lost business and (iii) price decreases to retain customers.45 Table of Contents Table of Contents Table of Contents The following table provides details associated with the period-to-period change in revenues and average yield for the year ended December 31 (dollars in millions):​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​2023 vs. 2022 ​​2022 vs. 2021 ​​​​​As a % of​ ​​​​As a % of ​​​​As a % of ​​​​As a % of ​​​​​Related​​​​​Total ​​​​Related ​​​​Total ​ Amount Business(a) Amount Company(b)​ Amount Business(a) Amount Company(b)​Collection and disposal​$ 911​5.4 %​​​​​​​$ 1,025​6.7 %​​​​​​Recycling Processing and Sales and WM Renewable Energy (c)(d)​ (381)​(20.2)​​ ​​​​​ 67​3.5 ​​ ​​​​Energy surcharge and mandated fees (d)(e)​ (104)​(9.7)​​ ​​​​​ 426​65.6 ​​ ​​​​Total average yield (f)​ ​​​​​$ 426​2.1 %​ ​​​​​$ 1,518​8.5 %Volume (g)​ ​​​​​ 150​0.8 ​​ ​​​​​ 233​1.3 ​Internal revenue growth​​​​​​​​ 576​2.9 ​​​​​​​​​ 1,751​9.8 ​Acquisitions​​​​​​​​ 186​0.9 ​​​​​​​​​ 62​0.4 ​Divestitures​​​​​​​​ (5)​ —​​​​​​​​​ (15)​(0.1)​Foreign currency translation ​​​​​​​​ (29)​(0.1)​​​​​​​​​ (31)​(0.2)​Total​​​​​​​$ 728​3.7 %​​​​​​​$ 1,767​9.9 %(a)Calculated by dividing the increase or decrease for the current year by the prior year’s related business revenue adjusted to exclude the impacts of divestitures for the current year.(b)Calculated by dividing the increase or decrease for the current year by the prior year’s total Company revenue adjusted to exclude the impacts of divestitures for the current year.(c)Includes combined impact of commodity price variability in both our Recycling Processing and Sales and WM Renewable Energy segments, as well as changes in certain recycling fees charged by our collection and disposal operations.(d)Beginning in 2023, the results include changes in our revenue attributable to our WM Renewable Energy segment. Previously these changes in revenue were included in energy surcharges and mandated fees. We have revised our prior year results to conform with the current year presentation.(e)Our energy surcharge was revised in the second quarter of 2023 to incorporate market prices for both diesel and compressed natural gas (“CNG”).(f)The amounts reported herein represent the changes in our revenue attributable to average yield for the total Company.(g)Includes activities from our Corporate and Other businesses. The following provides further details about our period-to-period change in revenues:Average YieldCollection and Disposal Average Yield — This measure reflects the effect on our revenue from the pricing activities of our collection, transfer and landfill operations, exclusive of volume changes. Revenue growth from Collection and Disposal average yield includes not only base rate changes and environmental and service fee fluctuations, but also (i) certain average price changes related to the overall mix of services, which are due to the types of services provided; (ii) changes in average price from new and lost business and (iii) price decreases to retain customers. The following table provides details associated with the period-to-period change in revenues and average yield for the year ended December 31 (dollars in millions): ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​"
    },
    {
      "status": "MODIFIED",
      "current_title": "We may not be able to achieve our sustainability-related goals, including reduction of our greenhouse gas (\"GHG\") emissions, or execute on our sustainability-related growth strategy and initiatives, within planned timelines or anticipated budget, which could damage our reputation and negatively impact the benefits anticipated from our investments.",
      "prior_title": "We may not be able to achieve our sustainability related goals, including reduction of our greenhouse gas (\"GHG\") emissions, or execute on our sustainability-related growth strategy and initiatives, within planned timelines or anticipated budget, which could damage our reputation and negatively impact the benefits anticipated from our investments.",
      "similarity_score": 0.79,
      "confidence": "high",
      "key_changes": [
        "Reworded sentence: \"We may not be able to meet such goals or implement such initiatives in the manner or on timelines contemplated due to challenges including, but not limited to, unforeseen costs or delays, changes in how GHG emissions are calculated or otherwise reported, supply chain disruptions, regulatory impacts, integration of acquired assets or businesses, technology limitations or technical difficulties associated with achieving such goals.\"",
        "Reworded sentence: \"30 30 Table of ContentsIn addition, our sustainability-related growth strategy includes significant planned and ongoing investments in our Recycling Processing and Sales and WM Renewable Energy segments.\"",
        "Reworded sentence: \"We have also forecasted or projected certain operational and financial information with respect to our sustainability investments and initiatives, and many of these statements are based on expectations and assumptions that are necessarily uncertain and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to be materially different from our forecasts and projections.\"",
        "Reworded sentence: \"Business – Regulation – Recent Developments and Focus Areas in Policy and Regulation – Climate and Sustainability for information about California’s Climate Corporate Data Accountability Act and Climate-Related Financial Risk Act, the SEC’s climate-related disclosure rule, which is currently stayed pending judicial review, as well as potential international reporting obligations, including the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive.\"",
        "Reworded sentence: \"Public statements with respect to sustainability matters are becoming increasingly subject to heightened scrutiny from public and governmental authorities related to the risk of potential “greenwashing,” i.e., misleading information or false claims overstating potential sustainability benefits.\""
      ],
      "current_body": "Consistent with our Company’s long-standing commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship, we have set goals to reduce our GHG emissions and announced other sustainability-related goals and initiatives. We may not be able to meet such goals or implement such initiatives in the manner or on timelines contemplated due to challenges including, but not limited to, unforeseen costs or delays, changes in how GHG emissions are calculated or otherwise reported, supply chain disruptions, regulatory impacts, integration of acquired assets or businesses, technology limitations or technical difficulties associated with achieving such goals. Changes to our business or asset base that were not contemplated when we set our sustainability-related goals, including the acquisition and integration of Stericycle’s business, assets and operations, could adversely impact our progress towards these goals and require us to adjust them. These changes could negatively impact public perception of our Company and stakeholders may view these changes unfavorably. Also, despite voluntarily announcing such sustainability goals, we may receive pressure from investors or other groups to adopt more aggressive sustainability-related goals that may not be technically, operationally, or financially feasible. 30 30 Table of ContentsIn addition, our sustainability-related growth strategy includes significant planned and ongoing investments in our Recycling Processing and Sales and WM Renewable Energy segments. Our ability to successfully execute this strategy may be impacted by the numerous risks and uncertainties associated with our business and the environmental services industry, including financial and operating performance, availability of technology and financing, changes in regulation, commodity price fluctuation and general economic conditions. (Also see Item 1A. Risk Factors — Our revenues, earnings and cash flows fluctuate based on changes in commodity prices and demand and may fluctuate substantially without notice in the future and — Our sustainability growth strategy includes significant planned and ongoing investments in our WM Renewable Energy segment; changes to federal and state renewable fuel policies could affect our financial performance, and such investments may not yield the results anticipated.) Favorable expectations regarding potential investment tax credits or other benefits stemming from the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (“IRA”) may not materialize or could fail to meet expectations. See Item 1. Business – Regulation – Recent Developments and Focus Areas in Policy and Regulation – Tax Legislation for additional information.Some or all of the expected benefits of our sustainability-related investments and initiatives may not occur within the anticipated time periods or may cost more to achieve than anticipated. An inability to develop, obtain, or scale necessary equipment, technology and innovations, and challenges arising from the availability or cost of materials and infrastructure or regulatory approvals or permitting requirements associated with our sustainability investments and initiatives, could impede our ability to execute on our plans and achieve our goals or realize our expected financial performance from these investments. Actions we take to achieve these goals and implement our sustainability growth strategy and initiatives, including development and implementation of enhanced technology and reporting systems, will require increased capital expenditures and management focus, which may divert investment and management focus away from other aspects of our business operations. We have also forecasted or projected certain operational and financial information with respect to our sustainability investments and initiatives, and many of these statements are based on expectations and assumptions that are necessarily uncertain and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to be materially different from our forecasts and projections. For example, the amount of gas produced over time at landfills can vary depending on many factors, including weather and the composition of the inbound waste stream. While we have sophisticated systems to predict gas curves, they are inherently uncertain, and if we have less gas than predicted at a site where we have invested in RNG infrastructure, it may take longer to achieve our return on investment. Relatedly, the quality of the gathered gas is subject to the composition of the waste deposited at our landfills, and the prevalence of certain chemical compounds may adversely affect the usability of such gas and require further investment in the treatment and management of such compounds. Regulations requiring diversion of organic wastes away from landfills could have the effect of decreasing the amount of landfill gas produced over time in our landfills.Focus on, and regulation of, sustainability performance and disclosure can result in increased costs, risk of noncompliance, damage to our reputation and related adverse effects.The nature, scope, and complexity of matters that our Company must assess, quantify and disclose are expanding due to current, proposed, and recently enacted governmental reporting requirements pertaining to sustainability and climate-related risks and other topics, such as water usage, waste production, labor, human capital, environmental justice, cybersecurity, privacy, and risk oversight. For example, see Item 1. Business – Regulation – Recent Developments and Focus Areas in Policy and Regulation – Climate and Sustainability for information about California’s Climate Corporate Data Accountability Act and Climate-Related Financial Risk Act, the SEC’s climate-related disclosure rule, which is currently stayed pending judicial review, as well as potential international reporting obligations, including the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive. Methodology and timelines for mandatory reporting requirements may be inconsistent with requirements enacted by other governmental entities, including with respect to measuring emissions and requiring a determination of “materiality” that may differ from traditional disclosure requirements under U.S. federal securities laws. Such inconsistency could further increase costs and divert management time and attention. Our industry faces challenges to implement these rapidly developing disclosure requirements, as well as the risk of enforcement actions by governmental and regulatory agencies for noncompliance. Significant expenditures and commitment of time by management, employees and consultants is involved in developing, implementing and overseeing policies, practices, additional disclosures and internal controls related to environmental and sustainability risk and performance. Public statements with respect to sustainability matters are becoming increasingly subject to heightened scrutiny from public and governmental authorities related to the risk of potential “greenwashing,” i.e., misleading information or false claims overstating potential sustainability benefits. We are aware that non-governmental organizations and other private actors have filed lawsuits against companies under various securities and consumer protection laws 31 Table of Contents Table of Contents Table of Contents In addition, our sustainability-related growth strategy includes significant planned and ongoing investments in our Recycling Processing and Sales and WM Renewable Energy segments. Our ability to successfully execute this strategy may be impacted by the numerous risks and uncertainties associated with our business and the environmental services industry, including financial and operating performance, availability of technology and financing, changes in regulation, commodity price fluctuation and general economic conditions. (Also see Item 1A. Risk Factors — Our revenues, earnings and cash flows fluctuate based on changes in commodity prices and demand and may fluctuate substantially without notice in the future and — Our sustainability growth strategy includes significant planned and ongoing investments in our WM Renewable Energy segment; changes to federal and state renewable fuel policies could affect our financial performance, and such investments may not yield the results anticipated.) Favorable expectations regarding potential investment tax credits or other benefits stemming from the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (“IRA”) may not materialize or could fail to meet expectations. See Item 1. Business – Regulation – Recent Developments and Focus Areas in Policy and Regulation – Tax Legislation for additional information.Some or all of the expected benefits of our sustainability-related investments and initiatives may not occur within the anticipated time periods or may cost more to achieve than anticipated. An inability to develop, obtain, or scale necessary equipment, technology and innovations, and challenges arising from the availability or cost of materials and infrastructure or regulatory approvals or permitting requirements associated with our sustainability investments and initiatives, could impede our ability to execute on our plans and achieve our goals or realize our expected financial performance from these investments. Actions we take to achieve these goals and implement our sustainability growth strategy and initiatives, including development and implementation of enhanced technology and reporting systems, will require increased capital expenditures and management focus, which may divert investment and management focus away from other aspects of our business operations. We have also forecasted or projected certain operational and financial information with respect to our sustainability investments and initiatives, and many of these statements are based on expectations and assumptions that are necessarily uncertain and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to be materially different from our forecasts and projections. For example, the amount of gas produced over time at landfills can vary depending on many factors, including weather and the composition of the inbound waste stream. While we have sophisticated systems to predict gas curves, they are inherently uncertain, and if we have less gas than predicted at a site where we have invested in RNG infrastructure, it may take longer to achieve our return on investment. Relatedly, the quality of the gathered gas is subject to the composition of the waste deposited at our landfills, and the prevalence of certain chemical compounds may adversely affect the usability of such gas and require further investment in the treatment and management of such compounds. Regulations requiring diversion of organic wastes away from landfills could have the effect of decreasing the amount of landfill gas produced over time in our landfills.Focus on, and regulation of, sustainability performance and disclosure can result in increased costs, risk of noncompliance, damage to our reputation and related adverse effects.The nature, scope, and complexity of matters that our Company must assess, quantify and disclose are expanding due to current, proposed, and recently enacted governmental reporting requirements pertaining to sustainability and climate-related risks and other topics, such as water usage, waste production, labor, human capital, environmental justice, cybersecurity, privacy, and risk oversight. For example, see Item 1. Business – Regulation – Recent Developments and Focus Areas in Policy and Regulation – Climate and Sustainability for information about California’s Climate Corporate Data Accountability Act and Climate-Related Financial Risk Act, the SEC’s climate-related disclosure rule, which is currently stayed pending judicial review, as well as potential international reporting obligations, including the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive. Methodology and timelines for mandatory reporting requirements may be inconsistent with requirements enacted by other governmental entities, including with respect to measuring emissions and requiring a determination of “materiality” that may differ from traditional disclosure requirements under U.S. federal securities laws. Such inconsistency could further increase costs and divert management time and attention. Our industry faces challenges to implement these rapidly developing disclosure requirements, as well as the risk of enforcement actions by governmental and regulatory agencies for noncompliance. Significant expenditures and commitment of time by management, employees and consultants is involved in developing, implementing and overseeing policies, practices, additional disclosures and internal controls related to environmental and sustainability risk and performance. Public statements with respect to sustainability matters are becoming increasingly subject to heightened scrutiny from public and governmental authorities related to the risk of potential “greenwashing,” i.e., misleading information or false claims overstating potential sustainability benefits. We are aware that non-governmental organizations and other private actors have filed lawsuits against companies under various securities and consumer protection laws In addition, our sustainability-related growth strategy includes significant planned and ongoing investments in our Recycling Processing and Sales and WM Renewable Energy segments. Our ability to successfully execute this strategy may be impacted by the numerous risks and uncertainties associated with our business and the environmental services industry, including financial and operating performance, availability of technology and financing, changes in regulation, commodity price fluctuation and general economic conditions. (Also see Item 1A. Risk Factors — Our revenues, earnings and cash flows fluctuate based on changes in commodity prices and demand and may fluctuate substantially without notice in the future and — Our sustainability growth strategy includes significant planned and ongoing investments in our WM Renewable Energy segment; changes to federal and state renewable fuel policies could affect our financial performance, and such investments may not yield the results anticipated.) Favorable expectations regarding potential investment tax credits or other benefits stemming from the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (“IRA”) may not materialize or could fail to meet expectations. See Item 1. Business – Regulation – Recent Developments and Focus Areas in Policy and Regulation – Tax Legislation for additional information.Some or all of the expected benefits of our sustainability-related investments and initiatives may not occur within the anticipated time periods or may cost more to achieve than anticipated. An inability to develop, obtain, or scale necessary equipment, technology and innovations, and challenges arising from the availability or cost of materials and infrastructure or regulatory approvals or permitting requirements associated with our sustainability investments and initiatives, could impede our ability to execute on our plans and achieve our goals or realize our expected financial performance from these investments. Actions we take to achieve these goals and implement our sustainability growth strategy and initiatives, including development and implementation of enhanced technology and reporting systems, will require increased capital expenditures and management focus, which may divert investment and management focus away from other aspects of our business operations. We have also forecasted or projected certain operational and financial information with respect to our sustainability investments and initiatives, and many of these statements are based on expectations and assumptions that are necessarily uncertain and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to be materially different from our forecasts and projections. For example, the amount of gas produced over time at landfills can vary depending on many factors, including weather and the composition of the inbound waste stream. While we have sophisticated systems to predict gas curves, they are inherently uncertain, and if we have less gas than predicted at a site where we have invested in RNG infrastructure, it may take longer to achieve our return on investment. Relatedly, the quality of the gathered gas is subject to the composition of the waste deposited at our landfills, and the prevalence of certain chemical compounds may adversely affect the usability of such gas and require further investment in the treatment and management of such compounds. Regulations requiring diversion of organic wastes away from landfills could have the effect of decreasing the amount of landfill gas produced over time in our landfills.Focus on, and regulation of, sustainability performance and disclosure can result in increased costs, risk of noncompliance, damage to our reputation and related adverse effects.The nature, scope, and complexity of matters that our Company must assess, quantify and disclose are expanding due to current, proposed, and recently enacted governmental reporting requirements pertaining to sustainability and climate-related risks and other topics, such as water usage, waste production, labor, human capital, environmental justice, cybersecurity, privacy, and risk oversight. For example, see Item 1. Business – Regulation – Recent Developments and Focus Areas in Policy and Regulation – Climate and Sustainability for information about California’s Climate Corporate Data Accountability Act and Climate-Related Financial Risk Act, the SEC’s climate-related disclosure rule, which is currently stayed pending judicial review, as well as potential international reporting obligations, including the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive. Methodology and timelines for mandatory reporting requirements may be inconsistent with requirements enacted by other governmental entities, including with respect to measuring emissions and requiring a determination of “materiality” that may differ from traditional disclosure requirements under U.S. federal securities laws. Such inconsistency could further increase costs and divert management time and attention. Our industry faces challenges to implement these rapidly developing disclosure requirements, as well as the risk of enforcement actions by governmental and regulatory agencies for noncompliance. Significant expenditures and commitment of time by management, employees and consultants is involved in developing, implementing and overseeing policies, practices, additional disclosures and internal controls related to environmental and sustainability risk and performance. Public statements with respect to sustainability matters are becoming increasingly subject to heightened scrutiny from public and governmental authorities related to the risk of potential “greenwashing,” i.e., misleading information or false claims overstating potential sustainability benefits. We are aware that non-governmental organizations and other private actors have filed lawsuits against companies under various securities and consumer protection laws In addition, our sustainability-related growth strategy includes significant planned and ongoing investments in our Recycling Processing and Sales and WM Renewable Energy segments. Our ability to successfully execute this strategy may be impacted by the numerous risks and uncertainties associated with our business and the environmental services industry, including financial and operating performance, availability of technology and financing, changes in regulation, commodity price fluctuation and general economic conditions. (Also see Item 1A. Risk Factors — Our revenues, earnings and cash flows fluctuate based on changes in commodity prices and demand and may fluctuate substantially without notice in the future and — Our sustainability growth strategy includes significant planned and ongoing investments in our WM Renewable Energy segment; changes to federal and state renewable fuel policies could affect our financial performance, and such investments may not yield the results anticipated.) Favorable expectations regarding potential investment tax credits or other benefits stemming from the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (“IRA”) may not materialize or could fail to meet expectations. See Item 1. Business – Regulation – Recent Developments and Focus Areas in Policy and Regulation – Tax Legislation for additional information. Some or all of the expected benefits of our sustainability-related investments and initiatives may not occur within the anticipated time periods or may cost more to achieve than anticipated. An inability to develop, obtain, or scale necessary equipment, technology and innovations, and challenges arising from the availability or cost of materials and infrastructure or regulatory approvals or permitting requirements associated with our sustainability investments and initiatives, could impede our ability to execute on our plans and achieve our goals or realize our expected financial performance from these investments. Actions we take to achieve these goals and implement our sustainability growth strategy and initiatives, including development and implementation of enhanced technology and reporting systems, will require increased capital expenditures and management focus, which may divert investment and management focus away from other aspects of our business operations. We have also forecasted or projected certain operational and financial information with respect to our sustainability investments and initiatives, and many of these statements are based on expectations and assumptions that are necessarily uncertain and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to be materially different from our forecasts and projections. For example, the amount of gas produced over time at landfills can vary depending on many factors, including weather and the composition of the inbound waste stream. While we have sophisticated systems to predict gas curves, they are inherently uncertain, and if we have less gas than predicted at a site where we have invested in RNG infrastructure, it may take longer to achieve our return on investment. Relatedly, the quality of the gathered gas is subject to the composition of the waste deposited at our landfills, and the prevalence of certain chemical compounds may adversely affect the usability of such gas and require further investment in the treatment and management of such compounds. Regulations requiring diversion of organic wastes away from landfills could have the effect of decreasing the amount of landfill gas produced over time in our landfills.",
      "prior_body": "Consistent with our Company’s long-standing commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship, we have set goals to reduce our GHG emissions and announced other sustainability-related goals and initiatives. We may not be able to meet such goals or implement such initiatives in the manner or on timelines contemplated due to challenges including, but not limited to, unforeseen costs or delays, supply chain disruptions, regulatory impacts, technology limitations or technical difficulties associated with achieving such goals. Also, despite voluntarily announcing such sustainability goals, we may receive pressure from investors or other groups to adopt more aggressive sustainability-related goals that may not be technically, operationally, or financially feasible. In addition, our sustainability growth strategy includes significant planned investments in our Recycling Processing and Sales and WM Renewable Energy segments. Our ability to successfully execute our sustainability growth strategy may be impacted by the numerous risks and uncertainties associated with our business and the environmental services industry, including financial and operating performance, availability of technology and financing, changes in regulation, commodity price fluctuation and general economic conditions. (Also see Item 1A. Risk Factors — Our revenues, earnings and cash flows will fluctuate based on changes in commodity prices, and commodity prices for recyclable materials are particularly susceptible to volatility based on macroeconomic conditions and regulations that affect our ability to export products and — Our sustainability growth strategy includes significant planned and ongoing investments in our WM Renewable Energy segment; changes to federal and state renewable fuel policies could affect our financial performance, and such investments may not yield the results anticipated.) Some or all of the expected benefits of our sustainability-related investments and initiatives may not occur within the anticipated time periods or may cost more to achieve than anticipated. An inability to develop, obtain, or scale necessary technology and innovations, and challenges arising from the availability or cost of materials and infrastructure or 24 24 Table of Contentsregulatory approvals or permitting requirements associated with our sustainability investments and initiatives, could impede our ability to execute on our plans and achieve our goals or realize our expected financial performance from these investments. Actions we take to achieve these goals and implement our sustainability growth strategy and initiatives, including development and implementation of enhanced technology and reporting systems, will require increased capital expenditures and management focus, which may divert investment and management focus away from other aspects of our business operations. Additionally, favorable expectations regarding potential investment tax credits or other benefits stemming from the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (“IRA”) may not materialize or could fail to meet expectations. Recently, the IRS issued proposed regulations applicable to the investment tax credits, as expanded by the IRA, that could call into question our ability to realize some, or all, of this tax benefit, which would negatively impact financial expectations in connection with our sustainability growth projects in our WM Renewable Energy segment. See Item 1. Business – Regulation – Recent Developments and Focus Areas in Policy and Regulation – Tax Legislation. We have also forecasted or projected certain operational and financial information with respect to our sustainability investments and initiatives, and many of these statements are based on expectations and assumptions that are necessarily uncertain and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to be materially different from our forecasts and projections.Focus on, and regulation of, environmental, social and governance (“ESG”) performance and disclosure can result in increased costs, risk of noncompliance, damage to our reputation and related adverse effects.There is increasing governmental and stakeholder interest in ESG matters. In addition, the nature, scope, and complexity of the matters that our Company must assess, quantify and disclose are expanding due to current, proposed, and recently enacted federal and state reporting requirements related to climate-related risks and other topics, such as water usage, waste production, labor, human capital, environmental justice, cybersecurity and privacy, and risk oversight. For example, see Item 1. Business – Regulation – Recent Developments and Focus Areas in Policy and Regulation – Climate and Sustainability for information about California’s recently-adopted Climate Corporate Data Accountability Act and Climate-Related Financial Risk Act and the SEC’s proposed climate-related disclosure rule. Methodology and timelines for mandatory emissions reporting requirements, such as the recently passed California Corporate Data Accountability Act, may be inconsistent with requirements enacted by other governmental entities, including disclosure requirements that are ultimately adopted by the SEC, which could further increase costs and divert management time and attention. Disclosures related to GHG emissions data or potential climate-related impacts could also negatively affect our reputation to the extent we are perceived as not meeting individual stakeholder climate-related expectations.Our industry faces challenges to implement these rapidly developing disclosure requirements, as well as the risk of enforcement actions by governmental and regulatory agencies for noncompliance. Significant expenditures and commitment of time by management, employees and consultants is involved in developing, implementing and overseeing policies, practices, additional disclosures and internal controls related to environmental and sustainability risk and performance. Public statements with respect to ESG matters are becoming increasingly subject to heightened scrutiny from public and governmental authorities related to the risk of potential “greenwashing,” i.e., misleading information or false claims overstating potential ESG benefits. We are aware that non-governmental organizations and other private actors have filed lawsuits against certain companies under various securities and consumer protection laws alleging that certain ESG-related statements, goals or standards were misleading, false or otherwise deceptive. An inability to implement such policies, practices, and internal controls and maintain compliance with laws and regulations, or a perception among stakeholders that our ESG disclosures and sustainability goals are insufficient or our goals are unattainable, could harm our reputation and competitive position and negatively impact our stock price and business performance.External Economic and Industry RisksMarket disruption, including labor shortages and supply chain constraints, and macroeconomic pressures, including inflation, have adversely impacted our business and results of operations.Macroeconomic pressures, including inflation and rising interest rates, and market disruption resulting in labor market, supply chain and transportation constraints have impacted our results and are continuing. Significant global supply chain disruption has reduced availability of certain assets used in our business, and inflation has increased costs for the goods and services we purchase, particularly for labor, repair and maintenance, and subcontractor costs. Supply chain constraints have caused delayed delivery of fleet, steel containers and other purchases. Aspects of our business rely on third-party transportation providers, and such services have become more limited and expensive. Additionally, the downturn in market prices for recycling commodities that started in the second half of 2022 persisted throughout 2023. The decrease continued 25 Table of Contents Table of Contents Table of Contents regulatory approvals or permitting requirements associated with our sustainability investments and initiatives, could impede our ability to execute on our plans and achieve our goals or realize our expected financial performance from these investments. Actions we take to achieve these goals and implement our sustainability growth strategy and initiatives, including development and implementation of enhanced technology and reporting systems, will require increased capital expenditures and management focus, which may divert investment and management focus away from other aspects of our business operations. Additionally, favorable expectations regarding potential investment tax credits or other benefits stemming from the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (“IRA”) may not materialize or could fail to meet expectations. Recently, the IRS issued proposed regulations applicable to the investment tax credits, as expanded by the IRA, that could call into question our ability to realize some, or all, of this tax benefit, which would negatively impact financial expectations in connection with our sustainability growth projects in our WM Renewable Energy segment. See Item 1. Business – Regulation – Recent Developments and Focus Areas in Policy and Regulation – Tax Legislation. We have also forecasted or projected certain operational and financial information with respect to our sustainability investments and initiatives, and many of these statements are based on expectations and assumptions that are necessarily uncertain and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to be materially different from our forecasts and projections.Focus on, and regulation of, environmental, social and governance (“ESG”) performance and disclosure can result in increased costs, risk of noncompliance, damage to our reputation and related adverse effects.There is increasing governmental and stakeholder interest in ESG matters. In addition, the nature, scope, and complexity of the matters that our Company must assess, quantify and disclose are expanding due to current, proposed, and recently enacted federal and state reporting requirements related to climate-related risks and other topics, such as water usage, waste production, labor, human capital, environmental justice, cybersecurity and privacy, and risk oversight. For example, see Item 1. Business – Regulation – Recent Developments and Focus Areas in Policy and Regulation – Climate and Sustainability for information about California’s recently-adopted Climate Corporate Data Accountability Act and Climate-Related Financial Risk Act and the SEC’s proposed climate-related disclosure rule. Methodology and timelines for mandatory emissions reporting requirements, such as the recently passed California Corporate Data Accountability Act, may be inconsistent with requirements enacted by other governmental entities, including disclosure requirements that are ultimately adopted by the SEC, which could further increase costs and divert management time and attention. Disclosures related to GHG emissions data or potential climate-related impacts could also negatively affect our reputation to the extent we are perceived as not meeting individual stakeholder climate-related expectations.Our industry faces challenges to implement these rapidly developing disclosure requirements, as well as the risk of enforcement actions by governmental and regulatory agencies for noncompliance. Significant expenditures and commitment of time by management, employees and consultants is involved in developing, implementing and overseeing policies, practices, additional disclosures and internal controls related to environmental and sustainability risk and performance. Public statements with respect to ESG matters are becoming increasingly subject to heightened scrutiny from public and governmental authorities related to the risk of potential “greenwashing,” i.e., misleading information or false claims overstating potential ESG benefits. We are aware that non-governmental organizations and other private actors have filed lawsuits against certain companies under various securities and consumer protection laws alleging that certain ESG-related statements, goals or standards were misleading, false or otherwise deceptive. An inability to implement such policies, practices, and internal controls and maintain compliance with laws and regulations, or a perception among stakeholders that our ESG disclosures and sustainability goals are insufficient or our goals are unattainable, could harm our reputation and competitive position and negatively impact our stock price and business performance.External Economic and Industry RisksMarket disruption, including labor shortages and supply chain constraints, and macroeconomic pressures, including inflation, have adversely impacted our business and results of operations.Macroeconomic pressures, including inflation and rising interest rates, and market disruption resulting in labor market, supply chain and transportation constraints have impacted our results and are continuing. Significant global supply chain disruption has reduced availability of certain assets used in our business, and inflation has increased costs for the goods and services we purchase, particularly for labor, repair and maintenance, and subcontractor costs. Supply chain constraints have caused delayed delivery of fleet, steel containers and other purchases. Aspects of our business rely on third-party transportation providers, and such services have become more limited and expensive. Additionally, the downturn in market prices for recycling commodities that started in the second half of 2022 persisted throughout 2023. The decrease continued regulatory approvals or permitting requirements associated with our sustainability investments and initiatives, could impede our ability to execute on our plans and achieve our goals or realize our expected financial performance from these investments. Actions we take to achieve these goals and implement our sustainability growth strategy and initiatives, including development and implementation of enhanced technology and reporting systems, will require increased capital expenditures and management focus, which may divert investment and management focus away from other aspects of our business operations. Additionally, favorable expectations regarding potential investment tax credits or other benefits stemming from the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (“IRA”) may not materialize or could fail to meet expectations. Recently, the IRS issued proposed regulations applicable to the investment tax credits, as expanded by the IRA, that could call into question our ability to realize some, or all, of this tax benefit, which would negatively impact financial expectations in connection with our sustainability growth projects in our WM Renewable Energy segment. See Item 1. Business – Regulation – Recent Developments and Focus Areas in Policy and Regulation – Tax Legislation. We have also forecasted or projected certain operational and financial information with respect to our sustainability investments and initiatives, and many of these statements are based on expectations and assumptions that are necessarily uncertain and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to be materially different from our forecasts and projections."
    },
    {
      "status": "MODIFIED",
      "current_title": "NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)",
      "prior_title": "NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)",
      "similarity_score": 0.789,
      "confidence": "high",
      "key_changes": [
        "Reworded sentence: \"​ and regulations, we may have liabilities for environmental damage caused by our operations, or for damage caused by conditions that existed before we acquired a site.\"",
        "Reworded sentence: \"If we used the high ends of such ranges (where estimable), our aggregate potential liability would be approximately $9 million higher than the $222 million recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2024.\"",
        "Reworded sentence: \"These adjustments could be material in any given period.We record our obligations on an undiscounted basis unless we are aware of a material environmental liability where we believe that both the amount and timing of the payments are fixed or reliably determinable.\"",
        "Reworded sentence: \"When property and equipment are retired, sold or otherwise disposed of, the cost and accumulated depreciation are removed from our accounts and any resulting gain or loss is included in results of operations as an offset or increase to operating expense for the period.\"",
        "Reworded sentence: \"If we used the high ends of such ranges (where estimable), our aggregate potential liability would be approximately $9 million higher than the $222 million recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2024.\""
      ],
      "current_body": "​ balances and transactions have been eliminated. Investments in unconsolidated entities are accounted for under the appropriate method of accounting.Estimates and AssumptionsIn preparing our financial statements, we make numerous estimates and assumptions that affect the accounting for and recognition and disclosure of assets, liabilities, equity, revenues and expenses. We must make these estimates and assumptions because certain information that we use is dependent on future events, cannot be calculated with precision from available data or simply cannot be calculated. In some cases, these estimates are difficult to determine, and we must exercise significant judgment. In preparing our financial statements, the most difficult, subjective and complex estimates and the assumptions that present the greatest amount of uncertainty relate to our accounting for landfills, environmental remediation liabilities, long-lived asset impairments, intangible asset impairments and the fair value of assets and liabilities acquired in business combinations. Each of these items is discussed in additional detail below. Actual results could differ materially from the estimates and assumptions that we use in the preparation of our financial statements.Cash and Cash EquivalentsCash in excess of current operating requirements is invested in short-term interest-bearing instruments with maturities of three months or less at the date of purchase and is stated at cost, which approximates market value.Concentrations of Credit RiskFinancial instruments that potentially subject us to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, investments held within restricted funds, and accounts receivable. We make efforts to control our exposure to credit risk associated with these instruments by (i) placing our assets and other financial interests with a diverse group of credit-worthy financial institutions; (ii) holding high-quality financial instruments while limiting investments in any one instrument and (iii) maintaining strict policies over credit extension that include credit evaluations, credit limits and monitoring procedures, although generally we do not have collateral requirements for credit extensions. We also control our exposure associated with trade receivables by discontinuing service, to the extent allowable, to non-paying customers. However, our overall credit risk associated with trade receivables is limited due to the large number and diversity of customers we serve. As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, no single customer represented greater than 5% of total accounts receivable.Accounts and Other Receivables Our receivables, which are recorded when billed, when services are performed or when cash is advanced, are claims against third parties that will generally be settled in cash. The carrying value of our receivables, net of the allowance for doubtful accounts, represents the estimated net realizable value. We estimate our allowance for doubtful accounts based on historical collection trends; type of customer, such as municipal or commercial; the age of outstanding receivables and existing as well as expected economic conditions. If events or changes in circumstances indicate that specific receivable balances may be impaired, further consideration is given to the collectability of those balances and the allowance is adjusted accordingly. Past-due receivable balances are written off when our collection efforts have been unsuccessful. Also, we recognize interest income on long-term interest-bearing notes receivable as the interest accrues under the terms of the notes. We no longer accrue interest once the notes are deemed uncollectible. balances and transactions have been eliminated. Investments in unconsolidated entities are accounted for under the appropriate method of accounting.Estimates and AssumptionsIn preparing our financial statements, we make numerous estimates and assumptions that affect the accounting for and recognition and disclosure of assets, liabilities, equity, revenues and expenses. We must make these estimates and assumptions because certain information that we use is dependent on future events, cannot be calculated with precision from available data or simply cannot be calculated. In some cases, these estimates are difficult to determine, and we must exercise significant judgment. In preparing our financial statements, the most difficult, subjective and complex estimates and the assumptions that present the greatest amount of uncertainty relate to our accounting for landfills, environmental remediation liabilities, long-lived asset impairments, intangible asset impairments and the fair value of assets and liabilities acquired in business combinations. Each of these items is discussed in additional detail below. Actual results could differ materially from the estimates and assumptions that we use in the preparation of our financial statements.Cash and Cash EquivalentsCash in excess of current operating requirements is invested in short-term interest-bearing instruments with maturities of three months or less at the date of purchase and is stated at cost, which approximates market value.Concentrations of Credit RiskFinancial instruments that potentially subject us to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, investments held within restricted funds, and accounts receivable. We make efforts to control our exposure to credit risk associated with these instruments by (i) placing our assets and other financial interests with a diverse group of credit-worthy financial institutions; (ii) holding high-quality financial instruments while limiting investments in any one instrument and (iii) maintaining strict policies over credit extension that include credit evaluations, credit limits and monitoring procedures, although generally we do not have collateral requirements for credit extensions. We also control our exposure associated with trade receivables by discontinuing service, to the extent allowable, to non-paying customers. However, our overall credit risk associated with trade receivables is limited due to the large number and diversity of customers we serve. As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, no single customer represented greater than 5% of total accounts receivable.Accounts and Other Receivables Our receivables, which are recorded when billed, when services are performed or when cash is advanced, are claims against third parties that will generally be settled in cash. The carrying value of our receivables, net of the allowance for doubtful accounts, represents the estimated net realizable value. We estimate our allowance for doubtful accounts based on historical collection trends; type of customer, such as municipal or commercial; the age of outstanding receivables and existing as well as expected economic conditions. If events or changes in circumstances indicate that specific receivable balances may be impaired, further consideration is given to the collectability of those balances and the allowance is adjusted accordingly. Past-due receivable balances are written off when our collection efforts have been unsuccessful. Also, we recognize interest income on long-term interest-bearing notes receivable as the interest accrues under the terms of the notes. We no longer accrue interest once the notes are deemed uncollectible. balances and transactions have been eliminated. Investments in unconsolidated entities are accounted for under the appropriate method of accounting.",
      "prior_body": "​ Estimates and AssumptionsIn preparing our financial statements, we make numerous estimates and assumptions that affect the accounting for and recognition and disclosure of assets, liabilities, equity, revenues and expenses. We must make these estimates and assumptions because certain information that we use is dependent on future events, cannot be calculated with precision from available data or simply cannot be calculated. In some cases, these estimates are difficult to determine, and we must exercise significant judgment. In preparing our financial statements, the most difficult, subjective and complex estimates and the assumptions that present the greatest amount of uncertainty relate to our accounting for landfills, environmental remediation liabilities, long-lived asset impairments, intangible asset impairments and the fair value of assets and liabilities acquired in business combinations. Each of these items is discussed in additional detail below. Actual results could differ materially from the estimates and assumptions that we use in the preparation of our financial statements.Cash and Cash EquivalentsCash in excess of current operating requirements is invested in short-term interest-bearing instruments with maturities of three months or less at the date of purchase and is stated at cost, which approximates market value.Concentrations of Credit RiskFinancial instruments that potentially subject us to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, investments held within restricted funds, and accounts receivable. We make efforts to control our exposure to credit risk associated with these instruments by (i) placing our assets and other financial interests with a diverse group of credit-worthy financial institutions; (ii) holding high-quality financial instruments while limiting investments in any one instrument and (iii) maintaining strict policies over credit extension that include credit evaluations, credit limits and monitoring procedures, although generally we do not have collateral requirements for credit extensions. We also control our exposure associated with trade receivables by discontinuing service, to the extent allowable, to non-paying customers. However, our overall credit risk associated with trade receivables is limited due to the large number and diversity of customers we serve. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, no single customer represented greater than 5% of total accounts receivable.Accounts and Other Receivables Our receivables, which are recorded when billed, when services are performed or when cash is advanced, are claims against third parties that will generally be settled in cash. The carrying value of our receivables, net of the allowance for doubtful accounts, represents the estimated net realizable value. We estimate our allowance for doubtful accounts based on historical collection trends; type of customer, such as municipal or commercial; the age of outstanding receivables and existing as well as expected economic conditions. If events or changes in circumstances indicate that specific receivable balances may be impaired, further consideration is given to the collectability of those balances and the allowance is adjusted accordingly. Past-due receivable balances are written off when our internal collection efforts have been unsuccessful. Also, we recognize interest income on long-term interest-bearing notes receivable as the interest accrues under the terms of the notes. We no longer accrue interest once the notes are deemed uncollectible."
    },
    {
      "status": "MODIFIED",
      "current_title": "Business(a)",
      "prior_title": "Business(a)",
      "similarity_score": 0.783,
      "confidence": "high",
      "key_changes": [
        "Reworded sentence: \"Amount Company(b) ​ Collection and disposal ​ $ 811 ​ 4.5 % ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ $ 911 ​ 5.4 % ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Recycling Processing and Sales and WM Renewable Energy (c) ​ 271 ​ 17.1 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ (381) ​ (20.2) ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Energy surcharge and mandated fees ​ (97) ​ (9.9) ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ (104) ​ (9.7) ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Total average yield (d) ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ $ 985 ​ 4.8 % ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ $ 426 ​ 2.1 % Volume (e) ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 88 ​ 0.4 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 150 ​ 0.8 ​ Internal revenue growth ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 1,073 ​ 5.2 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 576 ​ 2.9 ​ Acquisitions ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 584 ​ 2.9 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 186 ​ 0.9 ​ Divestitures ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ (8) ​ — ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ (5) ​ — ​ Foreign currency translation ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ (12) ​ (0.1) ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ (29) ​ (0.1) ​ Total ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ $ 1,637 ​ 8.0 % ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ $ 728 ​ 3.7 % The following provides further details about our period-to-period change in revenues: Average Yield Collection and Disposal Average Yield — This measure reflects the effect on our revenue from the pricing activities of our collection, transfer and landfill operations, exclusive of volume changes.\"",
        "Reworded sentence: \"53 53 Table of ContentsThe details of our revenue growth from Collection and Disposal average yield for the year ended December 31 are as follows (dollars in millions):​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ 2024 vs.\"",
        "Reworded sentence: \"Additionally, revenue in our WM Renewable Energy segment increased $26 million in 2024 and decreased $73 million in 2023 as compared with the prior year periods, primarily driven by fluctuations in energy prices and the value and quantity of RINs.\"",
        "Reworded sentence: \"The decrease in energy surcharge revenues is primarily due to a decline in market prices for diesel fuel of approximately 10% in 2024 and 15% in 2023 as compared to the prior year periods.\"",
        "Reworded sentence: \"VolumeOur revenues from volume (excluding volumes from acquisitions and divestitures) increased $88 million, or 0.4%, and $150 million, or 0.8%, in 2024 and 2023, respectively, as compared with the prior year periods.\""
      ],
      "current_body": "Amount Company(b) ​ Collection and disposal ​ $ 811 ​ 4.5 % ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ $ 911 ​ 5.4 % ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Recycling Processing and Sales and WM Renewable Energy (c) ​ 271 ​ 17.1 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ (381) ​ (20.2) ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Energy surcharge and mandated fees ​ (97) ​ (9.9) ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ (104) ​ (9.7) ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Total average yield (d) ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ $ 985 ​ 4.8 % ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ $ 426 ​ 2.1 % Volume (e) ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 88 ​ 0.4 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 150 ​ 0.8 ​ Internal revenue growth ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 1,073 ​ 5.2 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 576 ​ 2.9 ​ Acquisitions ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 584 ​ 2.9 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 186 ​ 0.9 ​ Divestitures ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ (8) ​ — ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ (5) ​ — ​ Foreign currency translation ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ (12) ​ (0.1) ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ (29) ​ (0.1) ​ Total ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ $ 1,637 ​ 8.0 % ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ $ 728 ​ 3.7 % The following provides further details about our period-to-period change in revenues: Average Yield Collection and Disposal Average Yield — This measure reflects the effect on our revenue from the pricing activities of our collection, transfer and landfill operations, exclusive of volume changes. Revenue growth from Collection and Disposal average yield includes not only base rate changes and environmental and service fee fluctuations, but also (i) certain average price changes related to the overall mix of services, which are due to the types of services provided; (ii) changes in average price from new and lost business and (iii) price decreases to retain customers. 53 53 Table of ContentsThe details of our revenue growth from Collection and Disposal average yield for the year ended December 31 are as follows (dollars in millions):​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ 2024 vs. 2023 2023 vs. 2022​​​​​​​As a % of ​​​As a % of​​​​​​​Related ​​​Related​​ ​Amount Business Amount Business Commercial​​$ 327​6.2 % $ 321​6.5 %Industrial​​ 176​5.0 ​ 240​7.2 ​Residential​​ 200​6.2 ​ 191​6.1 ​Total collection​​ 703​5.6 ​ 752​6.3 ​Landfill​​ 54​1.8 ​ 76​2.7 ​Transfer​​ 54​4.5 ​ 83​7.5 ​Total Collection and Disposal​​$ 811​4.5 % $ 911​5.4 %​Our overall pricing efforts are focused on keeping pace with the increasing costs and capital intensity of our business. We are continuing to see growth in our landfill business with our municipal solid waste experiencing average yield of 3.1% in 2024.Recycling Processing and Sales and WM Renewable Energy — Recycling Processing and Sales revenues attributable to yield increased $245 million in 2024 and decreased $308 million in 2023, respectively, as compared with the prior year periods. Average market prices for single-stream recycled commodities increased approximately 50% in 2024 and decreased 40% in 2023 as compared with the prior year period. During 2023, the revenue decline from lower commodity pricing that started in 2022 was partially offset by higher pricing in our recycling brokerage business as well as our continued focus on a fee-based pricing model. Additionally, revenue in our WM Renewable Energy segment increased $26 million in 2024 and decreased $73 million in 2023 as compared with the prior year periods, primarily driven by fluctuations in energy prices and the value and quantity of RINs. While there may be short-term fluctuations in our commodity-driven businesses as prices change, we believe that our business models and processes appropriately mitigate the downside risk of changes in commodity prices.Energy Surcharge and Mandated Fees — These fees decreased $97 million and $104 million in 2024 and 2023, respectively, as compared to the prior year periods. Beginning in the second quarter of 2023, our energy surcharge was revised to incorporate market prices for both diesel and CNG. The decrease in energy surcharge revenues is primarily due to a decline in market prices for diesel fuel of approximately 10% in 2024 and 15% in 2023 as compared to the prior year periods. The mandated fees are primarily related to fees and taxes assessed by various state, county and municipal government agencies at our landfills and transfer stations. These amounts have not significantly impacted the change in revenue for the periods presented. VolumeOur revenues from volume (excluding volumes from acquisitions and divestitures) increased $88 million, or 0.4%, and $150 million, or 0.8%, in 2024 and 2023, respectively, as compared with the prior year periods. Although our 2024 volume growth has moderated when compared to 2023, special waste and municipal solid waste tons at our landfills continue to be a significant driver of our growth. Additionally, in 2024 we saw an increase in volumes in our WMSBS business due to our continued focus on a differentiated service model for national accounts customers and our recycling activity, renewable energy projects and commercial collection business contributed to our overall volume growth. These increases were partially offset by a decrease in industrial collection volumes and the intentional shedding of low-margin residential collection business. Furthermore, our construction and demolition landfill volumes for the year ended December 31, 2024, declined as compared to prior year due to clean-up efforts in our East Tier from Hurricane Ian in 2023.54 Table of Contents Table of Contents Table of Contents The details of our revenue growth from Collection and Disposal average yield for the year ended December 31 are as follows (dollars in millions):​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ 2024 vs. 2023 2023 vs. 2022​​​​​​​As a % of ​​​As a % of​​​​​​​Related ​​​Related​​ ​Amount Business Amount Business Commercial​​$ 327​6.2 % $ 321​6.5 %Industrial​​ 176​5.0 ​ 240​7.2 ​Residential​​ 200​6.2 ​ 191​6.1 ​Total collection​​ 703​5.6 ​ 752​6.3 ​Landfill​​ 54​1.8 ​ 76​2.7 ​Transfer​​ 54​4.5 ​ 83​7.5 ​Total Collection and Disposal​​$ 811​4.5 % $ 911​5.4 %​Our overall pricing efforts are focused on keeping pace with the increasing costs and capital intensity of our business. We are continuing to see growth in our landfill business with our municipal solid waste experiencing average yield of 3.1% in 2024.Recycling Processing and Sales and WM Renewable Energy — Recycling Processing and Sales revenues attributable to yield increased $245 million in 2024 and decreased $308 million in 2023, respectively, as compared with the prior year periods. Average market prices for single-stream recycled commodities increased approximately 50% in 2024 and decreased 40% in 2023 as compared with the prior year period. During 2023, the revenue decline from lower commodity pricing that started in 2022 was partially offset by higher pricing in our recycling brokerage business as well as our continued focus on a fee-based pricing model. Additionally, revenue in our WM Renewable Energy segment increased $26 million in 2024 and decreased $73 million in 2023 as compared with the prior year periods, primarily driven by fluctuations in energy prices and the value and quantity of RINs. While there may be short-term fluctuations in our commodity-driven businesses as prices change, we believe that our business models and processes appropriately mitigate the downside risk of changes in commodity prices.Energy Surcharge and Mandated Fees — These fees decreased $97 million and $104 million in 2024 and 2023, respectively, as compared to the prior year periods. Beginning in the second quarter of 2023, our energy surcharge was revised to incorporate market prices for both diesel and CNG. The decrease in energy surcharge revenues is primarily due to a decline in market prices for diesel fuel of approximately 10% in 2024 and 15% in 2023 as compared to the prior year periods. The mandated fees are primarily related to fees and taxes assessed by various state, county and municipal government agencies at our landfills and transfer stations. These amounts have not significantly impacted the change in revenue for the periods presented. VolumeOur revenues from volume (excluding volumes from acquisitions and divestitures) increased $88 million, or 0.4%, and $150 million, or 0.8%, in 2024 and 2023, respectively, as compared with the prior year periods. Although our 2024 volume growth has moderated when compared to 2023, special waste and municipal solid waste tons at our landfills continue to be a significant driver of our growth. Additionally, in 2024 we saw an increase in volumes in our WMSBS business due to our continued focus on a differentiated service model for national accounts customers and our recycling activity, renewable energy projects and commercial collection business contributed to our overall volume growth. These increases were partially offset by a decrease in industrial collection volumes and the intentional shedding of low-margin residential collection business. Furthermore, our construction and demolition landfill volumes for the year ended December 31, 2024, declined as compared to prior year due to clean-up efforts in our East Tier from Hurricane Ian in 2023. The details of our revenue growth from Collection and Disposal average yield for the year ended December 31 are as follows (dollars in millions):​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ 2024 vs. 2023 2023 vs. 2022​​​​​​​As a % of ​​​As a % of​​​​​​​Related ​​​Related​​ ​Amount Business Amount Business Commercial​​$ 327​6.2 % $ 321​6.5 %Industrial​​ 176​5.0 ​ 240​7.2 ​Residential​​ 200​6.2 ​ 191​6.1 ​Total collection​​ 703​5.6 ​ 752​6.3 ​Landfill​​ 54​1.8 ​ 76​2.7 ​Transfer​​ 54​4.5 ​ 83​7.5 ​Total Collection and Disposal​​$ 811​4.5 % $ 911​5.4 %​Our overall pricing efforts are focused on keeping pace with the increasing costs and capital intensity of our business. We are continuing to see growth in our landfill business with our municipal solid waste experiencing average yield of 3.1% in 2024.Recycling Processing and Sales and WM Renewable Energy — Recycling Processing and Sales revenues attributable to yield increased $245 million in 2024 and decreased $308 million in 2023, respectively, as compared with the prior year periods. Average market prices for single-stream recycled commodities increased approximately 50% in 2024 and decreased 40% in 2023 as compared with the prior year period. During 2023, the revenue decline from lower commodity pricing that started in 2022 was partially offset by higher pricing in our recycling brokerage business as well as our continued focus on a fee-based pricing model. Additionally, revenue in our WM Renewable Energy segment increased $26 million in 2024 and decreased $73 million in 2023 as compared with the prior year periods, primarily driven by fluctuations in energy prices and the value and quantity of RINs. While there may be short-term fluctuations in our commodity-driven businesses as prices change, we believe that our business models and processes appropriately mitigate the downside risk of changes in commodity prices.Energy Surcharge and Mandated Fees — These fees decreased $97 million and $104 million in 2024 and 2023, respectively, as compared to the prior year periods. Beginning in the second quarter of 2023, our energy surcharge was revised to incorporate market prices for both diesel and CNG. The decrease in energy surcharge revenues is primarily due to a decline in market prices for diesel fuel of approximately 10% in 2024 and 15% in 2023 as compared to the prior year periods. The mandated fees are primarily related to fees and taxes assessed by various state, county and municipal government agencies at our landfills and transfer stations. These amounts have not significantly impacted the change in revenue for the periods presented. VolumeOur revenues from volume (excluding volumes from acquisitions and divestitures) increased $88 million, or 0.4%, and $150 million, or 0.8%, in 2024 and 2023, respectively, as compared with the prior year periods. Although our 2024 volume growth has moderated when compared to 2023, special waste and municipal solid waste tons at our landfills continue to be a significant driver of our growth. Additionally, in 2024 we saw an increase in volumes in our WMSBS business due to our continued focus on a differentiated service model for national accounts customers and our recycling activity, renewable energy projects and commercial collection business contributed to our overall volume growth. These increases were partially offset by a decrease in industrial collection volumes and the intentional shedding of low-margin residential collection business. Furthermore, our construction and demolition landfill volumes for the year ended December 31, 2024, declined as compared to prior year due to clean-up efforts in our East Tier from Hurricane Ian in 2023. The details of our revenue growth from Collection and Disposal average yield for the year ended December 31 are as follows (dollars in millions): ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​",
      "prior_body": "Amount Company(b) ​ Collection and disposal ​ $ 911 ​ 5.4 % ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ $ 1,025 ​ 6.7 % ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Recycling Processing and Sales and WM Renewable Energy (c)(d) ​ (381) ​ (20.2) ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 67 ​ 3.5 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Energy surcharge and mandated fees (d)(e) ​ (104) ​ (9.7) ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 426 ​ 65.6 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Total average yield (f) ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ $ 426 ​ 2.1 % ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ $ 1,518 ​ 8.5 % Volume (g) ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 150 ​ 0.8 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 233 ​ 1.3 ​ Internal revenue growth ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 576 ​ 2.9 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 1,751 ​ 9.8 ​ Acquisitions ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 186 ​ 0.9 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 62 ​ 0.4 ​ Divestitures ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ (5) ​ — ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ (15) ​ (0.1) ​ Foreign currency translation ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ (29) ​ (0.1) ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ (31) ​ (0.2) ​ Total ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ $ 728 ​ 3.7 % ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ $ 1,767 ​ 9.9 % The following provides further details about our period-to-period change in revenues: Average Yield Collection and Disposal Average Yield — This measure reflects the effect on our revenue from the pricing activities of our collection, transfer and landfill operations, exclusive of volume changes. Revenue growth from Collection and Disposal average yield includes not only base rate changes and environmental and service fee fluctuations, but also (i) certain average price changes related to the overall mix of services, which are due to the types of services provided; (ii) changes in average price from new and lost business and (iii) price decreases to retain customers. 45 45 Table of ContentsThe details of our revenue growth from Collection and Disposal average yield for the year ended December 31 are as follows (dollars in millions):​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ 2023 vs. 2022 2022 vs. 2021​​​​​​​As a % of ​​​As a % of​​​​​​​Related ​​​Related​​ ​Amount Business Amount Business Commercial​​$ 321​6.5 % $ 406​9.2 %Industrial​​ 240​7.2 ​ 307​10.2 ​Residential​​ 191​6.1 ​ 185​6.1 ​Total collection​​ 752​6.3 ​ 898​8.2 ​Landfill​​ 76​2.7 ​ 79​3.1 ​Transfer​​ 83​7.5 ​ 48​4.5 ​Total Collection and Disposal​​$ 911​5.4 % $ 1,025​6.7 %​Our overall pricing efforts are focused on keeping pace with the increasing costs and capital intensity of our business. We are continuing to see growth in our landfill business with our municipal solid waste experiencing average yield of 4.9% in 2023.Recycling Processing and Sales and WM Renewable Energy — Recycling Processing and Sales revenues attributable to yield decreased $308 million in 2023 and increased $19 million in 2022, respectively, as compared with the prior year periods. With the significant decline in commodity prices that started in the second half of 2022 and has continued into 2023, we are currently experiencing margin pressures from our commodity-driven businesses, specifically within our Recycling Processing and Sales and WM Renewable Energy segments. While still below prices seen at the beginning of 2022, recycling commodity prices began to improve in the fourth quarter of 2023 and while there may be short-term fluctuations in our commodity-driven businesses as prices change, we continue to focus on adjusting our business models to protect against the down-side risk by spreading the inherent risk of changes in commodity prices across the vertically integrated value chain. Average market prices for single-stream recycled commodities were down 40% and 10% in 2023 and 2022, respectively, as compared with the prior year periods. During 2023, the revenue decline from lower commodity pricing that started in 2022 was partially offset by higher pricing in our recycling brokerage business as well as our continued focus on a fee-based pricing model. Additionally, revenue in our WM Renewable Energy segment decreased $73 million and increased $48 million in 2023 and 2022, respectively, as compared with the prior year periods, primarily driven by the fluctuations in energy prices and the value of RINs.Energy Surcharge and Mandated Fees — These fees decreased $104 million in 2023 and increased $426 million in 2022, as compared with the prior year periods. Beginning in the second quarter of 2023, our energy surcharge was revised to incorporate market prices for both diesel and CNG. The decrease in energy surcharge revenues in 2023 is primarily due to a decline of approximately 15% in market prices for diesel fuel as compared to the prior year period. The increase in energy surcharge revenues in 2022 was driven by a 50% increase in diesel fuel in 2022, as compared with the prior year period. The mandated fees are primarily related to fees and taxes assessed by various state, county and municipal government agencies at our landfills and transfer stations. These amounts have not significantly impacted the change in revenue for the periods presented. VolumeOur revenues from volume (excluding volumes from acquisitions and divestitures) increased $150 million, or 0.8%, and $233 million, or 1.3%, in 2023 and 2022, respectively, as compared with the prior year periods. Our Collection and Disposal businesses volume grew 0.7% and 1.8% in 2023 and 2022, respectively.Our 2023 volume growth has moderated when compared to 2022. Special waste volumes at our landfills continue to be a significant driver, primarily due to an increase in event-driven projects. In addition, we saw an increase in our WMSBS volumes. These increases were partially offset by a decrease in temporary industrial collection volumes and the intentional shedding of low-margin residential collection business.46 Table of Contents Table of Contents Table of Contents The details of our revenue growth from Collection and Disposal average yield for the year ended December 31 are as follows (dollars in millions):​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ 2023 vs. 2022 2022 vs. 2021​​​​​​​As a % of ​​​As a % of​​​​​​​Related ​​​Related​​ ​Amount Business Amount Business Commercial​​$ 321​6.5 % $ 406​9.2 %Industrial​​ 240​7.2 ​ 307​10.2 ​Residential​​ 191​6.1 ​ 185​6.1 ​Total collection​​ 752​6.3 ​ 898​8.2 ​Landfill​​ 76​2.7 ​ 79​3.1 ​Transfer​​ 83​7.5 ​ 48​4.5 ​Total Collection and Disposal​​$ 911​5.4 % $ 1,025​6.7 %​Our overall pricing efforts are focused on keeping pace with the increasing costs and capital intensity of our business. We are continuing to see growth in our landfill business with our municipal solid waste experiencing average yield of 4.9% in 2023.Recycling Processing and Sales and WM Renewable Energy — Recycling Processing and Sales revenues attributable to yield decreased $308 million in 2023 and increased $19 million in 2022, respectively, as compared with the prior year periods. With the significant decline in commodity prices that started in the second half of 2022 and has continued into 2023, we are currently experiencing margin pressures from our commodity-driven businesses, specifically within our Recycling Processing and Sales and WM Renewable Energy segments. While still below prices seen at the beginning of 2022, recycling commodity prices began to improve in the fourth quarter of 2023 and while there may be short-term fluctuations in our commodity-driven businesses as prices change, we continue to focus on adjusting our business models to protect against the down-side risk by spreading the inherent risk of changes in commodity prices across the vertically integrated value chain. Average market prices for single-stream recycled commodities were down 40% and 10% in 2023 and 2022, respectively, as compared with the prior year periods. During 2023, the revenue decline from lower commodity pricing that started in 2022 was partially offset by higher pricing in our recycling brokerage business as well as our continued focus on a fee-based pricing model. Additionally, revenue in our WM Renewable Energy segment decreased $73 million and increased $48 million in 2023 and 2022, respectively, as compared with the prior year periods, primarily driven by the fluctuations in energy prices and the value of RINs.Energy Surcharge and Mandated Fees — These fees decreased $104 million in 2023 and increased $426 million in 2022, as compared with the prior year periods. Beginning in the second quarter of 2023, our energy surcharge was revised to incorporate market prices for both diesel and CNG. The decrease in energy surcharge revenues in 2023 is primarily due to a decline of approximately 15% in market prices for diesel fuel as compared to the prior year period. The increase in energy surcharge revenues in 2022 was driven by a 50% increase in diesel fuel in 2022, as compared with the prior year period. The mandated fees are primarily related to fees and taxes assessed by various state, county and municipal government agencies at our landfills and transfer stations. These amounts have not significantly impacted the change in revenue for the periods presented. VolumeOur revenues from volume (excluding volumes from acquisitions and divestitures) increased $150 million, or 0.8%, and $233 million, or 1.3%, in 2023 and 2022, respectively, as compared with the prior year periods. Our Collection and Disposal businesses volume grew 0.7% and 1.8% in 2023 and 2022, respectively.Our 2023 volume growth has moderated when compared to 2022. Special waste volumes at our landfills continue to be a significant driver, primarily due to an increase in event-driven projects. In addition, we saw an increase in our WMSBS volumes. These increases were partially offset by a decrease in temporary industrial collection volumes and the intentional shedding of low-margin residential collection business. The details of our revenue growth from Collection and Disposal average yield for the year ended December 31 are as follows (dollars in millions): ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​"
    },
    {
      "status": "MODIFIED",
      "current_title": "The environmental services industry is highly competitive, and if we cannot successfully compete in the marketplace, our business, financial condition and operating results may be materially adversely affected.",
      "prior_title": "Our revenues, earnings and cash flows fluctuate based on changes in commodity prices and may fluctuate substantially without notice in the future.",
      "similarity_score": 0.775,
      "confidence": "high",
      "key_changes": [
        "Reworded sentence: \"We encounter intense competition from governmental, quasi-governmental and private sources in all aspects of our operations and when expanding to new lines of business or new markets.\"",
        "Reworded sentence: \"Future regulation, tariffs, international trade policies or other initiatives, including regulations addressing climate change or GHG emissions, may impact supply and demand of material, or increase operating costs, which could impact the profitability of our recycling operations.\"",
        "Reworded sentence: \"Zero-waste goals (sending no waste to the landfill) have been set by many large North American and global companies and government agencies.\"",
        "Reworded sentence: \"Additionally, despite the development of new service offerings and lines of business, it is possible that our revenues and our income from operations margins could be negatively affected due to disposal alternatives.\"",
        "Reworded sentence: \"Future regulation, tariffs, international trade policies or other initiatives, including regulations addressing climate change or GHG emissions, may impact supply and demand of material, or increase operating costs, which could impact the profitability of our recycling operations.\""
      ],
      "current_body": "We encounter intense competition from governmental, quasi-governmental and private sources in all aspects of our operations and when expanding to new lines of business or new markets. We principally compete with large national waste management companies, counties and municipalities that maintain their own waste collection and disposal or recycling operations and regional and local companies of varying sizes and financial resources. The industry also includes companies that specialize in certain discrete areas of waste management, operators of alternative disposal facilities, companies that seek to use parts of the waste stream as feedstock for renewable energy and other by-products, and waste brokers that rely upon haulers in local markets to address customer needs. In recent years, the industry has seen some additional consolidation, though the industry remains intensely competitive. Counties and municipalities may have financial competitive advantages because tax revenues are available to them and tax-exempt financing is more readily available to 32 32 Table of Contentsthem. Also, such governmental units may attempt to impose flow control or other restrictions that would give them a competitive advantage. In addition, some of our competitors may have lower financial expectations, allowing them to reduce their prices to expand sales volume or to win competitively-bid contracts, including large national accounts and exclusive franchise arrangements with municipalities. When this happens, we may lose customers and be unable to execute our pricing strategy, resulting in a negative impact to our revenue growth from yield on base business.Our revenues, earnings and cash flows fluctuate based on changes in commodity prices and demand and may fluctuate substantially without notice in the future.Prices and demand for recyclables fluctuate and are particularly susceptible to volatility based on macroeconomic conditions and regulations. The fluctuations in the market prices or demand for these commodities can affect our operating income and cash flows positively, as we experienced in 2024, or negatively, as we experienced in 2023. The increase in market prices in 2024 for recyclable commodities resulted in a year-over-year increase in revenue of $245 million, and the decline in market prices in 2023 for recyclable commodities resulted in a year-over-year decrease in revenue of $308 million. Regulations affecting, and in some cases restricting, the international flow of certain recyclables have led to a reduction in export activity for such recyclables, as well as higher quality requirements and higher processing costs. Additionally, the new U.S. presidential administration has called for substantial changes to foreign trade policy. Significant new restrictions and tariffs on foreign trade could negatively impact commodity prices and our recycling export business. We are making significant planned and ongoing investments in our recycling business to increase automation and reduce labor dependency and address increases in regulatory- and customer-driven quality requirements for commodities. These investments increase our exposure to commodity price fluctuations. Future regulation, tariffs, international trade policies or other initiatives, including regulations addressing climate change or GHG emissions, may impact supply and demand of material, or increase operating costs, which could impact the profitability of our recycling operations. If we do not effectively manage changes in demand and commodity prices for recyclable materials, or if we do not successfully execute our sustainability growth strategy, our investments in recycling infrastructure and technology may not yield the results anticipated.Fluctuation in energy-related prices also affects our business, including recycling of plastics manufactured from petroleum products. Our sustainability growth strategy includes increased investment in landfill gas-to-energy facilities and expansion of our WM Renewable Energy segment, which generates and sells credits referred to as Renewable Identification Numbers (“RINs”). RINs prices generally respond to regulations enacted by the EPA, as well as fluctuations in supply and demand, and have historically been very volatile. Additionally, significant variations in the price of biogas, electricity and other energy-related products that are marketed and sold by our landfill gas recovery operations can result in a corresponding impact to our revenue from yield from such operations. Expansion of our WM Renewable Energy segment may introduce additional risks and volatility to our financial performance.Increasing customer preference for alternatives to landfill disposal and bans on certain types of waste could reduce our landfill volumes and cause our revenues and operating results to decline.Our customers are increasingly diverting waste to alternatives to landfill disposal, such as recycling and composting, while also working to reduce the amount of waste they generate. In addition, many state and local governments mandate diversion, recycling and waste reduction at the source and prohibit the disposal of certain types of materials at landfills, such as recyclables (cardboard, bottles and cans), yard waste, food waste and electronics. Where organic waste is not banned from disposal in landfills, some large customers such as grocery stores and restaurants are choosing to divert their organic waste from landfills. Zero-waste goals (sending no waste to the landfill) have been set by many large North American and global companies and government agencies. This increased focus on minimizing climate impacts may require the Company to invest in higher-cost technologies for more efficient waste collection and processing. Although such mandates and initiatives help to protect our environment, these developments reduce the volume of waste going to our landfills, which may affect the prices that we can charge for landfill disposal. Our landfills currently provide our highest income from operations margins. Reducing landfilled organic waste also reduces the amount of landfill gas produced from our landfills, adversely impacting our landfill gas-to-energy facilities. If we are not successful in expanding our service offerings, growing lines of businesses to service waste streams that do not go to landfills, and providing alternative services for customers that wish to reduce waste entirely, then our revenues and operating results may decline. Additionally, despite the development of new service offerings and lines of business, it is possible that our revenues and our income from operations margins could be negatively affected due to disposal alternatives. 33 Table of Contents Table of Contents Table of Contents them. Also, such governmental units may attempt to impose flow control or other restrictions that would give them a competitive advantage. In addition, some of our competitors may have lower financial expectations, allowing them to reduce their prices to expand sales volume or to win competitively-bid contracts, including large national accounts and exclusive franchise arrangements with municipalities. When this happens, we may lose customers and be unable to execute our pricing strategy, resulting in a negative impact to our revenue growth from yield on base business.Our revenues, earnings and cash flows fluctuate based on changes in commodity prices and demand and may fluctuate substantially without notice in the future.Prices and demand for recyclables fluctuate and are particularly susceptible to volatility based on macroeconomic conditions and regulations. The fluctuations in the market prices or demand for these commodities can affect our operating income and cash flows positively, as we experienced in 2024, or negatively, as we experienced in 2023. The increase in market prices in 2024 for recyclable commodities resulted in a year-over-year increase in revenue of $245 million, and the decline in market prices in 2023 for recyclable commodities resulted in a year-over-year decrease in revenue of $308 million. Regulations affecting, and in some cases restricting, the international flow of certain recyclables have led to a reduction in export activity for such recyclables, as well as higher quality requirements and higher processing costs. Additionally, the new U.S. presidential administration has called for substantial changes to foreign trade policy. Significant new restrictions and tariffs on foreign trade could negatively impact commodity prices and our recycling export business. We are making significant planned and ongoing investments in our recycling business to increase automation and reduce labor dependency and address increases in regulatory- and customer-driven quality requirements for commodities. These investments increase our exposure to commodity price fluctuations. Future regulation, tariffs, international trade policies or other initiatives, including regulations addressing climate change or GHG emissions, may impact supply and demand of material, or increase operating costs, which could impact the profitability of our recycling operations. If we do not effectively manage changes in demand and commodity prices for recyclable materials, or if we do not successfully execute our sustainability growth strategy, our investments in recycling infrastructure and technology may not yield the results anticipated.Fluctuation in energy-related prices also affects our business, including recycling of plastics manufactured from petroleum products. Our sustainability growth strategy includes increased investment in landfill gas-to-energy facilities and expansion of our WM Renewable Energy segment, which generates and sells credits referred to as Renewable Identification Numbers (“RINs”). RINs prices generally respond to regulations enacted by the EPA, as well as fluctuations in supply and demand, and have historically been very volatile. Additionally, significant variations in the price of biogas, electricity and other energy-related products that are marketed and sold by our landfill gas recovery operations can result in a corresponding impact to our revenue from yield from such operations. Expansion of our WM Renewable Energy segment may introduce additional risks and volatility to our financial performance.Increasing customer preference for alternatives to landfill disposal and bans on certain types of waste could reduce our landfill volumes and cause our revenues and operating results to decline.Our customers are increasingly diverting waste to alternatives to landfill disposal, such as recycling and composting, while also working to reduce the amount of waste they generate. In addition, many state and local governments mandate diversion, recycling and waste reduction at the source and prohibit the disposal of certain types of materials at landfills, such as recyclables (cardboard, bottles and cans), yard waste, food waste and electronics. Where organic waste is not banned from disposal in landfills, some large customers such as grocery stores and restaurants are choosing to divert their organic waste from landfills. Zero-waste goals (sending no waste to the landfill) have been set by many large North American and global companies and government agencies. This increased focus on minimizing climate impacts may require the Company to invest in higher-cost technologies for more efficient waste collection and processing. Although such mandates and initiatives help to protect our environment, these developments reduce the volume of waste going to our landfills, which may affect the prices that we can charge for landfill disposal. Our landfills currently provide our highest income from operations margins. Reducing landfilled organic waste also reduces the amount of landfill gas produced from our landfills, adversely impacting our landfill gas-to-energy facilities. If we are not successful in expanding our service offerings, growing lines of businesses to service waste streams that do not go to landfills, and providing alternative services for customers that wish to reduce waste entirely, then our revenues and operating results may decline. Additionally, despite the development of new service offerings and lines of business, it is possible that our revenues and our income from operations margins could be negatively affected due to disposal alternatives. them. Also, such governmental units may attempt to impose flow control or other restrictions that would give them a competitive advantage. In addition, some of our competitors may have lower financial expectations, allowing them to reduce their prices to expand sales volume or to win competitively-bid contracts, including large national accounts and exclusive franchise arrangements with municipalities. When this happens, we may lose customers and be unable to execute our pricing strategy, resulting in a negative impact to our revenue growth from yield on base business.Our revenues, earnings and cash flows fluctuate based on changes in commodity prices and demand and may fluctuate substantially without notice in the future.Prices and demand for recyclables fluctuate and are particularly susceptible to volatility based on macroeconomic conditions and regulations. The fluctuations in the market prices or demand for these commodities can affect our operating income and cash flows positively, as we experienced in 2024, or negatively, as we experienced in 2023. The increase in market prices in 2024 for recyclable commodities resulted in a year-over-year increase in revenue of $245 million, and the decline in market prices in 2023 for recyclable commodities resulted in a year-over-year decrease in revenue of $308 million. Regulations affecting, and in some cases restricting, the international flow of certain recyclables have led to a reduction in export activity for such recyclables, as well as higher quality requirements and higher processing costs. Additionally, the new U.S. presidential administration has called for substantial changes to foreign trade policy. Significant new restrictions and tariffs on foreign trade could negatively impact commodity prices and our recycling export business. We are making significant planned and ongoing investments in our recycling business to increase automation and reduce labor dependency and address increases in regulatory- and customer-driven quality requirements for commodities. These investments increase our exposure to commodity price fluctuations. Future regulation, tariffs, international trade policies or other initiatives, including regulations addressing climate change or GHG emissions, may impact supply and demand of material, or increase operating costs, which could impact the profitability of our recycling operations. If we do not effectively manage changes in demand and commodity prices for recyclable materials, or if we do not successfully execute our sustainability growth strategy, our investments in recycling infrastructure and technology may not yield the results anticipated.Fluctuation in energy-related prices also affects our business, including recycling of plastics manufactured from petroleum products. Our sustainability growth strategy includes increased investment in landfill gas-to-energy facilities and expansion of our WM Renewable Energy segment, which generates and sells credits referred to as Renewable Identification Numbers (“RINs”). RINs prices generally respond to regulations enacted by the EPA, as well as fluctuations in supply and demand, and have historically been very volatile. Additionally, significant variations in the price of biogas, electricity and other energy-related products that are marketed and sold by our landfill gas recovery operations can result in a corresponding impact to our revenue from yield from such operations. Expansion of our WM Renewable Energy segment may introduce additional risks and volatility to our financial performance.Increasing customer preference for alternatives to landfill disposal and bans on certain types of waste could reduce our landfill volumes and cause our revenues and operating results to decline.Our customers are increasingly diverting waste to alternatives to landfill disposal, such as recycling and composting, while also working to reduce the amount of waste they generate. In addition, many state and local governments mandate diversion, recycling and waste reduction at the source and prohibit the disposal of certain types of materials at landfills, such as recyclables (cardboard, bottles and cans), yard waste, food waste and electronics. Where organic waste is not banned from disposal in landfills, some large customers such as grocery stores and restaurants are choosing to divert their organic waste from landfills. Zero-waste goals (sending no waste to the landfill) have been set by many large North American and global companies and government agencies. This increased focus on minimizing climate impacts may require the Company to invest in higher-cost technologies for more efficient waste collection and processing. Although such mandates and initiatives help to protect our environment, these developments reduce the volume of waste going to our landfills, which may affect the prices that we can charge for landfill disposal. Our landfills currently provide our highest income from operations margins. Reducing landfilled organic waste also reduces the amount of landfill gas produced from our landfills, adversely impacting our landfill gas-to-energy facilities. If we are not successful in expanding our service offerings, growing lines of businesses to service waste streams that do not go to landfills, and providing alternative services for customers that wish to reduce waste entirely, then our revenues and operating results may decline. Additionally, despite the development of new service offerings and lines of business, it is possible that our revenues and our income from operations margins could be negatively affected due to disposal alternatives. them. Also, such governmental units may attempt to impose flow control or other restrictions that would give them a competitive advantage. In addition, some of our competitors may have lower financial expectations, allowing them to reduce their prices to expand sales volume or to win competitively-bid contracts, including large national accounts and exclusive franchise arrangements with municipalities. When this happens, we may lose customers and be unable to execute our pricing strategy, resulting in a negative impact to our revenue growth from yield on base business.",
      "prior_body": "Prices and demand for recyclables fluctuate and are particularly susceptible to volatility based on macroeconomic conditions and regulations. The downturn in market prices for recycling commodities that started in the second half of 2022 continued in 2023. Average market prices for single-stream recycled commodities were down 40% in 2023 when compared to the comparable prior year period. Decreases in the market prices for recycling commodities resulted in a decrease in recycling revenues attributable to yield of $308 million in 2023 as compared to the prior year period. Recycling revenues attributable to yield increased $19 million in 2022 as compared with the prior year period, primarily from higher market prices for recycling commodities in the first half of 2022, before the significant downturn in the second half of 2022. 26 26 Table of ContentsIn recent years, new and updated regulations affecting, and in some cases restricting, the international flow of certain recyclables have led to a reduction in export activity for such recyclables, as well as higher quality requirements and higher processing costs. We are making significant planned and ongoing investments in our recycling business to increase automation and reduce labor dependency and address increases in regulatory- and customer-driven quality requirements for commodities. These investments increase our exposure to commodity price fluctuations. Additionally, future regulation, tariffs, international trade policies or other initiatives, including regulations addressing climate change or GHG emissions, may impact supply and demand of material, or increase operating costs, which could impact the profitability of our recycling operations. If the Company does not effectively manage changes in demand and commodity prices for recycling materials, or if we do not successfully execute our sustainability growth strategy, our investments in recycling infrastructure and technology may not yield the results anticipated.Fluctuation in energy-related prices also affects our business, including recycling of plastics manufactured from petroleum products, and we are currently experiencing commodity-price driven impacts from higher fuel costs. Our sustainability growth strategy also includes increased investment in landfill gas-to-energy facilities and expansion of our WM Renewable Energy segment, which generate and sells credits referred to as RINs. RINs prices generally respond to regulations enacted by the EPA, as well as fluctuations in supply and demand, and have historically been very volatile. Additionally, significant variations in the price of biogas, electricity and other energy-related products that are marketed and sold by our landfill gas recovery operations can result in a corresponding impact to our revenue from yield from such operations. Expansion of our WM Renewable Energy segment may introduce additional risks and volatility to our financial performance.Increasing customer preference for alternatives to landfill disposal and bans on certain types of waste could reduce our landfill volumes and cause our revenues and operating results to decline.Our customers are increasingly diverting waste to alternatives to landfill disposal, such as recycling and composting, while also working to reduce the amount of waste they generate. In addition, many state and local governments mandate diversion, recycling and waste reduction at the source and prohibit the disposal of certain types of materials at landfills, such as recyclables (cardboard, bottles and cans), yard waste, food waste and electronics. Where organic waste is not banned from disposal in landfills, some large customers such as grocery stores and restaurants are choosing to divert their organic waste from landfills. Zero-waste goals (sending no waste to the landfill) have been set by many of the U.S. and Canada’s largest companies. Although such mandates and initiatives help to protect our environment, these developments reduce the volume of waste going to our landfills, which may affect the prices that we can charge for landfill disposal. Our landfills currently provide our highest income from operations margins. Reducing landfilled organic waste also reduces the amount of landfill gas produced from our landfills, adversely impacting our landfill gas-to-energy facilities. If we are not successful in expanding our service offerings, growing lines of businesses to service waste streams that do not go to landfills, and providing alternative services for customers that wish to reduce waste entirely, then our revenues and operating results may decline. Additionally, despite the development of new service offerings and lines of business, it is possible that our revenues and our income from operations margins could be negatively affected due to disposal alternatives.With a heightened awareness of the global problems caused by plastic waste in the environment, Canada and an increasing number of cities and states across the U.S. have passed ordinances banning certain types of plastics from sale or use. The most common materials banned include plastic bags and straws, polystyrene plastic and some types of single use packaging. These bans have increased pressure by manufacturers on our recycling facilities to accept a broader array of materials in curbside recycling and composting programs to alleviate public pressures to ban the sale of those materials. However, there are currently no or limited viable end markets for recycling many of these materials, and inclusion of such materials in our recycling stream increases contamination and operating costs that can negatively affect the results of our recycling operations.General economic conditions, such as a broad-based economic recession, can directly and adversely affect revenues for environmental services and our income from operations margins.Our business is directly affected by changes in national and general economic factors that are outside of our control, including consumer confidence, inflation, interest rates and access to capital markets. In recent years, many in the financial industry have debated whether the North American economy is likely to enter into a period of economic recession. A weak economy generally results in decreased consumer spending and decreases in volumes of waste generated, which negatively impacts the ability to grow through new business or service upgrades, and may result in customer turnover and reduction in customers’ waste service needs. Consumer uncertainty and the loss of consumer confidence may also reduce the number 27 Table of Contents Table of Contents Table of Contents In recent years, new and updated regulations affecting, and in some cases restricting, the international flow of certain recyclables have led to a reduction in export activity for such recyclables, as well as higher quality requirements and higher processing costs. We are making significant planned and ongoing investments in our recycling business to increase automation and reduce labor dependency and address increases in regulatory- and customer-driven quality requirements for commodities. These investments increase our exposure to commodity price fluctuations. Additionally, future regulation, tariffs, international trade policies or other initiatives, including regulations addressing climate change or GHG emissions, may impact supply and demand of material, or increase operating costs, which could impact the profitability of our recycling operations. If the Company does not effectively manage changes in demand and commodity prices for recycling materials, or if we do not successfully execute our sustainability growth strategy, our investments in recycling infrastructure and technology may not yield the results anticipated.Fluctuation in energy-related prices also affects our business, including recycling of plastics manufactured from petroleum products, and we are currently experiencing commodity-price driven impacts from higher fuel costs. Our sustainability growth strategy also includes increased investment in landfill gas-to-energy facilities and expansion of our WM Renewable Energy segment, which generate and sells credits referred to as RINs. RINs prices generally respond to regulations enacted by the EPA, as well as fluctuations in supply and demand, and have historically been very volatile. Additionally, significant variations in the price of biogas, electricity and other energy-related products that are marketed and sold by our landfill gas recovery operations can result in a corresponding impact to our revenue from yield from such operations. Expansion of our WM Renewable Energy segment may introduce additional risks and volatility to our financial performance.Increasing customer preference for alternatives to landfill disposal and bans on certain types of waste could reduce our landfill volumes and cause our revenues and operating results to decline.Our customers are increasingly diverting waste to alternatives to landfill disposal, such as recycling and composting, while also working to reduce the amount of waste they generate. In addition, many state and local governments mandate diversion, recycling and waste reduction at the source and prohibit the disposal of certain types of materials at landfills, such as recyclables (cardboard, bottles and cans), yard waste, food waste and electronics. Where organic waste is not banned from disposal in landfills, some large customers such as grocery stores and restaurants are choosing to divert their organic waste from landfills. Zero-waste goals (sending no waste to the landfill) have been set by many of the U.S. and Canada’s largest companies. Although such mandates and initiatives help to protect our environment, these developments reduce the volume of waste going to our landfills, which may affect the prices that we can charge for landfill disposal. Our landfills currently provide our highest income from operations margins. Reducing landfilled organic waste also reduces the amount of landfill gas produced from our landfills, adversely impacting our landfill gas-to-energy facilities. If we are not successful in expanding our service offerings, growing lines of businesses to service waste streams that do not go to landfills, and providing alternative services for customers that wish to reduce waste entirely, then our revenues and operating results may decline. Additionally, despite the development of new service offerings and lines of business, it is possible that our revenues and our income from operations margins could be negatively affected due to disposal alternatives.With a heightened awareness of the global problems caused by plastic waste in the environment, Canada and an increasing number of cities and states across the U.S. have passed ordinances banning certain types of plastics from sale or use. The most common materials banned include plastic bags and straws, polystyrene plastic and some types of single use packaging. These bans have increased pressure by manufacturers on our recycling facilities to accept a broader array of materials in curbside recycling and composting programs to alleviate public pressures to ban the sale of those materials. However, there are currently no or limited viable end markets for recycling many of these materials, and inclusion of such materials in our recycling stream increases contamination and operating costs that can negatively affect the results of our recycling operations.General economic conditions, such as a broad-based economic recession, can directly and adversely affect revenues for environmental services and our income from operations margins.Our business is directly affected by changes in national and general economic factors that are outside of our control, including consumer confidence, inflation, interest rates and access to capital markets. In recent years, many in the financial industry have debated whether the North American economy is likely to enter into a period of economic recession. A weak economy generally results in decreased consumer spending and decreases in volumes of waste generated, which negatively impacts the ability to grow through new business or service upgrades, and may result in customer turnover and reduction in customers’ waste service needs. Consumer uncertainty and the loss of consumer confidence may also reduce the number In recent years, new and updated regulations affecting, and in some cases restricting, the international flow of certain recyclables have led to a reduction in export activity for such recyclables, as well as higher quality requirements and higher processing costs. We are making significant planned and ongoing investments in our recycling business to increase automation and reduce labor dependency and address increases in regulatory- and customer-driven quality requirements for commodities. These investments increase our exposure to commodity price fluctuations. Additionally, future regulation, tariffs, international trade policies or other initiatives, including regulations addressing climate change or GHG emissions, may impact supply and demand of material, or increase operating costs, which could impact the profitability of our recycling operations. If the Company does not effectively manage changes in demand and commodity prices for recycling materials, or if we do not successfully execute our sustainability growth strategy, our investments in recycling infrastructure and technology may not yield the results anticipated. Fluctuation in energy-related prices also affects our business, including recycling of plastics manufactured from petroleum products, and we are currently experiencing commodity-price driven impacts from higher fuel costs. Our sustainability growth strategy also includes increased investment in landfill gas-to-energy facilities and expansion of our WM Renewable Energy segment, which generate and sells credits referred to as RINs. RINs prices generally respond to regulations enacted by the EPA, as well as fluctuations in supply and demand, and have historically been very volatile. Additionally, significant variations in the price of biogas, electricity and other energy-related products that are marketed and sold by our landfill gas recovery operations can result in a corresponding impact to our revenue from yield from such operations. Expansion of our WM Renewable Energy segment may introduce additional risks and volatility to our financial performance."
    },
    {
      "status": "MODIFIED",
      "current_title": "Capitalized Interest",
      "prior_title": "Capitalized Interest",
      "similarity_score": 0.772,
      "confidence": "high",
      "key_changes": [
        "Reworded sentence: \"During 2024, 2023 and 2022, total interest costs were $728 million, $590 million and $425 million, respectively, of which $84 million, $63 million and $29 million were capitalized in 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively.\""
      ],
      "current_body": "We capitalize interest on certain projects under development, including landfill expansion projects, certain assets under construction, including operating landfills and landfill gas-to-energy projects and internal-use software. During 2024, 2023 and 2022, total interest costs were $728 million, $590 million and $425 million, respectively, of which $84 million, $63 million and $29 million were capitalized in 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively.",
      "prior_body": "We capitalize interest on certain projects under development, including landfill expansion projects, certain assets under construction, including operating landfills and landfill gas-to-energy projects and internal-use software. During 2023, 2022 and 2021, total interest costs were $590 million, $425 million and $388 million, respectively, of which $63 million, $29 million and $13 million was capitalized in 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively."
    },
    {
      "status": "MODIFIED",
      "current_title": "Interest Expense, Net",
      "prior_title": "Interest Expense, Net",
      "similarity_score": 0.771,
      "confidence": "high",
      "key_changes": [
        "Reworded sentence: \"Our interest expense, net was $598 million, $500 million and $378 million in 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively.\"",
        "Reworded sentence: \"Partially offsetting these increases were benefits from higher capitalized interest and increases in interest income as a result of higher cash and cash equivalent balances as well as higher investment rates.\""
      ],
      "current_body": "Our interest expense, net was $598 million, $500 million and $378 million in 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The increase in interest expense, net for 2024 is primarily related to an increase in our average debt balances to fund our acquisition of Stericycle. The increase in interest expense, net for 2023 is primarily related to an increase in our weighted average borrowing rate of approximately 80 basis points due to increased rates on floating-rate debt and higher fixed rates on refinancing as well as an increase in average debt balances to fund growth. Partially offsetting these increases were benefits from higher capitalized interest and increases in interest income as a result of higher cash and cash equivalent balances as well as higher investment rates. See Note 6 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for more information related to our debt balances.",
      "prior_body": "Our interest expense, net was $500 million, $378 million and $365 million in 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. The increase in interest expense, net for 2023 is primarily related to an increase in our weighted average borrowing rate of approximately 80 basis points due to increased rates on floating-rate debt and higher fixed rates on refinancing as well as an increase in average debt balances to fund growth. To mitigate the impact of increasing interest rates and to provide certainty in cost, we elected to replace certain floating-rate debt, specifically our $1.0 billion two-year, U.S. term credit agreement (“Term Loan”) and commercial paper borrowings, with longer-term, fixed-rate debt through our senior notes issuances as discussed within Liquidity and Capital Resources below. The increase in interest expense, net for 2022 was primarily related to borrowings incurred under our Term Loan and increases in interest rates on our floating-rate debt, including commercial paper and variable-rate tax-exempt bonds. Partially offsetting these increases in 2023 and 2022 were benefits from higher capitalized interest and increases in interest income as a result of higher cash and cash equivalent balances as well as higher investment rates. See Note 6 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for more information related to our debt balances."
    },
    {
      "status": "MODIFIED",
      "current_title": "Summary of Cash Flow Activity",
      "prior_title": "Summary of Cash Flow Activity",
      "similarity_score": 0.77,
      "confidence": "high",
      "key_changes": [
        "Reworded sentence: \"The following is a summary of our cash flows for the year ended December 31 (in millions): ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 2024 2023 2022 Net cash provided by operating activities ​ $ 5,390 ​ $ 4,719 ​ $ 4,536 Net cash used in investing activities ​ $ (10,601) ​ $ (3,091) ​ $ (3,063) Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities ​ $ 5,155 ​ $ (1,524) ​ $ (1,216) ​ Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities — Our operating cash flows increased in 2024, as compared with 2023, by $671 million primarily driven by (i) higher earnings in our Collection and Disposal businesses; (ii) favorable changes in working capital, net of effects of acquisitions and divestitures and (iii) lower annual incentive compensation payments.\"",
        "Reworded sentence: \"The Company expects to invest $3.0 billion in growth investments across the recycling and renewable energy platforms from 2022 to 2026, which includes the $1.7 billion already invested in 2023 and 2024.●Divestitures — Proceeds from divestitures of businesses and other assets, net of cash divested, were $158 million, $78 million and $27 million in 2024, 2023 and 2022, primarily as the result of the sale of certain non-strategic assets.●Other, Net — Our spending within other, net was $40 million, $104 million and $126 million in 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively.\"",
        "Reworded sentence: \"The Company expects to invest $3.0 billion in growth investments across the recycling and renewable energy platforms from 2022 to 2026, which includes the $1.7 billion already invested in 2023 and 2024.\"",
        "Reworded sentence: \"We believe free cash flow gives investors useful insight into how we view our liquidity, but the use of free cash flow as a liquidity measure has material limitations because it excludes certain expenditures that are required or that we have committed to, such as declared dividend payments and debt service requirements.Our calculation of free cash flow and reconciliation to net cash provided by operating activities is shown in the table below for the year ended December 31 (in millions), and may not be calculated the same as similarly-titled measures presented by other companies:​​​​​​​​​​​ 2024 2023 2022Net cash provided by operating activities ​$ 5,390​$ 4,719​$ 4,536Capital expenditures to support the business​​ (2,281)​​ (2,131)​​ (2,026)Capital expenditures - sustainability growth investments (a)​​ (950)​​ (764)​​ (561)Total capital expenditures​ (3,231)​ (2,895)​ (2,587)Proceeds from divestitures of businesses and other assets, net of cash divested​ 158​ 78​ 27Free cash flow​$ 2,317​$ 1,902​$ 1,976(a)These growth investments are intended to further our sustainability leadership position by increasing recycling volumes and growing renewable natural gas generation and we expect they will deliver circular solutions for our customers and drive environmental value to the communities we serve.\"",
        "Reworded sentence: \"In preparing our financial statements, the most difficult, subjective and complex estimates and the assumptions that present the greatest amount of uncertainty relate to our accounting for landfills, environmental remediation liabilities, long-lived asset impairments, intangible asset impairments and the fair value of assets and liabilities 71 Table of Contents Table of Contents Table of Contents ●Cash Dividends — For the periods presented, all dividends have been declared by our Board of Directors.\""
      ],
      "current_body": "The following is a summary of our cash flows for the year ended December 31 (in millions): ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 2024 2023 2022 Net cash provided by operating activities ​ $ 5,390 ​ $ 4,719 ​ $ 4,536 Net cash used in investing activities ​ $ (10,601) ​ $ (3,091) ​ $ (3,063) Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities ​ $ 5,155 ​ $ (1,524) ​ $ (1,216) ​ Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities — Our operating cash flows increased in 2024, as compared with 2023, by $671 million primarily driven by (i) higher earnings in our Collection and Disposal businesses; (ii) favorable changes in working capital, net of effects of acquisitions and divestitures and (iii) lower annual incentive compensation payments. This increase was partially offset by higher cash interest and income tax payments. Our operating cash flows increased in 2023, as compared with 2022, by $183 million primarily driven by higher earnings attributable to our Collection and Disposal businesses and lower income tax payments as a result of a deposit of approximately $103 million that was made to the IRS in 2022 related to a disputed tax matter discussed within Note 8 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. These increases were partially offset by (i) unfavorable changes in working capital, net of effects of acquisitions and divestitures; (ii) higher interest payments and (iii) higher incentive compensation payments. Net Cash Used in Investing Activities — The most significant items affecting the comparison of our investing cash flows for the periods presented are summarized below: 69 69 Table of ContentsThe Company continues to maintain a disciplined focus on capital management to prioritize investments for expansion, the replacement of aging assets and assets that support our strategy of differentiation and continuous improvement through efficiency and innovation. The Company expects to invest $3.0 billion in growth investments across the recycling and renewable energy platforms from 2022 to 2026, which includes the $1.7 billion already invested in 2023 and 2024.●Divestitures — Proceeds from divestitures of businesses and other assets, net of cash divested, were $158 million, $78 million and $27 million in 2024, 2023 and 2022, primarily as the result of the sale of certain non-strategic assets.●Other, Net — Our spending within other, net was $40 million, $104 million and $126 million in 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively. During 2024, 2023 and 2022, we used $4 million, $61 million and $23 million, respectively, of cash from restricted cash and cash equivalents to invest in available-for-sale securities. During 2024, 2023 and 2022, we used $33 million, $20 million and $28 million, respectively, to make initial cash payments associated with low-income housing investments. In 2022, we also used $67 million to fund secured convertible promissory notes associated with an acquisition.Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities — The most significant items affecting the comparison of our financing cash flows for the periods presented are summarized below:●Debt Borrowings (Repayments) — The following summarizes our cash borrowings and repayments of debt for the year ended December 31 (in millions):​​​​​​​​​​​ 2024 2023 2022Borrowings: ​ ​​ ​​ Commercial paper program $ 12,678​$ 17,799​$ 6,596Term loan (a)​​ 5,200​​ —​​ 1,000Senior notes​​ 6,650​​ 3,207​​ 992Tax-exempt bonds​​ 50​​ 300​​ 100​ $ 24,578​$ 21,306​$ 8,688Repayments: ​ ​ Commercial paper program $ (12,319)​$ (18,709)​$ (6,664)Term loan (a)​​ (5,200)​​ (1,000)​​ —Senior notes​​ (156)​​ (500)​​ (500)Tax-exempt bonds (60)​ (65)​ (71)Other debt (135)​ (120)​ (93)​ $ (17,870)​$ (20,394)​$ (7,328)Net cash borrowings (repayments)​$ 6,708​$ 912​$ 1,360​(a)In October 2024, we drew $5.2 billion of borrowings under the Term Credit Agreement that were applied to funding our acquisition of Stericycle. In November 2024, we repaid all outstanding borrowings and contemporaneously terminated the Term Credit Agreement. Refer to Note 6 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information related to our debt borrowings and repayments.●Common Stock Repurchase Program — For the periods presented, all share repurchases have been made in accordance with financial plans approved by our Board of Directors. We allocated $262 million, $1,302 million and $1,500 million of available cash to common stock repurchases during 2024, 2023, and 2022, respectively. In 2024, we announced our temporary suspension of share repurchase activity as a result of the acquisition of Stericycle. We expect to resume share repurchase once the Company’s leverage returns to targeted levels, which is currently projected to be about 18 months after the November 2024 acquisition of Stericycle. See Note 13 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information about our share repurchase activity.70 Table of Contents Table of Contents Table of Contents The Company continues to maintain a disciplined focus on capital management to prioritize investments for expansion, the replacement of aging assets and assets that support our strategy of differentiation and continuous improvement through efficiency and innovation. The Company expects to invest $3.0 billion in growth investments across the recycling and renewable energy platforms from 2022 to 2026, which includes the $1.7 billion already invested in 2023 and 2024.●Divestitures — Proceeds from divestitures of businesses and other assets, net of cash divested, were $158 million, $78 million and $27 million in 2024, 2023 and 2022, primarily as the result of the sale of certain non-strategic assets.●Other, Net — Our spending within other, net was $40 million, $104 million and $126 million in 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively. During 2024, 2023 and 2022, we used $4 million, $61 million and $23 million, respectively, of cash from restricted cash and cash equivalents to invest in available-for-sale securities. During 2024, 2023 and 2022, we used $33 million, $20 million and $28 million, respectively, to make initial cash payments associated with low-income housing investments. In 2022, we also used $67 million to fund secured convertible promissory notes associated with an acquisition.Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities — The most significant items affecting the comparison of our financing cash flows for the periods presented are summarized below:●Debt Borrowings (Repayments) — The following summarizes our cash borrowings and repayments of debt for the year ended December 31 (in millions):​​​​​​​​​​​ 2024 2023 2022Borrowings: ​ ​​ ​​ Commercial paper program $ 12,678​$ 17,799​$ 6,596Term loan (a)​​ 5,200​​ —​​ 1,000Senior notes​​ 6,650​​ 3,207​​ 992Tax-exempt bonds​​ 50​​ 300​​ 100​ $ 24,578​$ 21,306​$ 8,688Repayments: ​ ​ Commercial paper program $ (12,319)​$ (18,709)​$ (6,664)Term loan (a)​​ (5,200)​​ (1,000)​​ —Senior notes​​ (156)​​ (500)​​ (500)Tax-exempt bonds (60)​ (65)​ (71)Other debt (135)​ (120)​ (93)​ $ (17,870)​$ (20,394)​$ (7,328)Net cash borrowings (repayments)​$ 6,708​$ 912​$ 1,360​(a)In October 2024, we drew $5.2 billion of borrowings under the Term Credit Agreement that were applied to funding our acquisition of Stericycle. In November 2024, we repaid all outstanding borrowings and contemporaneously terminated the Term Credit Agreement. Refer to Note 6 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information related to our debt borrowings and repayments.●Common Stock Repurchase Program — For the periods presented, all share repurchases have been made in accordance with financial plans approved by our Board of Directors. We allocated $262 million, $1,302 million and $1,500 million of available cash to common stock repurchases during 2024, 2023, and 2022, respectively. In 2024, we announced our temporary suspension of share repurchase activity as a result of the acquisition of Stericycle. We expect to resume share repurchase once the Company’s leverage returns to targeted levels, which is currently projected to be about 18 months after the November 2024 acquisition of Stericycle. See Note 13 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information about our share repurchase activity. The Company continues to maintain a disciplined focus on capital management to prioritize investments for expansion, the replacement of aging assets and assets that support our strategy of differentiation and continuous improvement through efficiency and innovation. The Company expects to invest $3.0 billion in growth investments across the recycling and renewable energy platforms from 2022 to 2026, which includes the $1.7 billion already invested in 2023 and 2024.●Divestitures — Proceeds from divestitures of businesses and other assets, net of cash divested, were $158 million, $78 million and $27 million in 2024, 2023 and 2022, primarily as the result of the sale of certain non-strategic assets.●Other, Net — Our spending within other, net was $40 million, $104 million and $126 million in 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively. During 2024, 2023 and 2022, we used $4 million, $61 million and $23 million, respectively, of cash from restricted cash and cash equivalents to invest in available-for-sale securities. During 2024, 2023 and 2022, we used $33 million, $20 million and $28 million, respectively, to make initial cash payments associated with low-income housing investments. In 2022, we also used $67 million to fund secured convertible promissory notes associated with an acquisition.Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities — The most significant items affecting the comparison of our financing cash flows for the periods presented are summarized below:●Debt Borrowings (Repayments) — The following summarizes our cash borrowings and repayments of debt for the year ended December 31 (in millions):​​​​​​​​​​​ 2024 2023 2022Borrowings: ​ ​​ ​​ Commercial paper program $ 12,678​$ 17,799​$ 6,596Term loan (a)​​ 5,200​​ —​​ 1,000Senior notes​​ 6,650​​ 3,207​​ 992Tax-exempt bonds​​ 50​​ 300​​ 100​ $ 24,578​$ 21,306​$ 8,688Repayments: ​ ​ Commercial paper program $ (12,319)​$ (18,709)​$ (6,664)Term loan (a)​​ (5,200)​​ (1,000)​​ —Senior notes​​ (156)​​ (500)​​ (500)Tax-exempt bonds (60)​ (65)​ (71)Other debt (135)​ (120)​ (93)​ $ (17,870)​$ (20,394)​$ (7,328)Net cash borrowings (repayments)​$ 6,708​$ 912​$ 1,360​(a)In October 2024, we drew $5.2 billion of borrowings under the Term Credit Agreement that were applied to funding our acquisition of Stericycle. In November 2024, we repaid all outstanding borrowings and contemporaneously terminated the Term Credit Agreement. Refer to Note 6 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information related to our debt borrowings and repayments.●Common Stock Repurchase Program — For the periods presented, all share repurchases have been made in accordance with financial plans approved by our Board of Directors. We allocated $262 million, $1,302 million and $1,500 million of available cash to common stock repurchases during 2024, 2023, and 2022, respectively. In 2024, we announced our temporary suspension of share repurchase activity as a result of the acquisition of Stericycle. We expect to resume share repurchase once the Company’s leverage returns to targeted levels, which is currently projected to be about 18 months after the November 2024 acquisition of Stericycle. See Note 13 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information about our share repurchase activity. The Company continues to maintain a disciplined focus on capital management to prioritize investments for expansion, the replacement of aging assets and assets that support our strategy of differentiation and continuous improvement through efficiency and innovation. The Company expects to invest $3.0 billion in growth investments across the recycling and renewable energy platforms from 2022 to 2026, which includes the $1.7 billion already invested in 2023 and 2024. Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities — The most significant items affecting the comparison of our financing cash flows for the periods presented are summarized below: ​​​​​​​​​​​ 2024 2023 2022Borrowings: ​ ​​ ​​ Commercial paper program $ 12,678​$ 17,799​$ 6,596Term loan (a)​​ 5,200​​ —​​ 1,000Senior notes​​ 6,650​​ 3,207​​ 992Tax-exempt bonds​​ 50​​ 300​​ 100​ $ 24,578​$ 21,306​$ 8,688Repayments: ​ ​ Commercial paper program $ (12,319)​$ (18,709)​$ (6,664)Term loan (a)​​ (5,200)​​ (1,000)​​ —Senior notes​​ (156)​​ (500)​​ (500)Tax-exempt bonds (60)​ (65)​ (71)Other debt (135)​ (120)​ (93)​ $ (17,870)​$ (20,394)​$ (7,328)Net cash borrowings (repayments)​$ 6,708​$ 912​$ 1,360 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 2024 2023 2022 Borrowings: ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Commercial paper program $ 12,678 ​ $ 17,799 ​ $ 6,596 Term loan (a) ​ ​ 5,200 ​ ​ — ​ ​ 1,000 Senior notes ​ ​ 6,650 ​ ​ 3,207 ​ ​ 992 Tax-exempt bonds ​ ​ 50 ​ ​ 300 ​ ​ 100 ​ $ 24,578 ​ $ 21,306 ​ $ 8,688 Repayments: ​ ​ Commercial paper program $ (12,319) ​ $ (18,709) ​ $ (6,664) Term loan (a) ​ ​ (5,200) ​ ​ (1,000) ​ ​ — Senior notes ​ ​ (156) ​ ​ (500) ​ ​ (500) Tax-exempt bonds (60) ​ (65) ​ (71) Other debt (135) ​ (120) ​ (93) ​ $ (17,870) ​ $ (20,394) ​ $ (7,328) Net cash borrowings (repayments) ​ $ 6,708 ​ $ 912 ​ $ 1,360 ​ Refer to Note 6 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information related to our debt borrowings and repayments. 70 70 Table of Contents●Cash Dividends — For the periods presented, all dividends have been declared by our Board of Directors. Cash dividends declared and paid were $1,210 million in 2024, or $3.00 per common share, $1,136 million in 2023, or $2.80 per common share, and $1,077 million in 2022, or $2.60 per common share.In December 2024, we announced that our Board of Directors expects to increase the quarterly dividend from $0.75 to $0.825 per share for dividends declared in 2025. However, all future dividend declarations are at the discretion of the Board of Directors and depend on various factors, including our net earnings, financial condition, cash required for future business plans, growth and acquisitions and other factors the Board of Directors may deem relevant.●Exercise of Common Stock Options — The exercise of common stock options generated financing cash inflows of $53 million, $44 million and $44 million from the exercise of 693,000, 597,000 and 675,000 of employee stock options during 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively. ●Other, Net — In 2022, we acquired a controlling interest in a business engaged in accelerating film and plastic wrap recycling capabilities, and in the fourth quarter of 2024, we acquired the remaining minority interests in this business for $41 million.Free Cash FlowWe are presenting free cash flow, which is a non-GAAP measure of liquidity, in our disclosures because we use this measure in the evaluation and management of our business. We define free cash flow as net cash provided by operating activities, less capital expenditures, plus proceeds from divestitures of businesses and other assets, net of cash divested. We believe it is indicative of our ability to pay our quarterly dividends, repurchase common stock, fund acquisitions and other investments and, in the absence of refinancings, to repay our debt obligations. Free cash flow is not intended to replace net cash provided by operating activities, which is the most comparable GAAP measure. We believe free cash flow gives investors useful insight into how we view our liquidity, but the use of free cash flow as a liquidity measure has material limitations because it excludes certain expenditures that are required or that we have committed to, such as declared dividend payments and debt service requirements.Our calculation of free cash flow and reconciliation to net cash provided by operating activities is shown in the table below for the year ended December 31 (in millions), and may not be calculated the same as similarly-titled measures presented by other companies:​​​​​​​​​​​ 2024 2023 2022Net cash provided by operating activities ​$ 5,390​$ 4,719​$ 4,536Capital expenditures to support the business​​ (2,281)​​ (2,131)​​ (2,026)Capital expenditures - sustainability growth investments (a)​​ (950)​​ (764)​​ (561)Total capital expenditures​ (3,231)​ (2,895)​ (2,587)Proceeds from divestitures of businesses and other assets, net of cash divested​ 158​ 78​ 27Free cash flow​$ 2,317​$ 1,902​$ 1,976(a)These growth investments are intended to further our sustainability leadership position by increasing recycling volumes and growing renewable natural gas generation and we expect they will deliver circular solutions for our customers and drive environmental value to the communities we serve. Critical Accounting Estimates and Assumptions In preparing our financial statements, we make numerous estimates and assumptions that affect the accounting for and recognition and disclosure of assets, liabilities, equity, revenues and expenses. We must make these estimates and assumptions because certain information that we use is dependent on future events, cannot be calculated with precision from available data or simply cannot be calculated. In some cases, these estimates are difficult to determine, and we must exercise significant judgment. In preparing our financial statements, the most difficult, subjective and complex estimates and the assumptions that present the greatest amount of uncertainty relate to our accounting for landfills, environmental remediation liabilities, long-lived asset impairments, intangible asset impairments and the fair value of assets and liabilities 71 Table of Contents Table of Contents Table of Contents ●Cash Dividends — For the periods presented, all dividends have been declared by our Board of Directors. Cash dividends declared and paid were $1,210 million in 2024, or $3.00 per common share, $1,136 million in 2023, or $2.80 per common share, and $1,077 million in 2022, or $2.60 per common share.In December 2024, we announced that our Board of Directors expects to increase the quarterly dividend from $0.75 to $0.825 per share for dividends declared in 2025. However, all future dividend declarations are at the discretion of the Board of Directors and depend on various factors, including our net earnings, financial condition, cash required for future business plans, growth and acquisitions and other factors the Board of Directors may deem relevant.●Exercise of Common Stock Options — The exercise of common stock options generated financing cash inflows of $53 million, $44 million and $44 million from the exercise of 693,000, 597,000 and 675,000 of employee stock options during 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively. ●Other, Net — In 2022, we acquired a controlling interest in a business engaged in accelerating film and plastic wrap recycling capabilities, and in the fourth quarter of 2024, we acquired the remaining minority interests in this business for $41 million.Free Cash FlowWe are presenting free cash flow, which is a non-GAAP measure of liquidity, in our disclosures because we use this measure in the evaluation and management of our business. We define free cash flow as net cash provided by operating activities, less capital expenditures, plus proceeds from divestitures of businesses and other assets, net of cash divested. We believe it is indicative of our ability to pay our quarterly dividends, repurchase common stock, fund acquisitions and other investments and, in the absence of refinancings, to repay our debt obligations. Free cash flow is not intended to replace net cash provided by operating activities, which is the most comparable GAAP measure. We believe free cash flow gives investors useful insight into how we view our liquidity, but the use of free cash flow as a liquidity measure has material limitations because it excludes certain expenditures that are required or that we have committed to, such as declared dividend payments and debt service requirements.Our calculation of free cash flow and reconciliation to net cash provided by operating activities is shown in the table below for the year ended December 31 (in millions), and may not be calculated the same as similarly-titled measures presented by other companies:​​​​​​​​​​​ 2024 2023 2022Net cash provided by operating activities ​$ 5,390​$ 4,719​$ 4,536Capital expenditures to support the business​​ (2,281)​​ (2,131)​​ (2,026)Capital expenditures - sustainability growth investments (a)​​ (950)​​ (764)​​ (561)Total capital expenditures​ (3,231)​ (2,895)​ (2,587)Proceeds from divestitures of businesses and other assets, net of cash divested​ 158​ 78​ 27Free cash flow​$ 2,317​$ 1,902​$ 1,976(a)These growth investments are intended to further our sustainability leadership position by increasing recycling volumes and growing renewable natural gas generation and we expect they will deliver circular solutions for our customers and drive environmental value to the communities we serve. Critical Accounting Estimates and Assumptions In preparing our financial statements, we make numerous estimates and assumptions that affect the accounting for and recognition and disclosure of assets, liabilities, equity, revenues and expenses. We must make these estimates and assumptions because certain information that we use is dependent on future events, cannot be calculated with precision from available data or simply cannot be calculated. In some cases, these estimates are difficult to determine, and we must exercise significant judgment. In preparing our financial statements, the most difficult, subjective and complex estimates and the assumptions that present the greatest amount of uncertainty relate to our accounting for landfills, environmental remediation liabilities, long-lived asset impairments, intangible asset impairments and the fair value of assets and liabilities ●Cash Dividends — For the periods presented, all dividends have been declared by our Board of Directors. Cash dividends declared and paid were $1,210 million in 2024, or $3.00 per common share, $1,136 million in 2023, or $2.80 per common share, and $1,077 million in 2022, or $2.60 per common share.In December 2024, we announced that our Board of Directors expects to increase the quarterly dividend from $0.75 to $0.825 per share for dividends declared in 2025. However, all future dividend declarations are at the discretion of the Board of Directors and depend on various factors, including our net earnings, financial condition, cash required for future business plans, growth and acquisitions and other factors the Board of Directors may deem relevant.●Exercise of Common Stock Options — The exercise of common stock options generated financing cash inflows of $53 million, $44 million and $44 million from the exercise of 693,000, 597,000 and 675,000 of employee stock options during 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively. ●Other, Net — In 2022, we acquired a controlling interest in a business engaged in accelerating film and plastic wrap recycling capabilities, and in the fourth quarter of 2024, we acquired the remaining minority interests in this business for $41 million.Free Cash FlowWe are presenting free cash flow, which is a non-GAAP measure of liquidity, in our disclosures because we use this measure in the evaluation and management of our business. We define free cash flow as net cash provided by operating activities, less capital expenditures, plus proceeds from divestitures of businesses and other assets, net of cash divested. We believe it is indicative of our ability to pay our quarterly dividends, repurchase common stock, fund acquisitions and other investments and, in the absence of refinancings, to repay our debt obligations. Free cash flow is not intended to replace net cash provided by operating activities, which is the most comparable GAAP measure. We believe free cash flow gives investors useful insight into how we view our liquidity, but the use of free cash flow as a liquidity measure has material limitations because it excludes certain expenditures that are required or that we have committed to, such as declared dividend payments and debt service requirements.Our calculation of free cash flow and reconciliation to net cash provided by operating activities is shown in the table below for the year ended December 31 (in millions), and may not be calculated the same as similarly-titled measures presented by other companies:​​​​​​​​​​​ 2024 2023 2022Net cash provided by operating activities ​$ 5,390​$ 4,719​$ 4,536Capital expenditures to support the business​​ (2,281)​​ (2,131)​​ (2,026)Capital expenditures - sustainability growth investments (a)​​ (950)​​ (764)​​ (561)Total capital expenditures​ (3,231)​ (2,895)​ (2,587)Proceeds from divestitures of businesses and other assets, net of cash divested​ 158​ 78​ 27Free cash flow​$ 2,317​$ 1,902​$ 1,976(a)These growth investments are intended to further our sustainability leadership position by increasing recycling volumes and growing renewable natural gas generation and we expect they will deliver circular solutions for our customers and drive environmental value to the communities we serve. Critical Accounting Estimates and Assumptions In preparing our financial statements, we make numerous estimates and assumptions that affect the accounting for and recognition and disclosure of assets, liabilities, equity, revenues and expenses. We must make these estimates and assumptions because certain information that we use is dependent on future events, cannot be calculated with precision from available data or simply cannot be calculated. In some cases, these estimates are difficult to determine, and we must exercise significant judgment. In preparing our financial statements, the most difficult, subjective and complex estimates and the assumptions that present the greatest amount of uncertainty relate to our accounting for landfills, environmental remediation liabilities, long-lived asset impairments, intangible asset impairments and the fair value of assets and liabilities In December 2024, we announced that our Board of Directors expects to increase the quarterly dividend from $0.75 to $0.825 per share for dividends declared in 2025. However, all future dividend declarations are at the discretion of the Board of Directors and depend on various factors, including our net earnings, financial condition, cash required for future business plans, growth and acquisitions and other factors the Board of Directors may deem relevant.",
      "prior_body": "The following is a summary of our cash flows for the year ended December 31 (in millions): ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 2023 2022 2021 Net cash provided by operating activities ​ $ 4,719 ​ $ 4,536 ​ $ 4,338 Net cash used in investing activities ​ $ (3,091) ​ $ (3,063) ​ $ (1,894) Net cash used in financing activities ​ $ (1,524) ​ $ (1,216) ​ $ (2,900) ​ Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities — Our operating cash flows increased in 2023, as compared with 2022, by $183 million primarily driven by higher earnings attributable to our Collection and Disposal businesses and lower income tax payments as a result of a deposit of approximately $103 million that was made to the IRS in 2022 related to a disputed tax matter discussed within Note 8 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. These increases were partially offset 60 60 Table of Contentsby (i) unfavorable changes in working capital, net of effects of acquisitions and divestitures; (ii) higher interest payments and (iii) higher incentive compensation payments.Our operating cash flows for 2022, as compared with 2021, increased by $198 million. The increase was largely driven by increased earnings in our Collection and Disposal businesses and WM Renewable Energy segment. We also experienced lower interest payments due to timing and refinancing activities in 2021 that reduced our overall interest rate. Partially offsetting our increase in cash from operating activities were higher income tax payments as a result of higher earnings in 2022 and a deposit of approximately $103 million that was made to the IRS related to a disputed tax matter. The Company expects to seek a refund of the entire amount deposited with the IRS and litigate any denial of the claim for refund. See Note 8 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further details. Net Cash Used in Investing Activities — The most significant items affecting the comparison of our investing cash flows for the periods presented are summarized below:●Acquisitions — Our spending on acquisitions was $173 million, $377 million and $76 million in 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively, of which $170 million, $377 million and $75 million, respectively, are considered cash used in investing activities. The remaining spend is financing or operating activities related to the timing of contingent consideration paid. Substantially all of these acquisitions are related to our Collection and Disposal businesses. Our acquisition spending in 2022 was primarily attributable to the purchase of a controlling interest in a business intended to accelerate our film and plastic wrap recycling capabilities. See Note 17 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information. We continue to focus on accretive acquisitions and growth opportunities that will enhance and expand our existing service offerings.●Capital Expenditures — We used $2,895 million, $2,587 million and $1,904 million for capital expenditures in 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. The increase in capital spending is primarily driven by our planned and ongoing investments in our Recycling Processing and Sales and WM Renewable Energy segments, as well as inflationary increases in many fixed asset categories required to support ongoing operations and investments in the Company’s landfills to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The increase in 2022 is primarily driven by our planned and ongoing investments in our Recycling Processing and Sales and WM Renewable Energy segments, as well as timing differences in our fixed asset purchases to support our Collection and Disposal businesses. The Company continues to maintain a disciplined focus on capital management to prioritize investments for expansion, the replacement of aging assets and assets that support our strategy of differentiation and continuous improvement through efficiency and innovation. The Company expects to invest $2.8 billion to $2.9 billion in growth investments across the recycling and renewable energy platforms from 2022 to 2026, which includes the $1.325 billion already invested in 2022 and 2023.●Divestitures — Proceeds from divestitures of businesses and other assets, net of cash divested, were $78 million, $27 million and $96 million in 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. In 2023, our proceeds are primarily the result of the sale of certain non-strategic assets. In 2021, our proceeds are primarily the result of the sale of certain non-strategic Canadian operations. ●Other, Net — Our spending within other, net was $104 million, $126 million and $11 million in 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. During 2023, 2022 and 2021, we used $61 million, $23 million and $32 million, respectively, of cash from restricted cash and cash equivalents to invest in available-for-sale securities. In 2023, we used $20 million to make an initial cash payment associated with a low-income housing investment. In 2022, we used $67 million to fund secured convertible promissory notes associated with an acquisition and $28 million to make an initial cash payment associated with a low-income housing investment. Our 2021 cash spend was partially offset by proceeds received from the sale of an equity method investment. 61 Table of Contents Table of Contents Table of Contents by (i) unfavorable changes in working capital, net of effects of acquisitions and divestitures; (ii) higher interest payments and (iii) higher incentive compensation payments.Our operating cash flows for 2022, as compared with 2021, increased by $198 million. The increase was largely driven by increased earnings in our Collection and Disposal businesses and WM Renewable Energy segment. We also experienced lower interest payments due to timing and refinancing activities in 2021 that reduced our overall interest rate. Partially offsetting our increase in cash from operating activities were higher income tax payments as a result of higher earnings in 2022 and a deposit of approximately $103 million that was made to the IRS related to a disputed tax matter. The Company expects to seek a refund of the entire amount deposited with the IRS and litigate any denial of the claim for refund. See Note 8 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further details. Net Cash Used in Investing Activities — The most significant items affecting the comparison of our investing cash flows for the periods presented are summarized below:●Acquisitions — Our spending on acquisitions was $173 million, $377 million and $76 million in 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively, of which $170 million, $377 million and $75 million, respectively, are considered cash used in investing activities. The remaining spend is financing or operating activities related to the timing of contingent consideration paid. Substantially all of these acquisitions are related to our Collection and Disposal businesses. Our acquisition spending in 2022 was primarily attributable to the purchase of a controlling interest in a business intended to accelerate our film and plastic wrap recycling capabilities. See Note 17 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information. We continue to focus on accretive acquisitions and growth opportunities that will enhance and expand our existing service offerings.●Capital Expenditures — We used $2,895 million, $2,587 million and $1,904 million for capital expenditures in 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. The increase in capital spending is primarily driven by our planned and ongoing investments in our Recycling Processing and Sales and WM Renewable Energy segments, as well as inflationary increases in many fixed asset categories required to support ongoing operations and investments in the Company’s landfills to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The increase in 2022 is primarily driven by our planned and ongoing investments in our Recycling Processing and Sales and WM Renewable Energy segments, as well as timing differences in our fixed asset purchases to support our Collection and Disposal businesses. The Company continues to maintain a disciplined focus on capital management to prioritize investments for expansion, the replacement of aging assets and assets that support our strategy of differentiation and continuous improvement through efficiency and innovation. The Company expects to invest $2.8 billion to $2.9 billion in growth investments across the recycling and renewable energy platforms from 2022 to 2026, which includes the $1.325 billion already invested in 2022 and 2023.●Divestitures — Proceeds from divestitures of businesses and other assets, net of cash divested, were $78 million, $27 million and $96 million in 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. In 2023, our proceeds are primarily the result of the sale of certain non-strategic assets. In 2021, our proceeds are primarily the result of the sale of certain non-strategic Canadian operations. ●Other, Net — Our spending within other, net was $104 million, $126 million and $11 million in 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. During 2023, 2022 and 2021, we used $61 million, $23 million and $32 million, respectively, of cash from restricted cash and cash equivalents to invest in available-for-sale securities. In 2023, we used $20 million to make an initial cash payment associated with a low-income housing investment. In 2022, we used $67 million to fund secured convertible promissory notes associated with an acquisition and $28 million to make an initial cash payment associated with a low-income housing investment. Our 2021 cash spend was partially offset by proceeds received from the sale of an equity method investment. by (i) unfavorable changes in working capital, net of effects of acquisitions and divestitures; (ii) higher interest payments and (iii) higher incentive compensation payments. Our operating cash flows for 2022, as compared with 2021, increased by $198 million. The increase was largely driven by increased earnings in our Collection and Disposal businesses and WM Renewable Energy segment. We also experienced lower interest payments due to timing and refinancing activities in 2021 that reduced our overall interest rate. Partially offsetting our increase in cash from operating activities were higher income tax payments as a result of higher earnings in 2022 and a deposit of approximately $103 million that was made to the IRS related to a disputed tax matter. The Company expects to seek a refund of the entire amount deposited with the IRS and litigate any denial of the claim for refund. See Note 8 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further details. Net Cash Used in Investing Activities — The most significant items affecting the comparison of our investing cash flows for the periods presented are summarized below: Our acquisition spending in 2022 was primarily attributable to the purchase of a controlling interest in a business intended to accelerate our film and plastic wrap recycling capabilities. See Note 17 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information. We continue to focus on accretive acquisitions and growth opportunities that will enhance and expand our existing service offerings. The Company continues to maintain a disciplined focus on capital management to prioritize investments for expansion, the replacement of aging assets and assets that support our strategy of differentiation and continuous improvement through efficiency and innovation. The Company expects to invest $2.8 billion to $2.9 billion in growth investments across the recycling and renewable energy platforms from 2022 to 2026, which includes the $1.325 billion already invested in 2022 and 2023. 61 61 Table of ContentsNet Cash Used in Financing Activities — The most significant items affecting the comparison of our financing cash flows for the periods presented are summarized below:●Debt Borrowings (Repayments) — The following summarizes our cash borrowings and repayments of debt for the year ended December 31 (in millions):​​​​​​​​​​​ 2023 2022 2021Borrowings: ​ ​​ ​​ Commercial paper program $ 17,799​$ 6,596​$ 6,831Term loan​​ —​​ 1,000​​ —Senior notes​​ 3,207​​ 992​​ 942Tax-exempt bonds​​ 300​​ 100​​ 175​ $ 21,306​$ 8,688​$ 7,948Repayments: ​ ​ Commercial paper program $ (18,709)​$ (6,664)​$ (6,872)Senior notes​​ (500)​​ (500)​​ (1,289)Term loan​​ (1,000)​​ —​​ —Tax-exempt bonds (65)​ (71)​ (127)Other debt (120)​ (93)​ (116)​ $ (20,394)​$ (7,328)​$ (8,404)Net cash borrowings (repayments)​$ 912​$ 1,360​$ (456)​Refer to Note 6 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information related to our debt borrowings and repayments.●Premiums and Other Paid on Early Extinguishment of Debt — During 2021, we paid premiums and other third-party costs of $211 million to retire certain high-coupon notes. See Loss on Early Extinguishment of Debt, Net for further discussion.●Common Stock Repurchase Program — For the periods presented, all share repurchases have been made in accordance with financial plans approved by our Board of Directors. We allocated $1,302 million, $1,500 million and $1,350 million of available cash to common stock repurchases during 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively. See Note 13 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.We announced in December 2023 that the Board of Directors has authorized up to $1.5 billion in future share repurchases, excluding the 1% excise tax. This new authorization supersedes and replaces remaining authority under the prior Board of Directors’ authorization for share repurchases announced in December 2022. The amount of future share repurchases executed under our Board of Directors’ authorization is determined in management’s discretion, based on various factors, including our net earnings, financial condition and cash required for future business plans, growth and acquisitions.●Cash Dividends — For the periods presented, all dividends have been declared by our Board of Directors. Cash dividends declared and paid were $1,136 million in 2023, or $2.80 per common share, $1,077 million in 2022, or $2.60 per common share, and $970 million in 2021, or $2.30 per common share.In December 2023, we announced that our Board of Directors expects to increase the quarterly dividend from $0.70 to $0.75 per share for dividends declared in 2024. However, all future dividend declarations are at the discretion of the Board of Directors and depend on various factors, including our net earnings, financial condition, cash required for future business plans, growth and acquisitions and other factors the Board of Directors may deem relevant.●Exercise of Common Stock Options — The exercise of common stock options generated financing cash inflows of $44 million, $44 million and $66 million from the exercise of 597,000, 675,000 and 962,000 of employee stock options during 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. 62 Table of Contents Table of Contents Table of Contents Net Cash Used in Financing Activities — The most significant items affecting the comparison of our financing cash flows for the periods presented are summarized below:●Debt Borrowings (Repayments) — The following summarizes our cash borrowings and repayments of debt for the year ended December 31 (in millions):​​​​​​​​​​​ 2023 2022 2021Borrowings: ​ ​​ ​​ Commercial paper program $ 17,799​$ 6,596​$ 6,831Term loan​​ —​​ 1,000​​ —Senior notes​​ 3,207​​ 992​​ 942Tax-exempt bonds​​ 300​​ 100​​ 175​ $ 21,306​$ 8,688​$ 7,948Repayments: ​ ​ Commercial paper program $ (18,709)​$ (6,664)​$ (6,872)Senior notes​​ (500)​​ (500)​​ (1,289)Term loan​​ (1,000)​​ —​​ —Tax-exempt bonds (65)​ (71)​ (127)Other debt (120)​ (93)​ (116)​ $ (20,394)​$ (7,328)​$ (8,404)Net cash borrowings (repayments)​$ 912​$ 1,360​$ (456)​Refer to Note 6 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information related to our debt borrowings and repayments.●Premiums and Other Paid on Early Extinguishment of Debt — During 2021, we paid premiums and other third-party costs of $211 million to retire certain high-coupon notes. See Loss on Early Extinguishment of Debt, Net for further discussion.●Common Stock Repurchase Program — For the periods presented, all share repurchases have been made in accordance with financial plans approved by our Board of Directors. We allocated $1,302 million, $1,500 million and $1,350 million of available cash to common stock repurchases during 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively. See Note 13 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.We announced in December 2023 that the Board of Directors has authorized up to $1.5 billion in future share repurchases, excluding the 1% excise tax. This new authorization supersedes and replaces remaining authority under the prior Board of Directors’ authorization for share repurchases announced in December 2022. The amount of future share repurchases executed under our Board of Directors’ authorization is determined in management’s discretion, based on various factors, including our net earnings, financial condition and cash required for future business plans, growth and acquisitions.●Cash Dividends — For the periods presented, all dividends have been declared by our Board of Directors. Cash dividends declared and paid were $1,136 million in 2023, or $2.80 per common share, $1,077 million in 2022, or $2.60 per common share, and $970 million in 2021, or $2.30 per common share.In December 2023, we announced that our Board of Directors expects to increase the quarterly dividend from $0.70 to $0.75 per share for dividends declared in 2024. However, all future dividend declarations are at the discretion of the Board of Directors and depend on various factors, including our net earnings, financial condition, cash required for future business plans, growth and acquisitions and other factors the Board of Directors may deem relevant.●Exercise of Common Stock Options — The exercise of common stock options generated financing cash inflows of $44 million, $44 million and $66 million from the exercise of 597,000, 675,000 and 962,000 of employee stock options during 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Net Cash Used in Financing Activities — The most significant items affecting the comparison of our financing cash flows for the periods presented are summarized below: ​​​​​​​​​​​ 2023 2022 2021Borrowings: ​ ​​ ​​ Commercial paper program $ 17,799​$ 6,596​$ 6,831Term loan​​ —​​ 1,000​​ —Senior notes​​ 3,207​​ 992​​ 942Tax-exempt bonds​​ 300​​ 100​​ 175​ $ 21,306​$ 8,688​$ 7,948Repayments: ​ ​ Commercial paper program $ (18,709)​$ (6,664)​$ (6,872)Senior notes​​ (500)​​ (500)​​ (1,289)Term loan​​ (1,000)​​ —​​ —Tax-exempt bonds (65)​ (71)​ (127)Other debt (120)​ (93)​ (116)​ $ (20,394)​$ (7,328)​$ (8,404)Net cash borrowings (repayments)​$ 912​$ 1,360​$ (456) ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 2023 2022 2021 Borrowings: ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Commercial paper program $ 17,799 ​ $ 6,596 ​ $ 6,831 Term loan ​ ​ — ​ ​ 1,000 ​ ​ — Senior notes ​ ​ 3,207 ​ ​ 992 ​ ​ 942 Tax-exempt bonds ​ ​ 300 ​ ​ 100 ​ ​ 175 ​ $ 21,306 ​ $ 8,688 ​ $ 7,948 Repayments: ​ ​ Commercial paper program $ (18,709) ​ $ (6,664) ​ $ (6,872) Senior notes ​ ​ (500) ​ ​ (500) ​ ​ (1,289) Term loan ​ ​ (1,000) ​ ​ — ​ ​ — Tax-exempt bonds (65) ​ (71) ​ (127) Other debt (120) ​ (93) ​ (116) ​ $ (20,394) ​ $ (7,328) ​ $ (8,404) Net cash borrowings (repayments) ​ $ 912 ​ $ 1,360 ​ $ (456) ​ Refer to Note 6 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information related to our debt borrowings and repayments. We announced in December 2023 that the Board of Directors has authorized up to $1.5 billion in future share repurchases, excluding the 1% excise tax. This new authorization supersedes and replaces remaining authority under the prior Board of Directors’ authorization for share repurchases announced in December 2022. The amount of future share repurchases executed under our Board of Directors’ authorization is determined in management’s discretion, based on various factors, including our net earnings, financial condition and cash required for future business plans, growth and acquisitions. In December 2023, we announced that our Board of Directors expects to increase the quarterly dividend from $0.70 to $0.75 per share for dividends declared in 2024. However, all future dividend declarations are at the discretion of the Board of Directors and depend on various factors, including our net earnings, financial condition, cash required for future business plans, growth and acquisitions and other factors the Board of Directors may deem relevant. 62 62 Table of ContentsFree Cash FlowWe are presenting free cash flow, which is a non-GAAP measure of liquidity, in our disclosures because we use this measure in the evaluation and management of our business. We define free cash flow as net cash provided by operating activities, less capital expenditures, plus proceeds from divestitures of businesses and other assets, net of cash divested. We believe it is indicative of our ability to pay our quarterly dividends, repurchase common stock, fund acquisitions and other investments and, in the absence of refinancings, to repay our debt obligations. Free cash flow is not intended to replace net cash provided by operating activities, which is the most comparable GAAP measure. We believe free cash flow gives investors useful insight into how we view our liquidity, but the use of free cash flow as a liquidity measure has material limitations because it excludes certain expenditures that are required or that we have committed to, such as declared dividend payments and debt service requirements.Our calculation of free cash flow and reconciliation to net cash provided by operating activities is shown in the table below for the year ended December 31 (in millions), and may not be calculated the same as similarly-titled measures presented by other companies:​​​​​​​​​​​ 2023 2022 2021Net cash provided by operating activities ​$ 4,719​$ 4,536​$ 4,338Capital expenditures to support the business​​ (2,131)​​ (2,026)​​ (1,665)Capital expenditures - sustainability growth investments (a)​​ (764)​​ (561)​​ (239)Total capital expenditures​ (2,895)​ (2,587)​ (1,904)Proceeds from divestitures of businesses and other assets, net of cash divested​ 78​ 27​ 96Free cash flow​$ 1,902​$ 1,976​$ 2,530(a)These growth investments are intended to further our sustainability leadership position by increasing recycling volumes and growing renewable natural gas generation and we expect they will deliver circular solutions for our customers and drive environmental value to the communities we serve. Critical Accounting Estimates and Assumptions In preparing our financial statements, we make numerous estimates and assumptions that affect the accounting for and recognition and disclosure of assets, liabilities, equity, revenues and expenses. We must make these estimates and assumptions because certain information that we use is dependent on future events, cannot be calculated with precision from available data or simply cannot be calculated. In some cases, these estimates are difficult to determine, and we must exercise significant judgment. In preparing our financial statements, the most difficult, subjective and complex estimates and the assumptions that present the greatest amount of uncertainty relate to our accounting for landfills, environmental remediation liabilities, long-lived asset impairments, intangible asset impairments and the fair value of assets and liabilities acquired in business combinations. Each of these items is discussed in additional detail below and in Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. Actual results could differ materially from the estimates and assumptions that we use in the preparation of our financial statements.Landfills Accounting for landfills requires that significant estimates and assumptions be made regarding (i) the cost to construct and develop each landfill asset; (ii) the estimated fair value of final capping, closure and post-closure asset retirement obligations, which must consider both the expected cost and timing of these activities and (iii) the determination of each landfill’s remaining permitted and expansion airspace.Landfill Costs — We estimate the total cost to develop each of our landfill sites to its remaining permitted and expansion airspace. This estimate includes such costs as landfill liner material and installation, excavation for airspace, landfill leachate collection systems, landfill gas collection systems, environmental monitoring equipment for groundwater and landfill gas, directly related engineering, capitalized interest, on-site road construction and other capital infrastructure costs. Additionally, landfill development includes all land purchases for the landfill footprint and landfill buffer property. The projection of these landfill costs is dependent, in part, on future events. The remaining depletable basis of each landfill 63 Table of Contents Table of Contents Table of Contents Free Cash FlowWe are presenting free cash flow, which is a non-GAAP measure of liquidity, in our disclosures because we use this measure in the evaluation and management of our business. We define free cash flow as net cash provided by operating activities, less capital expenditures, plus proceeds from divestitures of businesses and other assets, net of cash divested. We believe it is indicative of our ability to pay our quarterly dividends, repurchase common stock, fund acquisitions and other investments and, in the absence of refinancings, to repay our debt obligations. Free cash flow is not intended to replace net cash provided by operating activities, which is the most comparable GAAP measure. We believe free cash flow gives investors useful insight into how we view our liquidity, but the use of free cash flow as a liquidity measure has material limitations because it excludes certain expenditures that are required or that we have committed to, such as declared dividend payments and debt service requirements.Our calculation of free cash flow and reconciliation to net cash provided by operating activities is shown in the table below for the year ended December 31 (in millions), and may not be calculated the same as similarly-titled measures presented by other companies:​​​​​​​​​​​ 2023 2022 2021Net cash provided by operating activities ​$ 4,719​$ 4,536​$ 4,338Capital expenditures to support the business​​ (2,131)​​ (2,026)​​ (1,665)Capital expenditures - sustainability growth investments (a)​​ (764)​​ (561)​​ (239)Total capital expenditures​ (2,895)​ (2,587)​ (1,904)Proceeds from divestitures of businesses and other assets, net of cash divested​ 78​ 27​ 96Free cash flow​$ 1,902​$ 1,976​$ 2,530(a)These growth investments are intended to further our sustainability leadership position by increasing recycling volumes and growing renewable natural gas generation and we expect they will deliver circular solutions for our customers and drive environmental value to the communities we serve. Critical Accounting Estimates and Assumptions In preparing our financial statements, we make numerous estimates and assumptions that affect the accounting for and recognition and disclosure of assets, liabilities, equity, revenues and expenses. We must make these estimates and assumptions because certain information that we use is dependent on future events, cannot be calculated with precision from available data or simply cannot be calculated. In some cases, these estimates are difficult to determine, and we must exercise significant judgment. In preparing our financial statements, the most difficult, subjective and complex estimates and the assumptions that present the greatest amount of uncertainty relate to our accounting for landfills, environmental remediation liabilities, long-lived asset impairments, intangible asset impairments and the fair value of assets and liabilities acquired in business combinations. Each of these items is discussed in additional detail below and in Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. Actual results could differ materially from the estimates and assumptions that we use in the preparation of our financial statements.Landfills Accounting for landfills requires that significant estimates and assumptions be made regarding (i) the cost to construct and develop each landfill asset; (ii) the estimated fair value of final capping, closure and post-closure asset retirement obligations, which must consider both the expected cost and timing of these activities and (iii) the determination of each landfill’s remaining permitted and expansion airspace.Landfill Costs — We estimate the total cost to develop each of our landfill sites to its remaining permitted and expansion airspace. This estimate includes such costs as landfill liner material and installation, excavation for airspace, landfill leachate collection systems, landfill gas collection systems, environmental monitoring equipment for groundwater and landfill gas, directly related engineering, capitalized interest, on-site road construction and other capital infrastructure costs. Additionally, landfill development includes all land purchases for the landfill footprint and landfill buffer property. The projection of these landfill costs is dependent, in part, on future events. The remaining depletable basis of each landfill"
    },
    {
      "status": "MODIFIED",
      "current_title": "Unrecorded Obligations:",
      "prior_title": "Unrecorded Obligations:",
      "similarity_score": 0.763,
      "confidence": "high",
      "key_changes": [
        "Reworded sentence: \"​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Interest on debt (c) ​ 928 ​ 888 ​ 838 ​ 736 ​ 647 ​ 5,168 ​ 9,205 Estimated unconditional purchase obligations (d) ​ 274 ​ 270 ​ 142 ​ 96 ​ 68 ​ 556 ​ 1,406 Anticipated liquidity impact as of December 31, 2024 ​ $ 3,992 ​ $ 2,128 ​ $ 3,267 ​ $ 2,998 ​ $ 2,929 ​ $ 24,166 ​ $ 39,480 66 66 Table of Contents(d)Our obligations represent purchase commitments from which we expect to realize an economic benefit in future periods.\"",
        "Reworded sentence: \"Summary of Cash and Cash Equivalents, Restricted Funds and Debt ObligationsThe following is a summary of our cash and cash equivalents, restricted funds and debt balances as of December 31 (in millions):​​​​​​​​ 2024 2023Cash and cash equivalents​$ 414​$ 458Restricted funds:​ ​ ​Insurance reserves​$ 385​$ 376Final capping, closure, post-closure and environmental remediation funds​​ 128​​ 119Other​ —​ 17Total restricted funds (a)​$ 513​$ 512Debt:​ ​ Current portion​$ 1,359​$ 334Long-term portion​ 22,541​ 15,895Total debt​$ 23,900​$ 16,229(a)As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, $100 million and $90 million, respectively, of these account balances was included in other current assets in our Consolidated Balance Sheets.Debt — We use long-term borrowings in addition to the cash we generate from operations as part of our overall financial strategy to support and grow our business.\"",
        "Reworded sentence: \"The components of our borrowings as of December 31, 2024 are described in Note 6 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.As of December 31, 2024, we had approximately $4.0 billion of debt maturing within the next 12 months, including (i) $1.4 billion of tax-exempt bonds with term interest rate periods that expire within the next 12 months, which is prior to their scheduled maturities; (ii) $1.2 billion of short-term borrowings under our commercial paper program (net of related discount on issuance); (iii) $422 million of 3.125% senior notes that mature in March 2025; (iv) $500 million of 0.750% senior notes that mature in November 2025 and (v) $438 million of other debt with scheduled maturities within the next 12 months, including $298 million of tax-exempt bonds.\"",
        "Reworded sentence: \"The remaining $1.4 billion of debt maturing in the next 12 months is classified as current obligations.67 Table of Contents Table of Contents Table of Contents (d)Our obligations represent purchase commitments from which we expect to realize an economic benefit in future periods.\"",
        "Reworded sentence: \"Summary of Cash and Cash Equivalents, Restricted Funds and Debt ObligationsThe following is a summary of our cash and cash equivalents, restricted funds and debt balances as of December 31 (in millions):​​​​​​​​ 2024 2023Cash and cash equivalents​$ 414​$ 458Restricted funds:​ ​ ​Insurance reserves​$ 385​$ 376Final capping, closure, post-closure and environmental remediation funds​​ 128​​ 119Other​ —​ 17Total restricted funds (a)​$ 513​$ 512Debt:​ ​ Current portion​$ 1,359​$ 334Long-term portion​ 22,541​ 15,895Total debt​$ 23,900​$ 16,229(a)As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, $100 million and $90 million, respectively, of these account balances was included in other current assets in our Consolidated Balance Sheets.Debt — We use long-term borrowings in addition to the cash we generate from operations as part of our overall financial strategy to support and grow our business.\""
      ],
      "current_body": "​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Interest on debt (c) ​ 928 ​ 888 ​ 838 ​ 736 ​ 647 ​ 5,168 ​ 9,205 Estimated unconditional purchase obligations (d) ​ 274 ​ 270 ​ 142 ​ 96 ​ 68 ​ 556 ​ 1,406 Anticipated liquidity impact as of December 31, 2024 ​ $ 3,992 ​ $ 2,128 ​ $ 3,267 ​ $ 2,998 ​ $ 2,929 ​ $ 24,166 ​ $ 39,480 66 66 Table of Contents(d)Our obligations represent purchase commitments from which we expect to realize an economic benefit in future periods. We have also made certain guarantees that we do not expect to materially affect our current or future financial position, results of operations or liquidity. See Note 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for discussion of the nature and terms of our unconditional purchase obligations and guarantees. Summary of Cash and Cash Equivalents, Restricted Funds and Debt ObligationsThe following is a summary of our cash and cash equivalents, restricted funds and debt balances as of December 31 (in millions):​​​​​​​​ 2024 2023Cash and cash equivalents​$ 414​$ 458Restricted funds:​ ​ ​Insurance reserves​$ 385​$ 376Final capping, closure, post-closure and environmental remediation funds​​ 128​​ 119Other​ —​ 17Total restricted funds (a)​$ 513​$ 512Debt:​ ​ Current portion​$ 1,359​$ 334Long-term portion​ 22,541​ 15,895Total debt​$ 23,900​$ 16,229(a)As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, $100 million and $90 million, respectively, of these account balances was included in other current assets in our Consolidated Balance Sheets.Debt — We use long-term borrowings in addition to the cash we generate from operations as part of our overall financial strategy to support and grow our business. We primarily use senior notes and tax-exempt bonds to borrow on a long-term basis, but we also use other instruments and facilities, when appropriate. The components of our borrowings as of December 31, 2024 are described in Note 6 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.As of December 31, 2024, we had approximately $4.0 billion of debt maturing within the next 12 months, including (i) $1.4 billion of tax-exempt bonds with term interest rate periods that expire within the next 12 months, which is prior to their scheduled maturities; (ii) $1.2 billion of short-term borrowings under our commercial paper program (net of related discount on issuance); (iii) $422 million of 3.125% senior notes that mature in March 2025; (iv) $500 million of 0.750% senior notes that mature in November 2025 and (v) $438 million of other debt with scheduled maturities within the next 12 months, including $298 million of tax-exempt bonds. As of December 31, 2024, we have classified $2.6 billion of debt maturing in the next 12 months as long term because we have the intent and ability to refinance these borrowings on a long-term basis as supported by the forecasted available capacity under our $3.5 billion long-term U.S. and Canadian revolving credit facility (“$3.5 billion revolving credit facility”). The remaining $1.4 billion of debt maturing in the next 12 months is classified as current obligations.67 Table of Contents Table of Contents Table of Contents (d)Our obligations represent purchase commitments from which we expect to realize an economic benefit in future periods. We have also made certain guarantees that we do not expect to materially affect our current or future financial position, results of operations or liquidity. See Note 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for discussion of the nature and terms of our unconditional purchase obligations and guarantees. Summary of Cash and Cash Equivalents, Restricted Funds and Debt ObligationsThe following is a summary of our cash and cash equivalents, restricted funds and debt balances as of December 31 (in millions):​​​​​​​​ 2024 2023Cash and cash equivalents​$ 414​$ 458Restricted funds:​ ​ ​Insurance reserves​$ 385​$ 376Final capping, closure, post-closure and environmental remediation funds​​ 128​​ 119Other​ —​ 17Total restricted funds (a)​$ 513​$ 512Debt:​ ​ Current portion​$ 1,359​$ 334Long-term portion​ 22,541​ 15,895Total debt​$ 23,900​$ 16,229(a)As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, $100 million and $90 million, respectively, of these account balances was included in other current assets in our Consolidated Balance Sheets.Debt — We use long-term borrowings in addition to the cash we generate from operations as part of our overall financial strategy to support and grow our business. We primarily use senior notes and tax-exempt bonds to borrow on a long-term basis, but we also use other instruments and facilities, when appropriate. The components of our borrowings as of December 31, 2024 are described in Note 6 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.As of December 31, 2024, we had approximately $4.0 billion of debt maturing within the next 12 months, including (i) $1.4 billion of tax-exempt bonds with term interest rate periods that expire within the next 12 months, which is prior to their scheduled maturities; (ii) $1.2 billion of short-term borrowings under our commercial paper program (net of related discount on issuance); (iii) $422 million of 3.125% senior notes that mature in March 2025; (iv) $500 million of 0.750% senior notes that mature in November 2025 and (v) $438 million of other debt with scheduled maturities within the next 12 months, including $298 million of tax-exempt bonds. As of December 31, 2024, we have classified $2.6 billion of debt maturing in the next 12 months as long term because we have the intent and ability to refinance these borrowings on a long-term basis as supported by the forecasted available capacity under our $3.5 billion long-term U.S. and Canadian revolving credit facility (“$3.5 billion revolving credit facility”). The remaining $1.4 billion of debt maturing in the next 12 months is classified as current obligations. (d)Our obligations represent purchase commitments from which we expect to realize an economic benefit in future periods. We have also made certain guarantees that we do not expect to materially affect our current or future financial position, results of operations or liquidity. See Note 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for discussion of the nature and terms of our unconditional purchase obligations and guarantees. Summary of Cash and Cash Equivalents, Restricted Funds and Debt ObligationsThe following is a summary of our cash and cash equivalents, restricted funds and debt balances as of December 31 (in millions):​​​​​​​​ 2024 2023Cash and cash equivalents​$ 414​$ 458Restricted funds:​ ​ ​Insurance reserves​$ 385​$ 376Final capping, closure, post-closure and environmental remediation funds​​ 128​​ 119Other​ —​ 17Total restricted funds (a)​$ 513​$ 512Debt:​ ​ Current portion​$ 1,359​$ 334Long-term portion​ 22,541​ 15,895Total debt​$ 23,900​$ 16,229(a)As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, $100 million and $90 million, respectively, of these account balances was included in other current assets in our Consolidated Balance Sheets.Debt — We use long-term borrowings in addition to the cash we generate from operations as part of our overall financial strategy to support and grow our business. We primarily use senior notes and tax-exempt bonds to borrow on a long-term basis, but we also use other instruments and facilities, when appropriate. The components of our borrowings as of December 31, 2024 are described in Note 6 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.As of December 31, 2024, we had approximately $4.0 billion of debt maturing within the next 12 months, including (i) $1.4 billion of tax-exempt bonds with term interest rate periods that expire within the next 12 months, which is prior to their scheduled maturities; (ii) $1.2 billion of short-term borrowings under our commercial paper program (net of related discount on issuance); (iii) $422 million of 3.125% senior notes that mature in March 2025; (iv) $500 million of 0.750% senior notes that mature in November 2025 and (v) $438 million of other debt with scheduled maturities within the next 12 months, including $298 million of tax-exempt bonds. As of December 31, 2024, we have classified $2.6 billion of debt maturing in the next 12 months as long term because we have the intent and ability to refinance these borrowings on a long-term basis as supported by the forecasted available capacity under our $3.5 billion long-term U.S. and Canadian revolving credit facility (“$3.5 billion revolving credit facility”). The remaining $1.4 billion of debt maturing in the next 12 months is classified as current obligations.",
      "prior_body": "​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Interest on debt (c) ​ 566 ​ 544 ​ 518 ​ 486 ​ 448 ​ 3,340 ​ 5,902 Estimated unconditional purchase obligations (d) ​ 173 ​ 164 ​ 133 ​ 51 ​ 44 ​ 470 ​ 1,035 Anticipated liquidity impact as of December 31, 2023 ​ $ 2,074 ​ $ 2,317 ​ $ 1,542 ​ $ 1,941 ​ $ 1,538 ​ $ 18,292 ​ $ 27,704 58 58 Table of Contents(d)Our obligations represent purchase commitments from which we expect to realize an economic benefit in future periods. We have also made certain guarantees that we do not expect to materially affect our current or future financial position, results of operations or liquidity. See Note 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for discussion of the nature and terms of our unconditional purchase obligations and guarantees. Summary of Cash and Cash Equivalents, Restricted Funds and Debt ObligationsThe following is a summary of our cash and cash equivalents, restricted funds and debt balances as of December 31 (in millions):​​​​​​​​ 2023 2022Cash and cash equivalents​$ 458​$ 351Restricted funds:​ ​ ​Insurance reserves​$ 376​$ 313Final capping, closure, post-closure and environmental remediation funds​​ 119​​ 113Other​ 17​ 5Total restricted funds (a)​$ 512​$ 431Debt:​ ​ Current portion​$ 334​$ 414Long-term portion​ 15,895​ 14,570Total debt​$ 16,229​$ 14,984(a)As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, $90 million and $83 million, respectively, of these account balances was included in other current assets in our Consolidated Balance Sheets.Debt — We use long-term borrowings in addition to the cash we generate from operations as part of our overall financial strategy to support and grow our business. We primarily use senior notes and tax-exempt bonds to borrow on a long-term basis, but we also use other instruments and facilities, when appropriate. The components of our borrowings as of December 31, 2023 are described in Note 6 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.As of December 31, 2023, we had approximately $2.8 billion of debt maturing within the next 12 months, including (i) $1.6 billion of tax-exempt bonds with term interest rate periods that expire within the next 12 months, which is prior to their scheduled maturities; (ii) $859 million of short-term borrowings under our commercial paper program (net of related discount on issuance); (iii) $175 million of other debt with scheduled maturities within the next 12 months, including $60 million of tax exempt bonds, and (iv) $156 million of 3.5% senior notes that mature in May 2024. As of December 31, 2023, we have classified $2.4 billion of debt maturing in the next 12 months as long-term because we have the intent and ability to refinance these borrowings on a long-term basis as supported by the forecasted available capacity under our $3.5 billion long-term U.S. and Canadian revolving credit facility (“$3.5 billion revolving credit facility”). The remaining $334 million of debt maturing in the next 12 months is classified as current obligations.In February 2023, WMI issued $750 million and $500 million of 4.625% senior notes due February 2030 and February 2033, respectively, the net proceeds of which were $1.24 billion. We used the net proceeds to reduce outstanding borrowings under our commercial paper program, repay $500 million of WMI’s 2.4% senior notes upon maturity in May 2023, and for general corporate purposes, including our planned and ongoing investments in our Recycling Processing and Sales and WM Renewable Energy segments. ​In July 2023, WMI issued $750 million and $1.25 billion of 4.875% senior notes due February 2029 and February 2034, respectively, the net proceeds of which were $1.97 billion. We used the net proceeds to reduce outstanding borrowings under our commercial paper program, repay $1.0 billion of outstanding borrowings under our Term Loan and for general corporate purposes.​59 Table of Contents Table of Contents Table of Contents (d)Our obligations represent purchase commitments from which we expect to realize an economic benefit in future periods. We have also made certain guarantees that we do not expect to materially affect our current or future financial position, results of operations or liquidity. See Note 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for discussion of the nature and terms of our unconditional purchase obligations and guarantees. Summary of Cash and Cash Equivalents, Restricted Funds and Debt ObligationsThe following is a summary of our cash and cash equivalents, restricted funds and debt balances as of December 31 (in millions):​​​​​​​​ 2023 2022Cash and cash equivalents​$ 458​$ 351Restricted funds:​ ​ ​Insurance reserves​$ 376​$ 313Final capping, closure, post-closure and environmental remediation funds​​ 119​​ 113Other​ 17​ 5Total restricted funds (a)​$ 512​$ 431Debt:​ ​ Current portion​$ 334​$ 414Long-term portion​ 15,895​ 14,570Total debt​$ 16,229​$ 14,984(a)As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, $90 million and $83 million, respectively, of these account balances was included in other current assets in our Consolidated Balance Sheets.Debt — We use long-term borrowings in addition to the cash we generate from operations as part of our overall financial strategy to support and grow our business. We primarily use senior notes and tax-exempt bonds to borrow on a long-term basis, but we also use other instruments and facilities, when appropriate. The components of our borrowings as of December 31, 2023 are described in Note 6 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.As of December 31, 2023, we had approximately $2.8 billion of debt maturing within the next 12 months, including (i) $1.6 billion of tax-exempt bonds with term interest rate periods that expire within the next 12 months, which is prior to their scheduled maturities; (ii) $859 million of short-term borrowings under our commercial paper program (net of related discount on issuance); (iii) $175 million of other debt with scheduled maturities within the next 12 months, including $60 million of tax exempt bonds, and (iv) $156 million of 3.5% senior notes that mature in May 2024. As of December 31, 2023, we have classified $2.4 billion of debt maturing in the next 12 months as long-term because we have the intent and ability to refinance these borrowings on a long-term basis as supported by the forecasted available capacity under our $3.5 billion long-term U.S. and Canadian revolving credit facility (“$3.5 billion revolving credit facility”). The remaining $334 million of debt maturing in the next 12 months is classified as current obligations.In February 2023, WMI issued $750 million and $500 million of 4.625% senior notes due February 2030 and February 2033, respectively, the net proceeds of which were $1.24 billion. We used the net proceeds to reduce outstanding borrowings under our commercial paper program, repay $500 million of WMI’s 2.4% senior notes upon maturity in May 2023, and for general corporate purposes, including our planned and ongoing investments in our Recycling Processing and Sales and WM Renewable Energy segments. ​In July 2023, WMI issued $750 million and $1.25 billion of 4.875% senior notes due February 2029 and February 2034, respectively, the net proceeds of which were $1.97 billion. We used the net proceeds to reduce outstanding borrowings under our commercial paper program, repay $1.0 billion of outstanding borrowings under our Term Loan and for general corporate purposes.​"
    },
    {
      "status": "MODIFIED",
      "current_title": "Significant cybersecurity incidents may negatively impact our business and our relationships with customers, vendors and employees and expose us to increased liability.",
      "prior_title": "Significant cybersecurity incidents negatively impact our business and our relationships with customers, vendors and employees and expose us to increased liability.",
      "similarity_score": 0.76,
      "confidence": "high",
      "key_changes": [
        "Reworded sentence: \"We use computers, mobile devices, social networking and other online platforms to connect with our employees, customers, vendors, as well as other individuals and third parties.\"",
        "Reworded sentence: \"In addition to our own safeguarding efforts, we also rely on third parties to process, collect and store sensitive data, including a Payment Card Industry compliant third-party to protect our customers’ credit card information.\"",
        "Reworded sentence: \"The magnitude of future cyber intrusions that result in a theft, destruction, loss, misappropriation, or release of sensitive and/or confidential information (belonging to us or third parties) or intellectual property, or material interference with our information technology systems or the technology systems of third parties on which we rely cannot be predicted, such incidents could result in material business disruption, direct financial loss, remediation costs, negative publicity, brand damage, alleged violation of privacy laws, loss of customers, potential regulatory investigations and enforcement or private litigation liability and competitive disadvantage.\"",
        "Reworded sentence: \"Increased state, federal and international laws and regulations related to cybersecurity protections and disclosures will require additional resources for compliance, and any inability, or perceived inability, to adequately address new requirements could subject us to regulatory enforcement, private litigation, public criticism, disrupt our operations, cause us to lose customers, result in additional costs and legal liability, damage our reputation, and otherwise harm our business.Increasing regulatory focus on privacy and data protection issues and expanding laws could negatively impact our business, subject us to criticism and expose us to increased liability.The legislative and regulatory framework for security, privacy and data protection issues worldwide is rapidly evolving and becoming increasingly demanding and is likely to remain uncertain for the foreseeable future.\"",
        "Reworded sentence: \"Government officials, regulators, customers, privacy advocates and class action attorneys are increasingly scrutinizing how companies collect, process, use, store, share, transmit and destroy personal data.\""
      ],
      "current_body": "Substantially all aspects of our business operations rely on digital technology. We use computers, mobile devices, social networking and other online platforms to connect with our employees, customers, vendors, as well as other individuals and third parties. These uses give rise to cybersecurity risks, including security breach, ransomware, espionage, system disruption, theft and/or inadvertent, accidental, unlawful, unauthorized access, loss, alteration, destruction and/or disclosure or release of information. Our business necessitates the processing, collection, use, storage and transmission of numerous classes of sensitive and/or confidential information and intellectual property, including individuals’ personal information, private and sensitive employment-related personal information, and financial and strategic information about the Company and other businesses. In addition to our own safeguarding efforts, we also rely on third parties to process, collect and store sensitive data, including a Payment Card Industry compliant third-party to protect our customers’ credit card information. We are regularly the target of attempted cyber intrusions, have experienced cyber intrusions, and we anticipate continuing to be subject to such attempts as cyber intrusions become increasingly sophisticated and more difficult to predict and protect against. Geopolitical conflicts and developments and technological advancements also 36 36 Table of Contentsincrease the risk and likelihood of cyber incidents. As such, we must commit substantial resources to continuously monitor and further develop our networks and infrastructure to prevent, detect, and address the risk of unauthorized access, misuse, computer viruses and other events. These protections and other systems designed to mitigate cybersecurity risks may not fully defend against an attack or future cybersecurity incident, which can be unpredictable in nature. Additionally, we cannot assure that any security measures that our third-party service providers have implemented will be effective against current or future security threats. We also cannot guarantee that our systems and networks or those of our third-party service providers or the equipment and related third-party software that we use to operate our network have not been breached or otherwise compromised, or that they and any software in our or their supply chains do not contain bugs, vulnerabilities, or compromised code that could result in a breach of, or disruption to, our systems and networks or the systems and networks of third parties that support us and our services. Although we believe that the probability of occurrence of a significant cybersecurity incident is less than likely, if such an incident were to occur, the impact on the Company could be substantial. The magnitude of future cyber intrusions that result in a theft, destruction, loss, misappropriation, or release of sensitive and/or confidential information (belonging to us or third parties) or intellectual property, or material interference with our information technology systems or the technology systems of third parties on which we rely cannot be predicted, such incidents could result in material business disruption, direct financial loss, remediation costs, negative publicity, brand damage, alleged violation of privacy laws, loss of customers, potential regulatory investigations and enforcement or private litigation liability and competitive disadvantage. To mitigate these risks, we maintain a cybersecurity insurance policy; however, due to policy terms, limits and exclusions, such insurance may not apply in all cases, and it may not be adequate to cover all liabilities incurred. Regulatory enforcement action concerning privacy infringement and security incidents is generally increasing, including significant fines recently imposed by European regulators. With the acquisition of Stericycle, we may be subject to short notification deadlines in international jurisdictions in the event of a significant cybersecurity incident that impacts us globally; it may not be possible for us to comply with such notification deadlines due to the time required to conduct investigations and assess the impact of such incident. Failure to comply with applicable laws and regulatory deadlines could attract enforcement action, penalties, litigation, investigations, proceedings, reputational harm and brand damage.As the Company pursues its strategy to grow through acquisitions, including the acquisition of Stericycle, and to pursue new initiatives that improve our operations and cost structure, the Company is also expanding and improving its information technologies, resulting in a larger technological presence, utilization of cloud computing services, and corresponding exposure to cybersecurity risk. Certain new technologies, such as the use of autonomous vehicles, remote-controlled equipment, virtual reality, automation and artificial intelligence, present new and significant cybersecurity safety risks that must be analyzed and addressed before implementation. If we fail to assess and identify cybersecurity risks associated with acquisitions and new initiatives, we may become increasingly vulnerable to such risks. Increased state, federal and international laws and regulations related to cybersecurity protections and disclosures will require additional resources for compliance, and any inability, or perceived inability, to adequately address new requirements could subject us to regulatory enforcement, private litigation, public criticism, disrupt our operations, cause us to lose customers, result in additional costs and legal liability, damage our reputation, and otherwise harm our business.Increasing regulatory focus on privacy and data protection issues and expanding laws could negatively impact our business, subject us to criticism and expose us to increased liability.The legislative and regulatory framework for security, privacy and data protection issues worldwide is rapidly evolving and becoming increasingly demanding and is likely to remain uncertain for the foreseeable future. We collect, use, share, retain, delete and otherwise process certain personal information and other sensitive information in connection with our operations and while providing services, including secure information destruction. We are subject to a variety of U.S. and international laws and regulations related to data privacy and the protection of confidential information, and we anticipate that regulation in this area will continue to expand. Applicable laws and regulations require disclosure and create other obligations for businesses that collect personal information and provide individual rights relating to personal information. These laws and regulations are inconsistent across jurisdictions and are subject to evolving interpretations. Government officials, regulators, customers, privacy advocates and class action attorneys are increasingly scrutinizing how companies collect, process, use, store, share, transmit and destroy personal data. The continued emphasis on personal privacy and information security may result in customers requesting that we implement additional safeguards or controls. We must continually monitor the development and adoption of, and commit substantial time and resources to comply with, 37 Table of Contents Table of Contents Table of Contents increase the risk and likelihood of cyber incidents. As such, we must commit substantial resources to continuously monitor and further develop our networks and infrastructure to prevent, detect, and address the risk of unauthorized access, misuse, computer viruses and other events. These protections and other systems designed to mitigate cybersecurity risks may not fully defend against an attack or future cybersecurity incident, which can be unpredictable in nature. Additionally, we cannot assure that any security measures that our third-party service providers have implemented will be effective against current or future security threats. We also cannot guarantee that our systems and networks or those of our third-party service providers or the equipment and related third-party software that we use to operate our network have not been breached or otherwise compromised, or that they and any software in our or their supply chains do not contain bugs, vulnerabilities, or compromised code that could result in a breach of, or disruption to, our systems and networks or the systems and networks of third parties that support us and our services. Although we believe that the probability of occurrence of a significant cybersecurity incident is less than likely, if such an incident were to occur, the impact on the Company could be substantial. The magnitude of future cyber intrusions that result in a theft, destruction, loss, misappropriation, or release of sensitive and/or confidential information (belonging to us or third parties) or intellectual property, or material interference with our information technology systems or the technology systems of third parties on which we rely cannot be predicted, such incidents could result in material business disruption, direct financial loss, remediation costs, negative publicity, brand damage, alleged violation of privacy laws, loss of customers, potential regulatory investigations and enforcement or private litigation liability and competitive disadvantage. To mitigate these risks, we maintain a cybersecurity insurance policy; however, due to policy terms, limits and exclusions, such insurance may not apply in all cases, and it may not be adequate to cover all liabilities incurred. Regulatory enforcement action concerning privacy infringement and security incidents is generally increasing, including significant fines recently imposed by European regulators. With the acquisition of Stericycle, we may be subject to short notification deadlines in international jurisdictions in the event of a significant cybersecurity incident that impacts us globally; it may not be possible for us to comply with such notification deadlines due to the time required to conduct investigations and assess the impact of such incident. Failure to comply with applicable laws and regulatory deadlines could attract enforcement action, penalties, litigation, investigations, proceedings, reputational harm and brand damage.As the Company pursues its strategy to grow through acquisitions, including the acquisition of Stericycle, and to pursue new initiatives that improve our operations and cost structure, the Company is also expanding and improving its information technologies, resulting in a larger technological presence, utilization of cloud computing services, and corresponding exposure to cybersecurity risk. Certain new technologies, such as the use of autonomous vehicles, remote-controlled equipment, virtual reality, automation and artificial intelligence, present new and significant cybersecurity safety risks that must be analyzed and addressed before implementation. If we fail to assess and identify cybersecurity risks associated with acquisitions and new initiatives, we may become increasingly vulnerable to such risks. Increased state, federal and international laws and regulations related to cybersecurity protections and disclosures will require additional resources for compliance, and any inability, or perceived inability, to adequately address new requirements could subject us to regulatory enforcement, private litigation, public criticism, disrupt our operations, cause us to lose customers, result in additional costs and legal liability, damage our reputation, and otherwise harm our business.Increasing regulatory focus on privacy and data protection issues and expanding laws could negatively impact our business, subject us to criticism and expose us to increased liability.The legislative and regulatory framework for security, privacy and data protection issues worldwide is rapidly evolving and becoming increasingly demanding and is likely to remain uncertain for the foreseeable future. We collect, use, share, retain, delete and otherwise process certain personal information and other sensitive information in connection with our operations and while providing services, including secure information destruction. We are subject to a variety of U.S. and international laws and regulations related to data privacy and the protection of confidential information, and we anticipate that regulation in this area will continue to expand. Applicable laws and regulations require disclosure and create other obligations for businesses that collect personal information and provide individual rights relating to personal information. These laws and regulations are inconsistent across jurisdictions and are subject to evolving interpretations. Government officials, regulators, customers, privacy advocates and class action attorneys are increasingly scrutinizing how companies collect, process, use, store, share, transmit and destroy personal data. The continued emphasis on personal privacy and information security may result in customers requesting that we implement additional safeguards or controls. We must continually monitor the development and adoption of, and commit substantial time and resources to comply with, increase the risk and likelihood of cyber incidents. As such, we must commit substantial resources to continuously monitor and further develop our networks and infrastructure to prevent, detect, and address the risk of unauthorized access, misuse, computer viruses and other events. These protections and other systems designed to mitigate cybersecurity risks may not fully defend against an attack or future cybersecurity incident, which can be unpredictable in nature. Additionally, we cannot assure that any security measures that our third-party service providers have implemented will be effective against current or future security threats. We also cannot guarantee that our systems and networks or those of our third-party service providers or the equipment and related third-party software that we use to operate our network have not been breached or otherwise compromised, or that they and any software in our or their supply chains do not contain bugs, vulnerabilities, or compromised code that could result in a breach of, or disruption to, our systems and networks or the systems and networks of third parties that support us and our services. Although we believe that the probability of occurrence of a significant cybersecurity incident is less than likely, if such an incident were to occur, the impact on the Company could be substantial. The magnitude of future cyber intrusions that result in a theft, destruction, loss, misappropriation, or release of sensitive and/or confidential information (belonging to us or third parties) or intellectual property, or material interference with our information technology systems or the technology systems of third parties on which we rely cannot be predicted, such incidents could result in material business disruption, direct financial loss, remediation costs, negative publicity, brand damage, alleged violation of privacy laws, loss of customers, potential regulatory investigations and enforcement or private litigation liability and competitive disadvantage. To mitigate these risks, we maintain a cybersecurity insurance policy; however, due to policy terms, limits and exclusions, such insurance may not apply in all cases, and it may not be adequate to cover all liabilities incurred. Regulatory enforcement action concerning privacy infringement and security incidents is generally increasing, including significant fines recently imposed by European regulators. With the acquisition of Stericycle, we may be subject to short notification deadlines in international jurisdictions in the event of a significant cybersecurity incident that impacts us globally; it may not be possible for us to comply with such notification deadlines due to the time required to conduct investigations and assess the impact of such incident. Failure to comply with applicable laws and regulatory deadlines could attract enforcement action, penalties, litigation, investigations, proceedings, reputational harm and brand damage.As the Company pursues its strategy to grow through acquisitions, including the acquisition of Stericycle, and to pursue new initiatives that improve our operations and cost structure, the Company is also expanding and improving its information technologies, resulting in a larger technological presence, utilization of cloud computing services, and corresponding exposure to cybersecurity risk. Certain new technologies, such as the use of autonomous vehicles, remote-controlled equipment, virtual reality, automation and artificial intelligence, present new and significant cybersecurity safety risks that must be analyzed and addressed before implementation. If we fail to assess and identify cybersecurity risks associated with acquisitions and new initiatives, we may become increasingly vulnerable to such risks. Increased state, federal and international laws and regulations related to cybersecurity protections and disclosures will require additional resources for compliance, and any inability, or perceived inability, to adequately address new requirements could subject us to regulatory enforcement, private litigation, public criticism, disrupt our operations, cause us to lose customers, result in additional costs and legal liability, damage our reputation, and otherwise harm our business.Increasing regulatory focus on privacy and data protection issues and expanding laws could negatively impact our business, subject us to criticism and expose us to increased liability.The legislative and regulatory framework for security, privacy and data protection issues worldwide is rapidly evolving and becoming increasingly demanding and is likely to remain uncertain for the foreseeable future. We collect, use, share, retain, delete and otherwise process certain personal information and other sensitive information in connection with our operations and while providing services, including secure information destruction. We are subject to a variety of U.S. and international laws and regulations related to data privacy and the protection of confidential information, and we anticipate that regulation in this area will continue to expand. Applicable laws and regulations require disclosure and create other obligations for businesses that collect personal information and provide individual rights relating to personal information. These laws and regulations are inconsistent across jurisdictions and are subject to evolving interpretations. Government officials, regulators, customers, privacy advocates and class action attorneys are increasingly scrutinizing how companies collect, process, use, store, share, transmit and destroy personal data. The continued emphasis on personal privacy and information security may result in customers requesting that we implement additional safeguards or controls. We must continually monitor the development and adoption of, and commit substantial time and resources to comply with, increase the risk and likelihood of cyber incidents. As such, we must commit substantial resources to continuously monitor and further develop our networks and infrastructure to prevent, detect, and address the risk of unauthorized access, misuse, computer viruses and other events. These protections and other systems designed to mitigate cybersecurity risks may not fully defend against an attack or future cybersecurity incident, which can be unpredictable in nature. Additionally, we cannot assure that any security measures that our third-party service providers have implemented will be effective against current or future security threats. We also cannot guarantee that our systems and networks or those of our third-party service providers or the equipment and related third-party software that we use to operate our network have not been breached or otherwise compromised, or that they and any software in our or their supply chains do not contain bugs, vulnerabilities, or compromised code that could result in a breach of, or disruption to, our systems and networks or the systems and networks of third parties that support us and our services. Although we believe that the probability of occurrence of a significant cybersecurity incident is less than likely, if such an incident were to occur, the impact on the Company could be substantial. The magnitude of future cyber intrusions that result in a theft, destruction, loss, misappropriation, or release of sensitive and/or confidential information (belonging to us or third parties) or intellectual property, or material interference with our information technology systems or the technology systems of third parties on which we rely cannot be predicted, such incidents could result in material business disruption, direct financial loss, remediation costs, negative publicity, brand damage, alleged violation of privacy laws, loss of customers, potential regulatory investigations and enforcement or private litigation liability and competitive disadvantage. To mitigate these risks, we maintain a cybersecurity insurance policy; however, due to policy terms, limits and exclusions, such insurance may not apply in all cases, and it may not be adequate to cover all liabilities incurred. Regulatory enforcement action concerning privacy infringement and security incidents is generally increasing, including significant fines recently imposed by European regulators. With the acquisition of Stericycle, we may be subject to short notification deadlines in international jurisdictions in the event of a significant cybersecurity incident that impacts us globally; it may not be possible for us to comply with such notification deadlines due to the time required to conduct investigations and assess the impact of such incident. Failure to comply with applicable laws and regulatory deadlines could attract enforcement action, penalties, litigation, investigations, proceedings, reputational harm and brand damage. As the Company pursues its strategy to grow through acquisitions, including the acquisition of Stericycle, and to pursue new initiatives that improve our operations and cost structure, the Company is also expanding and improving its information technologies, resulting in a larger technological presence, utilization of cloud computing services, and corresponding exposure to cybersecurity risk. Certain new technologies, such as the use of autonomous vehicles, remote-controlled equipment, virtual reality, automation and artificial intelligence, present new and significant cybersecurity safety risks that must be analyzed and addressed before implementation. If we fail to assess and identify cybersecurity risks associated with acquisitions and new initiatives, we may become increasingly vulnerable to such risks. Increased state, federal and international laws and regulations related to cybersecurity protections and disclosures will require additional resources for compliance, and any inability, or perceived inability, to adequately address new requirements could subject us to regulatory enforcement, private litigation, public criticism, disrupt our operations, cause us to lose customers, result in additional costs and legal liability, damage our reputation, and otherwise harm our business.",
      "prior_body": "Substantially all aspects of our business operations rely on digital technology. We use computers, mobile devices, social networking and other online platforms to connect with our employees, customers, vendors, as well as other 29 29 Table of Contentsindividuals and third parties. These uses give rise to cybersecurity risks, including security breach, ransomware, espionage, system disruption, theft and/or inadvertent, accidental, unlawful, unauthorized access, loss, alteration, destruction and/or release of information. Our business necessitates the processing, collection, use, storage and transmission of numerous classes of sensitive and/or confidential information and intellectual property, including individuals’ personal information, private and sensitive employment-related personal information, and financial and strategic information about the Company and other businesses. In addition to our own safeguarding efforts, we also rely on third parties to process, collect and store sensitive data, including a Payment Card Industry compliant third party to protect our customers’ credit card information. We are regularly the target of attempted cyber intrusions, and we anticipate continuing to be subject to such attempts as cyber intrusions become increasingly sophisticated and more difficult to predict and protect against. Geopolitical conflicts also increase the risk of cyber incidents. As such, we commit substantial resources to continuously monitor and further develop our networks and infrastructure to prevent, detect, and address the risk of unauthorized access, misuse, computer viruses and other events. Our security programs and measures do not prevent all intrusions. Cyber intrusions require a significant amount of time and effort to assess and remedy, and our incident response efforts may not be effective in all cases. Although we believe that the probability of occurrence of a significant cybersecurity incident is less than likely, if such an incident were to occur, the impact on the Company could be substantial. The Company experienced a cyber intrusion in the first quarter of 2021 that was promptly detected, and the third-party software vulnerability was quickly remediated. There was no impact to the Company’s operations, services or financial statements. A subsidiary of WMI was named as a defendant in a class action lawsuit related to this incident. The parties have agreed to a settlement that is currently pending final court approval, and such settlement will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows; however, assessing and responding to this intrusion required a significant amount of time and management attention. While the magnitude of future cyber intrusions that result in a theft, destruction, loss, misappropriation, or release of sensitive and/or confidential information or intellectual property, or material interference with our information technology systems or the technology systems of third parties on which we rely cannot be predicted, such incidents could result in material business disruption, direct financial loss, negative publicity, brand damage, alleged violation of privacy laws, loss of customers, potential regulatory enforcement or private litigation liability and competitive disadvantage. We maintain insurance for cyber incidents; however, due to policy terms, limits and exclusions, such insurance may not apply in all cases, and it may not be adequate to cover all liabilities incurred.As the Company pursues its strategy to grow through acquisitions and to pursue new initiatives that improve our operations and cost structure, the Company is also expanding and improving its information technologies, resulting in a larger technological presence, utilization of “cloud” computing services, and corresponding exposure to cybersecurity risk. Certain new technologies, such as use of autonomous vehicles, remote-controlled equipment, virtual reality, automation and AI, present new and significant cybersecurity safety risks that must be analyzed and addressed before implementation. If we fail to assess and identify cybersecurity risks associated with acquisitions and new initiatives, we may become increasingly vulnerable to such risks. Increased state, federal and international laws and regulations related to cybersecurity protections and disclosures will require additional resources for compliance, and any inability, or perceived inability, to adequately address new requirements could subject us to regulatory enforcement, private litigation, public criticism, disrupt our operations, cause us to lose customers, result in additional costs and legal liability, damage our reputation, and otherwise harm our business.Increasing regulatory focus on privacy and data protection issues and expanding laws could negatively impact our business, subject us to criticism and expose us to increased liability.The legislative and regulatory framework for privacy and data protection issues worldwide is rapidly evolving and is likely to remain uncertain for the foreseeable future. We collect, use, share, retain, delete and otherwise process certain personal information and other sensitive information in connection with our operations and providing environmental and other services. We are subject to a variety of laws and regulations, including GDPR and other international data protection laws, and may become subject to additional pending laws and regulations, that govern the collection, use and other processing of information obtained from individuals, businesses and other third parties. These laws and regulations are inconsistent across jurisdictions and are subject to evolving interpretations. Government officials, regulators, privacy advocates and class action attorneys are increasingly scrutinizing how companies collect, process, use, store, share, transmit and destroy personal data. We must continually monitor the development and adoption of, and commit substantial time and resources to comply with, new and emerging laws and regulations and/ or expanded interpretations of existing laws. These laws and regulations provide disclosure and other obligations for businesses that collect personal information, 30 Table of Contents Table of Contents Table of Contents individuals and third parties. These uses give rise to cybersecurity risks, including security breach, ransomware, espionage, system disruption, theft and/or inadvertent, accidental, unlawful, unauthorized access, loss, alteration, destruction and/or release of information. Our business necessitates the processing, collection, use, storage and transmission of numerous classes of sensitive and/or confidential information and intellectual property, including individuals’ personal information, private and sensitive employment-related personal information, and financial and strategic information about the Company and other businesses. In addition to our own safeguarding efforts, we also rely on third parties to process, collect and store sensitive data, including a Payment Card Industry compliant third party to protect our customers’ credit card information. We are regularly the target of attempted cyber intrusions, and we anticipate continuing to be subject to such attempts as cyber intrusions become increasingly sophisticated and more difficult to predict and protect against. Geopolitical conflicts also increase the risk of cyber incidents. As such, we commit substantial resources to continuously monitor and further develop our networks and infrastructure to prevent, detect, and address the risk of unauthorized access, misuse, computer viruses and other events. Our security programs and measures do not prevent all intrusions. Cyber intrusions require a significant amount of time and effort to assess and remedy, and our incident response efforts may not be effective in all cases. Although we believe that the probability of occurrence of a significant cybersecurity incident is less than likely, if such an incident were to occur, the impact on the Company could be substantial. The Company experienced a cyber intrusion in the first quarter of 2021 that was promptly detected, and the third-party software vulnerability was quickly remediated. There was no impact to the Company’s operations, services or financial statements. A subsidiary of WMI was named as a defendant in a class action lawsuit related to this incident. The parties have agreed to a settlement that is currently pending final court approval, and such settlement will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows; however, assessing and responding to this intrusion required a significant amount of time and management attention. While the magnitude of future cyber intrusions that result in a theft, destruction, loss, misappropriation, or release of sensitive and/or confidential information or intellectual property, or material interference with our information technology systems or the technology systems of third parties on which we rely cannot be predicted, such incidents could result in material business disruption, direct financial loss, negative publicity, brand damage, alleged violation of privacy laws, loss of customers, potential regulatory enforcement or private litigation liability and competitive disadvantage. We maintain insurance for cyber incidents; however, due to policy terms, limits and exclusions, such insurance may not apply in all cases, and it may not be adequate to cover all liabilities incurred.As the Company pursues its strategy to grow through acquisitions and to pursue new initiatives that improve our operations and cost structure, the Company is also expanding and improving its information technologies, resulting in a larger technological presence, utilization of “cloud” computing services, and corresponding exposure to cybersecurity risk. Certain new technologies, such as use of autonomous vehicles, remote-controlled equipment, virtual reality, automation and AI, present new and significant cybersecurity safety risks that must be analyzed and addressed before implementation. If we fail to assess and identify cybersecurity risks associated with acquisitions and new initiatives, we may become increasingly vulnerable to such risks. Increased state, federal and international laws and regulations related to cybersecurity protections and disclosures will require additional resources for compliance, and any inability, or perceived inability, to adequately address new requirements could subject us to regulatory enforcement, private litigation, public criticism, disrupt our operations, cause us to lose customers, result in additional costs and legal liability, damage our reputation, and otherwise harm our business.Increasing regulatory focus on privacy and data protection issues and expanding laws could negatively impact our business, subject us to criticism and expose us to increased liability.The legislative and regulatory framework for privacy and data protection issues worldwide is rapidly evolving and is likely to remain uncertain for the foreseeable future. We collect, use, share, retain, delete and otherwise process certain personal information and other sensitive information in connection with our operations and providing environmental and other services. We are subject to a variety of laws and regulations, including GDPR and other international data protection laws, and may become subject to additional pending laws and regulations, that govern the collection, use and other processing of information obtained from individuals, businesses and other third parties. These laws and regulations are inconsistent across jurisdictions and are subject to evolving interpretations. Government officials, regulators, privacy advocates and class action attorneys are increasingly scrutinizing how companies collect, process, use, store, share, transmit and destroy personal data. We must continually monitor the development and adoption of, and commit substantial time and resources to comply with, new and emerging laws and regulations and/ or expanded interpretations of existing laws. These laws and regulations provide disclosure and other obligations for businesses that collect personal information, individuals and third parties. These uses give rise to cybersecurity risks, including security breach, ransomware, espionage, system disruption, theft and/or inadvertent, accidental, unlawful, unauthorized access, loss, alteration, destruction and/or release of information. Our business necessitates the processing, collection, use, storage and transmission of numerous classes of sensitive and/or confidential information and intellectual property, including individuals’ personal information, private and sensitive employment-related personal information, and financial and strategic information about the Company and other businesses. In addition to our own safeguarding efforts, we also rely on third parties to process, collect and store sensitive data, including a Payment Card Industry compliant third party to protect our customers’ credit card information. We are regularly the target of attempted cyber intrusions, and we anticipate continuing to be subject to such attempts as cyber intrusions become increasingly sophisticated and more difficult to predict and protect against. Geopolitical conflicts also increase the risk of cyber incidents. As such, we commit substantial resources to continuously monitor and further develop our networks and infrastructure to prevent, detect, and address the risk of unauthorized access, misuse, computer viruses and other events. Our security programs and measures do not prevent all intrusions. Cyber intrusions require a significant amount of time and effort to assess and remedy, and our incident response efforts may not be effective in all cases. Although we believe that the probability of occurrence of a significant cybersecurity incident is less than likely, if such an incident were to occur, the impact on the Company could be substantial. The Company experienced a cyber intrusion in the first quarter of 2021 that was promptly detected, and the third-party software vulnerability was quickly remediated. There was no impact to the Company’s operations, services or financial statements. A subsidiary of WMI was named as a defendant in a class action lawsuit related to this incident. The parties have agreed to a settlement that is currently pending final court approval, and such settlement will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows; however, assessing and responding to this intrusion required a significant amount of time and management attention. While the magnitude of future cyber intrusions that result in a theft, destruction, loss, misappropriation, or release of sensitive and/or confidential information or intellectual property, or material interference with our information technology systems or the technology systems of third parties on which we rely cannot be predicted, such incidents could result in material business disruption, direct financial loss, negative publicity, brand damage, alleged violation of privacy laws, loss of customers, potential regulatory enforcement or private litigation liability and competitive disadvantage. We maintain insurance for cyber incidents; however, due to policy terms, limits and exclusions, such insurance may not apply in all cases, and it may not be adequate to cover all liabilities incurred. As the Company pursues its strategy to grow through acquisitions and to pursue new initiatives that improve our operations and cost structure, the Company is also expanding and improving its information technologies, resulting in a larger technological presence, utilization of “cloud” computing services, and corresponding exposure to cybersecurity risk. Certain new technologies, such as use of autonomous vehicles, remote-controlled equipment, virtual reality, automation and AI, present new and significant cybersecurity safety risks that must be analyzed and addressed before implementation. If we fail to assess and identify cybersecurity risks associated with acquisitions and new initiatives, we may become increasingly vulnerable to such risks. Increased state, federal and international laws and regulations related to cybersecurity protections and disclosures will require additional resources for compliance, and any inability, or perceived inability, to adequately address new requirements could subject us to regulatory enforcement, private litigation, public criticism, disrupt our operations, cause us to lose customers, result in additional costs and legal liability, damage our reputation, and otherwise harm our business."
    },
    {
      "status": "MODIFIED",
      "current_title": "Business Environment",
      "prior_title": "Business Environment",
      "similarity_score": 0.76,
      "confidence": "high",
      "key_changes": [
        "Reworded sentence: \"In addition, many state and local governments mandate diversion, recycling and waste reduction at the source and prohibit the disposal of certain types of waste at landfills.\"",
        "Reworded sentence: \"This includes expanding traditional recycling services, increasing organics collection and processing, providing medical waste services and expanding our renewable energy projects to meet the evolving needs of our diverse customer base.\"",
        "Reworded sentence: \"Consistent with our Company’s long-standing commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship, we have published our 2024 Sustainability Report, providing details on our sustainability-related performance and outlining progress towards our 2030 sustainability goals.\"",
        "Reworded sentence: \"The information in this report can be found at sustainability.wm.com but it does not constitute a part of, and is not incorporated by reference into, this Annual Report on Form 10-K.\"",
        "Reworded sentence: \"Volume changes 49 49 Table of Contentscan fluctuate significantly by line of business and volume changes in higher margin businesses can impact key financial metrics.\""
      ],
      "current_body": "The waste industry is a comparatively mature and stable industry. However, customers increasingly expect more of their waste materials to be recovered and those waste streams are becoming more complex. In addition, many state and local governments mandate diversion, recycling and waste reduction at the source and prohibit the disposal of certain types of waste at landfills. We monitor these developments to adapt our service offerings. As companies, individuals and communities look for ways to be more sustainable, we promote our comprehensive services that go beyond our core business of collecting and disposing of waste in order to meet their needs. This includes expanding traditional recycling services, increasing organics collection and processing, providing medical waste services and expanding our renewable energy projects to meet the evolving needs of our diverse customer base. As North America’s leading provider of comprehensive environmental solutions, we are taking big, bold steps to catalyze positive change – change that will impact our Company as well as the communities we serve. Consistent with our Company’s long-standing commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship, we have published our 2024 Sustainability Report, providing details on our sustainability-related performance and outlining progress towards our 2030 sustainability goals. The Sustainability Report conveys the strong linkage between the Company’s sustainability goals and our growth strategy, inclusive of the planned and ongoing expansion of the Company’s Recycling Processing and Sales and WM Renewable Energy segments. The information in this report can be found at sustainability.wm.com but it does not constitute a part of, and is not incorporated by reference into, this Annual Report on Form 10-K. For further discussion see Item 1. Business – Regulation – Recent Developments and Focus Areas in Policy and Regulation. We encounter intense competition from governmental, quasi-governmental and private service providers based on pricing, and to a much lesser extent, the nature of service offerings, particularly in the residential line of business. Our industry is directly affected by changes in general economic factors, including increases and decreases in consumer spending, business expansions and construction activity. These factors generally correlate to volumes of waste generated and impact our revenue. Negative economic conditions and other macroeconomic trends can and have caused customers to reduce their service needs. Such negative economic conditions, in addition to competitor actions, can impact our strategy to negotiate, renew, or expand service contracts and grow our business. We also encounter competition for acquisitions and growth opportunities. General economic factors and the market for consumer goods, in addition to regulatory developments, can also significantly impact commodity prices for the recyclable materials we sell. Significant components of our operating expenses vary directly as we experience changes in revenue due to volume and inflation. Volume changes 49 49 Table of Contentscan fluctuate significantly by line of business and volume changes in higher margin businesses can impact key financial metrics. We must dynamically manage our cost structure in response to volume changes and cost inflation.We believe the Company’s industry-leading asset network and strategic focus on investing in our people and our digital platform will give the Company the necessary tools to address the evolving challenges impacting the Company and our industry. In line with our commitment to continuous improvement and a differentiated customer experience, we remain focused on our automation and optimization investments to enhance our operational efficiency and change the way we interact with our customers. Advancements made through these initiatives are intended to seamlessly and digitally connect all enterprise functions required to service customers and provide the best experience. We have made significant progress in executing this technology enablement strategy to automate and optimize certain elements of our service delivery model. The key benefits are reduced labor dependency on certain high-turnover jobs, particularly in customer experience, recycling and residential collection, while further elevating our customer self-service through digitalization and implementation of technologies to enhance the safety, reliability and efficiency within our collection operations. Additionally, in 2022, we implemented a new general ledger accounting system, complementary finance enterprise resource planning system and a human capital management system, which will continue to drive operational and service excellence by empowering our people through a modern, simplified and connected employee experience.We sometimes experience margin pressures and variability in earnings and margins from our commodity-driven businesses, specifically within our Recycling Processing and Sales and WM Renewable Energy segments. While recycling commodity prices have recovered in 2024 from the low levels experienced in 2023, commodity prices are still below levels seen at the beginning of 2022. The impacts of commodity price fluctuations are not currently material to our WM Renewable Energy segment; however, as we continue to make investments to grow that segment, we may experience more significant impacts from fluctuations in the prices of electricity, natural gas, RINs and RECs. We continue to take proactive steps to adjust our business models to protect against the down-side risk of changes in commodity prices. Variability in economic conditions, including inflation, interest rates, employment trends and supply chain reliability, can create risk and uncertainty in financial outlook. We take proactive steps to recover and mitigate inflationary cost pressures through our overall pricing efforts and by managing our costs through efficiency, labor productivity, and investments in technology to automate certain aspects of our business. We remain committed to putting our people first to ensure that they are well positioned to execute our daily operations diligently and safely. We remain focused on delivering outstanding customer service, managing our variable costs with changing volumes and investing in technology that will enhance our customers’ experience and provide operating efficiencies intended to reduce our cost to serve.Current Year Financial ResultsDuring 2024, we continued to focus on our priorities to advance our strategy—enhancing employee engagement, reducing our cost to serve through the use of technology and automation, and investing in growth through acquisitions and our Recycling Processing and Sales and WM Renewable Energy segments. We invested approximately $8 billion, with $7.5 billion funded in cash and $0.5 billion as the assumption of debt, on acquisitions in 2024, including having completed our acquisition of Stericycle in early November. We remain diligent in offering competitive and differentiated services that meet the needs of our customers, and we are focused on driving operating efficiencies and reducing discretionary spend. We continue to invest in our people through paying a competitive market wage, investing in our digital platform and providing training for our team members. We also continue to make investments in automation and optimization to enhance our operational efficiency and improve labor productivity for all lines of business. This strategic focus, combined with strong operational execution, resulted in increased revenue, income from operations and income from operations margin in 2024 when compared to the prior year. During 2024, the Company allocated $3,231 million of available cash to capital expenditures. We also allocated $1,472 million of available cash to our shareholders during 2024 through dividends and common stock repurchases.50 Table of Contents Table of Contents Table of Contents can fluctuate significantly by line of business and volume changes in higher margin businesses can impact key financial metrics. We must dynamically manage our cost structure in response to volume changes and cost inflation.We believe the Company’s industry-leading asset network and strategic focus on investing in our people and our digital platform will give the Company the necessary tools to address the evolving challenges impacting the Company and our industry. In line with our commitment to continuous improvement and a differentiated customer experience, we remain focused on our automation and optimization investments to enhance our operational efficiency and change the way we interact with our customers. Advancements made through these initiatives are intended to seamlessly and digitally connect all enterprise functions required to service customers and provide the best experience. We have made significant progress in executing this technology enablement strategy to automate and optimize certain elements of our service delivery model. The key benefits are reduced labor dependency on certain high-turnover jobs, particularly in customer experience, recycling and residential collection, while further elevating our customer self-service through digitalization and implementation of technologies to enhance the safety, reliability and efficiency within our collection operations. Additionally, in 2022, we implemented a new general ledger accounting system, complementary finance enterprise resource planning system and a human capital management system, which will continue to drive operational and service excellence by empowering our people through a modern, simplified and connected employee experience.We sometimes experience margin pressures and variability in earnings and margins from our commodity-driven businesses, specifically within our Recycling Processing and Sales and WM Renewable Energy segments. While recycling commodity prices have recovered in 2024 from the low levels experienced in 2023, commodity prices are still below levels seen at the beginning of 2022. The impacts of commodity price fluctuations are not currently material to our WM Renewable Energy segment; however, as we continue to make investments to grow that segment, we may experience more significant impacts from fluctuations in the prices of electricity, natural gas, RINs and RECs. We continue to take proactive steps to adjust our business models to protect against the down-side risk of changes in commodity prices. Variability in economic conditions, including inflation, interest rates, employment trends and supply chain reliability, can create risk and uncertainty in financial outlook. We take proactive steps to recover and mitigate inflationary cost pressures through our overall pricing efforts and by managing our costs through efficiency, labor productivity, and investments in technology to automate certain aspects of our business. We remain committed to putting our people first to ensure that they are well positioned to execute our daily operations diligently and safely. We remain focused on delivering outstanding customer service, managing our variable costs with changing volumes and investing in technology that will enhance our customers’ experience and provide operating efficiencies intended to reduce our cost to serve.Current Year Financial ResultsDuring 2024, we continued to focus on our priorities to advance our strategy—enhancing employee engagement, reducing our cost to serve through the use of technology and automation, and investing in growth through acquisitions and our Recycling Processing and Sales and WM Renewable Energy segments. We invested approximately $8 billion, with $7.5 billion funded in cash and $0.5 billion as the assumption of debt, on acquisitions in 2024, including having completed our acquisition of Stericycle in early November. We remain diligent in offering competitive and differentiated services that meet the needs of our customers, and we are focused on driving operating efficiencies and reducing discretionary spend. We continue to invest in our people through paying a competitive market wage, investing in our digital platform and providing training for our team members. We also continue to make investments in automation and optimization to enhance our operational efficiency and improve labor productivity for all lines of business. This strategic focus, combined with strong operational execution, resulted in increased revenue, income from operations and income from operations margin in 2024 when compared to the prior year. During 2024, the Company allocated $3,231 million of available cash to capital expenditures. We also allocated $1,472 million of available cash to our shareholders during 2024 through dividends and common stock repurchases. can fluctuate significantly by line of business and volume changes in higher margin businesses can impact key financial metrics. We must dynamically manage our cost structure in response to volume changes and cost inflation.We believe the Company’s industry-leading asset network and strategic focus on investing in our people and our digital platform will give the Company the necessary tools to address the evolving challenges impacting the Company and our industry. In line with our commitment to continuous improvement and a differentiated customer experience, we remain focused on our automation and optimization investments to enhance our operational efficiency and change the way we interact with our customers. Advancements made through these initiatives are intended to seamlessly and digitally connect all enterprise functions required to service customers and provide the best experience. We have made significant progress in executing this technology enablement strategy to automate and optimize certain elements of our service delivery model. The key benefits are reduced labor dependency on certain high-turnover jobs, particularly in customer experience, recycling and residential collection, while further elevating our customer self-service through digitalization and implementation of technologies to enhance the safety, reliability and efficiency within our collection operations. Additionally, in 2022, we implemented a new general ledger accounting system, complementary finance enterprise resource planning system and a human capital management system, which will continue to drive operational and service excellence by empowering our people through a modern, simplified and connected employee experience.We sometimes experience margin pressures and variability in earnings and margins from our commodity-driven businesses, specifically within our Recycling Processing and Sales and WM Renewable Energy segments. While recycling commodity prices have recovered in 2024 from the low levels experienced in 2023, commodity prices are still below levels seen at the beginning of 2022. The impacts of commodity price fluctuations are not currently material to our WM Renewable Energy segment; however, as we continue to make investments to grow that segment, we may experience more significant impacts from fluctuations in the prices of electricity, natural gas, RINs and RECs. We continue to take proactive steps to adjust our business models to protect against the down-side risk of changes in commodity prices. Variability in economic conditions, including inflation, interest rates, employment trends and supply chain reliability, can create risk and uncertainty in financial outlook. We take proactive steps to recover and mitigate inflationary cost pressures through our overall pricing efforts and by managing our costs through efficiency, labor productivity, and investments in technology to automate certain aspects of our business. We remain committed to putting our people first to ensure that they are well positioned to execute our daily operations diligently and safely. We remain focused on delivering outstanding customer service, managing our variable costs with changing volumes and investing in technology that will enhance our customers’ experience and provide operating efficiencies intended to reduce our cost to serve.Current Year Financial ResultsDuring 2024, we continued to focus on our priorities to advance our strategy—enhancing employee engagement, reducing our cost to serve through the use of technology and automation, and investing in growth through acquisitions and our Recycling Processing and Sales and WM Renewable Energy segments. We invested approximately $8 billion, with $7.5 billion funded in cash and $0.5 billion as the assumption of debt, on acquisitions in 2024, including having completed our acquisition of Stericycle in early November. We remain diligent in offering competitive and differentiated services that meet the needs of our customers, and we are focused on driving operating efficiencies and reducing discretionary spend. We continue to invest in our people through paying a competitive market wage, investing in our digital platform and providing training for our team members. We also continue to make investments in automation and optimization to enhance our operational efficiency and improve labor productivity for all lines of business. This strategic focus, combined with strong operational execution, resulted in increased revenue, income from operations and income from operations margin in 2024 when compared to the prior year. During 2024, the Company allocated $3,231 million of available cash to capital expenditures. We also allocated $1,472 million of available cash to our shareholders during 2024 through dividends and common stock repurchases. can fluctuate significantly by line of business and volume changes in higher margin businesses can impact key financial metrics. We must dynamically manage our cost structure in response to volume changes and cost inflation. We believe the Company’s industry-leading asset network and strategic focus on investing in our people and our digital platform will give the Company the necessary tools to address the evolving challenges impacting the Company and our industry. In line with our commitment to continuous improvement and a differentiated customer experience, we remain focused on our automation and optimization investments to enhance our operational efficiency and change the way we interact with our customers. Advancements made through these initiatives are intended to seamlessly and digitally connect all enterprise functions required to service customers and provide the best experience. We have made significant progress in executing this technology enablement strategy to automate and optimize certain elements of our service delivery model. The key benefits are reduced labor dependency on certain high-turnover jobs, particularly in customer experience, recycling and residential collection, while further elevating our customer self-service through digitalization and implementation of technologies to enhance the safety, reliability and efficiency within our collection operations. Additionally, in 2022, we implemented a new general ledger accounting system, complementary finance enterprise resource planning system and a human capital management system, which will continue to drive operational and service excellence by empowering our people through a modern, simplified and connected employee experience. We sometimes experience margin pressures and variability in earnings and margins from our commodity-driven businesses, specifically within our Recycling Processing and Sales and WM Renewable Energy segments. While recycling commodity prices have recovered in 2024 from the low levels experienced in 2023, commodity prices are still below levels seen at the beginning of 2022. The impacts of commodity price fluctuations are not currently material to our WM Renewable Energy segment; however, as we continue to make investments to grow that segment, we may experience more significant impacts from fluctuations in the prices of electricity, natural gas, RINs and RECs. We continue to take proactive steps to adjust our business models to protect against the down-side risk of changes in commodity prices. Variability in economic conditions, including inflation, interest rates, employment trends and supply chain reliability, can create risk and uncertainty in financial outlook. We take proactive steps to recover and mitigate inflationary cost pressures through our overall pricing efforts and by managing our costs through efficiency, labor productivity, and investments in technology to automate certain aspects of our business. We remain committed to putting our people first to ensure that they are well positioned to execute our daily operations diligently and safely. We remain focused on delivering outstanding customer service, managing our variable costs with changing volumes and investing in technology that will enhance our customers’ experience and provide operating efficiencies intended to reduce our cost to serve.",
      "prior_body": "The waste industry is a comparatively mature and stable industry. However, customers increasingly expect more of their waste materials to be recovered and those waste streams are becoming more complex. In addition, many state and local governments mandate diversion, recycling and waste reduction at the source and prohibit the disposal of certain types 40 40 Table of Contentsof waste at landfills. We monitor these developments to adapt our service offerings. As companies, individuals and communities look for ways to be more sustainable, we promote our comprehensive services that go beyond our core business of collecting and disposing of waste in order to meet their needs. This includes expanding traditional recycling services, increasing organics collection and processing, and expanding our renewable energy projects to meet the evolving needs of our diverse customer base. As North America’s leading provider of comprehensive environmental solutions, we are taking big, bold steps to catalyze positive change – change that will impact our Company as well as the communities we serve. Consistent with our Company’s long-standing commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship, we have published our 2023 Sustainability Report, providing details on our sustainability-related performance and outlining progress towards our 2030 sustainability goals. The Sustainability Report conveys the strong linkage between the Company’s sustainability goals and our growth strategy, inclusive of the planned and ongoing expansion of the Company’s Recycling Processing and Sales and WM Renewable Energy segments. The information in this report can be found at https://sustainability.wm.com but it does not constitute a part of, and is not incorporated by reference into, this Annual Report on Form 10-K. For further discussion see Item1. Business – Regulation – Recent Developments and Focus Areas in Policy and Regulation.We encounter intense competition from governmental, quasi-governmental and private service providers based on pricing, and to a much lesser extent, the nature of service offerings, particularly in the residential line of business. Our industry is directly affected by changes in general economic factors, including increases and decreases in consumer spending, business expansions and construction activity. These factors generally correlate to volumes of waste generated and impact our revenue. Negative economic conditions and other macroeconomic trends can and have caused customers to reduce their service needs. Such negative economic conditions, in addition to competitor actions, can impact our strategy to negotiate, renew, or expand service contracts and grow our business. We also encounter competition for acquisitions and growth opportunities. General economic factors and the market for consumer goods, in addition to regulatory developments, can also significantly impact commodity prices for the recyclable materials we sell. Significant components of our operating expenses vary directly as we experience changes in revenue due to volume and inflation. Volume changes can fluctuate significantly by line of business and volume changes in higher margin businesses can impact key financial metrics. We must dynamically manage our cost structure in response to volume changes and cost inflation.We believe the Company’s industry-leading asset network and strategic focus on investing in our people and our digital platform will give the Company the necessary tools to address the evolving challenges impacting the Company and our industry. In line with our commitment to continuous improvement and a differentiated customer experience, we remain focused on our automation and optimization investments to enhance our operational efficiency and change the way we interact with our customers. Advancements made through these initiatives are intended to seamlessly and digitally connect all enterprise functions required to service customers and provide the best experience. In late 2021, we began to execute this technology enablement strategy to automate and optimize certain elements of our service delivery model. The key benefits are to reduce labor dependency on certain high-turnover jobs, particularly in customer experience, recycling and residential collection, while further elevating our customer self-service through digitalization and implementation of technologies to enhance the safety, reliability and efficiency within our collection operations. Additionally, in 2022, we implemented a new general ledger accounting system, complementary finance enterprise resource planning system and a human capital management system, which will continue to drive operational and service excellence by empowering our people through a modern, simplified and connected employee experience.Macroeconomic pressures, including inflation and rising interest rates, and market disruption resulting in labor, supply chain and transportation constraints have impacted our results; however, we began to see moderate improvements during the second half of 2023. Significant global supply chain disruption has reduced availability of certain assets used in our business, and inflation has increased costs for the goods and services we purchase, particularly for labor, repair and maintenance, and subcontractor costs. Supply chain constraints have caused delayed delivery of fleet, steel containers and other purchases. Aspects of our business rely on third-party transportation providers, and such services have become more limited and expensive. With the significant decline in commodity prices that started in the second half of 2022 and has continued into 2023, we are currently experiencing margin pressures from our commodity-driven businesses, specifically within our Recycling Processing and Sales and WM Renewable Energy segments. While still below prices seen at the beginning of 2022, recycling commodity prices began to improve in the fourth quarter of 2023 and while there may be short-term fluctuations in our commodity-driven businesses as prices change, we continue to focus on adjusting our business models 41 Table of Contents Table of Contents Table of Contents of waste at landfills. We monitor these developments to adapt our service offerings. As companies, individuals and communities look for ways to be more sustainable, we promote our comprehensive services that go beyond our core business of collecting and disposing of waste in order to meet their needs. This includes expanding traditional recycling services, increasing organics collection and processing, and expanding our renewable energy projects to meet the evolving needs of our diverse customer base. As North America’s leading provider of comprehensive environmental solutions, we are taking big, bold steps to catalyze positive change – change that will impact our Company as well as the communities we serve. Consistent with our Company’s long-standing commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship, we have published our 2023 Sustainability Report, providing details on our sustainability-related performance and outlining progress towards our 2030 sustainability goals. The Sustainability Report conveys the strong linkage between the Company’s sustainability goals and our growth strategy, inclusive of the planned and ongoing expansion of the Company’s Recycling Processing and Sales and WM Renewable Energy segments. The information in this report can be found at https://sustainability.wm.com but it does not constitute a part of, and is not incorporated by reference into, this Annual Report on Form 10-K. For further discussion see Item1. Business – Regulation – Recent Developments and Focus Areas in Policy and Regulation.We encounter intense competition from governmental, quasi-governmental and private service providers based on pricing, and to a much lesser extent, the nature of service offerings, particularly in the residential line of business. Our industry is directly affected by changes in general economic factors, including increases and decreases in consumer spending, business expansions and construction activity. These factors generally correlate to volumes of waste generated and impact our revenue. Negative economic conditions and other macroeconomic trends can and have caused customers to reduce their service needs. Such negative economic conditions, in addition to competitor actions, can impact our strategy to negotiate, renew, or expand service contracts and grow our business. We also encounter competition for acquisitions and growth opportunities. General economic factors and the market for consumer goods, in addition to regulatory developments, can also significantly impact commodity prices for the recyclable materials we sell. Significant components of our operating expenses vary directly as we experience changes in revenue due to volume and inflation. Volume changes can fluctuate significantly by line of business and volume changes in higher margin businesses can impact key financial metrics. We must dynamically manage our cost structure in response to volume changes and cost inflation.We believe the Company’s industry-leading asset network and strategic focus on investing in our people and our digital platform will give the Company the necessary tools to address the evolving challenges impacting the Company and our industry. In line with our commitment to continuous improvement and a differentiated customer experience, we remain focused on our automation and optimization investments to enhance our operational efficiency and change the way we interact with our customers. Advancements made through these initiatives are intended to seamlessly and digitally connect all enterprise functions required to service customers and provide the best experience. In late 2021, we began to execute this technology enablement strategy to automate and optimize certain elements of our service delivery model. The key benefits are to reduce labor dependency on certain high-turnover jobs, particularly in customer experience, recycling and residential collection, while further elevating our customer self-service through digitalization and implementation of technologies to enhance the safety, reliability and efficiency within our collection operations. Additionally, in 2022, we implemented a new general ledger accounting system, complementary finance enterprise resource planning system and a human capital management system, which will continue to drive operational and service excellence by empowering our people through a modern, simplified and connected employee experience.Macroeconomic pressures, including inflation and rising interest rates, and market disruption resulting in labor, supply chain and transportation constraints have impacted our results; however, we began to see moderate improvements during the second half of 2023. Significant global supply chain disruption has reduced availability of certain assets used in our business, and inflation has increased costs for the goods and services we purchase, particularly for labor, repair and maintenance, and subcontractor costs. Supply chain constraints have caused delayed delivery of fleet, steel containers and other purchases. Aspects of our business rely on third-party transportation providers, and such services have become more limited and expensive. With the significant decline in commodity prices that started in the second half of 2022 and has continued into 2023, we are currently experiencing margin pressures from our commodity-driven businesses, specifically within our Recycling Processing and Sales and WM Renewable Energy segments. While still below prices seen at the beginning of 2022, recycling commodity prices began to improve in the fourth quarter of 2023 and while there may be short-term fluctuations in our commodity-driven businesses as prices change, we continue to focus on adjusting our business models of waste at landfills. We monitor these developments to adapt our service offerings. As companies, individuals and communities look for ways to be more sustainable, we promote our comprehensive services that go beyond our core business of collecting and disposing of waste in order to meet their needs. This includes expanding traditional recycling services, increasing organics collection and processing, and expanding our renewable energy projects to meet the evolving needs of our diverse customer base. As North America’s leading provider of comprehensive environmental solutions, we are taking big, bold steps to catalyze positive change – change that will impact our Company as well as the communities we serve. Consistent with our Company’s long-standing commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship, we have published our 2023 Sustainability Report, providing details on our sustainability-related performance and outlining progress towards our 2030 sustainability goals. The Sustainability Report conveys the strong linkage between the Company’s sustainability goals and our growth strategy, inclusive of the planned and ongoing expansion of the Company’s Recycling Processing and Sales and WM Renewable Energy segments. The information in this report can be found at https://sustainability.wm.com but it does not constitute a part of, and is not incorporated by reference into, this Annual Report on Form 10-K. For further discussion see Item1. Business – Regulation – Recent Developments and Focus Areas in Policy and Regulation. We encounter intense competition from governmental, quasi-governmental and private service providers based on pricing, and to a much lesser extent, the nature of service offerings, particularly in the residential line of business. Our industry is directly affected by changes in general economic factors, including increases and decreases in consumer spending, business expansions and construction activity. These factors generally correlate to volumes of waste generated and impact our revenue. Negative economic conditions and other macroeconomic trends can and have caused customers to reduce their service needs. Such negative economic conditions, in addition to competitor actions, can impact our strategy to negotiate, renew, or expand service contracts and grow our business. We also encounter competition for acquisitions and growth opportunities. General economic factors and the market for consumer goods, in addition to regulatory developments, can also significantly impact commodity prices for the recyclable materials we sell. Significant components of our operating expenses vary directly as we experience changes in revenue due to volume and inflation. Volume changes can fluctuate significantly by line of business and volume changes in higher margin businesses can impact key financial metrics. We must dynamically manage our cost structure in response to volume changes and cost inflation. We believe the Company’s industry-leading asset network and strategic focus on investing in our people and our digital platform will give the Company the necessary tools to address the evolving challenges impacting the Company and our industry. In line with our commitment to continuous improvement and a differentiated customer experience, we remain focused on our automation and optimization investments to enhance our operational efficiency and change the way we interact with our customers. Advancements made through these initiatives are intended to seamlessly and digitally connect all enterprise functions required to service customers and provide the best experience. In late 2021, we began to execute this technology enablement strategy to automate and optimize certain elements of our service delivery model. The key benefits are to reduce labor dependency on certain high-turnover jobs, particularly in customer experience, recycling and residential collection, while further elevating our customer self-service through digitalization and implementation of technologies to enhance the safety, reliability and efficiency within our collection operations. Additionally, in 2022, we implemented a new general ledger accounting system, complementary finance enterprise resource planning system and a human capital management system, which will continue to drive operational and service excellence by empowering our people through a modern, simplified and connected employee experience. Macroeconomic pressures, including inflation and rising interest rates, and market disruption resulting in labor, supply chain and transportation constraints have impacted our results; however, we began to see moderate improvements during the second half of 2023. Significant global supply chain disruption has reduced availability of certain assets used in our business, and inflation has increased costs for the goods and services we purchase, particularly for labor, repair and maintenance, and subcontractor costs. Supply chain constraints have caused delayed delivery of fleet, steel containers and other purchases. Aspects of our business rely on third-party transportation providers, and such services have become more limited and expensive. With the significant decline in commodity prices that started in the second half of 2022 and has continued into 2023, we are currently experiencing margin pressures from our commodity-driven businesses, specifically within our Recycling Processing and Sales and WM Renewable Energy segments. While still below prices seen at the beginning of 2022, recycling commodity prices began to improve in the fourth quarter of 2023 and while there may be short-term fluctuations in our commodity-driven businesses as prices change, we continue to focus on adjusting our business models 41 41 Table of Contentsto protect against the down-side risk by spreading the inherent risk of changes in commodity prices across the vertically integrated value chain. The extent and duration of the impact of labor, supply chain, transportation and commodity price challenges are subject to numerous external factors beyond our control, including broader macroeconomic conditions; recessionary fears and/or an economic recession; size, location, and qualifications of the labor pool; wage and price structures; adoption of new or revised regulations; geopolitical conflicts and responses and supply and demand for commodities. As we experience inflationary cost pressures, we focus on our pricing efforts, as well as operating efficiencies and cost controls, to maintain our earnings and cash flow and facilitate growth. With these macroeconomic pressures, we remain committed to putting our people first to ensure that they are well positioned to execute our daily operations diligently and safely. We remain focused on delivering outstanding customer service, managing our variable costs with changing volumes and investing in technology that will enhance our customers’ experience and provide operating efficiencies intended to reduce our cost to serve.Current Year Financial ResultsDuring 2023, we continued to focus on our priorities to advance our strategy—enhancing employee engagement, permanently reducing our cost to serve through the use of technology and automation, and investing in growth through our Recycling Processing and Sales and WM Renewable Energy segments. This strategic focus, combined with strong operational execution, resulted in increased revenue, income from operations and income from operations margin. We remain diligent in offering a competitive and differentiated service that meets the needs of our customers, and we are focused on driving operating efficiencies and reducing discretionary spend. We continue to invest in our people through paying a competitive market wage, investments in our digital platform and training for our team members. We also continue to make investments in automation and optimization to enhance our operational efficiency and improve labor productivity for all lines of business. During 2023, the Company allocated $2,895 million of available cash to capital expenditures. We also allocated $2,438 million of available cash to our shareholders during 2023 through dividends and common stock repurchases.Key elements of our 2023 financial results include:●Revenues of $20,426 million for 2023 compared with $19,698 million in 2022, an increase of $728 million, or 3.7%. The increase is primarily attributable to (i) higher yield in our Collection and Disposal businesses; (ii) acquisitions, net of divestitures and (iii) increased volumes. These increases were partially offset by commodity price declines in our Recycling Processing and Sales and WM Renewable Energy segments and decreased revenue from our energy surcharge program as a result of a decline in the price of fuel, particularly diesel;●Operating expenses of $12,606 million in 2023, or 61.7% of revenues, compared with $12,294 million, or 62.4% of revenues, in 2022. The $312 million increase is primarily attributable to (i) inflationary cost pressures, particularly for maintenance and repairs and subcontractor costs and (ii) labor cost pressure from wage increases. These increases were offset, in part, by commodity driven business impacts from lower recycling rebates reflected in costs of goods sold and lower fuel prices;●Selling, general and administrative expenses of $1,926 million in 2023, or 9.4% of revenues, compared with $1,938 million, or 9.8% of revenues, in 2022. The $12 million decrease was primarily due to (i) reduced professional fees in connection with investments in our digital platform, as certain digital projects have moved from higher cost development activities to implementation activities and (ii) lower annual incentive compensation costs;●Income from operations of $3,575 million, or 17.5% of revenues, in 2023 compared with $3,365 million, or 17.1% of revenues, in 2022. The increase in the current year earnings was primarily driven by revenue growth within our Collection and Disposal businesses partially offset by (i) impairments within our Recycling Processing and Sales segment as well as certain investments in our Corporate and Other operations; (ii) lower market values for RINs and (iii) the decline in recycling commodity prices affecting profitability in our Recycling Processing and Sales segment;●Net income attributable to Waste Management, Inc. was $2,304 million, or $5.66 per diluted share, compared with $2,238 million, or $5.39 per diluted share, in 2022. The increase in income from operations discussed above was partially offset by higher interest and income tax expense;42 Table of Contents Table of Contents Table of Contents to protect against the down-side risk by spreading the inherent risk of changes in commodity prices across the vertically integrated value chain. The extent and duration of the impact of labor, supply chain, transportation and commodity price challenges are subject to numerous external factors beyond our control, including broader macroeconomic conditions; recessionary fears and/or an economic recession; size, location, and qualifications of the labor pool; wage and price structures; adoption of new or revised regulations; geopolitical conflicts and responses and supply and demand for commodities. As we experience inflationary cost pressures, we focus on our pricing efforts, as well as operating efficiencies and cost controls, to maintain our earnings and cash flow and facilitate growth. With these macroeconomic pressures, we remain committed to putting our people first to ensure that they are well positioned to execute our daily operations diligently and safely. We remain focused on delivering outstanding customer service, managing our variable costs with changing volumes and investing in technology that will enhance our customers’ experience and provide operating efficiencies intended to reduce our cost to serve.Current Year Financial ResultsDuring 2023, we continued to focus on our priorities to advance our strategy—enhancing employee engagement, permanently reducing our cost to serve through the use of technology and automation, and investing in growth through our Recycling Processing and Sales and WM Renewable Energy segments. This strategic focus, combined with strong operational execution, resulted in increased revenue, income from operations and income from operations margin. We remain diligent in offering a competitive and differentiated service that meets the needs of our customers, and we are focused on driving operating efficiencies and reducing discretionary spend. We continue to invest in our people through paying a competitive market wage, investments in our digital platform and training for our team members. We also continue to make investments in automation and optimization to enhance our operational efficiency and improve labor productivity for all lines of business. During 2023, the Company allocated $2,895 million of available cash to capital expenditures. We also allocated $2,438 million of available cash to our shareholders during 2023 through dividends and common stock repurchases.Key elements of our 2023 financial results include:●Revenues of $20,426 million for 2023 compared with $19,698 million in 2022, an increase of $728 million, or 3.7%. The increase is primarily attributable to (i) higher yield in our Collection and Disposal businesses; (ii) acquisitions, net of divestitures and (iii) increased volumes. These increases were partially offset by commodity price declines in our Recycling Processing and Sales and WM Renewable Energy segments and decreased revenue from our energy surcharge program as a result of a decline in the price of fuel, particularly diesel;●Operating expenses of $12,606 million in 2023, or 61.7% of revenues, compared with $12,294 million, or 62.4% of revenues, in 2022. The $312 million increase is primarily attributable to (i) inflationary cost pressures, particularly for maintenance and repairs and subcontractor costs and (ii) labor cost pressure from wage increases. These increases were offset, in part, by commodity driven business impacts from lower recycling rebates reflected in costs of goods sold and lower fuel prices;●Selling, general and administrative expenses of $1,926 million in 2023, or 9.4% of revenues, compared with $1,938 million, or 9.8% of revenues, in 2022. The $12 million decrease was primarily due to (i) reduced professional fees in connection with investments in our digital platform, as certain digital projects have moved from higher cost development activities to implementation activities and (ii) lower annual incentive compensation costs;●Income from operations of $3,575 million, or 17.5% of revenues, in 2023 compared with $3,365 million, or 17.1% of revenues, in 2022. The increase in the current year earnings was primarily driven by revenue growth within our Collection and Disposal businesses partially offset by (i) impairments within our Recycling Processing and Sales segment as well as certain investments in our Corporate and Other operations; (ii) lower market values for RINs and (iii) the decline in recycling commodity prices affecting profitability in our Recycling Processing and Sales segment;●Net income attributable to Waste Management, Inc. was $2,304 million, or $5.66 per diluted share, compared with $2,238 million, or $5.39 per diluted share, in 2022. The increase in income from operations discussed above was partially offset by higher interest and income tax expense; to protect against the down-side risk by spreading the inherent risk of changes in commodity prices across the vertically integrated value chain. The extent and duration of the impact of labor, supply chain, transportation and commodity price challenges are subject to numerous external factors beyond our control, including broader macroeconomic conditions; recessionary fears and/or an economic recession; size, location, and qualifications of the labor pool; wage and price structures; adoption of new or revised regulations; geopolitical conflicts and responses and supply and demand for commodities. As we experience inflationary cost pressures, we focus on our pricing efforts, as well as operating efficiencies and cost controls, to maintain our earnings and cash flow and facilitate growth. With these macroeconomic pressures, we remain committed to putting our people first to ensure that they are well positioned to execute our daily operations diligently and safely. We remain focused on delivering outstanding customer service, managing our variable costs with changing volumes and investing in technology that will enhance our customers’ experience and provide operating efficiencies intended to reduce our cost to serve."
    },
    {
      "status": "MODIFIED",
      "current_title": "Our sustainability growth strategy includes significant planned and ongoing investments in our WM Renewable Energy segment; changes to federal and state renewable fuel policies could affect our financial performance, and such investments may not yield the results anticipated.",
      "prior_title": "Our sustainability growth strategy includes significant planned and ongoing investments in our WM Renewable Energy segment; changes to federal and state renewable fuel policies could affect our financial performance, and such investments may not yield the results anticipated.",
      "similarity_score": 0.748,
      "confidence": "medium",
      "key_changes": [
        "Reworded sentence: \"The primary drivers of renewable fuel development at our landfills are tax policies, such as the federal tax credits for RNG production and renewable electricity generation under the IRA, and federal and state incentive programs, such as the federal Renewable Fuel Standard (“RFS”) program, the California Low Carbon Fuel Standard and similar state programs that promote the production and use of renewable transportation fuels.\"",
        "Reworded sentence: \"The value of the RINs is set through a market established by the RFS program, which market has historically been very volatile.\"",
        "Reworded sentence: \"For example, wildfires influenced by climate change can damage landfill infrastructure such as gas collection systems, and extreme rain events and flooding in low-lying areas enhanced by sea level rise can result in greater maintenance expenses at our facilities, service disruption, erosion of the protective vegetative caps on our landfills and increased volumes of leachate to manage.\"",
        "Reworded sentence: \"Existing technology presents challenges to our ability to quantify landfill emissions precisely.\"",
        "Removed sentence: \"Additionally, existing technology presents challenges to our ability to quantify landfill emissions precisely.\""
      ],
      "current_body": "The primary drivers of renewable fuel development at our landfills are tax policies, such as the federal tax credits for RNG production and renewable electricity generation under the IRA, and federal and state incentive programs, such as the federal Renewable Fuel Standard (“RFS”) program, the California Low Carbon Fuel Standard and similar state programs that promote the production and use of renewable transportation fuels. At the federal level, oil refiners and importers are required through the RFS program to blend specified volumes of renewable transportation fuels with gasoline or buy RINs, from renewable fuel producers. The Company has invested, and continues to invest, in facilities that capture and process landfill gas into RNG so that we can participate in the RFS program, and the Company has grown and stated its intention to continue to grow its asset base to increase its RNG production. RINs prices generally respond to regulations enacted by the EPA, as well as fluctuations in supply and demand. The value of the RINs is set through a market established by the RFS program, which market has historically been very volatile. The new U.S. presidential administration could seek to reduce existing renewable fuel targets in a new rulemaking or otherwise set reduced targets for renewable fuels under the RFS program in future rulemakings. Moreover, consistent with its prior approach, the new administration may also increase the frequency with which it grants small refinery exemptions from RFS program requirements. While we cannot predict what actions the new administration may take with respect to the RFS program, any changes to existing or future renewable fuel targets or more frequent approval of requests for small 38 38 Table of Contentsrefinery exemptions could have a significant negative impact on demand for renewable fuels and the value of RINs. See Item 1. Business – Regulation – Recent Developments and Focus Areas in Policy and Regulation – WM Renewable Energy for additional information. Changes and volatility in the RINs market, or changes in the structure of the RFS program or other clean fuel standard programs, can and has impacted the financial performance of our facilities. Such changes could impact or alter our projected future investments, and such investments may not yield the results anticipated.The impact of climate change, and the adoption of climate change legislation or regulations restricting emissions of GHGs, could increase our costs to operate.We continue to assess the physical risks, such as sea-level rise, catastrophic storms and other extreme weather conditions and long-term shifts in climate patterns, and transition risks, such as regulatory, market, policy, and technology changes, to our operations from the effects of climate change. These risks are expected to be unpredictable and widespread. Although we have made investments to mitigate risk associated with severe storm events, damage to our facilities or disruption of service caused by more frequent or more severe storms associated with climate extremes could negatively impact operating results. We have also identified risk to our assets and our employees associated with drought or water scarcity, flooding, extreme heat and rain events, and fire conditions associated with climate change. For example, wildfires influenced by climate change can damage landfill infrastructure such as gas collection systems, and extreme rain events and flooding in low-lying areas enhanced by sea level rise can result in greater maintenance expenses at our facilities, service disruption, erosion of the protective vegetative caps on our landfills and increased volumes of leachate to manage. Those areas of the country most prone to these occurrences have protocols in place, or are developing protocols to address these conditions, including employee safety, driver training, and equipment and facility protection protocols. We have incurred and will incur costs to develop and implement these protocols, and these protocols may not be effective in offsetting these risks. Additionally, the actions of others in response to climate change effects, such as rolling power blackouts, can result in service disruptions and increase our costs to operate.Our landfill operations emit methane, identified as a GHG. Existing technology presents challenges to our ability to quantify landfill emissions precisely. Ongoing review by government agencies of emerging methane measurement technologies and related regulatory developments could result in changes to how we have historically reported GHG emissions and may result in increases in such emissions reported for our operations. Such regulatory developments could also result in increased compliance costs and adversely affect our operations. Specifically, see Item 1. Business – Regulation – Recent Developments and Focus Areas in Policy and Regulation – Climate and Sustainability for additional information.Meanwhile, a number of legislative and regulatory efforts at the state, provincial, regional and federal levels and internationally aim to cap and/or curtail the emission of GHGs to ameliorate the effect of climate change, and otherwise to promote adaptation to climate change, support the transition to a low-carbon economy, and require disclosure of climate-related matters. We continue to monitor these efforts and the potential impacts to our operations. Should comprehensive federal climate change legislation be enacted, we expect it could impose operational and compliance costs that might not be offset by the revenue increases associated with our lower-carbon service options, the materiality of which we cannot predict. Climate change laws and regulations could also result in increased operational costs or disruption to the business of our customers, potentially impacting our operations and financial condition. We could experience damage to our reputation and brand, including as a result of a failure or perceived failure to respond responsibly and effectively to changes in legal and regulatory measures adopted to address climate change.​Failure to maintain an effective system of internal control over financial reporting, due to technology issues, difficulties integrating Stericycle’s operations and systems, or otherwise, could adversely affect our ability to provide accurate and timely financial statements, which may harm our business and reputation.It is critical that we maintain an effective system of internal control over financial reporting. As described further in Item 9A. Controls and Procedures, in accordance with SEC staff guidance, we have excluded Stericycle from the assessment of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2024 contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K; however, this exclusion may not extend beyond one year from the November 4, 2024 closing date. We are in the process of integrating Stericycle’s operations and systems to ensure the effectiveness of the internal control over financial reporting for this acquired business. Establishing, testing and maintaining an effective system of internal control over financial reporting requires significant resources and time commitments on the part of our management and our finance staff, and the time and 39 Table of Contents Table of Contents Table of Contents refinery exemptions could have a significant negative impact on demand for renewable fuels and the value of RINs. See Item 1. Business – Regulation – Recent Developments and Focus Areas in Policy and Regulation – WM Renewable Energy for additional information. Changes and volatility in the RINs market, or changes in the structure of the RFS program or other clean fuel standard programs, can and has impacted the financial performance of our facilities. Such changes could impact or alter our projected future investments, and such investments may not yield the results anticipated.The impact of climate change, and the adoption of climate change legislation or regulations restricting emissions of GHGs, could increase our costs to operate.We continue to assess the physical risks, such as sea-level rise, catastrophic storms and other extreme weather conditions and long-term shifts in climate patterns, and transition risks, such as regulatory, market, policy, and technology changes, to our operations from the effects of climate change. These risks are expected to be unpredictable and widespread. Although we have made investments to mitigate risk associated with severe storm events, damage to our facilities or disruption of service caused by more frequent or more severe storms associated with climate extremes could negatively impact operating results. We have also identified risk to our assets and our employees associated with drought or water scarcity, flooding, extreme heat and rain events, and fire conditions associated with climate change. For example, wildfires influenced by climate change can damage landfill infrastructure such as gas collection systems, and extreme rain events and flooding in low-lying areas enhanced by sea level rise can result in greater maintenance expenses at our facilities, service disruption, erosion of the protective vegetative caps on our landfills and increased volumes of leachate to manage. Those areas of the country most prone to these occurrences have protocols in place, or are developing protocols to address these conditions, including employee safety, driver training, and equipment and facility protection protocols. We have incurred and will incur costs to develop and implement these protocols, and these protocols may not be effective in offsetting these risks. Additionally, the actions of others in response to climate change effects, such as rolling power blackouts, can result in service disruptions and increase our costs to operate.Our landfill operations emit methane, identified as a GHG. Existing technology presents challenges to our ability to quantify landfill emissions precisely. Ongoing review by government agencies of emerging methane measurement technologies and related regulatory developments could result in changes to how we have historically reported GHG emissions and may result in increases in such emissions reported for our operations. Such regulatory developments could also result in increased compliance costs and adversely affect our operations. Specifically, see Item 1. Business – Regulation – Recent Developments and Focus Areas in Policy and Regulation – Climate and Sustainability for additional information.Meanwhile, a number of legislative and regulatory efforts at the state, provincial, regional and federal levels and internationally aim to cap and/or curtail the emission of GHGs to ameliorate the effect of climate change, and otherwise to promote adaptation to climate change, support the transition to a low-carbon economy, and require disclosure of climate-related matters. We continue to monitor these efforts and the potential impacts to our operations. Should comprehensive federal climate change legislation be enacted, we expect it could impose operational and compliance costs that might not be offset by the revenue increases associated with our lower-carbon service options, the materiality of which we cannot predict. Climate change laws and regulations could also result in increased operational costs or disruption to the business of our customers, potentially impacting our operations and financial condition. We could experience damage to our reputation and brand, including as a result of a failure or perceived failure to respond responsibly and effectively to changes in legal and regulatory measures adopted to address climate change.​Failure to maintain an effective system of internal control over financial reporting, due to technology issues, difficulties integrating Stericycle’s operations and systems, or otherwise, could adversely affect our ability to provide accurate and timely financial statements, which may harm our business and reputation.It is critical that we maintain an effective system of internal control over financial reporting. As described further in Item 9A. Controls and Procedures, in accordance with SEC staff guidance, we have excluded Stericycle from the assessment of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2024 contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K; however, this exclusion may not extend beyond one year from the November 4, 2024 closing date. We are in the process of integrating Stericycle’s operations and systems to ensure the effectiveness of the internal control over financial reporting for this acquired business. Establishing, testing and maintaining an effective system of internal control over financial reporting requires significant resources and time commitments on the part of our management and our finance staff, and the time and refinery exemptions could have a significant negative impact on demand for renewable fuels and the value of RINs. See Item 1. Business – Regulation – Recent Developments and Focus Areas in Policy and Regulation – WM Renewable Energy for additional information. Changes and volatility in the RINs market, or changes in the structure of the RFS program or other clean fuel standard programs, can and has impacted the financial performance of our facilities. Such changes could impact or alter our projected future investments, and such investments may not yield the results anticipated.The impact of climate change, and the adoption of climate change legislation or regulations restricting emissions of GHGs, could increase our costs to operate.We continue to assess the physical risks, such as sea-level rise, catastrophic storms and other extreme weather conditions and long-term shifts in climate patterns, and transition risks, such as regulatory, market, policy, and technology changes, to our operations from the effects of climate change. These risks are expected to be unpredictable and widespread. Although we have made investments to mitigate risk associated with severe storm events, damage to our facilities or disruption of service caused by more frequent or more severe storms associated with climate extremes could negatively impact operating results. We have also identified risk to our assets and our employees associated with drought or water scarcity, flooding, extreme heat and rain events, and fire conditions associated with climate change. For example, wildfires influenced by climate change can damage landfill infrastructure such as gas collection systems, and extreme rain events and flooding in low-lying areas enhanced by sea level rise can result in greater maintenance expenses at our facilities, service disruption, erosion of the protective vegetative caps on our landfills and increased volumes of leachate to manage. Those areas of the country most prone to these occurrences have protocols in place, or are developing protocols to address these conditions, including employee safety, driver training, and equipment and facility protection protocols. We have incurred and will incur costs to develop and implement these protocols, and these protocols may not be effective in offsetting these risks. Additionally, the actions of others in response to climate change effects, such as rolling power blackouts, can result in service disruptions and increase our costs to operate.Our landfill operations emit methane, identified as a GHG. Existing technology presents challenges to our ability to quantify landfill emissions precisely. Ongoing review by government agencies of emerging methane measurement technologies and related regulatory developments could result in changes to how we have historically reported GHG emissions and may result in increases in such emissions reported for our operations. Such regulatory developments could also result in increased compliance costs and adversely affect our operations. Specifically, see Item 1. Business – Regulation – Recent Developments and Focus Areas in Policy and Regulation – Climate and Sustainability for additional information.Meanwhile, a number of legislative and regulatory efforts at the state, provincial, regional and federal levels and internationally aim to cap and/or curtail the emission of GHGs to ameliorate the effect of climate change, and otherwise to promote adaptation to climate change, support the transition to a low-carbon economy, and require disclosure of climate-related matters. We continue to monitor these efforts and the potential impacts to our operations. Should comprehensive federal climate change legislation be enacted, we expect it could impose operational and compliance costs that might not be offset by the revenue increases associated with our lower-carbon service options, the materiality of which we cannot predict. Climate change laws and regulations could also result in increased operational costs or disruption to the business of our customers, potentially impacting our operations and financial condition. We could experience damage to our reputation and brand, including as a result of a failure or perceived failure to respond responsibly and effectively to changes in legal and regulatory measures adopted to address climate change.​Failure to maintain an effective system of internal control over financial reporting, due to technology issues, difficulties integrating Stericycle’s operations and systems, or otherwise, could adversely affect our ability to provide accurate and timely financial statements, which may harm our business and reputation.It is critical that we maintain an effective system of internal control over financial reporting. As described further in Item 9A. Controls and Procedures, in accordance with SEC staff guidance, we have excluded Stericycle from the assessment of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2024 contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K; however, this exclusion may not extend beyond one year from the November 4, 2024 closing date. We are in the process of integrating Stericycle’s operations and systems to ensure the effectiveness of the internal control over financial reporting for this acquired business. Establishing, testing and maintaining an effective system of internal control over financial reporting requires significant resources and time commitments on the part of our management and our finance staff, and the time and refinery exemptions could have a significant negative impact on demand for renewable fuels and the value of RINs. See Item 1. Business – Regulation – Recent Developments and Focus Areas in Policy and Regulation – WM Renewable Energy for additional information. Changes and volatility in the RINs market, or changes in the structure of the RFS program or other clean fuel standard programs, can and has impacted the financial performance of our facilities. Such changes could impact or alter our projected future investments, and such investments may not yield the results anticipated.",
      "prior_body": "The primary drivers of renewable fuel development at our landfills are tax policies, such as the recently expanded federal tax credits for RNG production and renewable electricity generation, and federal and state incentive programs, such as the federal Renewable Fuel Standard (“RFS”) program and the California Low Carbon Fuel Standard. At the federal level, oil refiners and importers are required through the RFS program to blend specified volumes of renewable transportation fuels with gasoline or buy credits, referred to as RINs, from renewable fuel producers. The Company has invested, and continues to invest, in facilities that capture and convert landfill gas into RNG, and also works with facilities that capture and convert dairy digester gas into RNG, so that we can participate in the program, and the Company has stated its intention to grow its asset base to notably increase its RNG production by 2026. RINs prices generally respond to regulations enacted by the EPA, as well as fluctuations in supply and demand. The value of the RINs associated with RNG is set through a market established by the program, which market has historically been very volatile. Prior to 2022, the EPA had promulgated rules on an annual basis establishing refiners’ obligations to purchase RNG and other cellulosic biofuels under the RFS program, which introduced a level of uncertainty into the renewable fuels and RINs market. However, in 2023, the EPA issued a highly anticipated rule establishing biofuel blending volumes under the RFS program for compliance years 2023 through 2025. The rule reflected the outsized role of biogas under the program, delivered on many reforms that benefit the solid waste sector, and recognized the continued growth of the market for RNG in vehicle applications. However, we cannot be certain that these changes, or the outcome of litigation challenging various 31 31 Table of Contentsaspects of the rule, will ultimately reduce volatility in the RINs market or that future rulemakings will be similarly favorable to our business. Additionally, the Company’s sustainability growth strategy is informed by the increased adoption of state and Canadian clean fuel standard programs, utility policies, and voluntary market demand for RNG in transportation and industrial applications. Clean fuel standard programs operate similar to the RFS program in that certain regulated parties purchase credits from fuel producers, including RNG producers, to meet their carbon intensity obligations. Like RINs, clean fuel standard program credit values can fluctuate with policy and market dynamics. Changes and volatility in the RFS market or other markets, or changes in the structure of the RFS program or other clean fuel standard programs, can and has impacted the financial performance of the facilities constructed to capture and treat the gas. Such changes could impact or alter our projected future investments, and such investments may not yield the results anticipated.The impact of climate change, and the adoption of climate change legislation or regulations restricting emissions of GHGs, could increase our costs to operate.We continue to assess the physical risks, such as sea-level rise, catastrophic storms and other extreme weather conditions and long-term shifts in climate patterns, and transition risks, such as regulatory, market, policy, and technology changes, to our operations from the effects of climate change. These risks are expected to be unpredictable and widespread. Although we have made investments to mitigate risk associated with severe storm events, damage to our facilities or disruption of service caused by more frequent or more severe storms associated with climate extremes could negatively impact operating results. We have also identified risk to our assets and our employees associated with drought or water scarcity, flooding, extreme heat and rain events, and fire conditions associated with climate change. For example, wildfires influenced by climate change can damage landfill infrastructure such as gas collection systems, flooding in low-lying areas enhanced by sea level rise can result in greater maintenance expenses at our facilities and service disruption, and more frequent or extreme rain events can erode the protective vegetative caps on our landfills and generate increased volumes of leachate to manage. Those areas of the country most prone to these occurrences have protocols in place, or are developing protocols to address these conditions, including employee safety, driver training, and equipment and facility protection protocols. We have incurred and will incur costs to develop and implement these protocols, and these protocols may not be effective in offsetting these risks. Additionally, the actions of others in response to climate change effects, such as rolling power blackouts, can result in service disruptions and increase our costs to operate.Our landfill operations emit methane, identified as a GHG. Research efforts have demonstrated that observing landfills utilizing a combination of aerial and surface-based technologies has the potential to advance understanding of methane emissions from our sites. Meanwhile, a number of legislative and regulatory efforts at the state, provincial, regional and federal levels aim to cap and/or curtail the emission of GHGs to ameliorate the effect of climate change, and otherwise to promote adaptation to climate change, support the transition to a low-carbon economy, and require disclosure of climate-related matters. We continue to monitor these efforts and the potential impacts to our operations. Additionally, existing technology presents challenges to our ability to quantify landfill emissions precisely. In 2024, both the EPA and Environment and Climate Change Canada (“ECCC”) are expected to evaluate landfill emissions standards that may require the application of various emerging methane measurement technologies. The EPA has indicated that methane emissions from landfills will be a focus of its expanded National Enforcement and Compliance Initiatives for 2024 through 2027. Both the EPA and the ECCC also plan to develop methods and standards for advanced measurement technologies. Should comprehensive federal climate change legislation be enacted, we expect it could impose operational and compliance costs that might not be offset by the revenue increases associated with our lower-carbon service options, the materiality of which we cannot predict. Climate change laws and regulations could also result in increased operational costs or disruption to the business of our customers, potentially impacting our operations and financial condition. We could also experience damage to our reputation and brand, including as a result of a failure or perceived failure to respond responsibly and effectively to changes in legal and regulatory measures adopted to address climate change. We could be subject to significant fines and penalties, and our reputation could be adversely affected, if our businesses, or third parties with whom we have a relationship, were to fail to comply with U.S. or foreign laws or regulations.Some of our projects and new business may be conducted in countries where corruption has historically been prevalent. It is our policy to comply with all applicable anti-bribery laws, such as the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, and with applicable local laws of the foreign countries in which we operate, and we monitor our local partners’ compliance with such laws as well. Our reputation may be adversely affected if we were reported to be associated with corrupt practices 32 Table of Contents Table of Contents Table of Contents aspects of the rule, will ultimately reduce volatility in the RINs market or that future rulemakings will be similarly favorable to our business. Additionally, the Company’s sustainability growth strategy is informed by the increased adoption of state and Canadian clean fuel standard programs, utility policies, and voluntary market demand for RNG in transportation and industrial applications. Clean fuel standard programs operate similar to the RFS program in that certain regulated parties purchase credits from fuel producers, including RNG producers, to meet their carbon intensity obligations. Like RINs, clean fuel standard program credit values can fluctuate with policy and market dynamics. Changes and volatility in the RFS market or other markets, or changes in the structure of the RFS program or other clean fuel standard programs, can and has impacted the financial performance of the facilities constructed to capture and treat the gas. Such changes could impact or alter our projected future investments, and such investments may not yield the results anticipated.The impact of climate change, and the adoption of climate change legislation or regulations restricting emissions of GHGs, could increase our costs to operate.We continue to assess the physical risks, such as sea-level rise, catastrophic storms and other extreme weather conditions and long-term shifts in climate patterns, and transition risks, such as regulatory, market, policy, and technology changes, to our operations from the effects of climate change. These risks are expected to be unpredictable and widespread. Although we have made investments to mitigate risk associated with severe storm events, damage to our facilities or disruption of service caused by more frequent or more severe storms associated with climate extremes could negatively impact operating results. We have also identified risk to our assets and our employees associated with drought or water scarcity, flooding, extreme heat and rain events, and fire conditions associated with climate change. For example, wildfires influenced by climate change can damage landfill infrastructure such as gas collection systems, flooding in low-lying areas enhanced by sea level rise can result in greater maintenance expenses at our facilities and service disruption, and more frequent or extreme rain events can erode the protective vegetative caps on our landfills and generate increased volumes of leachate to manage. Those areas of the country most prone to these occurrences have protocols in place, or are developing protocols to address these conditions, including employee safety, driver training, and equipment and facility protection protocols. We have incurred and will incur costs to develop and implement these protocols, and these protocols may not be effective in offsetting these risks. Additionally, the actions of others in response to climate change effects, such as rolling power blackouts, can result in service disruptions and increase our costs to operate.Our landfill operations emit methane, identified as a GHG. Research efforts have demonstrated that observing landfills utilizing a combination of aerial and surface-based technologies has the potential to advance understanding of methane emissions from our sites. Meanwhile, a number of legislative and regulatory efforts at the state, provincial, regional and federal levels aim to cap and/or curtail the emission of GHGs to ameliorate the effect of climate change, and otherwise to promote adaptation to climate change, support the transition to a low-carbon economy, and require disclosure of climate-related matters. We continue to monitor these efforts and the potential impacts to our operations. Additionally, existing technology presents challenges to our ability to quantify landfill emissions precisely. In 2024, both the EPA and Environment and Climate Change Canada (“ECCC”) are expected to evaluate landfill emissions standards that may require the application of various emerging methane measurement technologies. The EPA has indicated that methane emissions from landfills will be a focus of its expanded National Enforcement and Compliance Initiatives for 2024 through 2027. Both the EPA and the ECCC also plan to develop methods and standards for advanced measurement technologies. Should comprehensive federal climate change legislation be enacted, we expect it could impose operational and compliance costs that might not be offset by the revenue increases associated with our lower-carbon service options, the materiality of which we cannot predict. Climate change laws and regulations could also result in increased operational costs or disruption to the business of our customers, potentially impacting our operations and financial condition. We could also experience damage to our reputation and brand, including as a result of a failure or perceived failure to respond responsibly and effectively to changes in legal and regulatory measures adopted to address climate change. We could be subject to significant fines and penalties, and our reputation could be adversely affected, if our businesses, or third parties with whom we have a relationship, were to fail to comply with U.S. or foreign laws or regulations.Some of our projects and new business may be conducted in countries where corruption has historically been prevalent. It is our policy to comply with all applicable anti-bribery laws, such as the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, and with applicable local laws of the foreign countries in which we operate, and we monitor our local partners’ compliance with such laws as well. Our reputation may be adversely affected if we were reported to be associated with corrupt practices aspects of the rule, will ultimately reduce volatility in the RINs market or that future rulemakings will be similarly favorable to our business. Additionally, the Company’s sustainability growth strategy is informed by the increased adoption of state and Canadian clean fuel standard programs, utility policies, and voluntary market demand for RNG in transportation and industrial applications. Clean fuel standard programs operate similar to the RFS program in that certain regulated parties purchase credits from fuel producers, including RNG producers, to meet their carbon intensity obligations. Like RINs, clean fuel standard program credit values can fluctuate with policy and market dynamics. Changes and volatility in the RFS market or other markets, or changes in the structure of the RFS program or other clean fuel standard programs, can and has impacted the financial performance of the facilities constructed to capture and treat the gas. Such changes could impact or alter our projected future investments, and such investments may not yield the results anticipated."
    },
    {
      "status": "MODIFIED",
      "current_title": "Supplemental Cash Flow Information",
      "prior_title": "Supplemental Cash Flow Information",
      "similarity_score": 0.747,
      "confidence": "medium",
      "key_changes": [
        "Reworded sentence: \"The following table shows supplemental cash flow information for the year ended December 31 (in millions): ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 2024 2023 2022 Interest, net of capitalized interest ​ $ 530 ​ $ 447 ​ $ 348 Income taxes ​ 656 ​ 636 ​ 736 Accrued capital expenditures ​ 620 ​ 508 ​ 564 ​ During 2024, 2023 and 2022, we had $474 million, $276 million and $225 million, respectively, of non-cash financing activities primarily from our low-income housing investments and new financing leases.\""
      ],
      "current_body": "The following table shows supplemental cash flow information for the year ended December 31 (in millions): ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 2024 2023 2022 Interest, net of capitalized interest ​ $ 530 ​ $ 447 ​ $ 348 Income taxes ​ 656 ​ 636 ​ 736 Accrued capital expenditures ​ 620 ​ 508 ​ 564 ​ During 2024, 2023 and 2022, we had $474 million, $276 million and $225 million, respectively, of non-cash financing activities primarily from our low-income housing investments and new financing leases. These are discussed further in Notes 6 and 8. Additionally, we had approximately $20 million, $25 million and $135 million of non-cash investing activities related to non-cash consideration transferred as part of our acquisitions in 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively. See Note 17 for further discussion of our acquisitions. ​",
      "prior_body": "The following table shows supplemental cash flow information for the year ended December 31 (in millions): ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 2023 2022 2021 Interest, net of capitalized interest ​ $ 447 ​ $ 348 ​ $ 387 Income taxes (a) ​ 636 ​ 736 ​ 370 During 2023, we had $276 million of non-cash financing activities primarily from our low-income housing investment and new financing leases, which are discussed further in Notes 6 and 8. During 2022, we had $225 million of non-cash financing activities primarily from our low-income housing investment and new financing leases. Additionally, we had approximately $25 million and $135 million of non-cash investing activities related to non-cash consideration transferred as part of our acquisitions in 2023 and 2022, respectively. See Note 17 for further discussion of our 2022 acquisitions. During 2021, we had $30 million of non-cash financing activities from new financing leases. Non-cash investing and financing activities are generally excluded from the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. ​"
    },
    {
      "status": "MODIFIED",
      "current_title": "Equity in Net Income (Losses) of Unconsolidated Entities",
      "prior_title": "Equity in Net Losses of Unconsolidated Entities",
      "similarity_score": 0.743,
      "confidence": "medium",
      "key_changes": [
        "Reworded sentence: \"We recognized equity method investment income of $4 million in 2024 and losses of $60 million and $67 million in 2023 and 2022, respectively.\""
      ],
      "current_body": "We recognized equity method investment income of $4 million in 2024 and losses of $60 million and $67 million in 2023 and 2022, respectively. These financial statement impacts are largely related to our noncontrolling interests in entities established to invest in and manage low-income housing properties. In 2024, we adopted Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2023-02, and, as a result, beginning in 2024, the amortization of these investments is recognized as a component of income tax expense. Refer to Notes 2 and 8 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion. We generate tax benefits, including tax credits, from the losses incurred from these investments. The losses are more than offset by the tax benefits generated by these investments as further discussed in Notes 8 and 18 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.",
      "prior_body": "We recognized equity in net losses of unconsolidated entities of $60 million, $67 million and $36 million in 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. The losses for each period were primarily related to our noncontrolling interests in entities established to invest in and manage low-income housing properties. We generate tax benefits, including tax credits, from the losses incurred from these investments. The losses are more than offset by the tax benefits generated by these investments as further discussed in Notes 8 and 18 to the Consolidated Financial Statements."
    },
    {
      "status": "MODIFIED",
      "current_title": "Focus on, and regulation of, sustainability performance and disclosure can result in increased costs, risk of noncompliance, damage to our reputation and related adverse effects.",
      "prior_title": "Market disruption, including labor shortages and supply chain constraints, and macroeconomic pressures, including inflation, have adversely impacted our business and results of operations.",
      "similarity_score": 0.733,
      "confidence": "medium",
      "key_changes": [
        "Reworded sentence: \"The nature, scope, and complexity of matters that our Company must assess, quantify and disclose are expanding due to current, proposed, and recently enacted governmental reporting requirements pertaining to sustainability and climate-related risks and other topics, such as water usage, waste production, labor, human capital, environmental justice, cybersecurity, privacy, and risk oversight.\"",
        "Removed sentence: \"Additionally, the downturn in market prices for recycling commodities that started in the second half of 2022 persisted throughout 2023.\"",
        "Removed sentence: \"The decrease continued 25 25 Table of Contentsto be driven by the slowdown in the global economy, which reduced retail demand and the corresponding need for cardboard packaging to ship retail goods.\"",
        "Added sentence: \"The October 2024 port strike negatively impacted recycling commodity prices, and the risk of another port strike, or global economic slowdown, could impact future prices.\"",
        "Reworded sentence: \"Significant new restrictions and tariffs on foreign trade could have a negative impact on our recycling export business and our cross-border commerce, particularly with Canada, and could increase the cost of certain equipment and other materials used in our operations that we procure from outside the U.S., including our trucks and certain equipment used to implement our sustainability growth strategy.\""
      ],
      "current_body": "The nature, scope, and complexity of matters that our Company must assess, quantify and disclose are expanding due to current, proposed, and recently enacted governmental reporting requirements pertaining to sustainability and climate-related risks and other topics, such as water usage, waste production, labor, human capital, environmental justice, cybersecurity, privacy, and risk oversight. For example, see Item 1. Business – Regulation – Recent Developments and Focus Areas in Policy and Regulation – Climate and Sustainability for information about California’s Climate Corporate Data Accountability Act and Climate-Related Financial Risk Act, the SEC’s climate-related disclosure rule, which is currently stayed pending judicial review, as well as potential international reporting obligations, including the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive. Methodology and timelines for mandatory reporting requirements may be inconsistent with requirements enacted by other governmental entities, including with respect to measuring emissions and requiring a determination of “materiality” that may differ from traditional disclosure requirements under U.S. federal securities laws. Such inconsistency could further increase costs and divert management time and attention. Our industry faces challenges to implement these rapidly developing disclosure requirements, as well as the risk of enforcement actions by governmental and regulatory agencies for noncompliance. Significant expenditures and commitment of time by management, employees and consultants is involved in developing, implementing and overseeing policies, practices, additional disclosures and internal controls related to environmental and sustainability risk and performance. Public statements with respect to sustainability matters are becoming increasingly subject to heightened scrutiny from public and governmental authorities related to the risk of potential “greenwashing,” i.e., misleading information or false claims overstating potential sustainability benefits. We are aware that non-governmental organizations and other private actors have filed lawsuits against companies under various securities and consumer protection laws 31 31 Table of Contentsalleging that certain sustainability-related statements, goals or standards were misleading, false or otherwise deceptive. An inability to implement such policies, practices, and internal controls and maintain compliance with laws and regulations, or a perception among stakeholders that our sustainability disclosures and goals are insufficient or our goals are unattainable, could harm our reputation and competitive position and negatively impact our stock price and business performance.External Economic and Industry Risks​Market disruption, including labor shortages, external strikes, and supply chain constraints, and macroeconomic pressures, including inflation, have recently had, and may in the future have, an adverse impact on our business and results of operations.Market disruption resulting from labor shortages, external labor disputes and strikes (such as the recent port strike) and supply chain and transportation constraints, and macroeconomic pressures, including inflation and rising interest rates, have recently had, and may in the future have, an adverse impact our results and can create risk and uncertainty in financial outlook. Inflation can and has increased costs for the goods and services we purchase, particularly for labor, repair and maintenance, and subcontractor costs. Supply chain activity has largely normalized, but disruption can reduce availability of certain assets used in our business. Aspects of our business rely on third-party transportation providers, and such services have become more limited and expensive. We may also experience margin pressures from commodity-driven business impacts. The October 2024 port strike negatively impacted recycling commodity prices, and the risk of another port strike, or global economic slowdown, could impact future prices. The constrained labor market has resulted in increased costs for wage adjustments, overtime hours and training new hires. If we are not able to overcome limitations on labor availability, it could materially impact our ability to service our customers and our financial results. Significant new restrictions and tariffs on foreign trade could have a negative impact on our recycling export business and our cross-border commerce, particularly with Canada, and could increase the cost of certain equipment and other materials used in our operations that we procure from outside the U.S., including our trucks and certain equipment used to implement our sustainability growth strategy. Geopolitical conflicts and the resulting international responses may also exacerbate market disruption, leading to volatility in commodity prices, impacts on the availability and cost of energy, increased cyberattacks, and vendor and supplier disruptions across the global supply chain. The extent and duration of the impact of these labor market, supply chain, transportation and commodity-price challenges are subject to numerous external factors beyond our control. If such impacts are prolonged and substantial, they could have a material negative effect on our results of operations.Accelerated and pronounced economic pressures, such as rising interest rates and inflationary cost pressures, have impacted and continue to impact our cost structure and capital expenditures. Significant components of our operating expenses vary directly as we experience changes in revenue due to volume and inflation, and we may not be able to dynamically manage our cost structure in response to such changes. A significant portion of our revenue is tied to a price escalation index with a lookback provision, resulting in a timing lag in our ability to recover increased costs under those contracts during periods of rapid inflation. Separately, for many of our customers we provide services under multi-year contracts that can restrict our ability to increase prices and the timing of such increases. Our overall strategic pricing efforts are focused on recovering as much of the inflationary cost increases we experience in our business as possible by increasing our average unit rate, but such efforts may not be successful for various reasons including the pace of inflation, operating cost inefficiencies, contractual limitations, and market responses. The inability to adequately increase prices to offset increased costs and inflationary pressures, or otherwise mitigate the impact of these conditions on our business, will increase our costs of doing business and reduce our margins. The environmental services industry is highly competitive, and if we cannot successfully compete in the marketplace, our business, financial condition and operating results may be materially adversely affected.We encounter intense competition from governmental, quasi-governmental and private sources in all aspects of our operations and when expanding to new lines of business or new markets. We principally compete with large national waste management companies, counties and municipalities that maintain their own waste collection and disposal or recycling operations and regional and local companies of varying sizes and financial resources. The industry also includes companies that specialize in certain discrete areas of waste management, operators of alternative disposal facilities, companies that seek to use parts of the waste stream as feedstock for renewable energy and other by-products, and waste brokers that rely upon haulers in local markets to address customer needs. In recent years, the industry has seen some additional consolidation, though the industry remains intensely competitive. Counties and municipalities may have financial competitive advantages because tax revenues are available to them and tax-exempt financing is more readily available to 32 Table of Contents Table of Contents Table of Contents alleging that certain sustainability-related statements, goals or standards were misleading, false or otherwise deceptive. An inability to implement such policies, practices, and internal controls and maintain compliance with laws and regulations, or a perception among stakeholders that our sustainability disclosures and goals are insufficient or our goals are unattainable, could harm our reputation and competitive position and negatively impact our stock price and business performance.External Economic and Industry Risks​Market disruption, including labor shortages, external strikes, and supply chain constraints, and macroeconomic pressures, including inflation, have recently had, and may in the future have, an adverse impact on our business and results of operations.Market disruption resulting from labor shortages, external labor disputes and strikes (such as the recent port strike) and supply chain and transportation constraints, and macroeconomic pressures, including inflation and rising interest rates, have recently had, and may in the future have, an adverse impact our results and can create risk and uncertainty in financial outlook. Inflation can and has increased costs for the goods and services we purchase, particularly for labor, repair and maintenance, and subcontractor costs. Supply chain activity has largely normalized, but disruption can reduce availability of certain assets used in our business. Aspects of our business rely on third-party transportation providers, and such services have become more limited and expensive. We may also experience margin pressures from commodity-driven business impacts. The October 2024 port strike negatively impacted recycling commodity prices, and the risk of another port strike, or global economic slowdown, could impact future prices. The constrained labor market has resulted in increased costs for wage adjustments, overtime hours and training new hires. If we are not able to overcome limitations on labor availability, it could materially impact our ability to service our customers and our financial results. Significant new restrictions and tariffs on foreign trade could have a negative impact on our recycling export business and our cross-border commerce, particularly with Canada, and could increase the cost of certain equipment and other materials used in our operations that we procure from outside the U.S., including our trucks and certain equipment used to implement our sustainability growth strategy. Geopolitical conflicts and the resulting international responses may also exacerbate market disruption, leading to volatility in commodity prices, impacts on the availability and cost of energy, increased cyberattacks, and vendor and supplier disruptions across the global supply chain. The extent and duration of the impact of these labor market, supply chain, transportation and commodity-price challenges are subject to numerous external factors beyond our control. If such impacts are prolonged and substantial, they could have a material negative effect on our results of operations.Accelerated and pronounced economic pressures, such as rising interest rates and inflationary cost pressures, have impacted and continue to impact our cost structure and capital expenditures. Significant components of our operating expenses vary directly as we experience changes in revenue due to volume and inflation, and we may not be able to dynamically manage our cost structure in response to such changes. A significant portion of our revenue is tied to a price escalation index with a lookback provision, resulting in a timing lag in our ability to recover increased costs under those contracts during periods of rapid inflation. Separately, for many of our customers we provide services under multi-year contracts that can restrict our ability to increase prices and the timing of such increases. Our overall strategic pricing efforts are focused on recovering as much of the inflationary cost increases we experience in our business as possible by increasing our average unit rate, but such efforts may not be successful for various reasons including the pace of inflation, operating cost inefficiencies, contractual limitations, and market responses. The inability to adequately increase prices to offset increased costs and inflationary pressures, or otherwise mitigate the impact of these conditions on our business, will increase our costs of doing business and reduce our margins. The environmental services industry is highly competitive, and if we cannot successfully compete in the marketplace, our business, financial condition and operating results may be materially adversely affected.We encounter intense competition from governmental, quasi-governmental and private sources in all aspects of our operations and when expanding to new lines of business or new markets. We principally compete with large national waste management companies, counties and municipalities that maintain their own waste collection and disposal or recycling operations and regional and local companies of varying sizes and financial resources. The industry also includes companies that specialize in certain discrete areas of waste management, operators of alternative disposal facilities, companies that seek to use parts of the waste stream as feedstock for renewable energy and other by-products, and waste brokers that rely upon haulers in local markets to address customer needs. In recent years, the industry has seen some additional consolidation, though the industry remains intensely competitive. Counties and municipalities may have financial competitive advantages because tax revenues are available to them and tax-exempt financing is more readily available to alleging that certain sustainability-related statements, goals or standards were misleading, false or otherwise deceptive. An inability to implement such policies, practices, and internal controls and maintain compliance with laws and regulations, or a perception among stakeholders that our sustainability disclosures and goals are insufficient or our goals are unattainable, could harm our reputation and competitive position and negatively impact our stock price and business performance.External Economic and Industry Risks​Market disruption, including labor shortages, external strikes, and supply chain constraints, and macroeconomic pressures, including inflation, have recently had, and may in the future have, an adverse impact on our business and results of operations.Market disruption resulting from labor shortages, external labor disputes and strikes (such as the recent port strike) and supply chain and transportation constraints, and macroeconomic pressures, including inflation and rising interest rates, have recently had, and may in the future have, an adverse impact our results and can create risk and uncertainty in financial outlook. Inflation can and has increased costs for the goods and services we purchase, particularly for labor, repair and maintenance, and subcontractor costs. Supply chain activity has largely normalized, but disruption can reduce availability of certain assets used in our business. Aspects of our business rely on third-party transportation providers, and such services have become more limited and expensive. We may also experience margin pressures from commodity-driven business impacts. The October 2024 port strike negatively impacted recycling commodity prices, and the risk of another port strike, or global economic slowdown, could impact future prices. The constrained labor market has resulted in increased costs for wage adjustments, overtime hours and training new hires. If we are not able to overcome limitations on labor availability, it could materially impact our ability to service our customers and our financial results. Significant new restrictions and tariffs on foreign trade could have a negative impact on our recycling export business and our cross-border commerce, particularly with Canada, and could increase the cost of certain equipment and other materials used in our operations that we procure from outside the U.S., including our trucks and certain equipment used to implement our sustainability growth strategy. Geopolitical conflicts and the resulting international responses may also exacerbate market disruption, leading to volatility in commodity prices, impacts on the availability and cost of energy, increased cyberattacks, and vendor and supplier disruptions across the global supply chain. The extent and duration of the impact of these labor market, supply chain, transportation and commodity-price challenges are subject to numerous external factors beyond our control. If such impacts are prolonged and substantial, they could have a material negative effect on our results of operations.Accelerated and pronounced economic pressures, such as rising interest rates and inflationary cost pressures, have impacted and continue to impact our cost structure and capital expenditures. Significant components of our operating expenses vary directly as we experience changes in revenue due to volume and inflation, and we may not be able to dynamically manage our cost structure in response to such changes. A significant portion of our revenue is tied to a price escalation index with a lookback provision, resulting in a timing lag in our ability to recover increased costs under those contracts during periods of rapid inflation. Separately, for many of our customers we provide services under multi-year contracts that can restrict our ability to increase prices and the timing of such increases. Our overall strategic pricing efforts are focused on recovering as much of the inflationary cost increases we experience in our business as possible by increasing our average unit rate, but such efforts may not be successful for various reasons including the pace of inflation, operating cost inefficiencies, contractual limitations, and market responses. The inability to adequately increase prices to offset increased costs and inflationary pressures, or otherwise mitigate the impact of these conditions on our business, will increase our costs of doing business and reduce our margins. The environmental services industry is highly competitive, and if we cannot successfully compete in the marketplace, our business, financial condition and operating results may be materially adversely affected.We encounter intense competition from governmental, quasi-governmental and private sources in all aspects of our operations and when expanding to new lines of business or new markets. We principally compete with large national waste management companies, counties and municipalities that maintain their own waste collection and disposal or recycling operations and regional and local companies of varying sizes and financial resources. The industry also includes companies that specialize in certain discrete areas of waste management, operators of alternative disposal facilities, companies that seek to use parts of the waste stream as feedstock for renewable energy and other by-products, and waste brokers that rely upon haulers in local markets to address customer needs. In recent years, the industry has seen some additional consolidation, though the industry remains intensely competitive. Counties and municipalities may have financial competitive advantages because tax revenues are available to them and tax-exempt financing is more readily available to alleging that certain sustainability-related statements, goals or standards were misleading, false or otherwise deceptive. An inability to implement such policies, practices, and internal controls and maintain compliance with laws and regulations, or a perception among stakeholders that our sustainability disclosures and goals are insufficient or our goals are unattainable, could harm our reputation and competitive position and negatively impact our stock price and business performance.",
      "prior_body": "Macroeconomic pressures, including inflation and rising interest rates, and market disruption resulting in labor market, supply chain and transportation constraints have impacted our results and are continuing. Significant global supply chain disruption has reduced availability of certain assets used in our business, and inflation has increased costs for the goods and services we purchase, particularly for labor, repair and maintenance, and subcontractor costs. Supply chain constraints have caused delayed delivery of fleet, steel containers and other purchases. Aspects of our business rely on third-party transportation providers, and such services have become more limited and expensive. Additionally, the downturn in market prices for recycling commodities that started in the second half of 2022 persisted throughout 2023. The decrease continued 25 25 Table of Contentsto be driven by the slowdown in the global economy, which reduced retail demand and the corresponding need for cardboard packaging to ship retail goods. We may also experience margin pressures from commodity-driven business impacts. The constrained labor market has resulted in increased costs for wage adjustments, overtime hours and training new hires. If we are not able to overcome limitations on labor availability, it could materially impact our ability to service our customers and our financial results. Geopolitical conflicts and the resulting international responses have also exacerbated market disruption, leading to volatility in commodity prices, impacts on the availability and cost of energy, and vendor and supplier disruptions across the global supply chain.Accelerated and pronounced economic pressures, such as rising interest rates and inflationary cost pressure on labor and the goods and services we rely upon to deliver service to our customers, have impacted and continue to impact our cost structure and capital expenditures. Significant components of our operating expenses vary directly as we experience changes in revenue due to volume and a heightened pace of inflation, and we may not be able to dynamically manage our cost structure in response to such changes. A significant portion of our revenue is tied to a price escalation index with a lookback provision, resulting in a timing lag in our ability to recover increased costs under those contracts during periods of rapid inflation. Separately, for many of our customers we provide services under multi-year contracts that can restrict our ability to increase prices and the timing of such increases. Our overall strategic pricing efforts are focused on recovering as much of the inflationary cost increases we experience in our business as possible by increasing our average unit rate, but such efforts may not be successful for various reasons including the pace of inflation, operating cost inefficiencies, contractual limitations, and market responses. The inability to adequately increase prices to offset increased costs and inflationary pressures, or otherwise mitigate the impact of these macroeconomic conditions and market disruptions on our business, will increase our costs of doing business and reduce our margins. The extent and duration of the impact of these labor market, supply chain, transportation and commodity-price challenges are subject to numerous external factors beyond our control, including broader macroeconomic conditions; recessionary fears and/or an economic recession; size, location, and qualifications of the labor pool; wage and price structures; adoption of new or revised regulations; domestic and international political developments, geopolitical conflicts and responses; and supply and demand for recycled materials. If such impacts are prolonged and substantial, they could have a material negative effect on our results of operations.The environmental services industry is highly competitive, and if we cannot successfully compete in the marketplace, our business, financial condition and operating results may be materially adversely affected.We encounter intense competition from governmental, quasi-governmental and private sources in all aspects of our operations. We principally compete with large national waste management companies, counties and municipalities that maintain their own waste collection and disposal or recycling operations and regional and local companies of varying sizes and financial resources. The industry also includes companies that specialize in certain discrete areas of waste management, operators of alternative disposal facilities, companies that seek to use parts of the waste stream as feedstock for renewable energy and other by-products, and waste brokers that rely upon haulers in local markets to address customer needs. In recent years, the industry has seen some additional consolidation, though the industry remains intensely competitive. Counties and municipalities may have financial competitive advantages because tax revenues are available to them and tax-exempt financing is more readily available to them. Also, such governmental units may attempt to impose flow control or other restrictions that would give them a competitive advantage. In addition, some of our competitors may have lower financial expectations, allowing them to reduce their prices to expand sales volume or to win competitively-bid contracts, including large national accounts and exclusive franchise arrangements with municipalities. When this happens, we may lose customers and be unable to execute our pricing strategy, resulting in a negative impact to our revenue growth from yield on base business.Our revenues, earnings and cash flows fluctuate based on changes in commodity prices and may fluctuate substantially without notice in the future.Prices and demand for recyclables fluctuate and are particularly susceptible to volatility based on macroeconomic conditions and regulations. The downturn in market prices for recycling commodities that started in the second half of 2022 continued in 2023. Average market prices for single-stream recycled commodities were down 40% in 2023 when compared to the comparable prior year period. Decreases in the market prices for recycling commodities resulted in a decrease in recycling revenues attributable to yield of $308 million in 2023 as compared to the prior year period. Recycling revenues attributable to yield increased $19 million in 2022 as compared with the prior year period, primarily from higher market prices for recycling commodities in the first half of 2022, before the significant downturn in the second half of 2022. 26 Table of Contents Table of Contents Table of Contents to be driven by the slowdown in the global economy, which reduced retail demand and the corresponding need for cardboard packaging to ship retail goods. We may also experience margin pressures from commodity-driven business impacts. The constrained labor market has resulted in increased costs for wage adjustments, overtime hours and training new hires. If we are not able to overcome limitations on labor availability, it could materially impact our ability to service our customers and our financial results. Geopolitical conflicts and the resulting international responses have also exacerbated market disruption, leading to volatility in commodity prices, impacts on the availability and cost of energy, and vendor and supplier disruptions across the global supply chain.Accelerated and pronounced economic pressures, such as rising interest rates and inflationary cost pressure on labor and the goods and services we rely upon to deliver service to our customers, have impacted and continue to impact our cost structure and capital expenditures. Significant components of our operating expenses vary directly as we experience changes in revenue due to volume and a heightened pace of inflation, and we may not be able to dynamically manage our cost structure in response to such changes. A significant portion of our revenue is tied to a price escalation index with a lookback provision, resulting in a timing lag in our ability to recover increased costs under those contracts during periods of rapid inflation. Separately, for many of our customers we provide services under multi-year contracts that can restrict our ability to increase prices and the timing of such increases. Our overall strategic pricing efforts are focused on recovering as much of the inflationary cost increases we experience in our business as possible by increasing our average unit rate, but such efforts may not be successful for various reasons including the pace of inflation, operating cost inefficiencies, contractual limitations, and market responses. The inability to adequately increase prices to offset increased costs and inflationary pressures, or otherwise mitigate the impact of these macroeconomic conditions and market disruptions on our business, will increase our costs of doing business and reduce our margins. The extent and duration of the impact of these labor market, supply chain, transportation and commodity-price challenges are subject to numerous external factors beyond our control, including broader macroeconomic conditions; recessionary fears and/or an economic recession; size, location, and qualifications of the labor pool; wage and price structures; adoption of new or revised regulations; domestic and international political developments, geopolitical conflicts and responses; and supply and demand for recycled materials. If such impacts are prolonged and substantial, they could have a material negative effect on our results of operations.The environmental services industry is highly competitive, and if we cannot successfully compete in the marketplace, our business, financial condition and operating results may be materially adversely affected.We encounter intense competition from governmental, quasi-governmental and private sources in all aspects of our operations. We principally compete with large national waste management companies, counties and municipalities that maintain their own waste collection and disposal or recycling operations and regional and local companies of varying sizes and financial resources. The industry also includes companies that specialize in certain discrete areas of waste management, operators of alternative disposal facilities, companies that seek to use parts of the waste stream as feedstock for renewable energy and other by-products, and waste brokers that rely upon haulers in local markets to address customer needs. In recent years, the industry has seen some additional consolidation, though the industry remains intensely competitive. Counties and municipalities may have financial competitive advantages because tax revenues are available to them and tax-exempt financing is more readily available to them. Also, such governmental units may attempt to impose flow control or other restrictions that would give them a competitive advantage. In addition, some of our competitors may have lower financial expectations, allowing them to reduce their prices to expand sales volume or to win competitively-bid contracts, including large national accounts and exclusive franchise arrangements with municipalities. When this happens, we may lose customers and be unable to execute our pricing strategy, resulting in a negative impact to our revenue growth from yield on base business.Our revenues, earnings and cash flows fluctuate based on changes in commodity prices and may fluctuate substantially without notice in the future.Prices and demand for recyclables fluctuate and are particularly susceptible to volatility based on macroeconomic conditions and regulations. The downturn in market prices for recycling commodities that started in the second half of 2022 continued in 2023. Average market prices for single-stream recycled commodities were down 40% in 2023 when compared to the comparable prior year period. Decreases in the market prices for recycling commodities resulted in a decrease in recycling revenues attributable to yield of $308 million in 2023 as compared to the prior year period. Recycling revenues attributable to yield increased $19 million in 2022 as compared with the prior year period, primarily from higher market prices for recycling commodities in the first half of 2022, before the significant downturn in the second half of 2022. to be driven by the slowdown in the global economy, which reduced retail demand and the corresponding need for cardboard packaging to ship retail goods. We may also experience margin pressures from commodity-driven business impacts. The constrained labor market has resulted in increased costs for wage adjustments, overtime hours and training new hires. If we are not able to overcome limitations on labor availability, it could materially impact our ability to service our customers and our financial results. Geopolitical conflicts and the resulting international responses have also exacerbated market disruption, leading to volatility in commodity prices, impacts on the availability and cost of energy, and vendor and supplier disruptions across the global supply chain. Accelerated and pronounced economic pressures, such as rising interest rates and inflationary cost pressure on labor and the goods and services we rely upon to deliver service to our customers, have impacted and continue to impact our cost structure and capital expenditures. Significant components of our operating expenses vary directly as we experience changes in revenue due to volume and a heightened pace of inflation, and we may not be able to dynamically manage our cost structure in response to such changes. A significant portion of our revenue is tied to a price escalation index with a lookback provision, resulting in a timing lag in our ability to recover increased costs under those contracts during periods of rapid inflation. Separately, for many of our customers we provide services under multi-year contracts that can restrict our ability to increase prices and the timing of such increases. Our overall strategic pricing efforts are focused on recovering as much of the inflationary cost increases we experience in our business as possible by increasing our average unit rate, but such efforts may not be successful for various reasons including the pace of inflation, operating cost inefficiencies, contractual limitations, and market responses. The inability to adequately increase prices to offset increased costs and inflationary pressures, or otherwise mitigate the impact of these macroeconomic conditions and market disruptions on our business, will increase our costs of doing business and reduce our margins. The extent and duration of the impact of these labor market, supply chain, transportation and commodity-price challenges are subject to numerous external factors beyond our control, including broader macroeconomic conditions; recessionary fears and/or an economic recession; size, location, and qualifications of the labor pool; wage and price structures; adoption of new or revised regulations; domestic and international political developments, geopolitical conflicts and responses; and supply and demand for recycled materials. If such impacts are prolonged and substantial, they could have a material negative effect on our results of operations."
    },
    {
      "status": "MODIFIED",
      "current_title": "The seasonal nature of our business, severe weather events resulting from climate change and event driven projects cause our results to fluctuate, and prior performance may not be indicative of our future results.",
      "prior_title": "We have made significant investments in an extensive natural gas truck fleet, which makes us partially dependent on the availability of natural gas and fueling infrastructure and vulnerable to natural gas prices, and requirements to transition to other vehicle types could impair these investments.",
      "similarity_score": 0.73,
      "confidence": "medium",
      "key_changes": [
        "Reworded sentence: \"Our financial and operating results may fluctuate for many reasons.\"",
        "Reworded sentence: \"While weather-related and other event-driven projects can boost revenues through additional 29 29 Table of Contentswork for a limited time, due to significant start-up costs and other factors, such revenue can generate earnings at comparatively lower margins.\"",
        "Reworded sentence: \"Our stock price may be negatively impacted by interim variations in our results.Damage to our reputation and the value of our brand would negatively impact our business.We believe we have developed a reputation for high-quality service, reliability and social and environmental responsibility, and we believe our brand symbolizes these attributes.\"",
        "Reworded sentence: \"30 Table of Contents Table of Contents Table of Contents work for a limited time, due to significant start-up costs and other factors, such revenue can generate earnings at comparatively lower margins.\"",
        "Reworded sentence: \"Our stock price may be negatively impacted by interim variations in our results.Damage to our reputation and the value of our brand would negatively impact our business.We believe we have developed a reputation for high-quality service, reliability and social and environmental responsibility, and we believe our brand symbolizes these attributes.\""
      ],
      "current_body": "Our financial and operating results may fluctuate for many reasons. Our operating revenues and volumes typically experience seasonal increases in the summer months, that are reflected in second and third quarter revenues and results of operations. Service or operational disruptions caused by severe storms, extended periods of inclement weather or climate events can significantly affect the operating results of the geographic areas affected. Extreme weather events may also lead to supply chain disruption and delayed project development, or disruption of our customers’ businesses, reducing the amount of waste generated by their operations. Conversely, certain destructive weather and climate conditions, such as wildfires in the Western U.S. and hurricanes that most often impact our operations in the Southern and Eastern U.S. during the second half of the year, can increase our revenues in the geographic areas affected as a result of the waste volumes generated by these events. While weather-related and other event-driven projects can boost revenues through additional 29 29 Table of Contentswork for a limited time, due to significant start-up costs and other factors, such revenue can generate earnings at comparatively lower margins. For these and other reasons, operating results in any period may not be indicative of operating results for any other period. Our stock price may be negatively impacted by interim variations in our results.Damage to our reputation and the value of our brand would negatively impact our business.We believe we have developed a reputation for high-quality service, reliability and social and environmental responsibility, and we believe our brand symbolizes these attributes. The WM brand name, trademarks and logos and our reputation are powerful sales and marketing tools, and we devote significant resources to promoting and protecting them. Adverse publicity, whether or not justified, relating to activities by our operations, employees or agents, or challenges to our assertions of social and environmental responsibility, could tarnish our reputation and reduce the value of our brand. (Also see Item 1A. Risk Factors — Focus on, and regulation of, sustainability performance and disclosure can result in increased costs, risk of noncompliance, damage to our reputation and related adverse effects). We have made significant investments in an extensive natural gas truck fleet, which makes us partially dependent on the availability of natural gas and fueling infrastructure and vulnerable to natural gas prices, and requirements to transition away from our current vehicle fleet to electric powered vehicles could impair our investments and result in cost increases and significant additional capital investment.We operate a large fleet of natural gas vehicles, and we plan to continue to invest in these assets for our collection fleet. However, natural gas fueling infrastructure is not yet broadly available in the U.S. and Canada; as a result, we have constructed and operate natural gas fueling stations, some of which also serve the public or pre-approved third parties. It will remain necessary for us to invest capital in fueling infrastructure to power our natural gas fleet. Fluctuations in the price and supply of natural gas or diesel fuel could substantially increase our operating expenses; a reduction in the existing cost differential between natural gas and diesel fuel could materially reduce the benefits we anticipate from our investment in natural gas vehicles. There is increasing pressure to reduce the use of fossil fuel in the heavy-duty truck industry, and some regulatory bodies are pursuing requirements for using alternative engine technology, such as electric powered vehicles, rather than natural gas or diesel vehicles. This is resulting in regulatory actions to advance the adoption of zero-emission vehicles and a shift away from tax incentives and grants for natural gas trucks and RNG infrastructure. See Item 1. Business – Regulation – Investment in Natural Gas Vehicles and Infrastructure for additional information. Regulation mandating an accelerated transition away from natural gas trucks and our remaining diesel vehicles, including the recently acquired Stericycle fleet, to electric powered vehicles would increase our cost to acquire vehicles needed to service our customers, and capital investment required to establish sufficient charging infrastructure could be significant. Additionally, the investments we have made in an industry-leading natural gas fleet and infrastructure could be impaired. Tax incentives and grants that advance the adoption of zero-emissions vehicles and lead to a shift away from natural gas trucks and RNG infrastructure would likely also negatively impact our investments in landfill gas-to-energy facilities.We may not be able to achieve our sustainability-related goals, including reduction of our greenhouse gas (\"GHG\") emissions, or execute on our sustainability-related growth strategy and initiatives, within planned timelines or anticipated budget, which could damage our reputation and negatively impact the benefits anticipated from our investments.Consistent with our Company’s long-standing commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship, we have set goals to reduce our GHG emissions and announced other sustainability-related goals and initiatives. We may not be able to meet such goals or implement such initiatives in the manner or on timelines contemplated due to challenges including, but not limited to, unforeseen costs or delays, changes in how GHG emissions are calculated or otherwise reported, supply chain disruptions, regulatory impacts, integration of acquired assets or businesses, technology limitations or technical difficulties associated with achieving such goals. Changes to our business or asset base that were not contemplated when we set our sustainability-related goals, including the acquisition and integration of Stericycle’s business, assets and operations, could adversely impact our progress towards these goals and require us to adjust them. These changes could negatively impact public perception of our Company and stakeholders may view these changes unfavorably. Also, despite voluntarily announcing such sustainability goals, we may receive pressure from investors or other groups to adopt more aggressive sustainability-related goals that may not be technically, operationally, or financially feasible. 30 Table of Contents Table of Contents Table of Contents work for a limited time, due to significant start-up costs and other factors, such revenue can generate earnings at comparatively lower margins. For these and other reasons, operating results in any period may not be indicative of operating results for any other period. Our stock price may be negatively impacted by interim variations in our results.Damage to our reputation and the value of our brand would negatively impact our business.We believe we have developed a reputation for high-quality service, reliability and social and environmental responsibility, and we believe our brand symbolizes these attributes. The WM brand name, trademarks and logos and our reputation are powerful sales and marketing tools, and we devote significant resources to promoting and protecting them. Adverse publicity, whether or not justified, relating to activities by our operations, employees or agents, or challenges to our assertions of social and environmental responsibility, could tarnish our reputation and reduce the value of our brand. (Also see Item 1A. Risk Factors — Focus on, and regulation of, sustainability performance and disclosure can result in increased costs, risk of noncompliance, damage to our reputation and related adverse effects). We have made significant investments in an extensive natural gas truck fleet, which makes us partially dependent on the availability of natural gas and fueling infrastructure and vulnerable to natural gas prices, and requirements to transition away from our current vehicle fleet to electric powered vehicles could impair our investments and result in cost increases and significant additional capital investment.We operate a large fleet of natural gas vehicles, and we plan to continue to invest in these assets for our collection fleet. However, natural gas fueling infrastructure is not yet broadly available in the U.S. and Canada; as a result, we have constructed and operate natural gas fueling stations, some of which also serve the public or pre-approved third parties. It will remain necessary for us to invest capital in fueling infrastructure to power our natural gas fleet. Fluctuations in the price and supply of natural gas or diesel fuel could substantially increase our operating expenses; a reduction in the existing cost differential between natural gas and diesel fuel could materially reduce the benefits we anticipate from our investment in natural gas vehicles. There is increasing pressure to reduce the use of fossil fuel in the heavy-duty truck industry, and some regulatory bodies are pursuing requirements for using alternative engine technology, such as electric powered vehicles, rather than natural gas or diesel vehicles. This is resulting in regulatory actions to advance the adoption of zero-emission vehicles and a shift away from tax incentives and grants for natural gas trucks and RNG infrastructure. See Item 1. Business – Regulation – Investment in Natural Gas Vehicles and Infrastructure for additional information. Regulation mandating an accelerated transition away from natural gas trucks and our remaining diesel vehicles, including the recently acquired Stericycle fleet, to electric powered vehicles would increase our cost to acquire vehicles needed to service our customers, and capital investment required to establish sufficient charging infrastructure could be significant. Additionally, the investments we have made in an industry-leading natural gas fleet and infrastructure could be impaired. Tax incentives and grants that advance the adoption of zero-emissions vehicles and lead to a shift away from natural gas trucks and RNG infrastructure would likely also negatively impact our investments in landfill gas-to-energy facilities.We may not be able to achieve our sustainability-related goals, including reduction of our greenhouse gas (\"GHG\") emissions, or execute on our sustainability-related growth strategy and initiatives, within planned timelines or anticipated budget, which could damage our reputation and negatively impact the benefits anticipated from our investments.Consistent with our Company’s long-standing commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship, we have set goals to reduce our GHG emissions and announced other sustainability-related goals and initiatives. We may not be able to meet such goals or implement such initiatives in the manner or on timelines contemplated due to challenges including, but not limited to, unforeseen costs or delays, changes in how GHG emissions are calculated or otherwise reported, supply chain disruptions, regulatory impacts, integration of acquired assets or businesses, technology limitations or technical difficulties associated with achieving such goals. Changes to our business or asset base that were not contemplated when we set our sustainability-related goals, including the acquisition and integration of Stericycle’s business, assets and operations, could adversely impact our progress towards these goals and require us to adjust them. These changes could negatively impact public perception of our Company and stakeholders may view these changes unfavorably. Also, despite voluntarily announcing such sustainability goals, we may receive pressure from investors or other groups to adopt more aggressive sustainability-related goals that may not be technically, operationally, or financially feasible. work for a limited time, due to significant start-up costs and other factors, such revenue can generate earnings at comparatively lower margins. For these and other reasons, operating results in any period may not be indicative of operating results for any other period. Our stock price may be negatively impacted by interim variations in our results.Damage to our reputation and the value of our brand would negatively impact our business.We believe we have developed a reputation for high-quality service, reliability and social and environmental responsibility, and we believe our brand symbolizes these attributes. The WM brand name, trademarks and logos and our reputation are powerful sales and marketing tools, and we devote significant resources to promoting and protecting them. Adverse publicity, whether or not justified, relating to activities by our operations, employees or agents, or challenges to our assertions of social and environmental responsibility, could tarnish our reputation and reduce the value of our brand. (Also see Item 1A. Risk Factors — Focus on, and regulation of, sustainability performance and disclosure can result in increased costs, risk of noncompliance, damage to our reputation and related adverse effects). We have made significant investments in an extensive natural gas truck fleet, which makes us partially dependent on the availability of natural gas and fueling infrastructure and vulnerable to natural gas prices, and requirements to transition away from our current vehicle fleet to electric powered vehicles could impair our investments and result in cost increases and significant additional capital investment.We operate a large fleet of natural gas vehicles, and we plan to continue to invest in these assets for our collection fleet. However, natural gas fueling infrastructure is not yet broadly available in the U.S. and Canada; as a result, we have constructed and operate natural gas fueling stations, some of which also serve the public or pre-approved third parties. It will remain necessary for us to invest capital in fueling infrastructure to power our natural gas fleet. Fluctuations in the price and supply of natural gas or diesel fuel could substantially increase our operating expenses; a reduction in the existing cost differential between natural gas and diesel fuel could materially reduce the benefits we anticipate from our investment in natural gas vehicles. There is increasing pressure to reduce the use of fossil fuel in the heavy-duty truck industry, and some regulatory bodies are pursuing requirements for using alternative engine technology, such as electric powered vehicles, rather than natural gas or diesel vehicles. This is resulting in regulatory actions to advance the adoption of zero-emission vehicles and a shift away from tax incentives and grants for natural gas trucks and RNG infrastructure. See Item 1. Business – Regulation – Investment in Natural Gas Vehicles and Infrastructure for additional information. Regulation mandating an accelerated transition away from natural gas trucks and our remaining diesel vehicles, including the recently acquired Stericycle fleet, to electric powered vehicles would increase our cost to acquire vehicles needed to service our customers, and capital investment required to establish sufficient charging infrastructure could be significant. Additionally, the investments we have made in an industry-leading natural gas fleet and infrastructure could be impaired. Tax incentives and grants that advance the adoption of zero-emissions vehicles and lead to a shift away from natural gas trucks and RNG infrastructure would likely also negatively impact our investments in landfill gas-to-energy facilities.We may not be able to achieve our sustainability-related goals, including reduction of our greenhouse gas (\"GHG\") emissions, or execute on our sustainability-related growth strategy and initiatives, within planned timelines or anticipated budget, which could damage our reputation and negatively impact the benefits anticipated from our investments.Consistent with our Company’s long-standing commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship, we have set goals to reduce our GHG emissions and announced other sustainability-related goals and initiatives. We may not be able to meet such goals or implement such initiatives in the manner or on timelines contemplated due to challenges including, but not limited to, unforeseen costs or delays, changes in how GHG emissions are calculated or otherwise reported, supply chain disruptions, regulatory impacts, integration of acquired assets or businesses, technology limitations or technical difficulties associated with achieving such goals. Changes to our business or asset base that were not contemplated when we set our sustainability-related goals, including the acquisition and integration of Stericycle’s business, assets and operations, could adversely impact our progress towards these goals and require us to adjust them. These changes could negatively impact public perception of our Company and stakeholders may view these changes unfavorably. Also, despite voluntarily announcing such sustainability goals, we may receive pressure from investors or other groups to adopt more aggressive sustainability-related goals that may not be technically, operationally, or financially feasible. work for a limited time, due to significant start-up costs and other factors, such revenue can generate earnings at comparatively lower margins. For these and other reasons, operating results in any period may not be indicative of operating results for any other period. Our stock price may be negatively impacted by interim variations in our results.",
      "prior_body": "We operate a large fleet of natural gas vehicles, and we plan to continue to invest in these assets for our collection fleet. However, natural gas fueling infrastructure is not yet broadly available in the U.S. and Canada; as a result, we have constructed and operate natural gas fueling stations, some of which also serve the public or pre-approved third parties. It will remain necessary for us to invest capital in fueling infrastructure to power our natural gas fleet. Additionally, fluctuations in the price and supply of natural gas could substantially increase our operating expenses; a reduction in the existing cost differential between natural gas and diesel fuel could materially reduce the benefits we anticipate from our investment in natural gas vehicles. There is increasing pressure to reduce the use of fossil fuel in the heavy-duty truck industry, and some regulatory bodies are pursuing requirements for using alternative engine technology, such as electric powered vehicles, rather than natural gas or diesel vehicles. This is resulting in regulatory actions to advance the adoption of zero-emission vehicles and a shift away from tax incentives and grants for natural gas trucks and RNG infrastructure. For example, California is at various stages of regulation that would require heavy-duty vehicle fleets to phase-in zero-emissions vehicles. The extent to which other states adopt California’s standards or something similar into their own regulatory frameworks could accelerate the industry-wide adoption of electric vehicles. Although current options for heavy-duty electric vehicles lack sufficient range and proven experience for our operations, we are proactively engaging in pilots of electric powered heavy-duty vehicles and anticipate that we could redirect future planned capital investments in our fleet toward these assets when the vehicles prove economically and operationally viable. Should regulation mandate an accelerated transition to electric powered vehicles, our cost to acquire vehicles needed to service our customers could increase, capital investment required to establish sufficient charging infrastructure could be significant and investments we have made in an industry-leading natural gas fleet and infrastructure could be impaired. In addition, tax incentives and grants that advance the adoption of zero-emissions vehicles and lead to a shift away from natural gas trucks and RNG infrastructure would likely also negatively impact our investments in landfill gas-to-energy facilities. 23 23 Table of ContentsIncreases in our labor costs as a result of labor unions organizing, changes in regulations related to labor unions or increases in employee minimum wages, could adversely affect our future results.Labor unions continually attempt to organize our employees, and these efforts will likely continue in the future. Certain groups of our employees are currently represented by unions, and we have negotiated collective bargaining agreements with these unions. Additional groups of employees may seek union representation in the future, and, if successful, would enhance organized labor’s leverage to obtain higher than expected wage and benefits costs and resist the introduction of new technology and other initiatives, which can result in increased operating expenses and lower net income. If we are unable to negotiate acceptable collective bargaining agreements, our operating expenses could increase significantly as a result of work stoppages, including strikes. Additionally, a large portion of our workforce are hourly personnel, and many of these individuals, particularly in our recycling business, are paid at rates related to federal and state minimum wages. Increases in minimum wage rates, or the enactment of new wage-related legislation, may significantly increase our labor costs. Any of these matters could adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.The seasonal nature of our business, severe weather events resulting from climate change and event driven special projects cause our results to fluctuate, and prior performance may not be indicative of our future results.Our financial and operating results may fluctuate for many reasons. Our operating revenues and volumes typically experience seasonal increases in the summer months, that are reflected in second and third quarter revenues and results of operations. Service or operational disruptions caused by severe storms, extended periods of inclement weather or climate events can significantly affect the operating results of the geographic areas affected. Extreme weather events may also lead to supply chain disruption and delayed project development, or disruption of our customers’ businesses, reducing the amount of waste generated by their operations. Conversely, certain destructive weather and climate conditions, such as wildfires in the Western U.S. and hurricanes that most often impact our operations in the Southern and Eastern U.S. during the second half of the year, can increase our revenues in the geographic areas affected as a result of the waste volumes generated by these events. While weather-related and other event-driven special projects can boost revenues through additional work for a limited time, due to significant start-up costs and other factors, such revenue can generate earnings at comparatively lower margins. For these and other reasons, operating results in any period may not be indicative of operating results for any other period. Our stock price may be negatively impacted by interim variations in our results.We may not be able to achieve our sustainability related goals, including reduction of our greenhouse gas (\"GHG\") emissions, or execute on our sustainability-related growth strategy and initiatives, within planned timelines or anticipated budget, which could damage our reputation and negatively impact the benefits anticipated from our investments.Consistent with our Company’s long-standing commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship, we have set goals to reduce our GHG emissions and announced other sustainability-related goals and initiatives. We may not be able to meet such goals or implement such initiatives in the manner or on timelines contemplated due to challenges including, but not limited to, unforeseen costs or delays, supply chain disruptions, regulatory impacts, technology limitations or technical difficulties associated with achieving such goals. Also, despite voluntarily announcing such sustainability goals, we may receive pressure from investors or other groups to adopt more aggressive sustainability-related goals that may not be technically, operationally, or financially feasible. In addition, our sustainability growth strategy includes significant planned investments in our Recycling Processing and Sales and WM Renewable Energy segments. Our ability to successfully execute our sustainability growth strategy may be impacted by the numerous risks and uncertainties associated with our business and the environmental services industry, including financial and operating performance, availability of technology and financing, changes in regulation, commodity price fluctuation and general economic conditions. (Also see Item 1A. Risk Factors — Our revenues, earnings and cash flows will fluctuate based on changes in commodity prices, and commodity prices for recyclable materials are particularly susceptible to volatility based on macroeconomic conditions and regulations that affect our ability to export products and — Our sustainability growth strategy includes significant planned and ongoing investments in our WM Renewable Energy segment; changes to federal and state renewable fuel policies could affect our financial performance, and such investments may not yield the results anticipated.) Some or all of the expected benefits of our sustainability-related investments and initiatives may not occur within the anticipated time periods or may cost more to achieve than anticipated. An inability to develop, obtain, or scale necessary technology and innovations, and challenges arising from the availability or cost of materials and infrastructure or 24 Table of Contents Table of Contents Table of Contents Increases in our labor costs as a result of labor unions organizing, changes in regulations related to labor unions or increases in employee minimum wages, could adversely affect our future results.Labor unions continually attempt to organize our employees, and these efforts will likely continue in the future. Certain groups of our employees are currently represented by unions, and we have negotiated collective bargaining agreements with these unions. Additional groups of employees may seek union representation in the future, and, if successful, would enhance organized labor’s leverage to obtain higher than expected wage and benefits costs and resist the introduction of new technology and other initiatives, which can result in increased operating expenses and lower net income. If we are unable to negotiate acceptable collective bargaining agreements, our operating expenses could increase significantly as a result of work stoppages, including strikes. Additionally, a large portion of our workforce are hourly personnel, and many of these individuals, particularly in our recycling business, are paid at rates related to federal and state minimum wages. Increases in minimum wage rates, or the enactment of new wage-related legislation, may significantly increase our labor costs. Any of these matters could adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.The seasonal nature of our business, severe weather events resulting from climate change and event driven special projects cause our results to fluctuate, and prior performance may not be indicative of our future results.Our financial and operating results may fluctuate for many reasons. Our operating revenues and volumes typically experience seasonal increases in the summer months, that are reflected in second and third quarter revenues and results of operations. Service or operational disruptions caused by severe storms, extended periods of inclement weather or climate events can significantly affect the operating results of the geographic areas affected. Extreme weather events may also lead to supply chain disruption and delayed project development, or disruption of our customers’ businesses, reducing the amount of waste generated by their operations. Conversely, certain destructive weather and climate conditions, such as wildfires in the Western U.S. and hurricanes that most often impact our operations in the Southern and Eastern U.S. during the second half of the year, can increase our revenues in the geographic areas affected as a result of the waste volumes generated by these events. While weather-related and other event-driven special projects can boost revenues through additional work for a limited time, due to significant start-up costs and other factors, such revenue can generate earnings at comparatively lower margins. For these and other reasons, operating results in any period may not be indicative of operating results for any other period. Our stock price may be negatively impacted by interim variations in our results.We may not be able to achieve our sustainability related goals, including reduction of our greenhouse gas (\"GHG\") emissions, or execute on our sustainability-related growth strategy and initiatives, within planned timelines or anticipated budget, which could damage our reputation and negatively impact the benefits anticipated from our investments.Consistent with our Company’s long-standing commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship, we have set goals to reduce our GHG emissions and announced other sustainability-related goals and initiatives. We may not be able to meet such goals or implement such initiatives in the manner or on timelines contemplated due to challenges including, but not limited to, unforeseen costs or delays, supply chain disruptions, regulatory impacts, technology limitations or technical difficulties associated with achieving such goals. Also, despite voluntarily announcing such sustainability goals, we may receive pressure from investors or other groups to adopt more aggressive sustainability-related goals that may not be technically, operationally, or financially feasible. In addition, our sustainability growth strategy includes significant planned investments in our Recycling Processing and Sales and WM Renewable Energy segments. Our ability to successfully execute our sustainability growth strategy may be impacted by the numerous risks and uncertainties associated with our business and the environmental services industry, including financial and operating performance, availability of technology and financing, changes in regulation, commodity price fluctuation and general economic conditions. (Also see Item 1A. Risk Factors — Our revenues, earnings and cash flows will fluctuate based on changes in commodity prices, and commodity prices for recyclable materials are particularly susceptible to volatility based on macroeconomic conditions and regulations that affect our ability to export products and — Our sustainability growth strategy includes significant planned and ongoing investments in our WM Renewable Energy segment; changes to federal and state renewable fuel policies could affect our financial performance, and such investments may not yield the results anticipated.) Some or all of the expected benefits of our sustainability-related investments and initiatives may not occur within the anticipated time periods or may cost more to achieve than anticipated. An inability to develop, obtain, or scale necessary technology and innovations, and challenges arising from the availability or cost of materials and infrastructure or"
    },
    {
      "status": "MODIFIED",
      "current_title": "Recycling Processing and Sales",
      "prior_title": "Recycling Processing and Sales",
      "similarity_score": 0.729,
      "confidence": "medium",
      "key_changes": [
        "Reworded sentence: \"Recycling Processing and Sales revenues generally consist of tipping fees and the sale of recycling commodities to and/or on behalf of third parties.\"",
        "Reworded sentence: \"As of December 31, 2024, we had 102 landfill gas beneficial use projects producing commercial quantities of methane gas at owned or operated landfills.\"",
        "Reworded sentence: \"For 23 of these projects, the gas is used at the landfill or delivered by pipeline to industrial customers as a direct substitute for fossil fuels in industrial processes.\"",
        "Reworded sentence: \"As of December 31, 2024, we had 102 landfill gas beneficial use projects producing commercial quantities of methane gas at owned or operated landfills.\"",
        "Reworded sentence: \"For 23 of these projects, the gas is used at the landfill or delivered by pipeline to industrial customers as a direct substitute for fossil fuels in industrial processes.\""
      ],
      "current_body": "Our Recycling Processing and Sales segment includes the processing and sales of materials collected from residential, commercial and industrial customers. The materials are delivered to and processed at one of our many recycling facilities. Through our brokerage business, we also manage the marketing of recycling commodities that are processed in our facilities and by third parties by maintaining comprehensive service centers that continuously analyze market prices, logistics, market demands and product quality. Recycling Processing and Sales revenues generally consist of tipping fees and the sale of recycling commodities to and/or on behalf of third parties. Our Recycling Processing and Sales segment excludes the collection of recycled materials 47 47 Table of Contentsfrom our residential, commercial, and industrial customers which is included within our Collection and Disposal businesses.WM Renewable EnergyOur WM Renewable Energy segment develops, operates and promotes projects for the beneficial use of landfill gas. Landfill gas is produced naturally as waste decomposes in a landfill. The methane component of the landfill gas is a readily available, renewable energy source that can be gathered and used beneficially as an alternative to fossil fuel. WM Renewable Energy converts landfill gas into several sources of renewable energy to be sold which include RNG, electricity and capacity, heat and/or steam. WM Renewable Energy also generates and sells (i) RINs under the Renewable Fuel Standard (“RFS”) program; (ii) other credits under a variety of state programs associated with the use of RNG in our compressed natural gas fleet and (iii) RECs associated with the production of electricity. The RINs, RECs, and other credits are sold to counterparties who are obligated under the regulatory programs and have a responsibility to procure RINs, RECs, and other credits proportionate to their fossil fuel production and imports. RINs and RECs prices generally fluctuate in response to regulations enacted by the Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) or other regulatory bodies, as well as changes in supply and demand. As of December 31, 2024, we had 102 landfill gas beneficial use projects producing commercial quantities of methane gas at owned or operated landfills. For 65 of these projects, the processed gas is used to fuel electricity generators. The electricity is then sold to public utilities, municipal utilities or power cooperatives. For 23 of these projects, the gas is used at the landfill or delivered by pipeline to industrial customers as a direct substitute for fossil fuels in industrial processes. For 11 of these projects, the landfill gas is processed to pipeline quality RNG and then sold to natural gas suppliers. Additionally, three of these projects are on third-party landfills. The revenues from these facilities are primarily generated through the sale of RNG, RINs, electricity and capacity, heat and/or steam, RECs and related environmental attributes. WM Renewable Energy is charged a 15% royalty on net operating revenue from these facilities residing on our active and closed landfills from our Collection and Disposal and Corporate and Other businesses, which is eliminated in consolidation. Additionally, WM Renewable Energy operates and maintains seven third-party landfill beneficial gas use projects in return for service revenue. Our Collection and Disposal and Corporate and Other businesses benefit from these projects as well as 52 additional third-party landfill beneficial gas use projects in the form of royalties.WM Healthcare Solutions Our WM Healthcare Solutions segment includes (i) Regulated Waste and Compliance Services (“RWCS”) which provide compliance programs and collection, processing, and disposal of regulated and specialized waste, including medical, pharmaceutical and hazardous waste and (ii) Secure Information Destruction (“SID”) services, which provide for the collection of personal and confidential information for secure destruction and recycling of sorted office paper. RWCS are provided to customers in the U.S., Canada, Ireland and the United Kingdom (“U.K.”). SID services are provided to customers in the U.S., Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, Luxembourg, the Netherlands and the U.K. Our WM Healthcare Solutions customers are primarily in the following industries: enterprise healthcare (i.e., hospitals, health systems, and national and corporate healthcare), practices and care providers (i.e., physician offices, surgery centers, veterinary clinics, nursing and long-term care facilities, dental clinics, clinics and urgent care, dialysis centers, and home health organizations), and pharmacy labs and research centers. Our WM Healthcare Solutions businesses also provide services to airports and seaports, education institutions, funeral homes and crematories, government and military, banks and professional services, and other businesses. While the WM Healthcare Solutions businesses manage large volumes of waste and other materials, the average volume per customer site is relatively small. Our customers typically enter into a contract for the provision of services on a scheduled basis, including weekly, monthly or on an as-needed basis over the contract term. Under the contract terms, the WM Healthcare Solutions businesses receive fees based on a monthly, quarterly or annual rate and/or fees based on contractual rates depending upon measures including the volume, weight, and type of waste. Operating revenues are invoiced based on the terms of the underlying contract either on a regular basis, or as services are performed and are generally due within a short period of time after invoicing based upon normal terms and conditions for our business type and the geography of the services performed.48 Table of Contents Table of Contents Table of Contents from our residential, commercial, and industrial customers which is included within our Collection and Disposal businesses.WM Renewable EnergyOur WM Renewable Energy segment develops, operates and promotes projects for the beneficial use of landfill gas. Landfill gas is produced naturally as waste decomposes in a landfill. The methane component of the landfill gas is a readily available, renewable energy source that can be gathered and used beneficially as an alternative to fossil fuel. WM Renewable Energy converts landfill gas into several sources of renewable energy to be sold which include RNG, electricity and capacity, heat and/or steam. WM Renewable Energy also generates and sells (i) RINs under the Renewable Fuel Standard (“RFS”) program; (ii) other credits under a variety of state programs associated with the use of RNG in our compressed natural gas fleet and (iii) RECs associated with the production of electricity. The RINs, RECs, and other credits are sold to counterparties who are obligated under the regulatory programs and have a responsibility to procure RINs, RECs, and other credits proportionate to their fossil fuel production and imports. RINs and RECs prices generally fluctuate in response to regulations enacted by the Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) or other regulatory bodies, as well as changes in supply and demand. As of December 31, 2024, we had 102 landfill gas beneficial use projects producing commercial quantities of methane gas at owned or operated landfills. For 65 of these projects, the processed gas is used to fuel electricity generators. The electricity is then sold to public utilities, municipal utilities or power cooperatives. For 23 of these projects, the gas is used at the landfill or delivered by pipeline to industrial customers as a direct substitute for fossil fuels in industrial processes. For 11 of these projects, the landfill gas is processed to pipeline quality RNG and then sold to natural gas suppliers. Additionally, three of these projects are on third-party landfills. The revenues from these facilities are primarily generated through the sale of RNG, RINs, electricity and capacity, heat and/or steam, RECs and related environmental attributes. WM Renewable Energy is charged a 15% royalty on net operating revenue from these facilities residing on our active and closed landfills from our Collection and Disposal and Corporate and Other businesses, which is eliminated in consolidation. Additionally, WM Renewable Energy operates and maintains seven third-party landfill beneficial gas use projects in return for service revenue. Our Collection and Disposal and Corporate and Other businesses benefit from these projects as well as 52 additional third-party landfill beneficial gas use projects in the form of royalties.WM Healthcare Solutions Our WM Healthcare Solutions segment includes (i) Regulated Waste and Compliance Services (“RWCS”) which provide compliance programs and collection, processing, and disposal of regulated and specialized waste, including medical, pharmaceutical and hazardous waste and (ii) Secure Information Destruction (“SID”) services, which provide for the collection of personal and confidential information for secure destruction and recycling of sorted office paper. RWCS are provided to customers in the U.S., Canada, Ireland and the United Kingdom (“U.K.”). SID services are provided to customers in the U.S., Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, Luxembourg, the Netherlands and the U.K. Our WM Healthcare Solutions customers are primarily in the following industries: enterprise healthcare (i.e., hospitals, health systems, and national and corporate healthcare), practices and care providers (i.e., physician offices, surgery centers, veterinary clinics, nursing and long-term care facilities, dental clinics, clinics and urgent care, dialysis centers, and home health organizations), and pharmacy labs and research centers. Our WM Healthcare Solutions businesses also provide services to airports and seaports, education institutions, funeral homes and crematories, government and military, banks and professional services, and other businesses. While the WM Healthcare Solutions businesses manage large volumes of waste and other materials, the average volume per customer site is relatively small. Our customers typically enter into a contract for the provision of services on a scheduled basis, including weekly, monthly or on an as-needed basis over the contract term. Under the contract terms, the WM Healthcare Solutions businesses receive fees based on a monthly, quarterly or annual rate and/or fees based on contractual rates depending upon measures including the volume, weight, and type of waste. Operating revenues are invoiced based on the terms of the underlying contract either on a regular basis, or as services are performed and are generally due within a short period of time after invoicing based upon normal terms and conditions for our business type and the geography of the services performed. from our residential, commercial, and industrial customers which is included within our Collection and Disposal businesses.WM Renewable EnergyOur WM Renewable Energy segment develops, operates and promotes projects for the beneficial use of landfill gas. Landfill gas is produced naturally as waste decomposes in a landfill. The methane component of the landfill gas is a readily available, renewable energy source that can be gathered and used beneficially as an alternative to fossil fuel. WM Renewable Energy converts landfill gas into several sources of renewable energy to be sold which include RNG, electricity and capacity, heat and/or steam. WM Renewable Energy also generates and sells (i) RINs under the Renewable Fuel Standard (“RFS”) program; (ii) other credits under a variety of state programs associated with the use of RNG in our compressed natural gas fleet and (iii) RECs associated with the production of electricity. The RINs, RECs, and other credits are sold to counterparties who are obligated under the regulatory programs and have a responsibility to procure RINs, RECs, and other credits proportionate to their fossil fuel production and imports. RINs and RECs prices generally fluctuate in response to regulations enacted by the Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) or other regulatory bodies, as well as changes in supply and demand. As of December 31, 2024, we had 102 landfill gas beneficial use projects producing commercial quantities of methane gas at owned or operated landfills. For 65 of these projects, the processed gas is used to fuel electricity generators. The electricity is then sold to public utilities, municipal utilities or power cooperatives. For 23 of these projects, the gas is used at the landfill or delivered by pipeline to industrial customers as a direct substitute for fossil fuels in industrial processes. For 11 of these projects, the landfill gas is processed to pipeline quality RNG and then sold to natural gas suppliers. Additionally, three of these projects are on third-party landfills. The revenues from these facilities are primarily generated through the sale of RNG, RINs, electricity and capacity, heat and/or steam, RECs and related environmental attributes. WM Renewable Energy is charged a 15% royalty on net operating revenue from these facilities residing on our active and closed landfills from our Collection and Disposal and Corporate and Other businesses, which is eliminated in consolidation. Additionally, WM Renewable Energy operates and maintains seven third-party landfill beneficial gas use projects in return for service revenue. Our Collection and Disposal and Corporate and Other businesses benefit from these projects as well as 52 additional third-party landfill beneficial gas use projects in the form of royalties.WM Healthcare Solutions Our WM Healthcare Solutions segment includes (i) Regulated Waste and Compliance Services (“RWCS”) which provide compliance programs and collection, processing, and disposal of regulated and specialized waste, including medical, pharmaceutical and hazardous waste and (ii) Secure Information Destruction (“SID”) services, which provide for the collection of personal and confidential information for secure destruction and recycling of sorted office paper. RWCS are provided to customers in the U.S., Canada, Ireland and the United Kingdom (“U.K.”). SID services are provided to customers in the U.S., Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, Luxembourg, the Netherlands and the U.K. Our WM Healthcare Solutions customers are primarily in the following industries: enterprise healthcare (i.e., hospitals, health systems, and national and corporate healthcare), practices and care providers (i.e., physician offices, surgery centers, veterinary clinics, nursing and long-term care facilities, dental clinics, clinics and urgent care, dialysis centers, and home health organizations), and pharmacy labs and research centers. Our WM Healthcare Solutions businesses also provide services to airports and seaports, education institutions, funeral homes and crematories, government and military, banks and professional services, and other businesses. While the WM Healthcare Solutions businesses manage large volumes of waste and other materials, the average volume per customer site is relatively small. Our customers typically enter into a contract for the provision of services on a scheduled basis, including weekly, monthly or on an as-needed basis over the contract term. Under the contract terms, the WM Healthcare Solutions businesses receive fees based on a monthly, quarterly or annual rate and/or fees based on contractual rates depending upon measures including the volume, weight, and type of waste. Operating revenues are invoiced based on the terms of the underlying contract either on a regular basis, or as services are performed and are generally due within a short period of time after invoicing based upon normal terms and conditions for our business type and the geography of the services performed. from our residential, commercial, and industrial customers which is included within our Collection and Disposal businesses.",
      "prior_body": "Our Recycling Processing and Sales segment includes the processing and sales of materials collected from residential, commercial and industrial customers. The materials are delivered to and processed at one of our many recycling facilities. Through our brokerage business, we also manage the marketing of recycling commodities that are processed in our facilities and by third parties by maintaining comprehensive service centers that continuously analyze market prices, logistics, market demands and product quality. 39 39 Table of ContentsRecycling Processing and Sales revenues generally consist of tipping fees and the sale of recycling commodities to and/or on behalf of third parties. Our Recycling Processing and Sales segment excludes the collection of recycled materials from our residential, commercial, and industrial customers which is included within our Collection and Disposal businesses.WM Renewable EnergyOur WM Renewable Energy segment develops, operates and promotes projects for the beneficial use of landfill gas. Landfill gas is produced naturally as waste decomposes in a landfill. The methane component of the landfill gas is a readily available, renewable energy source that can be gathered and used beneficially as an alternative to fossil fuel. WM Renewable Energy converts landfill gas into several sources of renewable energy to be sold which include RNG, electricity and capacity, heat and/or steam. WM Renewable Energy also generates and sells (i) RINs under the Renewable Fuel Standard (“RFS”) program; (ii) other credits under a variety of state programs associated with the use of RNG in our compressed natural gas fleet and (iii) RECs associated with the production of electricity. The RINs, RECs, and other credits are sold to counterparties who are obligated under the regulatory programs and have a responsibility to procure RINs, RECs, and other credits proportionate to their fossil fuel production and imports. RINs and RECs prices generally fluctuate in response to regulations enacted by the Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) or other regulatory bodies, as well as changes in supply and demand. As of December 31, 2023, we had 92 landfill gas beneficial use projects producing commercial quantities of methane gas at owned or operated landfills. For 66 of these projects, the processed gas is used to fuel electricity generators. The electricity is then sold to public utilities, municipal utilities or power cooperatives. For 20 of these projects, the gas is used at the landfill or delivered by pipeline to industrial customers as a direct substitute for fossil fuels in industrial processes. For six of these projects, the landfill gas is processed to pipeline quality RNG and then sold to natural gas suppliers. The revenues from these facilities are primarily generated through the sale of RNG, RINs, electricity and capacity, RECs and related environmental attributes. WM Renewable Energy is charged a 15% royalty on net operating revenue from these facilities residing on our active and closed landfills from our Collection and Disposal, and Corporate and Other businesses, which is eliminated in consolidation. Additionally, WM Renewable Energy operates and maintains 12 third-party landfill beneficial gas use projects in return for service revenue. Our Collection and Disposal and Corporate and Other businesses benefit from these projects as well as 32 additional third-party landfill beneficial gas use projects in the form of royalties.Corporate and OtherWe also provide additional services that are not managed through our operating segments, which are presented in this report as Corporate and Other. This includes the activities of our corporate office, including costs associated with our long-term incentive program, expanded service offerings and solutions (such as our investments in businesses and technologies that are designed to offer services and solutions ancillary or supplementary to our current operations) as well as our closed sites. Also included within our Corporate and Other businesses are closed sites that include (i) five third-party power generating facilities converting our landfill gas to fuel electricity generators; (ii) one third-party project delivering our landfill gas by pipeline to industrial customers as a direct substitute for fossil fuels in industrial processes and (iii) one third-party RNG processing landfill gas to be sold to natural gas suppliers in return for a royalty. Additionally, Corporate and Other benefits from a 15% royalty from our WM Renewable Energy segment based on net operating revenue generated through the sale of RNG, RINs, electricity and capacity, RECs and related environmental attributes from the nine landfill beneficial use renewable energy projects owned by WM Renewable Energy on our closed sites, which is eliminated in consolidation.Included in the fees we charge for our services is our energy surcharge and other charges that are intended to pass through costs to customers.Business EnvironmentThe waste industry is a comparatively mature and stable industry. However, customers increasingly expect more of their waste materials to be recovered and those waste streams are becoming more complex. In addition, many state and local governments mandate diversion, recycling and waste reduction at the source and prohibit the disposal of certain types 40 Table of Contents Table of Contents Table of Contents Recycling Processing and Sales revenues generally consist of tipping fees and the sale of recycling commodities to and/or on behalf of third parties. Our Recycling Processing and Sales segment excludes the collection of recycled materials from our residential, commercial, and industrial customers which is included within our Collection and Disposal businesses.WM Renewable EnergyOur WM Renewable Energy segment develops, operates and promotes projects for the beneficial use of landfill gas. Landfill gas is produced naturally as waste decomposes in a landfill. The methane component of the landfill gas is a readily available, renewable energy source that can be gathered and used beneficially as an alternative to fossil fuel. WM Renewable Energy converts landfill gas into several sources of renewable energy to be sold which include RNG, electricity and capacity, heat and/or steam. WM Renewable Energy also generates and sells (i) RINs under the Renewable Fuel Standard (“RFS”) program; (ii) other credits under a variety of state programs associated with the use of RNG in our compressed natural gas fleet and (iii) RECs associated with the production of electricity. The RINs, RECs, and other credits are sold to counterparties who are obligated under the regulatory programs and have a responsibility to procure RINs, RECs, and other credits proportionate to their fossil fuel production and imports. RINs and RECs prices generally fluctuate in response to regulations enacted by the Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) or other regulatory bodies, as well as changes in supply and demand. As of December 31, 2023, we had 92 landfill gas beneficial use projects producing commercial quantities of methane gas at owned or operated landfills. For 66 of these projects, the processed gas is used to fuel electricity generators. The electricity is then sold to public utilities, municipal utilities or power cooperatives. For 20 of these projects, the gas is used at the landfill or delivered by pipeline to industrial customers as a direct substitute for fossil fuels in industrial processes. For six of these projects, the landfill gas is processed to pipeline quality RNG and then sold to natural gas suppliers. The revenues from these facilities are primarily generated through the sale of RNG, RINs, electricity and capacity, RECs and related environmental attributes. WM Renewable Energy is charged a 15% royalty on net operating revenue from these facilities residing on our active and closed landfills from our Collection and Disposal, and Corporate and Other businesses, which is eliminated in consolidation. Additionally, WM Renewable Energy operates and maintains 12 third-party landfill beneficial gas use projects in return for service revenue. Our Collection and Disposal and Corporate and Other businesses benefit from these projects as well as 32 additional third-party landfill beneficial gas use projects in the form of royalties.Corporate and OtherWe also provide additional services that are not managed through our operating segments, which are presented in this report as Corporate and Other. This includes the activities of our corporate office, including costs associated with our long-term incentive program, expanded service offerings and solutions (such as our investments in businesses and technologies that are designed to offer services and solutions ancillary or supplementary to our current operations) as well as our closed sites. Also included within our Corporate and Other businesses are closed sites that include (i) five third-party power generating facilities converting our landfill gas to fuel electricity generators; (ii) one third-party project delivering our landfill gas by pipeline to industrial customers as a direct substitute for fossil fuels in industrial processes and (iii) one third-party RNG processing landfill gas to be sold to natural gas suppliers in return for a royalty. Additionally, Corporate and Other benefits from a 15% royalty from our WM Renewable Energy segment based on net operating revenue generated through the sale of RNG, RINs, electricity and capacity, RECs and related environmental attributes from the nine landfill beneficial use renewable energy projects owned by WM Renewable Energy on our closed sites, which is eliminated in consolidation.Included in the fees we charge for our services is our energy surcharge and other charges that are intended to pass through costs to customers.Business EnvironmentThe waste industry is a comparatively mature and stable industry. However, customers increasingly expect more of their waste materials to be recovered and those waste streams are becoming more complex. In addition, many state and local governments mandate diversion, recycling and waste reduction at the source and prohibit the disposal of certain types Recycling Processing and Sales revenues generally consist of tipping fees and the sale of recycling commodities to and/or on behalf of third parties. Our Recycling Processing and Sales segment excludes the collection of recycled materials from our residential, commercial, and industrial customers which is included within our Collection and Disposal businesses."
    },
    {
      "status": "MODIFIED",
      "current_title": "Income Tax Expense",
      "prior_title": "Income Tax Expense",
      "similarity_score": 0.716,
      "confidence": "medium",
      "key_changes": [
        "Reworded sentence: \"We recorded income tax expense of $713 million, $745 million and $678 million in 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively, resulting in effective income tax rates of 20.6%, 24.7% and 23.2% for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively.\"",
        "Reworded sentence: \"The provisions of the IRA related to alternative fuel tax credits secure approximately $60 million of annual pre-tax benefit (recorded as a reduction in our operating expense) from tax credits in 2023 and 2024.\"",
        "Reworded sentence: \"The provisions of the IRA related to alternative fuel tax credits secure approximately $60 million of annual pre-tax benefit (recorded as a reduction in our operating expense) from tax credits in 2023 and 2024.\"",
        "Reworded sentence: \"●Renewable Natural Gas — Through our subsidiaries, including our WM Renewable Energy segment, we have invested in building landfill gas-to-energy facilities in the U.S.\"",
        "Reworded sentence: \"See Note 8 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for more information related to income taxes.\""
      ],
      "current_body": "We recorded income tax expense of $713 million, $745 million and $678 million in 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively, resulting in effective income tax rates of 20.6%, 24.7% and 23.2% for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The comparability of our income tax expense for the reported periods has been primarily affected by the following: 61 61 Table of Contents●Renewable Natural Gas — Through our subsidiaries, including our WM Renewable Energy segment, we have invested in building landfill gas-to-energy facilities in the U.S. and Canada that produce renewable electricity and RNG. We expect our new RNG facilities to qualify for federal tax credits and to realize those credits through 2027 under Sections 48 and 45Z of the Internal Revenue Code. We completed construction of five RNG facilities in 2024 and one RNG facility in 2023, resulting in a reduction to our income tax expense of $137 million and $8 million, respectively, for investment tax credits under Section 48 (additional information related to these tax credits is included below under the Tax Legislation section);●Low-Income Housing — As a result of adopting ASU 2023-02, we amortize our investments in these entities using the proportional amortization method. Under the proportional amortization method, the equity investment is amortized in proportion to the income tax credits and other income tax benefits received. The amortization expense and the income tax credits are required to be presented on a net basis in income tax expense on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Prior to fiscal year 2024, we accounted for our investments in these entities using the equity method of accounting, recognizing our share of each entity’s results of operations and other reductions in the value of our investments in equity in net income (losses) of unconsolidated entities, within our Consolidated Statements of Operations. We recognized additional income tax expense of $78 million in 2024, related to amortization under ASU 2023-02. We recognized net losses of $66 million and $65 million in 2023 and 2022, respectively, and a reduction in our income tax expense of $104 million, $108 million and $99 million in 2024, 2023, and 2022, respectively, primarily due to federal tax credits realized from these investments as well as the tax benefits from the pre-tax losses realized. See Notes 2, 8, and 18 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information related to these unconsolidated variable interest entities;●Tax Implications of Impairments — During the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, we recognized additional income tax expense of $14 million and $50 million, respectively, due to non-cash impairment charges that were not deductible for tax purposes in the year of impairment. The non-cash impairment charge recognized during 2022 was deductible for tax purposes. See Note 11 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for more information related to our impairment charges; and●Tax Legislation — The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (“IRA”) contains several tax-related provisions, including with respect to (i) alternative fuel tax credits; (ii) tax incentives for investments in renewable energy production, carbon capture, and other climate actions and (iii) the overall measurement of corporate income taxes. Given the complexity and uncertainty around the applicability of the legislation to our specific facts and circumstances, we continue to analyze the IRA provisions to identify and quantify potential opportunities and applicable benefits included in the legislation. The provisions of the IRA related to alternative fuel tax credits secure approximately $60 million of annual pre-tax benefit (recorded as a reduction in our operating expense) from tax credits in 2023 and 2024. The alternative fuel credit expired at the end of 2024 and will not provide any future benefit to the Company absent further legislative action. With respect to the investment tax credit, we expect the cumulative benefit to be between $300 million and $400 million, a large portion of which is anticipated to be realized in 2024 through 2026. The expected benefit from the investment tax credit for 2025 and 2026 is dependent on a number of estimates and assumptions, including the timing of project completion. Finally, we expect that the production tax credit incentives for investments in renewable energy and carbon capture, as expanded by the IRA, will likely result in an incremental benefit to the Company, although at this time, the anticipated amount of such benefit has not been quantified due, in part, to the lack of regulatory guidance. See Note 8 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for more information related to income taxes.62 Table of Contents Table of Contents Table of Contents ●Renewable Natural Gas — Through our subsidiaries, including our WM Renewable Energy segment, we have invested in building landfill gas-to-energy facilities in the U.S. and Canada that produce renewable electricity and RNG. We expect our new RNG facilities to qualify for federal tax credits and to realize those credits through 2027 under Sections 48 and 45Z of the Internal Revenue Code. We completed construction of five RNG facilities in 2024 and one RNG facility in 2023, resulting in a reduction to our income tax expense of $137 million and $8 million, respectively, for investment tax credits under Section 48 (additional information related to these tax credits is included below under the Tax Legislation section);●Low-Income Housing — As a result of adopting ASU 2023-02, we amortize our investments in these entities using the proportional amortization method. Under the proportional amortization method, the equity investment is amortized in proportion to the income tax credits and other income tax benefits received. The amortization expense and the income tax credits are required to be presented on a net basis in income tax expense on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Prior to fiscal year 2024, we accounted for our investments in these entities using the equity method of accounting, recognizing our share of each entity’s results of operations and other reductions in the value of our investments in equity in net income (losses) of unconsolidated entities, within our Consolidated Statements of Operations. We recognized additional income tax expense of $78 million in 2024, related to amortization under ASU 2023-02. We recognized net losses of $66 million and $65 million in 2023 and 2022, respectively, and a reduction in our income tax expense of $104 million, $108 million and $99 million in 2024, 2023, and 2022, respectively, primarily due to federal tax credits realized from these investments as well as the tax benefits from the pre-tax losses realized. See Notes 2, 8, and 18 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information related to these unconsolidated variable interest entities;●Tax Implications of Impairments — During the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, we recognized additional income tax expense of $14 million and $50 million, respectively, due to non-cash impairment charges that were not deductible for tax purposes in the year of impairment. The non-cash impairment charge recognized during 2022 was deductible for tax purposes. See Note 11 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for more information related to our impairment charges; and●Tax Legislation — The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (“IRA”) contains several tax-related provisions, including with respect to (i) alternative fuel tax credits; (ii) tax incentives for investments in renewable energy production, carbon capture, and other climate actions and (iii) the overall measurement of corporate income taxes. Given the complexity and uncertainty around the applicability of the legislation to our specific facts and circumstances, we continue to analyze the IRA provisions to identify and quantify potential opportunities and applicable benefits included in the legislation. The provisions of the IRA related to alternative fuel tax credits secure approximately $60 million of annual pre-tax benefit (recorded as a reduction in our operating expense) from tax credits in 2023 and 2024. The alternative fuel credit expired at the end of 2024 and will not provide any future benefit to the Company absent further legislative action. With respect to the investment tax credit, we expect the cumulative benefit to be between $300 million and $400 million, a large portion of which is anticipated to be realized in 2024 through 2026. The expected benefit from the investment tax credit for 2025 and 2026 is dependent on a number of estimates and assumptions, including the timing of project completion. Finally, we expect that the production tax credit incentives for investments in renewable energy and carbon capture, as expanded by the IRA, will likely result in an incremental benefit to the Company, although at this time, the anticipated amount of such benefit has not been quantified due, in part, to the lack of regulatory guidance. See Note 8 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for more information related to income taxes. ●Renewable Natural Gas — Through our subsidiaries, including our WM Renewable Energy segment, we have invested in building landfill gas-to-energy facilities in the U.S. and Canada that produce renewable electricity and RNG. We expect our new RNG facilities to qualify for federal tax credits and to realize those credits through 2027 under Sections 48 and 45Z of the Internal Revenue Code. We completed construction of five RNG facilities in 2024 and one RNG facility in 2023, resulting in a reduction to our income tax expense of $137 million and $8 million, respectively, for investment tax credits under Section 48 (additional information related to these tax credits is included below under the Tax Legislation section);●Low-Income Housing — As a result of adopting ASU 2023-02, we amortize our investments in these entities using the proportional amortization method. Under the proportional amortization method, the equity investment is amortized in proportion to the income tax credits and other income tax benefits received. The amortization expense and the income tax credits are required to be presented on a net basis in income tax expense on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Prior to fiscal year 2024, we accounted for our investments in these entities using the equity method of accounting, recognizing our share of each entity’s results of operations and other reductions in the value of our investments in equity in net income (losses) of unconsolidated entities, within our Consolidated Statements of Operations. We recognized additional income tax expense of $78 million in 2024, related to amortization under ASU 2023-02. We recognized net losses of $66 million and $65 million in 2023 and 2022, respectively, and a reduction in our income tax expense of $104 million, $108 million and $99 million in 2024, 2023, and 2022, respectively, primarily due to federal tax credits realized from these investments as well as the tax benefits from the pre-tax losses realized. See Notes 2, 8, and 18 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information related to these unconsolidated variable interest entities;●Tax Implications of Impairments — During the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, we recognized additional income tax expense of $14 million and $50 million, respectively, due to non-cash impairment charges that were not deductible for tax purposes in the year of impairment. The non-cash impairment charge recognized during 2022 was deductible for tax purposes. See Note 11 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for more information related to our impairment charges; and●Tax Legislation — The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (“IRA”) contains several tax-related provisions, including with respect to (i) alternative fuel tax credits; (ii) tax incentives for investments in renewable energy production, carbon capture, and other climate actions and (iii) the overall measurement of corporate income taxes. Given the complexity and uncertainty around the applicability of the legislation to our specific facts and circumstances, we continue to analyze the IRA provisions to identify and quantify potential opportunities and applicable benefits included in the legislation. The provisions of the IRA related to alternative fuel tax credits secure approximately $60 million of annual pre-tax benefit (recorded as a reduction in our operating expense) from tax credits in 2023 and 2024. The alternative fuel credit expired at the end of 2024 and will not provide any future benefit to the Company absent further legislative action. With respect to the investment tax credit, we expect the cumulative benefit to be between $300 million and $400 million, a large portion of which is anticipated to be realized in 2024 through 2026. The expected benefit from the investment tax credit for 2025 and 2026 is dependent on a number of estimates and assumptions, including the timing of project completion. Finally, we expect that the production tax credit incentives for investments in renewable energy and carbon capture, as expanded by the IRA, will likely result in an incremental benefit to the Company, although at this time, the anticipated amount of such benefit has not been quantified due, in part, to the lack of regulatory guidance. See Note 8 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for more information related to income taxes. See Note 8 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for more information related to income taxes. 62 62 Table of ContentsLandfill and Environmental Remediation Discussion and AnalysisWe owned or operated 257 solid waste landfills and five secure hazardous waste landfills as of December 31, 2024 and 258 solid waste landfills and five secure hazardous waste landfills as of December 31, 2023. For these landfills, the following table reflects changes in capacity, as measured in tons of waste, for the year ended December 31 and remaining airspace, measured in cubic yards of waste, as of December 31 (in millions):​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​2024​2023​​Remaining​​​​​Remaining​​​​​​Permitted​ Expansion​Total​Permitted​Expansion​Total​​Capacity​Capacity​Capacity​Capacity​Capacity​CapacityBalance as of beginning of year (in tons)​ 5,211​ 161​ 5,372​ 5,165​ 190​ 5,355Acquisitions, divestitures, newly permitted landfills and closures — 8 8 — — —Changes in expansions pursued (a) — 58 58 — 138 138Expansion permits granted (b) 64 (64) — 168 (168) —Depletable tons received (125) — (125) (123) — (123)Changes in engineering estimates and other (c) 24 2 26 1 1 2Balance as of end of year (in tons) (d) 5,174 165 5,339 5,211 161 5,372Balance as of end of year (in cubic yards) (d) 5,049 165 5,214 5,079 180 5,259(a)Amounts reflected here relate to the combined impacts of (i) new expansions pursued; (ii) increases or decreases in the airspace being pursued for ongoing expansion efforts; (iii) adjustments for differences between the airspace being pursued and airspace granted and (iv) decreases due to decisions to no longer pursue expansion permits, if any.(b)We received expansion permits at 11 of our landfills during 2024 and 13 of our landfills during 2023, demonstrating our continued success in working with municipalities and regulatory agencies to expand the disposal airspace of our existing landfills.(c)Changes in engineering estimates can result in changes to the estimated available remaining airspace of a landfill or changes in the utilization of such landfill airspace, affecting the number of tons that can be placed in the future. Estimates of the amount of waste that can be placed in the future are reviewed annually by our engineers and are based on a number of factors, including standard engineering techniques and site-specific factors such as current and projected mix of waste type; initial and projected waste density; estimated number of years of life remaining; depth of underlying waste; anticipated access to moisture through precipitation or recirculation of landfill leachate and operating practices. We continually focus on improving the utilization of airspace through efforts that may include recirculating landfill leachate where allowed by permit; optimizing the placement of daily cover materials and increasing initial compaction through improved landfill equipment, operations and training.(d)See Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for discussion of converting remaining cubic yards of airspace to tons of capacity.The depletable tons received at our landfills for the year ended December 31 are shown below (tons in thousands):​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​2024​2023​ # of Depletable Tons per # of Depletable Tons per​ Sites Tons Day Sites Tons DaySolid waste landfills (a) 257​ 124,271 456 258 122,141 450Hazardous waste landfills 5 626 2 5 658 2​ 262 124,897 458 263 122,799 452Solid waste landfills closed, divested or lease or other contractual agreement expired during related year — 113 — — ​ 125,010​ 122,799​ (a)As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, we had 15 and 17 landfills, respectively, which were not accepting waste.63 Table of Contents Table of Contents Table of Contents Landfill and Environmental Remediation Discussion and AnalysisWe owned or operated 257 solid waste landfills and five secure hazardous waste landfills as of December 31, 2024 and 258 solid waste landfills and five secure hazardous waste landfills as of December 31, 2023. For these landfills, the following table reflects changes in capacity, as measured in tons of waste, for the year ended December 31 and remaining airspace, measured in cubic yards of waste, as of December 31 (in millions):​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​2024​2023​​Remaining​​​​​Remaining​​​​​​Permitted​ Expansion​Total​Permitted​Expansion​Total​​Capacity​Capacity​Capacity​Capacity​Capacity​CapacityBalance as of beginning of year (in tons)​ 5,211​ 161​ 5,372​ 5,165​ 190​ 5,355Acquisitions, divestitures, newly permitted landfills and closures — 8 8 — — —Changes in expansions pursued (a) — 58 58 — 138 138Expansion permits granted (b) 64 (64) — 168 (168) —Depletable tons received (125) — (125) (123) — (123)Changes in engineering estimates and other (c) 24 2 26 1 1 2Balance as of end of year (in tons) (d) 5,174 165 5,339 5,211 161 5,372Balance as of end of year (in cubic yards) (d) 5,049 165 5,214 5,079 180 5,259(a)Amounts reflected here relate to the combined impacts of (i) new expansions pursued; (ii) increases or decreases in the airspace being pursued for ongoing expansion efforts; (iii) adjustments for differences between the airspace being pursued and airspace granted and (iv) decreases due to decisions to no longer pursue expansion permits, if any.(b)We received expansion permits at 11 of our landfills during 2024 and 13 of our landfills during 2023, demonstrating our continued success in working with municipalities and regulatory agencies to expand the disposal airspace of our existing landfills.(c)Changes in engineering estimates can result in changes to the estimated available remaining airspace of a landfill or changes in the utilization of such landfill airspace, affecting the number of tons that can be placed in the future. Estimates of the amount of waste that can be placed in the future are reviewed annually by our engineers and are based on a number of factors, including standard engineering techniques and site-specific factors such as current and projected mix of waste type; initial and projected waste density; estimated number of years of life remaining; depth of underlying waste; anticipated access to moisture through precipitation or recirculation of landfill leachate and operating practices. We continually focus on improving the utilization of airspace through efforts that may include recirculating landfill leachate where allowed by permit; optimizing the placement of daily cover materials and increasing initial compaction through improved landfill equipment, operations and training.(d)See Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for discussion of converting remaining cubic yards of airspace to tons of capacity.The depletable tons received at our landfills for the year ended December 31 are shown below (tons in thousands):​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​2024​2023​ # of Depletable Tons per # of Depletable Tons per​ Sites Tons Day Sites Tons DaySolid waste landfills (a) 257​ 124,271 456 258 122,141 450Hazardous waste landfills 5 626 2 5 658 2​ 262 124,897 458 263 122,799 452Solid waste landfills closed, divested or lease or other contractual agreement expired during related year — 113 — — ​ 125,010​ 122,799​ (a)As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, we had 15 and 17 landfills, respectively, which were not accepting waste. Landfill and Environmental Remediation Discussion and AnalysisWe owned or operated 257 solid waste landfills and five secure hazardous waste landfills as of December 31, 2024 and 258 solid waste landfills and five secure hazardous waste landfills as of December 31, 2023. For these landfills, the following table reflects changes in capacity, as measured in tons of waste, for the year ended December 31 and remaining airspace, measured in cubic yards of waste, as of December 31 (in millions):​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​2024​2023​​Remaining​​​​​Remaining​​​​​​Permitted​ Expansion​Total​Permitted​Expansion​Total​​Capacity​Capacity​Capacity​Capacity​Capacity​CapacityBalance as of beginning of year (in tons)​ 5,211​ 161​ 5,372​ 5,165​ 190​ 5,355Acquisitions, divestitures, newly permitted landfills and closures — 8 8 — — —Changes in expansions pursued (a) — 58 58 — 138 138Expansion permits granted (b) 64 (64) — 168 (168) —Depletable tons received (125) — (125) (123) — (123)Changes in engineering estimates and other (c) 24 2 26 1 1 2Balance as of end of year (in tons) (d) 5,174 165 5,339 5,211 161 5,372Balance as of end of year (in cubic yards) (d) 5,049 165 5,214 5,079 180 5,259(a)Amounts reflected here relate to the combined impacts of (i) new expansions pursued; (ii) increases or decreases in the airspace being pursued for ongoing expansion efforts; (iii) adjustments for differences between the airspace being pursued and airspace granted and (iv) decreases due to decisions to no longer pursue expansion permits, if any.(b)We received expansion permits at 11 of our landfills during 2024 and 13 of our landfills during 2023, demonstrating our continued success in working with municipalities and regulatory agencies to expand the disposal airspace of our existing landfills.(c)Changes in engineering estimates can result in changes to the estimated available remaining airspace of a landfill or changes in the utilization of such landfill airspace, affecting the number of tons that can be placed in the future. Estimates of the amount of waste that can be placed in the future are reviewed annually by our engineers and are based on a number of factors, including standard engineering techniques and site-specific factors such as current and projected mix of waste type; initial and projected waste density; estimated number of years of life remaining; depth of underlying waste; anticipated access to moisture through precipitation or recirculation of landfill leachate and operating practices. We continually focus on improving the utilization of airspace through efforts that may include recirculating landfill leachate where allowed by permit; optimizing the placement of daily cover materials and increasing initial compaction through improved landfill equipment, operations and training.(d)See Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for discussion of converting remaining cubic yards of airspace to tons of capacity.The depletable tons received at our landfills for the year ended December 31 are shown below (tons in thousands):​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​2024​2023​ # of Depletable Tons per # of Depletable Tons per​ Sites Tons Day Sites Tons DaySolid waste landfills (a) 257​ 124,271 456 258 122,141 450Hazardous waste landfills 5 626 2 5 658 2​ 262 124,897 458 263 122,799 452Solid waste landfills closed, divested or lease or other contractual agreement expired during related year — 113 — — ​ 125,010​ 122,799​ (a)As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, we had 15 and 17 landfills, respectively, which were not accepting waste.",
      "prior_body": "We recorded income tax expense of $745 million, $678 million and $532 million in 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively, resulting in effective income tax rates of 24.7%, 23.2% and 22.6% for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. The comparability of our income tax expense for the reported periods has been primarily affected by the following: 53 53 Table of ContentsCompany’s election to deduct landfill closure and post-closure costs for income tax purposes when incurred and accrued. The increase in taxable interest income is due to the increase in the applicable federal rate published by the IRS;●State Net Operating Losses and Credits — During 2023, 2022 and 2021, we recognized state net operating losses and credits resulting in a reduction in our income tax expense of $20 million, $8 million and $15 million, respectively;●Equity-Based Compensation — During 2023, 2022 and 2021, we recognized a reduction in our income tax expense of $14 million, $17 million and $18 million, respectively, for excess tax benefits related to the vesting or exercise of equity-based compensation awards;●Tax Audit Settlements — We file income tax returns in the U.S. and Canada, as well as other state and local jurisdictions. We are currently under audit by various taxing authorities and our audits are in various stages of completion. During the reported periods, we settled various tax audits which resulted in a reduction in our income tax expense of $5 million, $6 million and $13 million for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively; and●Tax Legislation — The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (“IRA”) was signed into law by President Biden on August 16, 2022 and contains several tax-related provisions, including with respect to (i) alternative fuel tax credits; (ii) tax incentives for investments in renewable energy production, carbon capture, and other climate actions and (iii) the overall measurement of corporate income taxes. Given the complexity and uncertainty around the applicability of the legislation to our specific facts and circumstances, we continue to analyze the IRA provisions to identify and quantify potential opportunities and applicable benefits included in the legislation. The provisions of the IRA related to alternative fuel tax credits secure approximately $55 million of annual pre-tax benefit (recorded as a reduction in our operating expense) for tax credits in 2022, 2023 and 2024. With respect to the investment tax credit, as expanded by the IRA, we expect the cumulative benefit to be between $250 million and $350 million, a large portion of which is anticipated to be realized in 2024 through 2026. Recently, however, the IRS issued proposed regulations applicable to the investment tax credits that could call into question our ability to realize some, or all, of this tax benefit, which would negatively impact financial expectations in connection with our significant planned and ongoing investments in sustainability growth projects in our WM Renewable Energy segment. The proposed regulations provide a public comment period, culminating in public hearings before the Treasury Department, to allow taxpayers to provide input prior to the issuance of final regulations. In coordination with other members of the RNG industry, we are actively using this public comment period to work with external advisors, the U.S. Congress, the current federal administration, and other biogas sector stakeholders to encourage the Treasury Department to further refine its analysis prior to publication of final regulations that more accurately reflect the express language and legislative intent of the statute with respect to the investment tax credit. However, there is no guarantee that such efforts will be successful. We expect that the production tax credit incentives for investments in renewable energy and carbon capture, as expanded by the IRA, will likely result in an incremental benefit to the Company, although at this time, the anticipated amount of such benefit has not been quantified. Our current expectation is that the IRA’s minimum corporate tax will not have an impact on the Company. Finally, in accordance with the IRA, we incurred a nondeductible excise tax of 1% on the net value of certain stock repurchases in 2023, which is reflected in the cost of purchasing the underlying shares as a component of treasury stock in our Consolidated Balance Sheet. Additionally, numerous countries have agreed to a statement in support of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (“OECD”) model rules that propose a global minimum tax rate of 15%. The Company operates in countries that have agreed to implement the global minimum tax, and the OECD continues to refine technical guidance for such. At this time, we do not expect the 15% global minimum tax to have a material, if any, impact to our income taxes, and we will continue to monitor and evaluate the potential impact on our business in future periods. See Note 8 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for more information related to income taxes.54 Table of Contents Table of Contents Table of Contents Company’s election to deduct landfill closure and post-closure costs for income tax purposes when incurred and accrued. The increase in taxable interest income is due to the increase in the applicable federal rate published by the IRS;●State Net Operating Losses and Credits — During 2023, 2022 and 2021, we recognized state net operating losses and credits resulting in a reduction in our income tax expense of $20 million, $8 million and $15 million, respectively;●Equity-Based Compensation — During 2023, 2022 and 2021, we recognized a reduction in our income tax expense of $14 million, $17 million and $18 million, respectively, for excess tax benefits related to the vesting or exercise of equity-based compensation awards;●Tax Audit Settlements — We file income tax returns in the U.S. and Canada, as well as other state and local jurisdictions. We are currently under audit by various taxing authorities and our audits are in various stages of completion. During the reported periods, we settled various tax audits which resulted in a reduction in our income tax expense of $5 million, $6 million and $13 million for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively; and●Tax Legislation — The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (“IRA”) was signed into law by President Biden on August 16, 2022 and contains several tax-related provisions, including with respect to (i) alternative fuel tax credits; (ii) tax incentives for investments in renewable energy production, carbon capture, and other climate actions and (iii) the overall measurement of corporate income taxes. Given the complexity and uncertainty around the applicability of the legislation to our specific facts and circumstances, we continue to analyze the IRA provisions to identify and quantify potential opportunities and applicable benefits included in the legislation. The provisions of the IRA related to alternative fuel tax credits secure approximately $55 million of annual pre-tax benefit (recorded as a reduction in our operating expense) for tax credits in 2022, 2023 and 2024. With respect to the investment tax credit, as expanded by the IRA, we expect the cumulative benefit to be between $250 million and $350 million, a large portion of which is anticipated to be realized in 2024 through 2026. Recently, however, the IRS issued proposed regulations applicable to the investment tax credits that could call into question our ability to realize some, or all, of this tax benefit, which would negatively impact financial expectations in connection with our significant planned and ongoing investments in sustainability growth projects in our WM Renewable Energy segment. The proposed regulations provide a public comment period, culminating in public hearings before the Treasury Department, to allow taxpayers to provide input prior to the issuance of final regulations. In coordination with other members of the RNG industry, we are actively using this public comment period to work with external advisors, the U.S. Congress, the current federal administration, and other biogas sector stakeholders to encourage the Treasury Department to further refine its analysis prior to publication of final regulations that more accurately reflect the express language and legislative intent of the statute with respect to the investment tax credit. However, there is no guarantee that such efforts will be successful. We expect that the production tax credit incentives for investments in renewable energy and carbon capture, as expanded by the IRA, will likely result in an incremental benefit to the Company, although at this time, the anticipated amount of such benefit has not been quantified. Our current expectation is that the IRA’s minimum corporate tax will not have an impact on the Company. Finally, in accordance with the IRA, we incurred a nondeductible excise tax of 1% on the net value of certain stock repurchases in 2023, which is reflected in the cost of purchasing the underlying shares as a component of treasury stock in our Consolidated Balance Sheet. Additionally, numerous countries have agreed to a statement in support of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (“OECD”) model rules that propose a global minimum tax rate of 15%. The Company operates in countries that have agreed to implement the global minimum tax, and the OECD continues to refine technical guidance for such. At this time, we do not expect the 15% global minimum tax to have a material, if any, impact to our income taxes, and we will continue to monitor and evaluate the potential impact on our business in future periods. See Note 8 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for more information related to income taxes. With respect to the investment tax credit, as expanded by the IRA, we expect the cumulative benefit to be between $250 million and $350 million, a large portion of which is anticipated to be realized in 2024 through 2026. Recently, however, the IRS issued proposed regulations applicable to the investment tax credits that could call into question our ability to realize some, or all, of this tax benefit, which would negatively impact financial expectations in connection with our significant planned and ongoing investments in sustainability growth projects in our WM Renewable Energy segment. The proposed regulations provide a public comment period, culminating in public hearings before the Treasury Department, to allow taxpayers to provide input prior to the issuance of final regulations. In coordination with other members of the RNG industry, we are actively using this public comment period to work with external advisors, the U.S. Congress, the current federal administration, and other biogas sector stakeholders to encourage the Treasury Department to further refine its analysis prior to publication of final regulations that more accurately reflect the express language and legislative intent of the statute with respect to the investment tax credit. However, there is no guarantee that such efforts will be successful. We expect that the production tax credit incentives for investments in renewable energy and carbon capture, as expanded by the IRA, will likely result in an incremental benefit to the Company, although at this time, the anticipated amount of such benefit has not been quantified. Our current expectation is that the IRA’s minimum corporate tax will not have an impact on the Company. Finally, in accordance with the IRA, we incurred a nondeductible excise tax of 1% on the net value of certain stock repurchases in 2023, which is reflected in the cost of purchasing the underlying shares as a component of treasury stock in our Consolidated Balance Sheet. Additionally, numerous countries have agreed to a statement in support of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (“OECD”) model rules that propose a global minimum tax rate of 15%. The Company operates in countries that have agreed to implement the global minimum tax, and the OECD continues to refine technical guidance for such. At this time, we do not expect the 15% global minimum tax to have a material, if any, impact to our income taxes, and we will continue to monitor and evaluate the potential impact on our business in future periods. See Note 8 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for more information related to income taxes. 54 54 Table of ContentsLandfill and Environmental Remediation Discussion and AnalysisWe owned or operated 258 solid waste landfills and five secure hazardous waste landfills as of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022. For these landfills, the following table reflects changes in capacity, as measured in tons of waste, for the year ended December 31 and remaining airspace, measured in cubic yards of waste, as of December 31 (in millions):​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​2023​2022​​Remaining​​​​​Remaining​​​​​​Permitted​ Expansion​Total​Permitted​Expansion​Total​​Capacity​Capacity​Capacity​Capacity​Capacity​CapacityBalance as of beginning of year (in tons)​ 5,165​ 190​ 5,355​ 4,889​ 174​ 5,063Acquisitions, divestitures, newly permitted landfills and closures — — — 163 — 163Changes in expansions pursued (a) — 138 138 — 62 62Expansion permits granted (b) 168 (168) — 57 (57) —Depletable tons received (123) — (123) (125) — (125)Changes in engineering estimates and other (c) (d) 1 1 2 181 11 192Balance as of end of year (in tons) (e) 5,211 161 5,372 5,165 190 5,355Balance as of end of year (in cubic yards) (e) 5,095 160 5,255 5,079 180 5,259(a)Amounts reflected here relate to the combined impacts of (i) new expansions pursued; (ii) increases or decreases in the airspace being pursued for ongoing expansion efforts; (iii) adjustments for differences between the airspace being pursued and airspace granted and (iv) decreases due to decisions to no longer pursue expansion permits, if any.(b)We received expansion permits at 13 of our landfills during 2023 and 12 of our landfills during 2022, demonstrating our continued success in working with municipalities and regulatory agencies to expand the disposal airspace of our existing landfills.(c)Changes in engineering estimates can result in changes to the estimated available remaining airspace of a landfill or changes in the utilization of such landfill airspace, affecting the number of tons that can be placed in the future. Estimates of the amount of waste that can be placed in the future are reviewed annually by our engineers and are based on a number of factors, including standard engineering techniques and site-specific factors such as current and projected mix of waste type; initial and projected waste density; estimated number of years of life remaining; depth of underlying waste; anticipated access to moisture through precipitation or recirculation of landfill leachate and operating practices. We continually focus on improving the utilization of airspace through efforts that may include recirculating landfill leachate where allowed by permit; optimizing the placement of daily cover materials and increasing initial compaction through improved landfill equipment, operations and training.(d)In 2022, a change in accounting estimate resulted in an increase of 190 million tons across certain landfills.(e)See Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for discussion of converting remaining cubic yards of airspace to tons of capacity.The depletable tons received at our landfills for the year ended December 31 are shown below (tons in thousands):​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​2023​2022​ # of Depletable Tons per # of Depletable Tons per​ Sites Tons Day Sites Tons DaySolid waste landfills (a) 258​ 122,141 450 258 123,462 452Hazardous waste landfills 5 658 2 5 652 2​ 263 122,799 452 263 124,114 454Solid waste landfills closed, divested or lease or other contractual agreement expired during related year — — 4 633 ​ 122,799​ 124,747​ (a)As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, we had 17 landfills which were not accepting waste.55 Table of Contents Table of Contents Table of Contents Landfill and Environmental Remediation Discussion and AnalysisWe owned or operated 258 solid waste landfills and five secure hazardous waste landfills as of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022. For these landfills, the following table reflects changes in capacity, as measured in tons of waste, for the year ended December 31 and remaining airspace, measured in cubic yards of waste, as of December 31 (in millions):​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​2023​2022​​Remaining​​​​​Remaining​​​​​​Permitted​ Expansion​Total​Permitted​Expansion​Total​​Capacity​Capacity​Capacity​Capacity​Capacity​CapacityBalance as of beginning of year (in tons)​ 5,165​ 190​ 5,355​ 4,889​ 174​ 5,063Acquisitions, divestitures, newly permitted landfills and closures — — — 163 — 163Changes in expansions pursued (a) — 138 138 — 62 62Expansion permits granted (b) 168 (168) — 57 (57) —Depletable tons received (123) — (123) (125) — (125)Changes in engineering estimates and other (c) (d) 1 1 2 181 11 192Balance as of end of year (in tons) (e) 5,211 161 5,372 5,165 190 5,355Balance as of end of year (in cubic yards) (e) 5,095 160 5,255 5,079 180 5,259(a)Amounts reflected here relate to the combined impacts of (i) new expansions pursued; (ii) increases or decreases in the airspace being pursued for ongoing expansion efforts; (iii) adjustments for differences between the airspace being pursued and airspace granted and (iv) decreases due to decisions to no longer pursue expansion permits, if any.(b)We received expansion permits at 13 of our landfills during 2023 and 12 of our landfills during 2022, demonstrating our continued success in working with municipalities and regulatory agencies to expand the disposal airspace of our existing landfills.(c)Changes in engineering estimates can result in changes to the estimated available remaining airspace of a landfill or changes in the utilization of such landfill airspace, affecting the number of tons that can be placed in the future. Estimates of the amount of waste that can be placed in the future are reviewed annually by our engineers and are based on a number of factors, including standard engineering techniques and site-specific factors such as current and projected mix of waste type; initial and projected waste density; estimated number of years of life remaining; depth of underlying waste; anticipated access to moisture through precipitation or recirculation of landfill leachate and operating practices. We continually focus on improving the utilization of airspace through efforts that may include recirculating landfill leachate where allowed by permit; optimizing the placement of daily cover materials and increasing initial compaction through improved landfill equipment, operations and training.(d)In 2022, a change in accounting estimate resulted in an increase of 190 million tons across certain landfills.(e)See Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for discussion of converting remaining cubic yards of airspace to tons of capacity.The depletable tons received at our landfills for the year ended December 31 are shown below (tons in thousands):​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​2023​2022​ # of Depletable Tons per # of Depletable Tons per​ Sites Tons Day Sites Tons DaySolid waste landfills (a) 258​ 122,141 450 258 123,462 452Hazardous waste landfills 5 658 2 5 652 2​ 263 122,799 452 263 124,114 454Solid waste landfills closed, divested or lease or other contractual agreement expired during related year — — 4 633 ​ 122,799​ 124,747​ (a)As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, we had 17 landfills which were not accepting waste."
    },
    {
      "status": "MODIFIED",
      "current_title": "Environmental Remediation Liabilities",
      "prior_title": "NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)",
      "similarity_score": 0.715,
      "confidence": "medium",
      "key_changes": [
        "Reworded sentence: \"A significant portion of our operating costs and capital expenditures could be characterized as costs of environmental protection.\"",
        "Reworded sentence: \"As a result, our tests of recoverability, which generally make use of a probability-weighted cash flow estimation approach, may indicate that no impairment loss should be recorded.74 Table of Contents Table of Contents Table of Contents Where it is probable that a liability has been incurred, we estimate costs required to remediate sites based on site-specific facts and circumstances.\""
      ],
      "current_body": "A significant portion of our operating costs and capital expenditures could be characterized as costs of environmental protection. The nature of our operations, particularly with respect to the construction, operation and maintenance of our landfills subjects us to an array of laws and regulations relating to the protection of the environment. Under current laws and regulations, we may have liabilities for environmental damage caused by our operations, or for damage caused by conditions that existed before we acquired a site. In addition to remediation activity required by state or local authorities, such liabilities include potentially responsible party (“PRP”) investigations. The costs associated with these liabilities can include settlements, certain legal and consultant fees, as well as incremental internal and external costs directly associated with site investigation and clean up. 73 73 Table of ContentsWhere it is probable that a liability has been incurred, we estimate costs required to remediate sites based on site-specific facts and circumstances. We routinely review and evaluate sites that require remediation and determine our estimated cost for the likely remedy based on a number of estimates and assumptions. Next, we review the same type of information with respect to other named and unnamed PRPs. Estimates of the costs for the likely remedy are then either developed using our internal resources or by third-party environmental engineers or other service providers. Internally developed estimates are based on:●Management’s judgment and experience in remediating our own and unrelated parties’ sites;●Information available from regulatory agencies as to costs of remediation;●The number, financial resources and relative degree of responsibility of other PRPs who may be liable for remediation of a specific site; and●The typical allocation of costs among PRPs, unless the actual allocation has been determined.Refer to Note 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information on our environmental liabilities.Fair Value of Nonfinancial Assets and LiabilitiesSignificant estimates are made in determining the fair value of long-lived tangible and intangible assets (i.e., property and equipment, intangible assets and goodwill) during the impairment evaluation process. In addition, the majority of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination are required to be recognized at fair value under the relevant accounting guidance.Fair value is computed using several factors, including projected future operating results, economic projections, anticipated future cash flows, comparable marketplace data and the cost of capital. There are inherent uncertainties related to these factors and to our judgment in applying them in our analysis. However, we believe our methodology for estimating the fair value of our reporting units is reasonable.Property and Equipment, Including Landfills and Definite-Lived Intangible Assets — We monitor the carrying value of our long-lived assets for potential impairment on an ongoing basis and test the recoverability of such assets generally using significant unobservable (“Level 3”) inputs whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying amounts may not be recoverable. These events or changes in circumstances, including management decisions pertaining to such assets, are referred to as impairment indicators. If an impairment indicator occurs, we perform a test of recoverability by comparing the carrying value of the asset or asset group to its undiscounted expected future cash flows. If cash flows cannot be separately and independently identified for a single asset, we will determine whether an impairment has occurred for the group of assets for which we can identify the projected cash flows. If the carrying values are in excess of undiscounted expected future cash flows, we measure any impairment by comparing the fair value of the asset or asset group to its carrying value and the difference is recorded in the period that the impairment indicator occurs. Fair value is generally determined by considering (i) internally developed discounted projected cash flow analysis of the asset or asset group; (ii) third-party valuations and/or (iii) information available regarding the current market for similar assets. Estimating future cash flows requires significant judgment and projections may vary from the cash flows eventually realized, which could impact our ability to accurately assess whether an asset has been impaired.The assessment of impairment indicators and the recoverability of our capitalized costs associated with landfills and related expansion projects require significant judgment due to the unique nature of the waste industry, the highly regulated permitting process and the sensitive estimates involved. During the review of a landfill expansion application, a regulator may initially deny the expansion application although the expansion permit is ultimately granted. In addition, management may periodically divert waste from one landfill to another to conserve remaining permitted landfill airspace, or a landfill may be required to cease accepting waste, prior to receipt of the expansion permit. However, such events occur in the ordinary course of business in the waste industry and do not necessarily result in impairment of our landfill assets because, after consideration of all facts, such events may not affect our belief that we will ultimately obtain the expansion permit. As a result, our tests of recoverability, which generally make use of a probability-weighted cash flow estimation approach, may indicate that no impairment loss should be recorded.74 Table of Contents Table of Contents Table of Contents Where it is probable that a liability has been incurred, we estimate costs required to remediate sites based on site-specific facts and circumstances. We routinely review and evaluate sites that require remediation and determine our estimated cost for the likely remedy based on a number of estimates and assumptions. Next, we review the same type of information with respect to other named and unnamed PRPs. Estimates of the costs for the likely remedy are then either developed using our internal resources or by third-party environmental engineers or other service providers. Internally developed estimates are based on:●Management’s judgment and experience in remediating our own and unrelated parties’ sites;●Information available from regulatory agencies as to costs of remediation;●The number, financial resources and relative degree of responsibility of other PRPs who may be liable for remediation of a specific site; and●The typical allocation of costs among PRPs, unless the actual allocation has been determined.Refer to Note 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information on our environmental liabilities.Fair Value of Nonfinancial Assets and LiabilitiesSignificant estimates are made in determining the fair value of long-lived tangible and intangible assets (i.e., property and equipment, intangible assets and goodwill) during the impairment evaluation process. In addition, the majority of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination are required to be recognized at fair value under the relevant accounting guidance.Fair value is computed using several factors, including projected future operating results, economic projections, anticipated future cash flows, comparable marketplace data and the cost of capital. There are inherent uncertainties related to these factors and to our judgment in applying them in our analysis. However, we believe our methodology for estimating the fair value of our reporting units is reasonable.Property and Equipment, Including Landfills and Definite-Lived Intangible Assets — We monitor the carrying value of our long-lived assets for potential impairment on an ongoing basis and test the recoverability of such assets generally using significant unobservable (“Level 3”) inputs whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying amounts may not be recoverable. These events or changes in circumstances, including management decisions pertaining to such assets, are referred to as impairment indicators. If an impairment indicator occurs, we perform a test of recoverability by comparing the carrying value of the asset or asset group to its undiscounted expected future cash flows. If cash flows cannot be separately and independently identified for a single asset, we will determine whether an impairment has occurred for the group of assets for which we can identify the projected cash flows. If the carrying values are in excess of undiscounted expected future cash flows, we measure any impairment by comparing the fair value of the asset or asset group to its carrying value and the difference is recorded in the period that the impairment indicator occurs. Fair value is generally determined by considering (i) internally developed discounted projected cash flow analysis of the asset or asset group; (ii) third-party valuations and/or (iii) information available regarding the current market for similar assets. Estimating future cash flows requires significant judgment and projections may vary from the cash flows eventually realized, which could impact our ability to accurately assess whether an asset has been impaired.The assessment of impairment indicators and the recoverability of our capitalized costs associated with landfills and related expansion projects require significant judgment due to the unique nature of the waste industry, the highly regulated permitting process and the sensitive estimates involved. During the review of a landfill expansion application, a regulator may initially deny the expansion application although the expansion permit is ultimately granted. In addition, management may periodically divert waste from one landfill to another to conserve remaining permitted landfill airspace, or a landfill may be required to cease accepting waste, prior to receipt of the expansion permit. However, such events occur in the ordinary course of business in the waste industry and do not necessarily result in impairment of our landfill assets because, after consideration of all facts, such events may not affect our belief that we will ultimately obtain the expansion permit. As a result, our tests of recoverability, which generally make use of a probability-weighted cash flow estimation approach, may indicate that no impairment loss should be recorded. Where it is probable that a liability has been incurred, we estimate costs required to remediate sites based on site-specific facts and circumstances. We routinely review and evaluate sites that require remediation and determine our estimated cost for the likely remedy based on a number of estimates and assumptions. Next, we review the same type of information with respect to other named and unnamed PRPs. Estimates of the costs for the likely remedy are then either developed using our internal resources or by third-party environmental engineers or other service providers. Internally developed estimates are based on:●Management’s judgment and experience in remediating our own and unrelated parties’ sites;●Information available from regulatory agencies as to costs of remediation;●The number, financial resources and relative degree of responsibility of other PRPs who may be liable for remediation of a specific site; and●The typical allocation of costs among PRPs, unless the actual allocation has been determined.Refer to Note 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information on our environmental liabilities.Fair Value of Nonfinancial Assets and LiabilitiesSignificant estimates are made in determining the fair value of long-lived tangible and intangible assets (i.e., property and equipment, intangible assets and goodwill) during the impairment evaluation process. In addition, the majority of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination are required to be recognized at fair value under the relevant accounting guidance.Fair value is computed using several factors, including projected future operating results, economic projections, anticipated future cash flows, comparable marketplace data and the cost of capital. There are inherent uncertainties related to these factors and to our judgment in applying them in our analysis. However, we believe our methodology for estimating the fair value of our reporting units is reasonable.Property and Equipment, Including Landfills and Definite-Lived Intangible Assets — We monitor the carrying value of our long-lived assets for potential impairment on an ongoing basis and test the recoverability of such assets generally using significant unobservable (“Level 3”) inputs whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying amounts may not be recoverable. These events or changes in circumstances, including management decisions pertaining to such assets, are referred to as impairment indicators. If an impairment indicator occurs, we perform a test of recoverability by comparing the carrying value of the asset or asset group to its undiscounted expected future cash flows. If cash flows cannot be separately and independently identified for a single asset, we will determine whether an impairment has occurred for the group of assets for which we can identify the projected cash flows. If the carrying values are in excess of undiscounted expected future cash flows, we measure any impairment by comparing the fair value of the asset or asset group to its carrying value and the difference is recorded in the period that the impairment indicator occurs. Fair value is generally determined by considering (i) internally developed discounted projected cash flow analysis of the asset or asset group; (ii) third-party valuations and/or (iii) information available regarding the current market for similar assets. Estimating future cash flows requires significant judgment and projections may vary from the cash flows eventually realized, which could impact our ability to accurately assess whether an asset has been impaired.The assessment of impairment indicators and the recoverability of our capitalized costs associated with landfills and related expansion projects require significant judgment due to the unique nature of the waste industry, the highly regulated permitting process and the sensitive estimates involved. During the review of a landfill expansion application, a regulator may initially deny the expansion application although the expansion permit is ultimately granted. In addition, management may periodically divert waste from one landfill to another to conserve remaining permitted landfill airspace, or a landfill may be required to cease accepting waste, prior to receipt of the expansion permit. However, such events occur in the ordinary course of business in the waste industry and do not necessarily result in impairment of our landfill assets because, after consideration of all facts, such events may not affect our belief that we will ultimately obtain the expansion permit. As a result, our tests of recoverability, which generally make use of a probability-weighted cash flow estimation approach, may indicate that no impairment loss should be recorded. Where it is probable that a liability has been incurred, we estimate costs required to remediate sites based on site-specific facts and circumstances. We routinely review and evaluate sites that require remediation and determine our estimated cost for the likely remedy based on a number of estimates and assumptions. Next, we review the same type of information with respect to other named and unnamed PRPs. Estimates of the costs for the likely remedy are then either developed using our internal resources or by third-party environmental engineers or other service providers. Internally developed estimates are based on: Refer to Note 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information on our environmental liabilities.",
      "prior_body": "​ Estimates and AssumptionsIn preparing our financial statements, we make numerous estimates and assumptions that affect the accounting for and recognition and disclosure of assets, liabilities, equity, revenues and expenses. We must make these estimates and assumptions because certain information that we use is dependent on future events, cannot be calculated with precision from available data or simply cannot be calculated. In some cases, these estimates are difficult to determine, and we must exercise significant judgment. In preparing our financial statements, the most difficult, subjective and complex estimates and the assumptions that present the greatest amount of uncertainty relate to our accounting for landfills, environmental remediation liabilities, long-lived asset impairments, intangible asset impairments and the fair value of assets and liabilities acquired in business combinations. Each of these items is discussed in additional detail below. Actual results could differ materially from the estimates and assumptions that we use in the preparation of our financial statements.Cash and Cash EquivalentsCash in excess of current operating requirements is invested in short-term interest-bearing instruments with maturities of three months or less at the date of purchase and is stated at cost, which approximates market value.Concentrations of Credit RiskFinancial instruments that potentially subject us to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, investments held within restricted funds, and accounts receivable. We make efforts to control our exposure to credit risk associated with these instruments by (i) placing our assets and other financial interests with a diverse group of credit-worthy financial institutions; (ii) holding high-quality financial instruments while limiting investments in any one instrument and (iii) maintaining strict policies over credit extension that include credit evaluations, credit limits and monitoring procedures, although generally we do not have collateral requirements for credit extensions. We also control our exposure associated with trade receivables by discontinuing service, to the extent allowable, to non-paying customers. However, our overall credit risk associated with trade receivables is limited due to the large number and diversity of customers we serve. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, no single customer represented greater than 5% of total accounts receivable.Accounts and Other Receivables Our receivables, which are recorded when billed, when services are performed or when cash is advanced, are claims against third parties that will generally be settled in cash. The carrying value of our receivables, net of the allowance for doubtful accounts, represents the estimated net realizable value. We estimate our allowance for doubtful accounts based on historical collection trends; type of customer, such as municipal or commercial; the age of outstanding receivables and existing as well as expected economic conditions. If events or changes in circumstances indicate that specific receivable balances may be impaired, further consideration is given to the collectability of those balances and the allowance is adjusted accordingly. Past-due receivable balances are written off when our internal collection efforts have been unsuccessful. Also, we recognize interest income on long-term interest-bearing notes receivable as the interest accrues under the terms of the notes. We no longer accrue interest once the notes are deemed uncollectible."
    },
    {
      "status": "MODIFIED",
      "current_title": "Balance Sheet Information:",
      "prior_title": "Balance Sheet Information:",
      "similarity_score": 0.709,
      "confidence": "medium",
      "key_changes": [
        "Reworded sentence: \"​ ​ ​ Current assets $ 15 Noncurrent assets ​ ​ 14 Current liabilities ​ 1,367 Noncurrent liabilities: ​ ​ ​ Advances due to affiliates ​ ​ 15,328 Other noncurrent liabilities ​ 20,140 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Year Ended ​ ​\""
      ],
      "current_body": "​ ​ ​ Current assets $ 15 Noncurrent assets ​ ​ 14 Current liabilities ​ 1,367 Noncurrent liabilities: ​ ​ ​ Advances due to affiliates ​ ​ 15,328 Other noncurrent liabilities ​ 20,140 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Year Ended ​ ​",
      "prior_body": "​ ​ ​ Current assets $ 276 Noncurrent assets ​ ​ 25 Current liabilities ​ 336 Noncurrent liabilities: ​ ​ ​ Advances due to affiliates ​ ​ 21,228 Other noncurrent liabilities ​ 13,798 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Year Ended ​ ​"
    },
    {
      "status": "MODIFIED",
      "current_title": "Our operations must comply with extensive existing regulations, and changes in regulations, including with respect to emerging contaminants and extended producer responsibility, can restrict or alter our operations, increase our operating costs, increase our tax liabilities, reduce revenues, or require us to make additional capital expenditures.",
      "prior_title": "Our operations must comply with extensive existing regulations, and changes in regulations, including with respect to emerging contaminants and extended producer responsibility, can restrict or alter our operations, increase our operating costs, increase our tax rate, or require us to make additional capital expenditures.",
      "similarity_score": 0.7,
      "confidence": "medium",
      "key_changes": [
        "Reworded sentence: \"and Canada, as well as other international jurisdictions where we operate, have a substantial impact on our operations, and compliance with such regulations is costly.\"",
        "Reworded sentence: \"Expenditures could be accelerated or materially exceed our accruals due to earlier than expected closure of landfills; the types of waste collected and manner in which it is transported and disposed of, including actions taken in the past by companies we have acquired or third-party landfill operators; environmental regulatory changes; new information about waste types previously collected, or other emerging contaminants.\"",
        "Reworded sentence: \"Business – Regulation – Recent Developments and Focus Areas in Policy and Regulation – PFAS for additional information.\"",
        "Reworded sentence: \"There are also risks presented by the potential for subsurface heat reactions causing elevated landfill temperatures and increased production of leachate, landfill gas and odors, and we have proactively incurred increased costs to manage leachate in response to this risk.\"",
        "Reworded sentence: \"The Stericycle business requires handling of medical waste and controlled substances waste.\""
      ],
      "current_body": "Stringent government regulations at the federal, state, provincial and local level in the U.S. and Canada, as well as other international jurisdictions where we operate, have a substantial impact on our operations, and compliance with such regulations is costly. See Item 1. Business – Regulation for additional information. Many complex laws, rules, orders and interpretations govern environmental protection, health, safety, land use, zoning, transportation, ethical business conduct, 26 26 Table of Contentsdata privacy and security, and other related and similar subjects. Among other things, governmental regulations and enforcement actions restrict our operations at times and may adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows by imposing conditions such as:●limitations on siting and constructing new waste disposal, destruction, transfer, recycling or processing facilities or on expanding existing facilities;●limitations, regulations or levies on collection and disposal prices, rates and volumes;●limitations, bans, taxes or charges on the disposal, destruction or transportation of out-of-state waste or certain categories of waste;●mandates regarding the management of solid waste, organics, medical waste, controlled substances waste and other materials, including requirements to recycle, divert, destroy, or otherwise process certain waste, recycling and other streams; or●limitations or restrictions on the recycling, processing or transformation of waste, recycling and other streams.Regulations affecting the siting, design and closure of landfills require us, at times, to undertake investigatory or remedial activities, curtail operations or close landfills temporarily or permanently. We have significant financial obligations relating to final capping, closure, post-closure and environmental remediation at our existing landfills and we establish accruals for these estimated costs. Expenditures could be accelerated or materially exceed our accruals due to earlier than expected closure of landfills; the types of waste collected and manner in which it is transported and disposed of, including actions taken in the past by companies we have acquired or third-party landfill operators; environmental regulatory changes; new information about waste types previously collected, or other emerging contaminants. Similar issues can also result in a significant increase in operating costs; for example, developments in recent years related to management of per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (“PFAS”) have increased our landfill operating costs. Federal and state governments have increased their focus on efforts to safeguard communities from the potentially harmful effects associated with PFAS. See Item 1. Business – Regulation – Recent Developments and Focus Areas in Policy and Regulation – PFAS for additional information. We may face increased exposure to testing, remediation and litigation costs as a result of new and emerging PFAS regulations and requirements.Regulations establishing extended producer responsibility (“EPR”) are being considered or implemented in many places around the world, including in certain states in the U.S. and provinces in Canada. EPR regulations are designed to place either partial or total responsibility on producers of consumer-packaged goods and other products to fund the post-use life cycle of the products and packaging they create. For additional information, See Item 1. Business – Regulation – Recent Developments and Focus Areas in Policy and Regulation – Extended Producer Responsibility. A significant reduction in the waste, recycling and other streams we manage, including with respect to quality and volume, could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.Following our acquisition of Stericycle, we are subject to additional laws and regulations in the U.S. and internationally concerning transportation, management and disposal or destruction of medical waste streams, including regulations that govern the definition, generation, segregation, handling, packaging, transportation, treatment, storage and disposal or destruction of medical waste and controlled substances waste, along with extensive recordkeeping and documentation requirements. Additionally, Stericycle’s secure information destruction services are subject to additional laws and regulations regarding proper handling and protection of personal and confidential information. Relaxation of enforcement, government shutdowns, or other changes in governmental regulation of medical waste and controlled substances waste and personal and confidential information could increase the number of competitors we face or reduce or delay the need for these services. Stericycle is, and has been, involved in government investigations, enforcement proceedings, private lawsuits and other disputes alleging noncompliance with applicable regulations, including alleged noncompliance with the Controlled Substances Act and other statutes involving its now-divested Domestic Environmental Solutions business of collecting, transporting, and destroying controlled substances from retail customers. With the acquisition of Stericycle, these matters may result in adverse consequences, including permit revocations or denials and civil, criminal and administrative penalties.The new U.S. presidential administration has called for substantial changes to areas of foreign trade policy and has generally appeared to be in favor of reducing regulation, including environmental regulation. We do not know what impact the change in U.S. presidential administration will have on specific regulatory policies impacting our industry and our Company, especially given the number of rules currently in litigation, nor can we predict the timing of any such changes. 27 Table of Contents Table of Contents Table of Contents data privacy and security, and other related and similar subjects. Among other things, governmental regulations and enforcement actions restrict our operations at times and may adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows by imposing conditions such as:●limitations on siting and constructing new waste disposal, destruction, transfer, recycling or processing facilities or on expanding existing facilities;●limitations, regulations or levies on collection and disposal prices, rates and volumes;●limitations, bans, taxes or charges on the disposal, destruction or transportation of out-of-state waste or certain categories of waste;●mandates regarding the management of solid waste, organics, medical waste, controlled substances waste and other materials, including requirements to recycle, divert, destroy, or otherwise process certain waste, recycling and other streams; or●limitations or restrictions on the recycling, processing or transformation of waste, recycling and other streams.Regulations affecting the siting, design and closure of landfills require us, at times, to undertake investigatory or remedial activities, curtail operations or close landfills temporarily or permanently. We have significant financial obligations relating to final capping, closure, post-closure and environmental remediation at our existing landfills and we establish accruals for these estimated costs. Expenditures could be accelerated or materially exceed our accruals due to earlier than expected closure of landfills; the types of waste collected and manner in which it is transported and disposed of, including actions taken in the past by companies we have acquired or third-party landfill operators; environmental regulatory changes; new information about waste types previously collected, or other emerging contaminants. Similar issues can also result in a significant increase in operating costs; for example, developments in recent years related to management of per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (“PFAS”) have increased our landfill operating costs. Federal and state governments have increased their focus on efforts to safeguard communities from the potentially harmful effects associated with PFAS. See Item 1. Business – Regulation – Recent Developments and Focus Areas in Policy and Regulation – PFAS for additional information. We may face increased exposure to testing, remediation and litigation costs as a result of new and emerging PFAS regulations and requirements.Regulations establishing extended producer responsibility (“EPR”) are being considered or implemented in many places around the world, including in certain states in the U.S. and provinces in Canada. EPR regulations are designed to place either partial or total responsibility on producers of consumer-packaged goods and other products to fund the post-use life cycle of the products and packaging they create. For additional information, See Item 1. Business – Regulation – Recent Developments and Focus Areas in Policy and Regulation – Extended Producer Responsibility. A significant reduction in the waste, recycling and other streams we manage, including with respect to quality and volume, could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.Following our acquisition of Stericycle, we are subject to additional laws and regulations in the U.S. and internationally concerning transportation, management and disposal or destruction of medical waste streams, including regulations that govern the definition, generation, segregation, handling, packaging, transportation, treatment, storage and disposal or destruction of medical waste and controlled substances waste, along with extensive recordkeeping and documentation requirements. Additionally, Stericycle’s secure information destruction services are subject to additional laws and regulations regarding proper handling and protection of personal and confidential information. Relaxation of enforcement, government shutdowns, or other changes in governmental regulation of medical waste and controlled substances waste and personal and confidential information could increase the number of competitors we face or reduce or delay the need for these services. Stericycle is, and has been, involved in government investigations, enforcement proceedings, private lawsuits and other disputes alleging noncompliance with applicable regulations, including alleged noncompliance with the Controlled Substances Act and other statutes involving its now-divested Domestic Environmental Solutions business of collecting, transporting, and destroying controlled substances from retail customers. With the acquisition of Stericycle, these matters may result in adverse consequences, including permit revocations or denials and civil, criminal and administrative penalties.The new U.S. presidential administration has called for substantial changes to areas of foreign trade policy and has generally appeared to be in favor of reducing regulation, including environmental regulation. We do not know what impact the change in U.S. presidential administration will have on specific regulatory policies impacting our industry and our Company, especially given the number of rules currently in litigation, nor can we predict the timing of any such changes. data privacy and security, and other related and similar subjects. Among other things, governmental regulations and enforcement actions restrict our operations at times and may adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows by imposing conditions such as:●limitations on siting and constructing new waste disposal, destruction, transfer, recycling or processing facilities or on expanding existing facilities;●limitations, regulations or levies on collection and disposal prices, rates and volumes;●limitations, bans, taxes or charges on the disposal, destruction or transportation of out-of-state waste or certain categories of waste;●mandates regarding the management of solid waste, organics, medical waste, controlled substances waste and other materials, including requirements to recycle, divert, destroy, or otherwise process certain waste, recycling and other streams; or●limitations or restrictions on the recycling, processing or transformation of waste, recycling and other streams.Regulations affecting the siting, design and closure of landfills require us, at times, to undertake investigatory or remedial activities, curtail operations or close landfills temporarily or permanently. We have significant financial obligations relating to final capping, closure, post-closure and environmental remediation at our existing landfills and we establish accruals for these estimated costs. Expenditures could be accelerated or materially exceed our accruals due to earlier than expected closure of landfills; the types of waste collected and manner in which it is transported and disposed of, including actions taken in the past by companies we have acquired or third-party landfill operators; environmental regulatory changes; new information about waste types previously collected, or other emerging contaminants. Similar issues can also result in a significant increase in operating costs; for example, developments in recent years related to management of per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (“PFAS”) have increased our landfill operating costs. Federal and state governments have increased their focus on efforts to safeguard communities from the potentially harmful effects associated with PFAS. See Item 1. Business – Regulation – Recent Developments and Focus Areas in Policy and Regulation – PFAS for additional information. We may face increased exposure to testing, remediation and litigation costs as a result of new and emerging PFAS regulations and requirements.Regulations establishing extended producer responsibility (“EPR”) are being considered or implemented in many places around the world, including in certain states in the U.S. and provinces in Canada. EPR regulations are designed to place either partial or total responsibility on producers of consumer-packaged goods and other products to fund the post-use life cycle of the products and packaging they create. For additional information, See Item 1. Business – Regulation – Recent Developments and Focus Areas in Policy and Regulation – Extended Producer Responsibility. A significant reduction in the waste, recycling and other streams we manage, including with respect to quality and volume, could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.Following our acquisition of Stericycle, we are subject to additional laws and regulations in the U.S. and internationally concerning transportation, management and disposal or destruction of medical waste streams, including regulations that govern the definition, generation, segregation, handling, packaging, transportation, treatment, storage and disposal or destruction of medical waste and controlled substances waste, along with extensive recordkeeping and documentation requirements. Additionally, Stericycle’s secure information destruction services are subject to additional laws and regulations regarding proper handling and protection of personal and confidential information. Relaxation of enforcement, government shutdowns, or other changes in governmental regulation of medical waste and controlled substances waste and personal and confidential information could increase the number of competitors we face or reduce or delay the need for these services. Stericycle is, and has been, involved in government investigations, enforcement proceedings, private lawsuits and other disputes alleging noncompliance with applicable regulations, including alleged noncompliance with the Controlled Substances Act and other statutes involving its now-divested Domestic Environmental Solutions business of collecting, transporting, and destroying controlled substances from retail customers. With the acquisition of Stericycle, these matters may result in adverse consequences, including permit revocations or denials and civil, criminal and administrative penalties.The new U.S. presidential administration has called for substantial changes to areas of foreign trade policy and has generally appeared to be in favor of reducing regulation, including environmental regulation. We do not know what impact the change in U.S. presidential administration will have on specific regulatory policies impacting our industry and our Company, especially given the number of rules currently in litigation, nor can we predict the timing of any such changes. data privacy and security, and other related and similar subjects. Among other things, governmental regulations and enforcement actions restrict our operations at times and may adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows by imposing conditions such as: Regulations affecting the siting, design and closure of landfills require us, at times, to undertake investigatory or remedial activities, curtail operations or close landfills temporarily or permanently. We have significant financial obligations relating to final capping, closure, post-closure and environmental remediation at our existing landfills and we establish accruals for these estimated costs. Expenditures could be accelerated or materially exceed our accruals due to earlier than expected closure of landfills; the types of waste collected and manner in which it is transported and disposed of, including actions taken in the past by companies we have acquired or third-party landfill operators; environmental regulatory changes; new information about waste types previously collected, or other emerging contaminants. Similar issues can also result in a significant increase in operating costs; for example, developments in recent years related to management of per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (“PFAS”) have increased our landfill operating costs. Federal and state governments have increased their focus on efforts to safeguard communities from the potentially harmful effects associated with PFAS. See Item 1. Business – Regulation – Recent Developments and Focus Areas in Policy and Regulation – PFAS for additional information. We may face increased exposure to testing, remediation and litigation costs as a result of new and emerging PFAS regulations and requirements. Regulations establishing extended producer responsibility (“EPR”) are being considered or implemented in many places around the world, including in certain states in the U.S. and provinces in Canada. EPR regulations are designed to place either partial or total responsibility on producers of consumer-packaged goods and other products to fund the post-use life cycle of the products and packaging they create. For additional information, See Item 1. Business – Regulation – Recent Developments and Focus Areas in Policy and Regulation – Extended Producer Responsibility. A significant reduction in the waste, recycling and other streams we manage, including with respect to quality and volume, could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. Following our acquisition of Stericycle, we are subject to additional laws and regulations in the U.S. and internationally concerning transportation, management and disposal or destruction of medical waste streams, including regulations that govern the definition, generation, segregation, handling, packaging, transportation, treatment, storage and disposal or destruction of medical waste and controlled substances waste, along with extensive recordkeeping and documentation requirements. Additionally, Stericycle’s secure information destruction services are subject to additional laws and regulations regarding proper handling and protection of personal and confidential information. Relaxation of enforcement, government shutdowns, or other changes in governmental regulation of medical waste and controlled substances waste and personal and confidential information could increase the number of competitors we face or reduce or delay the need for these services. Stericycle is, and has been, involved in government investigations, enforcement proceedings, private lawsuits and other disputes alleging noncompliance with applicable regulations, including alleged noncompliance with the Controlled Substances Act and other statutes involving its now-divested Domestic Environmental Solutions business of collecting, transporting, and destroying controlled substances from retail customers. With the acquisition of Stericycle, these matters may result in adverse consequences, including permit revocations or denials and civil, criminal and administrative penalties. The new U.S. presidential administration has called for substantial changes to areas of foreign trade policy and has generally appeared to be in favor of reducing regulation, including environmental regulation. We do not know what impact the change in U.S. presidential administration will have on specific regulatory policies impacting our industry and our Company, especially given the number of rules currently in litigation, nor can we predict the timing of any such changes. 27 27 Table of ContentsReduction of regulation may have a favorable impact on our operating costs, but the extensive environmental regulation applicable to our industry is also a barrier to rapid entry that benefits our Company. Significant new restrictions and tariffs on foreign trade could have a negative impact on our recycling export business and our cross-border commerce, particularly with Canada, and could increase the cost of certain equipment and other materials used in our operations that we procure from outside the U.S., including our trucks and certain equipment used to implement our sustainability growth strategy. It is likely that some policies adopted by the new administration will benefit us and others will negatively affect us.If we encounter regulatory compliance issues in the course of operating our business, we may experience adverse publicity, which may intensify if such noncompliance results in legal liability. Any legal liability or adverse publicity from such noncompliance may harm our reputation and result in difficulties in attracting new customers, or retaining existing customers, which would negatively impact our results of operations and financial condition.Our business is subject to operational and safety risks, including the risk of injury to employees and others.Providing environmental and waste management services, including constructing and operating landfills, transfer stations, processing facilities, recycling facilities and other disposal or destruction facilities, and landfill gas-to-energy facilities, involves risks such as truck accidents, equipment defects, malfunctions and failures, and improper use of dangerous equipment. Additionally, we closely monitor and manage landfills to minimize the risk of waste mass instability, releases of hazardous materials, and odors that are sometimes triggered by weather or natural disasters. There are also risks presented by the potential for subsurface heat reactions causing elevated landfill temperatures and increased production of leachate, landfill gas and odors, and we have proactively incurred increased costs to manage leachate in response to this risk. We build and operate natural gas fueling stations, some of which also serve the public or third parties. Operation of fueling stations and landfill gas collection and control systems, as well as operation of heavy machinery and management of flammable materials at our recycling facilities and transfer stations, involves additional risks of fire and explosion. The Stericycle business requires handling of medical waste and controlled substances waste. Incidents such as truck accidents, damaged or leaking containers, improper storage of medical waste and controlled substances waste, placement of prohibited materials into the waste stream, or malfunctioning plant equipment could result in exposure to contaminated or infectious waste or other hazardous materials. Any of these risks could potentially result in injury, illness or death of employees and others. These risks could also result in a need to shut down or reduce operation of facilities, increased operating costs and exposure to liability for pollution, public nuisance, and other environmental damage, and property damage or destruction. While we seek to minimize our exposure to such risks through comprehensive training, compliance and response and recovery programs, as well as vehicle and equipment maintenance programs, if we were to incur substantial liabilities in excess of any applicable insurance, our business, results of operations and financial condition could be adversely affected. Any such incidents could also tarnish our reputation and reduce the value of our brand. Additionally, a major operational failure, even if suffered by a competitor, may bring enhanced scrutiny and regulation of our industry, with a corresponding increase in operating expense.We may be unable to obtain or maintain required permits for our operations or expand existing permitted capacity at our landfills, due to land scarcity, public opposition or otherwise, which can require us to identify disposal alternatives, resulting in decreased revenue and increased costs.Our ability to meet our financial and operating objectives depends in part on our ability to obtain and maintain the permits, authorizations, approvals, certificates, and other governmental permissions necessary to operate landfill sites, recycling facilities, compost facilities, processing facilities, landfill gas-to-energy facilities, incineration facilities and transfer stations in the various jurisdictions in which we operate. Changes in applicable laws and regulations could require us to obtain new permits or to change the way in which we operate our business. Even where permits are obtained, they may contain conditions or restrictions that limit our ability to operate efficiently. Permits to build, operate and expand solid waste management facilities, including landfills and transfer stations, have become more difficult and expensive to obtain and maintain. Permits often take years to obtain as a result of numerous hearings and compliance requirements with regard to zoning, environmental and other regulations. These permits are also often subject to resistance from citizen or other groups and other political pressures. Local communities and citizen groups, adjacent landowners or governmental agencies may oppose the issuance of a permit or approval we may need, allege violations of the permits under which we currently operate or laws or regulations to which we are subjected, or seek to impose liability on us for alleged environmental damage. Such actions could also impact our ability to do business by causing reputational harm. Our ability 28 Table of Contents Table of Contents Table of Contents Reduction of regulation may have a favorable impact on our operating costs, but the extensive environmental regulation applicable to our industry is also a barrier to rapid entry that benefits our Company. Significant new restrictions and tariffs on foreign trade could have a negative impact on our recycling export business and our cross-border commerce, particularly with Canada, and could increase the cost of certain equipment and other materials used in our operations that we procure from outside the U.S., including our trucks and certain equipment used to implement our sustainability growth strategy. It is likely that some policies adopted by the new administration will benefit us and others will negatively affect us.If we encounter regulatory compliance issues in the course of operating our business, we may experience adverse publicity, which may intensify if such noncompliance results in legal liability. Any legal liability or adverse publicity from such noncompliance may harm our reputation and result in difficulties in attracting new customers, or retaining existing customers, which would negatively impact our results of operations and financial condition.Our business is subject to operational and safety risks, including the risk of injury to employees and others.Providing environmental and waste management services, including constructing and operating landfills, transfer stations, processing facilities, recycling facilities and other disposal or destruction facilities, and landfill gas-to-energy facilities, involves risks such as truck accidents, equipment defects, malfunctions and failures, and improper use of dangerous equipment. Additionally, we closely monitor and manage landfills to minimize the risk of waste mass instability, releases of hazardous materials, and odors that are sometimes triggered by weather or natural disasters. There are also risks presented by the potential for subsurface heat reactions causing elevated landfill temperatures and increased production of leachate, landfill gas and odors, and we have proactively incurred increased costs to manage leachate in response to this risk. We build and operate natural gas fueling stations, some of which also serve the public or third parties. Operation of fueling stations and landfill gas collection and control systems, as well as operation of heavy machinery and management of flammable materials at our recycling facilities and transfer stations, involves additional risks of fire and explosion. The Stericycle business requires handling of medical waste and controlled substances waste. Incidents such as truck accidents, damaged or leaking containers, improper storage of medical waste and controlled substances waste, placement of prohibited materials into the waste stream, or malfunctioning plant equipment could result in exposure to contaminated or infectious waste or other hazardous materials. Any of these risks could potentially result in injury, illness or death of employees and others. These risks could also result in a need to shut down or reduce operation of facilities, increased operating costs and exposure to liability for pollution, public nuisance, and other environmental damage, and property damage or destruction. While we seek to minimize our exposure to such risks through comprehensive training, compliance and response and recovery programs, as well as vehicle and equipment maintenance programs, if we were to incur substantial liabilities in excess of any applicable insurance, our business, results of operations and financial condition could be adversely affected. Any such incidents could also tarnish our reputation and reduce the value of our brand. Additionally, a major operational failure, even if suffered by a competitor, may bring enhanced scrutiny and regulation of our industry, with a corresponding increase in operating expense.We may be unable to obtain or maintain required permits for our operations or expand existing permitted capacity at our landfills, due to land scarcity, public opposition or otherwise, which can require us to identify disposal alternatives, resulting in decreased revenue and increased costs.Our ability to meet our financial and operating objectives depends in part on our ability to obtain and maintain the permits, authorizations, approvals, certificates, and other governmental permissions necessary to operate landfill sites, recycling facilities, compost facilities, processing facilities, landfill gas-to-energy facilities, incineration facilities and transfer stations in the various jurisdictions in which we operate. Changes in applicable laws and regulations could require us to obtain new permits or to change the way in which we operate our business. Even where permits are obtained, they may contain conditions or restrictions that limit our ability to operate efficiently. Permits to build, operate and expand solid waste management facilities, including landfills and transfer stations, have become more difficult and expensive to obtain and maintain. Permits often take years to obtain as a result of numerous hearings and compliance requirements with regard to zoning, environmental and other regulations. These permits are also often subject to resistance from citizen or other groups and other political pressures. Local communities and citizen groups, adjacent landowners or governmental agencies may oppose the issuance of a permit or approval we may need, allege violations of the permits under which we currently operate or laws or regulations to which we are subjected, or seek to impose liability on us for alleged environmental damage. Such actions could also impact our ability to do business by causing reputational harm. Our ability Reduction of regulation may have a favorable impact on our operating costs, but the extensive environmental regulation applicable to our industry is also a barrier to rapid entry that benefits our Company. Significant new restrictions and tariffs on foreign trade could have a negative impact on our recycling export business and our cross-border commerce, particularly with Canada, and could increase the cost of certain equipment and other materials used in our operations that we procure from outside the U.S., including our trucks and certain equipment used to implement our sustainability growth strategy. It is likely that some policies adopted by the new administration will benefit us and others will negatively affect us.If we encounter regulatory compliance issues in the course of operating our business, we may experience adverse publicity, which may intensify if such noncompliance results in legal liability. Any legal liability or adverse publicity from such noncompliance may harm our reputation and result in difficulties in attracting new customers, or retaining existing customers, which would negatively impact our results of operations and financial condition.Our business is subject to operational and safety risks, including the risk of injury to employees and others.Providing environmental and waste management services, including constructing and operating landfills, transfer stations, processing facilities, recycling facilities and other disposal or destruction facilities, and landfill gas-to-energy facilities, involves risks such as truck accidents, equipment defects, malfunctions and failures, and improper use of dangerous equipment. Additionally, we closely monitor and manage landfills to minimize the risk of waste mass instability, releases of hazardous materials, and odors that are sometimes triggered by weather or natural disasters. There are also risks presented by the potential for subsurface heat reactions causing elevated landfill temperatures and increased production of leachate, landfill gas and odors, and we have proactively incurred increased costs to manage leachate in response to this risk. We build and operate natural gas fueling stations, some of which also serve the public or third parties. Operation of fueling stations and landfill gas collection and control systems, as well as operation of heavy machinery and management of flammable materials at our recycling facilities and transfer stations, involves additional risks of fire and explosion. The Stericycle business requires handling of medical waste and controlled substances waste. Incidents such as truck accidents, damaged or leaking containers, improper storage of medical waste and controlled substances waste, placement of prohibited materials into the waste stream, or malfunctioning plant equipment could result in exposure to contaminated or infectious waste or other hazardous materials. Any of these risks could potentially result in injury, illness or death of employees and others. These risks could also result in a need to shut down or reduce operation of facilities, increased operating costs and exposure to liability for pollution, public nuisance, and other environmental damage, and property damage or destruction. While we seek to minimize our exposure to such risks through comprehensive training, compliance and response and recovery programs, as well as vehicle and equipment maintenance programs, if we were to incur substantial liabilities in excess of any applicable insurance, our business, results of operations and financial condition could be adversely affected. Any such incidents could also tarnish our reputation and reduce the value of our brand. Additionally, a major operational failure, even if suffered by a competitor, may bring enhanced scrutiny and regulation of our industry, with a corresponding increase in operating expense.We may be unable to obtain or maintain required permits for our operations or expand existing permitted capacity at our landfills, due to land scarcity, public opposition or otherwise, which can require us to identify disposal alternatives, resulting in decreased revenue and increased costs.Our ability to meet our financial and operating objectives depends in part on our ability to obtain and maintain the permits, authorizations, approvals, certificates, and other governmental permissions necessary to operate landfill sites, recycling facilities, compost facilities, processing facilities, landfill gas-to-energy facilities, incineration facilities and transfer stations in the various jurisdictions in which we operate. Changes in applicable laws and regulations could require us to obtain new permits or to change the way in which we operate our business. Even where permits are obtained, they may contain conditions or restrictions that limit our ability to operate efficiently. Permits to build, operate and expand solid waste management facilities, including landfills and transfer stations, have become more difficult and expensive to obtain and maintain. Permits often take years to obtain as a result of numerous hearings and compliance requirements with regard to zoning, environmental and other regulations. These permits are also often subject to resistance from citizen or other groups and other political pressures. Local communities and citizen groups, adjacent landowners or governmental agencies may oppose the issuance of a permit or approval we may need, allege violations of the permits under which we currently operate or laws or regulations to which we are subjected, or seek to impose liability on us for alleged environmental damage. Such actions could also impact our ability to do business by causing reputational harm. Our ability Reduction of regulation may have a favorable impact on our operating costs, but the extensive environmental regulation applicable to our industry is also a barrier to rapid entry that benefits our Company. Significant new restrictions and tariffs on foreign trade could have a negative impact on our recycling export business and our cross-border commerce, particularly with Canada, and could increase the cost of certain equipment and other materials used in our operations that we procure from outside the U.S., including our trucks and certain equipment used to implement our sustainability growth strategy. It is likely that some policies adopted by the new administration will benefit us and others will negatively affect us. If we encounter regulatory compliance issues in the course of operating our business, we may experience adverse publicity, which may intensify if such noncompliance results in legal liability. Any legal liability or adverse publicity from such noncompliance may harm our reputation and result in difficulties in attracting new customers, or retaining existing customers, which would negatively impact our results of operations and financial condition.",
      "prior_body": "Stringent government regulations at the federal, state, provincial and local level in the U.S. and Canada have a substantial impact on our operations, and compliance with such regulations is costly. Many complex laws, rules, orders and interpretations govern environmental protection, health, safety, land use, zoning, transportation and related matters. Among other things, governmental regulations and enforcement actions restrict our operations at times and may adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows by imposing conditions such as: Regulations affecting the siting, design and closure of landfills require us, at times, to undertake investigatory or remedial activities, curtail operations or close landfills temporarily or permanently. We have significant financial obligations relating to final capping, closure, post-closure and environmental remediation at our existing landfills and we establish accruals for these estimated costs. Expenditures could be accelerated or materially exceed our accruals due to earlier than expected closure of landfills; the types of waste collected and manner in which it is transported and disposed of, including actions taken in the past by companies we have acquired or third-party landfill operators; environmental regulatory changes; new information about waste types previously collected, such as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (“PFAS”) or other emerging contaminates and other reasons. Federal and state governments have increased their focus on efforts to safeguard communities from the potentially harmful effects associated with PFAS. See Item 1. Business – Regulation – Recent Developments and Focus Areas in Policy and Regulation – PFAS for additional background information. The EPA proposed the designation of two PFAS compounds as hazardous substances under CERCLA. We are closely monitoring this proposed rulemaking and are actively working with both Congress and the EPA to provide landfills and other essential public services with relief from CERCLA liability and instead hold accountable manufacturers and heavy users of these compounds. Without such relief, we may face increased exposure to remediation and litigation costs associated with properties that the EPA may designate as CERCLA sites due to the presence of PFAS. Additionally, regulations establishing extended producer responsibility (“EPR”) are being considered or implemented in many places around the world, including in the U.S. and Canada. EPR regulations are designed to place either partial or total responsibility on producers of consumer-packaged goods and other products to fund the post-use life cycle of the products they create. Along with the funding responsibility, producers may be required to undertake additional responsibilities, such as taking over management of local recycling programs by taking back their products from end users or managing the collection operations and recycling processing and marketing infrastructure. During periods of economic difficulty, governmental entities have increased their interest in implementing EPR regulations to reduce municipal spending on recycling programs. There is no federal law establishing EPR in the U.S. or Canada; however, federal, state, 21 21 Table of Contentsprovincial and local governments could, and in several cases have, taken steps to implement EPR regulations for packaging, including traditional recyclables such as cardboard, bottles and cans. If wide-ranging EPR regulations were adopted, they could significantly impact the waste and recycling streams we manage and how we operate our business, including contract terms and pricing. A significant reduction in the waste, recycling and other streams we manage, including with respect to quality and volume, could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.Our business is subject to operational and safety risks, including the risk of personal injury to employees and others.Providing environmental and waste management services, including constructing and operating landfills, transfer stations, recycling facilities and other disposal facilities, and landfill gas-to-energy facilities, involves risks such as truck accidents, equipment defects, malfunctions and failures, and improper use of dangerous equipment. Additionally, we closely monitor and manage landfills to minimize the risk of waste mass instability, releases of hazardous materials, and odors that are sometimes triggered by weather or natural disasters. There are also risks presented by the potential for subsurface heat reactions causing elevated landfill temperatures and increased production of leachate, landfill gas and odors. We also build and operate natural gas fueling stations, some of which also serve the public or third parties. Operation of fueling stations and landfill gas collection and control systems, as well as operation of heavy machinery and management of flammable materials at our recycling facilities and transfer stations, involves additional risks of fire and explosion. Any of these risks could potentially result in injury or death of employees and others, a need to shut down or reduce operation of facilities, increased operating expense and exposure to liability for pollution and other environmental damage, and property damage or destruction.While we seek to minimize our exposure to such risks through comprehensive training, compliance and response and recovery programs, as well as vehicle and equipment maintenance programs, if we were to incur substantial liabilities in excess of any applicable insurance, our business, results of operations and financial condition could be adversely affected. Any such incidents could also tarnish our reputation and reduce the value of our brand. Additionally, a major operational failure, even if suffered by a competitor, may bring enhanced scrutiny and regulation of our industry, with a corresponding increase in operating expense.We may be unable to obtain or maintain required permits or expand existing permitted capacity at our landfills, due to land scarcity, public opposition or otherwise, which can require us to identify disposal alternatives, resulting in decreased revenue and increased costs.Our ability to meet our financial and operating objectives depends in part on our ability to obtain and maintain the permits necessary to operate landfill sites and transfer stations. Permits to build, operate and expand solid waste management facilities, including landfills and transfer stations, have become more difficult and expensive to obtain and maintain. Permits often take years to obtain as a result of numerous hearings and compliance requirements with regard to zoning, environmental and other regulations. These permits are also often subject to resistance from citizen or other groups and other political pressures. Local communities and citizen groups, adjacent landowners or governmental agencies may oppose the issuance of a permit or approval we may need, allege violations of the permits under which we currently operate or laws or regulations to which we are subjected, or seek to impose liability on us for alleged environmental damage. Such actions could also impact our ability to do business by causing reputational harm. Federal, state and local governments are also increasingly adopting requirements for environmental justice reviews as part of certain permitting decisions. These policies generally require permitting agencies to give heightened attention to the potential for projects to disproportionately impact low-income and minority communities. Responding to permit challenges has, at times, increased our costs and extended the time associated with establishing new facilities and expanding existing facilities. In addition, failure to receive regulatory and zoning approval, as well as land scarcity, particularly in densely populated areas, may prohibit us from establishing new facilities or expanding existing facilities. Diminishing disposal capacity, typically in proximity to major metropolitan areas, sometimes requires us to transport waste by rail or find alternative disposal solutions in affected areas, increasing our operating costs. Our failure to obtain the required permits and necessary capacity expansion to operate our landfills could have a material adverse impact on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.If we are unable to attract, hire or retain key team members and a high-quality workforce, or if our succession planning does not develop an adequate pipeline of future leaders, it could disrupt our business, jeopardize our strategic priorities and result in increased costs, negatively impacting our results of operations.Our operations require us to attract, hire, develop and retain a high-quality workforce to provide a superior customer experience. This includes key individuals in leadership and specialty roles, as well as a very large number of drivers, 22 Table of Contents Table of Contents Table of Contents provincial and local governments could, and in several cases have, taken steps to implement EPR regulations for packaging, including traditional recyclables such as cardboard, bottles and cans. If wide-ranging EPR regulations were adopted, they could significantly impact the waste and recycling streams we manage and how we operate our business, including contract terms and pricing. A significant reduction in the waste, recycling and other streams we manage, including with respect to quality and volume, could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.Our business is subject to operational and safety risks, including the risk of personal injury to employees and others.Providing environmental and waste management services, including constructing and operating landfills, transfer stations, recycling facilities and other disposal facilities, and landfill gas-to-energy facilities, involves risks such as truck accidents, equipment defects, malfunctions and failures, and improper use of dangerous equipment. Additionally, we closely monitor and manage landfills to minimize the risk of waste mass instability, releases of hazardous materials, and odors that are sometimes triggered by weather or natural disasters. There are also risks presented by the potential for subsurface heat reactions causing elevated landfill temperatures and increased production of leachate, landfill gas and odors. We also build and operate natural gas fueling stations, some of which also serve the public or third parties. Operation of fueling stations and landfill gas collection and control systems, as well as operation of heavy machinery and management of flammable materials at our recycling facilities and transfer stations, involves additional risks of fire and explosion. Any of these risks could potentially result in injury or death of employees and others, a need to shut down or reduce operation of facilities, increased operating expense and exposure to liability for pollution and other environmental damage, and property damage or destruction.While we seek to minimize our exposure to such risks through comprehensive training, compliance and response and recovery programs, as well as vehicle and equipment maintenance programs, if we were to incur substantial liabilities in excess of any applicable insurance, our business, results of operations and financial condition could be adversely affected. Any such incidents could also tarnish our reputation and reduce the value of our brand. Additionally, a major operational failure, even if suffered by a competitor, may bring enhanced scrutiny and regulation of our industry, with a corresponding increase in operating expense.We may be unable to obtain or maintain required permits or expand existing permitted capacity at our landfills, due to land scarcity, public opposition or otherwise, which can require us to identify disposal alternatives, resulting in decreased revenue and increased costs.Our ability to meet our financial and operating objectives depends in part on our ability to obtain and maintain the permits necessary to operate landfill sites and transfer stations. Permits to build, operate and expand solid waste management facilities, including landfills and transfer stations, have become more difficult and expensive to obtain and maintain. Permits often take years to obtain as a result of numerous hearings and compliance requirements with regard to zoning, environmental and other regulations. These permits are also often subject to resistance from citizen or other groups and other political pressures. Local communities and citizen groups, adjacent landowners or governmental agencies may oppose the issuance of a permit or approval we may need, allege violations of the permits under which we currently operate or laws or regulations to which we are subjected, or seek to impose liability on us for alleged environmental damage. Such actions could also impact our ability to do business by causing reputational harm. Federal, state and local governments are also increasingly adopting requirements for environmental justice reviews as part of certain permitting decisions. These policies generally require permitting agencies to give heightened attention to the potential for projects to disproportionately impact low-income and minority communities. Responding to permit challenges has, at times, increased our costs and extended the time associated with establishing new facilities and expanding existing facilities. In addition, failure to receive regulatory and zoning approval, as well as land scarcity, particularly in densely populated areas, may prohibit us from establishing new facilities or expanding existing facilities. Diminishing disposal capacity, typically in proximity to major metropolitan areas, sometimes requires us to transport waste by rail or find alternative disposal solutions in affected areas, increasing our operating costs. Our failure to obtain the required permits and necessary capacity expansion to operate our landfills could have a material adverse impact on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.If we are unable to attract, hire or retain key team members and a high-quality workforce, or if our succession planning does not develop an adequate pipeline of future leaders, it could disrupt our business, jeopardize our strategic priorities and result in increased costs, negatively impacting our results of operations.Our operations require us to attract, hire, develop and retain a high-quality workforce to provide a superior customer experience. This includes key individuals in leadership and specialty roles, as well as a very large number of drivers, provincial and local governments could, and in several cases have, taken steps to implement EPR regulations for packaging, including traditional recyclables such as cardboard, bottles and cans. If wide-ranging EPR regulations were adopted, they could significantly impact the waste and recycling streams we manage and how we operate our business, including contract terms and pricing. A significant reduction in the waste, recycling and other streams we manage, including with respect to quality and volume, could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows."
    },
    {
      "status": "MODIFIED",
      "current_title": "Insured and Self-Insured Claims",
      "prior_title": "Insured and Self-Insured Claims",
      "similarity_score": 0.681,
      "confidence": "medium",
      "key_changes": [
        "Reworded sentence: \"Estimated 97 97 Table of ContentsWASTE MANAGEMENT, INC.NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)​insurance recoveries related to recorded liabilities are reflected as other current receivables or other long-term assets in our Consolidated Balance Sheets when we believe that the receipt of such amounts is probable.We use a wholly-owned insurance captive to insure the deductibles for our general liability, automobile liability and workers’ compensation claims programs.\"",
        "Reworded sentence: \"These premiums are held in a restricted funds account to be used solely for paying insurance claims, resulting in a transfer of risk from our Company to the insurance captive, and are allocated between current and long-term assets depending on estimated timing of the use of funds.Restricted Funds Our restricted funds accounts primarily consist of funds deposited for purposes of funding insurance claims and settling landfill final capping, closure, post-closure and environmental remediation obligations.\""
      ],
      "current_body": "We have retained a significant portion of the risks related to our health and welfare, general liability, automobile liability and workers’ compensation claims programs. For our self-insured portions, the exposure for unpaid claims and associated expenses, including incurred but not reported losses, is based on an actuarial valuation or internal estimates. The gross estimated liability associated with settling unpaid claims is included in accrued liabilities in our Consolidated Balance Sheets if expected to be settled within one year; otherwise, it is included in other long-term liabilities. Estimated 97 97 Table of ContentsWASTE MANAGEMENT, INC.NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)​insurance recoveries related to recorded liabilities are reflected as other current receivables or other long-term assets in our Consolidated Balance Sheets when we believe that the receipt of such amounts is probable.We use a wholly-owned insurance captive to insure the deductibles for our general liability, automobile liability and workers’ compensation claims programs. We continue to maintain conventional insurance policies with third-party insurers. WMI pays an annual premium to the insurance captive on behalf of WMI and its insured subsidiaries, typically in the first quarter of the year, for estimated losses based on an external actuarial analysis. These premiums are held in a restricted funds account to be used solely for paying insurance claims, resulting in a transfer of risk from our Company to the insurance captive, and are allocated between current and long-term assets depending on estimated timing of the use of funds.Restricted Funds Our restricted funds accounts primarily consist of funds deposited for purposes of funding insurance claims and settling landfill final capping, closure, post-closure and environmental remediation obligations. These funds are generally allocated between cash, money market funds, equity securities and available-for-sale debt securities depending on the estimated timing and purpose of the use of funds. We use a wholly-owned insurance captive to insure the deductibles for certain claims programs and the premiums paid are directly deposited into a restricted funds account to be used solely for paying insurance claims. At several of our landfills, we provide financial assurance by depositing cash into restricted trust funds for purposes of settling final capping, closure, post-closure and environmental remediation obligations. Balances maintained in these restricted funds accounts will fluctuate based on (i) changes in statutory requirements; (ii) future deposits made to comply with contractual arrangements; (iii) the ongoing use of funds; (iv) acquisitions or divestitures and (v) changes in the fair value of the financial instruments held in the restricted funds accounts. See Notes 16 and 18 for additional discussion related to restricted funds accounts for final capping, closure, post-closure or environmental remediation obligations.Investments in Unconsolidated Entities As a result of adopting ASU 2023-02 in 2024, our investments in entities established to invest in and manage low-income housing properties are accounted for using the proportional amortization method. Under the proportional amortization method, the equity investment is amortized in proportion to the income tax credits and other income tax benefits received. Investments in unconsolidated entities over which the Company has significant influence are accounted for under the equity method of accounting. Equity investments in which the Company does not have the ability to exert significant influence over the investees’ operating and financing activities are measured using a quantitative approach as these investments do not have readily determinable fair values. The quantitative approach, or measurement alternative, is equal to its cost minus impairment, if any, plus or minus changes resulting from observable price changes in orderly transactions for the identical or a similar investment of the same issuer. The following table summarizes our investments in unconsolidated entities as of December 31 (in millions):​​​​​​​​​ 2024 2023Equity method investments​$ 86​$ 538Investments qualifying for proportional amortization method (a)​​ 707​​ —Investments without readily determinable fair values​ 53​​ 68Investments in unconsolidated entities​$ 846​$ 606(a)As discussed above, our low-income housing investments are accounted for using the proportional amortization method. Prior to 2024, these investments were included as equity method investments.98 Table of ContentsWASTE MANAGEMENT, INC.NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)​ Table of Contents Table of Contents",
      "prior_body": "We have retained a significant portion of the risks related to our health and welfare, general liability, automobile liability and workers’ compensation claims programs. For our self-insured portions, the exposure for unpaid claims and associated expenses, including incurred but not reported losses, is based on an actuarial valuation or internal estimates. The gross estimated liability associated with settling unpaid claims is included in accrued liabilities in our Consolidated Balance Sheets if expected to be settled within one year; otherwise, it is included in other long-term liabilities. Estimated insurance recoveries related to recorded liabilities are reflected as other current receivables or other long-term assets in our Consolidated Balance Sheets when we believe that the receipt of such amounts is probable. We use a wholly-owned insurance captive to insure the deductibles for our general liability, automobile liability and workers’ compensation claims programs. We continue to maintain conventional insurance policies with third-party insurers. WMI pays an annual premium to the insurance captive on behalf of WMI and its insured subsidiaries, typically in the first quarter of the year, for estimated losses based on an external actuarial analysis. These premiums are held in a restricted funds account to be used solely for paying insurance claims, resulting in a transfer of risk from our Company to the insurance captive, and are allocated between current and long-term assets depending on estimated timing of the use of funds."
    },
    {
      "status": "MODIFIED",
      "current_title": "Year Ended December 31,",
      "prior_title": "Year Ended December 31,",
      "similarity_score": 0.673,
      "confidence": "medium",
      "key_changes": [
        "Reworded sentence: \"​ 2024 2023 2022 Operating revenues ​ $ 22,063 ​ $ 20,426 ​ $ 19,698 Costs and expenses: ​ ​ ​ ​ Operating ​ 13,383 ​ 12,606 ​ 12,294 Selling, general and administrative ​ 2,264 ​ 1,926 ​ 1,938 Depreciation, depletion and amortization ​ 2,267 ​ 2,071 ​ 2,038 Restructuring ​ 4 ​ 5 ​ 1 (Gain) loss from divestitures, asset impairments and unusual items, net ​ 82 ​ 243 ​ 62 ​ ​ 18,000 ​ 16,851 ​ 16,333 Income from operations ​ 4,063 ​ 3,575 ​ 3,365 Other income (expense): ​ ​ ​ ​ Interest expense, net ​ (598) ​ (500) ​ (378) Loss on early extinguishment of debt, net ​ ​ (7) ​ ​ — ​ ​ — Equity in net income (losses) of unconsolidated entities ​ 4 ​ (60) ​ (67) Other, net ​ (4) ​ 6 ​ (2) ​ ​ (605) ​ (554) ​ (447) Income before income taxes ​ 3,458 ​ 3,021 ​ 2,918 Income tax expense ​ 713 ​ 745 ​ 678 Consolidated net income ​ 2,745 ​ 2,276 ​ 2,240 Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests ​ (1) ​ (28) ​ 2 Net income attributable to Waste Management, Inc.\""
      ],
      "current_body": "​ 2024 2023 2022 Operating revenues ​ $ 22,063 ​ $ 20,426 ​ $ 19,698 Costs and expenses: ​ ​ ​ ​ Operating ​ 13,383 ​ 12,606 ​ 12,294 Selling, general and administrative ​ 2,264 ​ 1,926 ​ 1,938 Depreciation, depletion and amortization ​ 2,267 ​ 2,071 ​ 2,038 Restructuring ​ 4 ​ 5 ​ 1 (Gain) loss from divestitures, asset impairments and unusual items, net ​ 82 ​ 243 ​ 62 ​ ​ 18,000 ​ 16,851 ​ 16,333 Income from operations ​ 4,063 ​ 3,575 ​ 3,365 Other income (expense): ​ ​ ​ ​ Interest expense, net ​ (598) ​ (500) ​ (378) Loss on early extinguishment of debt, net ​ ​ (7) ​ ​ — ​ ​ — Equity in net income (losses) of unconsolidated entities ​ 4 ​ (60) ​ (67) Other, net ​ (4) ​ 6 ​ (2) ​ ​ (605) ​ (554) ​ (447) Income before income taxes ​ 3,458 ​ 3,021 ​ 2,918 Income tax expense ​ 713 ​ 745 ​ 678 Consolidated net income ​ 2,745 ​ 2,276 ​ 2,240 Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests ​ (1) ​ (28) ​ 2 Net income attributable to Waste Management, Inc. ​ $ 2,746 ​ $ 2,304 ​ $ 2,238 Basic earnings per common share ​ $ 6.84 ​ $ 5.69 ​ $ 5.42 Diluted earnings per common share ​ $ 6.81 ​ $ 5.66 ​ $ 5.39 ​ ​ ​",
      "prior_body": "​ 2023 2022 2021 Operating revenues ​ $ 20,426 ​ $ 19,698 ​ $ 17,931 Costs and expenses: ​ ​ ​ ​ Operating ​ 12,606 ​ 12,294 ​ 11,111 Selling, general and administrative ​ 1,926 ​ 1,938 ​ 1,864 Depreciation, depletion and amortization ​ 2,071 ​ 2,038 ​ 1,999 Restructuring ​ 5 ​ 1 ​ 8 (Gain) loss from divestitures, asset impairments and unusual items, net ​ 243 ​ 62 ​ (16) ​ ​ 16,851 ​ 16,333 ​ 14,966 Income from operations ​ 3,575 ​ 3,365 ​ 2,965 Other income (expense): ​ ​ ​ ​ Interest expense, net ​ (500) ​ (378) ​ (365) Loss on early extinguishment of debt, net ​ ​ — ​ ​ — ​ ​ (220) Equity in net losses of unconsolidated entities ​ (60) ​ (67) ​ (36) Other, net ​ 6 ​ (2) ​ 5 ​ ​ (554) ​ (447) ​ (616) Income before income taxes ​ 3,021 ​ 2,918 ​ 2,349 Income tax expense ​ 745 ​ 678 ​ 532 Consolidated net income ​ 2,276 ​ 2,240 ​ 1,817 Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests ​ (28) ​ 2 ​ 1 Net income attributable to Waste Management, Inc. ​ $ 2,304 ​ $ 2,238 ​ $ 1,816 Basic earnings per common share ​ $ 5.69 ​ $ 5.42 ​ $ 4.32 Diluted earnings per common share ​ $ 5.66 ​ $ 5.39 ​ $ 4.29 ​ ​ ​"
    },
    {
      "status": "MODIFIED",
      "current_title": "Income from Operations",
      "prior_title": "Income from Operations",
      "similarity_score": 0.663,
      "confidence": "medium",
      "key_changes": [
        "Reworded sentence: \"The following table summarizes income from operations for the year ended December 31 (dollars in millions): ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Period-to- ​ ​ ​ Period-to- ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Period ​ ​ ​ Period ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 2024 Change 2023 Change 2022 ​ Collection and Disposal: ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ East Tier ​ $ 2,760 ​ $ 314 12.8 % $ 2,446 ​ $ 268 12.3 % $ 2,178 ​ West Tier ​ ​ 2,693 ​ ​ 310 ​ 13.0 ​ ​ 2,383 ​ ​ 201 ​ 9.2 ​ ​ 2,182 ​ Other Ancillary ​ (9) ​ (1) * ​ (8) ​ (8) * ​ — ​ Collection and Disposal ​ 5,444 ​ 623 12.9 ​ 4,821 ​ 461 10.6 ​ 4,360 ​ Recycling Processing and Sales ​ ​ 86 ​ ​ 130 ​ * ​ ​ (44) ​ ​ (172) ​ * ​ ​ 128 ​ WM Renewable Energy ​ 99 ​ 20 25.3 ​ 79 ​ (53) (40.2) ​ 132 ​ WM Healthcare Solutions ​ ​ (69) ​ ​ (69) * ​ ​ — ​ ​ — ​ * ​ ​ — ​ Corporate and Other ​ ​ (1,497) ​ ​ (216) ​ 16.9 ​ ​ (1,281) ​ ​ (26) ​ 2.1 ​ ​ (1,255) ​ Total ​ $ 4,063 ​ $ 488 13.7 % $ 3,575 ​ $ 210 6.2 % $ 3,365 ​ Percentage of revenues ​ ​ 18.4 % ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 17.5 % ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 17.1 % * Percentage change does not provide a meaningful comparison.\"",
        "Reworded sentence: \"Partially offsetting these increases were benefits from higher capitalized interest and increases in interest income as a result of higher cash and cash equivalent balances as well as higher investment rates.\"",
        "Reworded sentence: \"Income Tax ExpenseWe recorded income tax expense of $713 million, $745 million and $678 million in 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively, resulting in effective income tax rates of 20.6%, 24.7% and 23.2% for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively.\"",
        "Reworded sentence: \"Partially offsetting these increases were benefits from higher capitalized interest and increases in interest income as a result of higher cash and cash equivalent balances as well as higher investment rates.\"",
        "Reworded sentence: \"Income Tax ExpenseWe recorded income tax expense of $713 million, $745 million and $678 million in 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively, resulting in effective income tax rates of 20.6%, 24.7% and 23.2% for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively.\""
      ],
      "current_body": "The following table summarizes income from operations for the year ended December 31 (dollars in millions): ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Period-to- ​ ​ ​ Period-to- ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Period ​ ​ ​ Period ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 2024 Change 2023 Change 2022 ​ Collection and Disposal: ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ East Tier ​ $ 2,760 ​ $ 314 12.8 % $ 2,446 ​ $ 268 12.3 % $ 2,178 ​ West Tier ​ ​ 2,693 ​ ​ 310 ​ 13.0 ​ ​ 2,383 ​ ​ 201 ​ 9.2 ​ ​ 2,182 ​ Other Ancillary ​ (9) ​ (1) * ​ (8) ​ (8) * ​ — ​ Collection and Disposal ​ 5,444 ​ 623 12.9 ​ 4,821 ​ 461 10.6 ​ 4,360 ​ Recycling Processing and Sales ​ ​ 86 ​ ​ 130 ​ * ​ ​ (44) ​ ​ (172) ​ * ​ ​ 128 ​ WM Renewable Energy ​ 99 ​ 20 25.3 ​ 79 ​ (53) (40.2) ​ 132 ​ WM Healthcare Solutions ​ ​ (69) ​ ​ (69) * ​ ​ — ​ ​ — ​ * ​ ​ — ​ Corporate and Other ​ ​ (1,497) ​ ​ (216) ​ 16.9 ​ ​ (1,281) ​ ​ (26) ​ 2.1 ​ ​ (1,255) ​ Total ​ $ 4,063 ​ $ 488 13.7 % $ 3,575 ​ $ 210 6.2 % $ 3,365 ​ Percentage of revenues ​ ​ 18.4 % ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 17.5 % ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 17.1 % * Percentage change does not provide a meaningful comparison. Collection and Disposal — The most significant items affecting the results of operations of our Collection and Disposal businesses during the three years ended December 31, 2024 are summarized below: Recycling Processing and Sales — Income from operations in our Recycling Processing and Sales segment increased in 2024, as compared with 2023, primarily due to (i) net charges of $122 million recognized in 2023 related to a goodwill impairment and reversal of contingent consideration, as discussed below and (ii) benefits from the automation of our recycling facilities as well as investments in new facilities and cost management. These improvements were partially offset by the impact of higher costs incurred from the temporary shutdown of facilities for technology upgrades. ​ Income from operations in our Recycling Processing and Sales segment decreased in 2023, as compared with 2022, primarily due to (i) a $168 million goodwill impairment charge, with $22 million attributable to noncontrolling interests, which was partially offset by the recognition of $46 million of income related to the reversal of contingent consideration as discussed above in (Gain) Loss from Divestitures, Asset Impairments and Unusual Items, Net; (ii) a decline in recycling commodity prices; (iii) lower revenue resulting from the temporary shutdown of facilities for technology upgrades combined with increased costs associated with the transportation and third-party tip fees for processing recyclables and (iv) startup costs linked to the establishment of a new processing facility. ​ WM Renewable Energy — Income from operations in our WM Renewable Energy segment increased in 2024, as compared with 2023, primarily due to (i) higher RIN quantities generated and sold at higher market values in the current year and (ii) increased beneficial use of landfill gas sold to third parties due to the completion of additional projects. Income from operations in our WM Renewable Energy segment decreased in 2023, as compared with 2022, primarily due to (i) lower energy prices and the value of RINs and (ii) increased operating and selling, general and administrative costs 60 60 Table of Contentsassociated with the construction of new projects to increase the beneficial use of landfill gas. These decreases were partially offset by an increase in volume of RFS credits, electricity and natural gas.​WM Healthcare Solutions — Our WM Healthcare Solutions segment generated a loss of $69 million in 2024, which was largely attributable to acquisition and integration related expenses. There is no 2023 or 2022 activity as Stericycle was acquired on November 4, 2024. Corporate and Other — The costs incurred by our Corporate and Other segment increased in 2024, as compared with 2023, primarily due to (i) increased professional and transaction fees to support strategic initiatives, including our acquisition of Stericycle; (ii) higher annual and long-term incentive compensation costs and (iii) an increase in risk management costs due to an increase in our large loss reserves as well as higher auto and workers compensation claims. This increase was partially offset by the impact of non-cash impairment charges for certain investments incurred in 2023, as discussed below.Income from operations in Corporate and Other decreased in 2023, as compared with 2022, primarily due to impairment charges of (i) $107 million for certain investments in waste diversion technology businesses and (ii) $17 million to adjust an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary’s estimated potential share of the liability for a proposed environmental remediation plan at a closed site. Interest Expense, NetOur interest expense, net was $598 million, $500 million and $378 million in 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The increase in interest expense, net for 2024 is primarily related to an increase in our average debt balances to fund our acquisition of Stericycle. The increase in interest expense, net for 2023 is primarily related to an increase in our weighted average borrowing rate of approximately 80 basis points due to increased rates on floating-rate debt and higher fixed rates on refinancing as well as an increase in average debt balances to fund growth. Partially offsetting these increases were benefits from higher capitalized interest and increases in interest income as a result of higher cash and cash equivalent balances as well as higher investment rates. See Note 6 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for more information related to our debt balances.Loss on Early Extinguishment of Debt, Net In October 2024, we drew $5.2 billion of borrowings under the Term Credit Agreement that were applied to funding our acquisition of Stericycle. In November 2024, we repaid all outstanding borrowings with net proceeds from our November 2024 issuance of $5.2 billion of senior notes and contemporaneously terminated the Term Credit Agreement, resulting in a $7 million loss on early extinguishment of debt.Equity in Net Income (Losses) of Unconsolidated EntitiesWe recognized equity method investment income of $4 million in 2024 and losses of $60 million and $67 million in 2023 and 2022, respectively. These financial statement impacts are largely related to our noncontrolling interests in entities established to invest in and manage low-income housing properties. In 2024, we adopted Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2023-02, and, as a result, beginning in 2024, the amortization of these investments is recognized as a component of income tax expense. Refer to Notes 2 and 8 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion. We generate tax benefits, including tax credits, from the losses incurred from these investments. The losses are more than offset by the tax benefits generated by these investments as further discussed in Notes 8 and 18 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. Income Tax ExpenseWe recorded income tax expense of $713 million, $745 million and $678 million in 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively, resulting in effective income tax rates of 20.6%, 24.7% and 23.2% for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The comparability of our income tax expense for the reported periods has been primarily affected by the following:61 Table of Contents Table of Contents Table of Contents associated with the construction of new projects to increase the beneficial use of landfill gas. These decreases were partially offset by an increase in volume of RFS credits, electricity and natural gas.​WM Healthcare Solutions — Our WM Healthcare Solutions segment generated a loss of $69 million in 2024, which was largely attributable to acquisition and integration related expenses. There is no 2023 or 2022 activity as Stericycle was acquired on November 4, 2024. Corporate and Other — The costs incurred by our Corporate and Other segment increased in 2024, as compared with 2023, primarily due to (i) increased professional and transaction fees to support strategic initiatives, including our acquisition of Stericycle; (ii) higher annual and long-term incentive compensation costs and (iii) an increase in risk management costs due to an increase in our large loss reserves as well as higher auto and workers compensation claims. This increase was partially offset by the impact of non-cash impairment charges for certain investments incurred in 2023, as discussed below.Income from operations in Corporate and Other decreased in 2023, as compared with 2022, primarily due to impairment charges of (i) $107 million for certain investments in waste diversion technology businesses and (ii) $17 million to adjust an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary’s estimated potential share of the liability for a proposed environmental remediation plan at a closed site. Interest Expense, NetOur interest expense, net was $598 million, $500 million and $378 million in 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The increase in interest expense, net for 2024 is primarily related to an increase in our average debt balances to fund our acquisition of Stericycle. The increase in interest expense, net for 2023 is primarily related to an increase in our weighted average borrowing rate of approximately 80 basis points due to increased rates on floating-rate debt and higher fixed rates on refinancing as well as an increase in average debt balances to fund growth. Partially offsetting these increases were benefits from higher capitalized interest and increases in interest income as a result of higher cash and cash equivalent balances as well as higher investment rates. See Note 6 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for more information related to our debt balances.Loss on Early Extinguishment of Debt, Net In October 2024, we drew $5.2 billion of borrowings under the Term Credit Agreement that were applied to funding our acquisition of Stericycle. In November 2024, we repaid all outstanding borrowings with net proceeds from our November 2024 issuance of $5.2 billion of senior notes and contemporaneously terminated the Term Credit Agreement, resulting in a $7 million loss on early extinguishment of debt.Equity in Net Income (Losses) of Unconsolidated EntitiesWe recognized equity method investment income of $4 million in 2024 and losses of $60 million and $67 million in 2023 and 2022, respectively. These financial statement impacts are largely related to our noncontrolling interests in entities established to invest in and manage low-income housing properties. In 2024, we adopted Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2023-02, and, as a result, beginning in 2024, the amortization of these investments is recognized as a component of income tax expense. Refer to Notes 2 and 8 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion. We generate tax benefits, including tax credits, from the losses incurred from these investments. The losses are more than offset by the tax benefits generated by these investments as further discussed in Notes 8 and 18 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. Income Tax ExpenseWe recorded income tax expense of $713 million, $745 million and $678 million in 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively, resulting in effective income tax rates of 20.6%, 24.7% and 23.2% for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The comparability of our income tax expense for the reported periods has been primarily affected by the following: associated with the construction of new projects to increase the beneficial use of landfill gas. These decreases were partially offset by an increase in volume of RFS credits, electricity and natural gas.​WM Healthcare Solutions — Our WM Healthcare Solutions segment generated a loss of $69 million in 2024, which was largely attributable to acquisition and integration related expenses. There is no 2023 or 2022 activity as Stericycle was acquired on November 4, 2024. Corporate and Other — The costs incurred by our Corporate and Other segment increased in 2024, as compared with 2023, primarily due to (i) increased professional and transaction fees to support strategic initiatives, including our acquisition of Stericycle; (ii) higher annual and long-term incentive compensation costs and (iii) an increase in risk management costs due to an increase in our large loss reserves as well as higher auto and workers compensation claims. This increase was partially offset by the impact of non-cash impairment charges for certain investments incurred in 2023, as discussed below.Income from operations in Corporate and Other decreased in 2023, as compared with 2022, primarily due to impairment charges of (i) $107 million for certain investments in waste diversion technology businesses and (ii) $17 million to adjust an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary’s estimated potential share of the liability for a proposed environmental remediation plan at a closed site. Interest Expense, NetOur interest expense, net was $598 million, $500 million and $378 million in 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The increase in interest expense, net for 2024 is primarily related to an increase in our average debt balances to fund our acquisition of Stericycle. The increase in interest expense, net for 2023 is primarily related to an increase in our weighted average borrowing rate of approximately 80 basis points due to increased rates on floating-rate debt and higher fixed rates on refinancing as well as an increase in average debt balances to fund growth. Partially offsetting these increases were benefits from higher capitalized interest and increases in interest income as a result of higher cash and cash equivalent balances as well as higher investment rates. See Note 6 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for more information related to our debt balances.Loss on Early Extinguishment of Debt, Net In October 2024, we drew $5.2 billion of borrowings under the Term Credit Agreement that were applied to funding our acquisition of Stericycle. In November 2024, we repaid all outstanding borrowings with net proceeds from our November 2024 issuance of $5.2 billion of senior notes and contemporaneously terminated the Term Credit Agreement, resulting in a $7 million loss on early extinguishment of debt.Equity in Net Income (Losses) of Unconsolidated EntitiesWe recognized equity method investment income of $4 million in 2024 and losses of $60 million and $67 million in 2023 and 2022, respectively. These financial statement impacts are largely related to our noncontrolling interests in entities established to invest in and manage low-income housing properties. In 2024, we adopted Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2023-02, and, as a result, beginning in 2024, the amortization of these investments is recognized as a component of income tax expense. Refer to Notes 2 and 8 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion. We generate tax benefits, including tax credits, from the losses incurred from these investments. The losses are more than offset by the tax benefits generated by these investments as further discussed in Notes 8 and 18 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. Income Tax ExpenseWe recorded income tax expense of $713 million, $745 million and $678 million in 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively, resulting in effective income tax rates of 20.6%, 24.7% and 23.2% for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The comparability of our income tax expense for the reported periods has been primarily affected by the following: associated with the construction of new projects to increase the beneficial use of landfill gas. These decreases were partially offset by an increase in volume of RFS credits, electricity and natural gas. ​ WM Healthcare Solutions — Our WM Healthcare Solutions segment generated a loss of $69 million in 2024, which was largely attributable to acquisition and integration related expenses. There is no 2023 or 2022 activity as Stericycle was acquired on November 4, 2024. Corporate and Other — The costs incurred by our Corporate and Other segment increased in 2024, as compared with 2023, primarily due to (i) increased professional and transaction fees to support strategic initiatives, including our acquisition of Stericycle; (ii) higher annual and long-term incentive compensation costs and (iii) an increase in risk management costs due to an increase in our large loss reserves as well as higher auto and workers compensation claims. This increase was partially offset by the impact of non-cash impairment charges for certain investments incurred in 2023, as discussed below. Income from operations in Corporate and Other decreased in 2023, as compared with 2022, primarily due to impairment charges of (i) $107 million for certain investments in waste diversion technology businesses and (ii) $17 million to adjust an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary’s estimated potential share of the liability for a proposed environmental remediation plan at a closed site.",
      "prior_body": "The following table summarizes income from operations for the year ended December 31 (dollars in millions): ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Period-to- ​ ​ ​ Period-to- ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Period ​ ​ ​ Period ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 2023 Change 2022 Change 2021 ​ Collection and Disposal: ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ East Tier ​ $ 2,446 ​ $ 268 12.3 % $ 2,178 ​ $ 223 11.4 % $ 1,955 ​ West Tier ​ ​ 2,383 ​ ​ 201 ​ 9.2 ​ ​ 2,182 ​ ​ 243 ​ 12.5 ​ ​ 1,939 ​ Other Ancillary ​ (8) ​ (8) * ​ — ​ 18 * ​ (18) ​ Collection and Disposal ​ 4,821 ​ 461 10.6 ​ 4,360 ​ 484 12.5 ​ 3,876 ​ Recycling Processing and Sales ​ ​ (44) ​ ​ (172) ​ * ​ ​ 128 ​ ​ (89) ​ (41.0) ​ ​ 217 ​ WM Renewable Energy ​ 79 ​ (53) (40.2) ​ 132 ​ 24 22.2 ​ 108 ​ Corporate and Other ​ ​ (1,281) ​ ​ (26) ​ 2.1 ​ ​ (1,255) ​ ​ (19) ​ 1.5 ​ ​ (1,236) ​ Total (a) ​ $ 3,575 ​ $ 210 6.2 % $ 3,365 ​ $ 400 13.5 % $ 2,965 ​ Percentage of revenues ​ ​ 17.5 % ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 17.1 % ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 16.5 % * Percentage change does not provide a meaningful comparison. Collection and Disposal — The most significant items affecting the results of operations of our Collection and Disposal businesses during the three years ended December 31, 2023 are summarized below: Recycling Processing and Sales — Income from operations in our Recycling Processing and Sales segment decreased in 2023, as compared with 2022, primarily due to (i) a $168 million goodwill impairment charge, with $22 million attributable to noncontrolling interests, which was partially offset by the recognition of $46 million of income related to the reversal of contingent consideration, as discussed above in (Gain) Loss from Divestitures, Asset Impairments and Unusual Items, Net; (ii) a decline in recycling commodity prices; (iii) lower revenue resulting from the temporary shutdown of facilities for technology upgrades combined with increased costs associated with the transportation and third-party tip fees for processing recyclables and (iv) startup costs linked to the establishment of a new processing facility. Income from operations in our Recycling Processing and Sales segment decreased in 2022, as compared with 2021, primarily due to the decline in recycling commodity prices. ​ WM Renewable Energy — Income from operations in our WM Renewable Energy segment decreased in 2023, as compared with 2022, primarily due to (i) lower energy prices and the value of RINs and (ii) increased operating and selling, general and administrative costs associated with the construction of new projects to increase the beneficial use of landfill gas. These decreases were partially offset by an increase in volume of RFS credits, electricity and natural gas. Income from operations in our WM Renewable Energy segment increased in 2022, as compared with 2021, primarily due to higher market values for RINs credits. ​ Corporate and Other — Income from operations in Corporate and Other decreased in 2023, as compared with 2022, primarily due to non-cash impairment charges for certain investments as discussed above in (Gain) Loss from Divestitures, Asset Impairments and Unusual Items, Net. Income from operations in Corporate and Other decreased in 2022, as 52 52 Table of Contentscompared with 2021, primarily due to strategic investments in our digital platform and sustainability initiatives, partially offset by lower acquisition and integration related costs.Interest Expense, NetOur interest expense, net was $500 million, $378 million and $365 million in 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. The increase in interest expense, net for 2023 is primarily related to an increase in our weighted average borrowing rate of approximately 80 basis points due to increased rates on floating-rate debt and higher fixed rates on refinancing as well as an increase in average debt balances to fund growth. To mitigate the impact of increasing interest rates and to provide certainty in cost, we elected to replace certain floating-rate debt, specifically our $1.0 billion two-year, U.S. term credit agreement (“Term Loan”) and commercial paper borrowings, with longer-term, fixed-rate debt through our senior notes issuances as discussed within Liquidity and Capital Resources below. The increase in interest expense, net for 2022 was primarily related to borrowings incurred under our Term Loan and increases in interest rates on our floating-rate debt, including commercial paper and variable-rate tax-exempt bonds. Partially offsetting these increases in 2023 and 2022 were benefits from higher capitalized interest and increases in interest income as a result of higher cash and cash equivalent balances as well as higher investment rates. See Note 6 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for more information related to our debt balances.Loss on Early Extinguishment of Debt, Net In May 2021, WMI issued $950 million of senior notes and used the net proceeds of $942 million as well as available cash on hand to retire $1.3 billion of certain high-coupon senior notes. The loss on early extinguishment of debt for 2021 includes $220 million of charges related to this tender offer, including cash paid of $211 million related to premiums and other third-party costs, and $9 million primarily related to unamortized discounts and debt issuance costs.Equity in Net Losses of Unconsolidated EntitiesWe recognized equity in net losses of unconsolidated entities of $60 million, $67 million and $36 million in 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. The losses for each period were primarily related to our noncontrolling interests in entities established to invest in and manage low-income housing properties. We generate tax benefits, including tax credits, from the losses incurred from these investments. The losses are more than offset by the tax benefits generated by these investments as further discussed in Notes 8 and 18 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. Income Tax ExpenseWe recorded income tax expense of $745 million, $678 million and $532 million in 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively, resulting in effective income tax rates of 24.7%, 23.2% and 22.6% for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. The comparability of our income tax expense for the reported periods has been primarily affected by the following:●Investments Qualifying for Federal Tax Credits — Our low-income housing properties investments reduced our income tax expense by $108 million, $99 million and $74 million, primarily due to tax credits realized from these investments as well as the tax benefits from pre-tax losses for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. See Note 18 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information related to these unconsolidated variable interest entities;●Tax Implications of Impairments — The non-cash impairment charges recognized during 2023 are not expected to be deductible for tax purposes. The impact of these non-deductible charges would have resulted in a decrease to income tax expense of $50 million. The non-cash impairment charges recognized during 2022 and 2021 were deductible for tax purposes. See Note 11 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for more information related to our impairment charges;●Permanent Differences — During 2023, 2022 and 2021 we recognized additional income tax expense of $34 million, $14 million and $2 million, respectively, related to permanent differences between taxable income and accounting income. This increase is largely due to an increase in taxable interest income associated with the 53 Table of Contents Table of Contents Table of Contents compared with 2021, primarily due to strategic investments in our digital platform and sustainability initiatives, partially offset by lower acquisition and integration related costs.Interest Expense, NetOur interest expense, net was $500 million, $378 million and $365 million in 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. The increase in interest expense, net for 2023 is primarily related to an increase in our weighted average borrowing rate of approximately 80 basis points due to increased rates on floating-rate debt and higher fixed rates on refinancing as well as an increase in average debt balances to fund growth. To mitigate the impact of increasing interest rates and to provide certainty in cost, we elected to replace certain floating-rate debt, specifically our $1.0 billion two-year, U.S. term credit agreement (“Term Loan”) and commercial paper borrowings, with longer-term, fixed-rate debt through our senior notes issuances as discussed within Liquidity and Capital Resources below. The increase in interest expense, net for 2022 was primarily related to borrowings incurred under our Term Loan and increases in interest rates on our floating-rate debt, including commercial paper and variable-rate tax-exempt bonds. Partially offsetting these increases in 2023 and 2022 were benefits from higher capitalized interest and increases in interest income as a result of higher cash and cash equivalent balances as well as higher investment rates. See Note 6 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for more information related to our debt balances.Loss on Early Extinguishment of Debt, Net In May 2021, WMI issued $950 million of senior notes and used the net proceeds of $942 million as well as available cash on hand to retire $1.3 billion of certain high-coupon senior notes. The loss on early extinguishment of debt for 2021 includes $220 million of charges related to this tender offer, including cash paid of $211 million related to premiums and other third-party costs, and $9 million primarily related to unamortized discounts and debt issuance costs.Equity in Net Losses of Unconsolidated EntitiesWe recognized equity in net losses of unconsolidated entities of $60 million, $67 million and $36 million in 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. The losses for each period were primarily related to our noncontrolling interests in entities established to invest in and manage low-income housing properties. We generate tax benefits, including tax credits, from the losses incurred from these investments. The losses are more than offset by the tax benefits generated by these investments as further discussed in Notes 8 and 18 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. Income Tax ExpenseWe recorded income tax expense of $745 million, $678 million and $532 million in 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively, resulting in effective income tax rates of 24.7%, 23.2% and 22.6% for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. The comparability of our income tax expense for the reported periods has been primarily affected by the following:●Investments Qualifying for Federal Tax Credits — Our low-income housing properties investments reduced our income tax expense by $108 million, $99 million and $74 million, primarily due to tax credits realized from these investments as well as the tax benefits from pre-tax losses for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. See Note 18 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information related to these unconsolidated variable interest entities;●Tax Implications of Impairments — The non-cash impairment charges recognized during 2023 are not expected to be deductible for tax purposes. The impact of these non-deductible charges would have resulted in a decrease to income tax expense of $50 million. The non-cash impairment charges recognized during 2022 and 2021 were deductible for tax purposes. See Note 11 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for more information related to our impairment charges;●Permanent Differences — During 2023, 2022 and 2021 we recognized additional income tax expense of $34 million, $14 million and $2 million, respectively, related to permanent differences between taxable income and accounting income. This increase is largely due to an increase in taxable interest income associated with the compared with 2021, primarily due to strategic investments in our digital platform and sustainability initiatives, partially offset by lower acquisition and integration related costs."
    },
    {
      "status": "MODIFIED",
      "current_title": "NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)",
      "prior_title": "Restricted Funds",
      "similarity_score": 0.656,
      "confidence": "medium",
      "key_changes": [
        "Reworded sentence: \"​ insurance recoveries related to recorded liabilities are reflected as other current receivables or other long-term assets in our Consolidated Balance Sheets when we believe that the receipt of such amounts is probable.We use a wholly-owned insurance captive to insure the deductibles for our general liability, automobile liability and workers’ compensation claims programs.\"",
        "Reworded sentence: \"Balances maintained in these restricted funds accounts will fluctuate based on (i) changes in statutory requirements; (ii) future deposits made to comply with contractual arrangements; (iii) the ongoing use of funds; (iv) acquisitions or divestitures and (v) changes in the fair value of the financial instruments held in the restricted funds accounts.\"",
        "Reworded sentence: \"The following table summarizes our investments in unconsolidated entities as of December 31 (in millions):​​​​​​​​​ 2024 2023Equity method investments​$ 86​$ 538Investments qualifying for proportional amortization method (a)​​ 707​​ —Investments without readily determinable fair values​ 53​​ 68Investments in unconsolidated entities​$ 846​$ 606(a)As discussed above, our low-income housing investments are accounted for using the proportional amortization method.\""
      ],
      "current_body": "​ balances and transactions have been eliminated. Investments in unconsolidated entities are accounted for under the appropriate method of accounting.Estimates and AssumptionsIn preparing our financial statements, we make numerous estimates and assumptions that affect the accounting for and recognition and disclosure of assets, liabilities, equity, revenues and expenses. We must make these estimates and assumptions because certain information that we use is dependent on future events, cannot be calculated with precision from available data or simply cannot be calculated. In some cases, these estimates are difficult to determine, and we must exercise significant judgment. In preparing our financial statements, the most difficult, subjective and complex estimates and the assumptions that present the greatest amount of uncertainty relate to our accounting for landfills, environmental remediation liabilities, long-lived asset impairments, intangible asset impairments and the fair value of assets and liabilities acquired in business combinations. Each of these items is discussed in additional detail below. Actual results could differ materially from the estimates and assumptions that we use in the preparation of our financial statements.Cash and Cash EquivalentsCash in excess of current operating requirements is invested in short-term interest-bearing instruments with maturities of three months or less at the date of purchase and is stated at cost, which approximates market value.Concentrations of Credit RiskFinancial instruments that potentially subject us to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, investments held within restricted funds, and accounts receivable. We make efforts to control our exposure to credit risk associated with these instruments by (i) placing our assets and other financial interests with a diverse group of credit-worthy financial institutions; (ii) holding high-quality financial instruments while limiting investments in any one instrument and (iii) maintaining strict policies over credit extension that include credit evaluations, credit limits and monitoring procedures, although generally we do not have collateral requirements for credit extensions. We also control our exposure associated with trade receivables by discontinuing service, to the extent allowable, to non-paying customers. However, our overall credit risk associated with trade receivables is limited due to the large number and diversity of customers we serve. As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, no single customer represented greater than 5% of total accounts receivable.Accounts and Other Receivables Our receivables, which are recorded when billed, when services are performed or when cash is advanced, are claims against third parties that will generally be settled in cash. The carrying value of our receivables, net of the allowance for doubtful accounts, represents the estimated net realizable value. We estimate our allowance for doubtful accounts based on historical collection trends; type of customer, such as municipal or commercial; the age of outstanding receivables and existing as well as expected economic conditions. If events or changes in circumstances indicate that specific receivable balances may be impaired, further consideration is given to the collectability of those balances and the allowance is adjusted accordingly. Past-due receivable balances are written off when our collection efforts have been unsuccessful. Also, we recognize interest income on long-term interest-bearing notes receivable as the interest accrues under the terms of the notes. We no longer accrue interest once the notes are deemed uncollectible. balances and transactions have been eliminated. Investments in unconsolidated entities are accounted for under the appropriate method of accounting.Estimates and AssumptionsIn preparing our financial statements, we make numerous estimates and assumptions that affect the accounting for and recognition and disclosure of assets, liabilities, equity, revenues and expenses. We must make these estimates and assumptions because certain information that we use is dependent on future events, cannot be calculated with precision from available data or simply cannot be calculated. In some cases, these estimates are difficult to determine, and we must exercise significant judgment. In preparing our financial statements, the most difficult, subjective and complex estimates and the assumptions that present the greatest amount of uncertainty relate to our accounting for landfills, environmental remediation liabilities, long-lived asset impairments, intangible asset impairments and the fair value of assets and liabilities acquired in business combinations. Each of these items is discussed in additional detail below. Actual results could differ materially from the estimates and assumptions that we use in the preparation of our financial statements.Cash and Cash EquivalentsCash in excess of current operating requirements is invested in short-term interest-bearing instruments with maturities of three months or less at the date of purchase and is stated at cost, which approximates market value.Concentrations of Credit RiskFinancial instruments that potentially subject us to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, investments held within restricted funds, and accounts receivable. We make efforts to control our exposure to credit risk associated with these instruments by (i) placing our assets and other financial interests with a diverse group of credit-worthy financial institutions; (ii) holding high-quality financial instruments while limiting investments in any one instrument and (iii) maintaining strict policies over credit extension that include credit evaluations, credit limits and monitoring procedures, although generally we do not have collateral requirements for credit extensions. We also control our exposure associated with trade receivables by discontinuing service, to the extent allowable, to non-paying customers. However, our overall credit risk associated with trade receivables is limited due to the large number and diversity of customers we serve. As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, no single customer represented greater than 5% of total accounts receivable.Accounts and Other Receivables Our receivables, which are recorded when billed, when services are performed or when cash is advanced, are claims against third parties that will generally be settled in cash. The carrying value of our receivables, net of the allowance for doubtful accounts, represents the estimated net realizable value. We estimate our allowance for doubtful accounts based on historical collection trends; type of customer, such as municipal or commercial; the age of outstanding receivables and existing as well as expected economic conditions. If events or changes in circumstances indicate that specific receivable balances may be impaired, further consideration is given to the collectability of those balances and the allowance is adjusted accordingly. Past-due receivable balances are written off when our collection efforts have been unsuccessful. Also, we recognize interest income on long-term interest-bearing notes receivable as the interest accrues under the terms of the notes. We no longer accrue interest once the notes are deemed uncollectible. balances and transactions have been eliminated. Investments in unconsolidated entities are accounted for under the appropriate method of accounting.",
      "prior_body": "Our restricted funds accounts primarily consist of funds deposited for purposes of funding insurance claims and settling landfill final capping, closure, post-closure and environmental remediation obligations. These funds are generally allocated between cash, money market funds, equity securities and available-for-sale debt securities depending on the estimated timing and purpose of the use of funds. We use a wholly-owned insurance captive to insure the deductibles for certain claims programs and the premiums paid are directly deposited into a restricted funds account to be used solely for paying insurance claims. At several of our landfills, we provide financial assurance by depositing cash into restricted trust funds for purposes of settling final capping, closure, post-closure and environmental remediation obligations. Balances maintained in these restricted funds accounts will fluctuate based on (i) changes in statutory requirements; (ii) future 88 88 Table of ContentsWASTE MANAGEMENT, INC.NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)​deposits made to comply with contractual arrangements; (iii) the ongoing use of funds; (iv) acquisitions or divestitures and (v) changes in the fair value of the financial instruments held in the restricted funds accounts. See Notes 16 and 18 for additional discussion related to restricted funds accounts for final capping, closure, post-closure or environmental remediation obligations.Investments in Unconsolidated Entities Investments in unconsolidated entities over which the Company has significant influence are accounted for under the equity method of accounting. Equity investments in which the Company does not have the ability to exert significant influence over the investees’ operating and financing activities are measured using a quantitative approach as these investments do not have readily determinable fair values. The quantitative approach, or measurement alternative, is equal to its cost minus impairment, if any, plus or minus changes resulting from observable price changes in orderly transactions for the identical or a similar investment of the same issuer. The fair value of our redeemable preferred stock has been measured based on third-party investors’ recent or pending transactions in these securities, which are considered the best evidence of fair value. The following table summarizes our investments in unconsolidated entities as of December 31 (in millions):​​​​​​​​ 2023 2022Equity method investments​$ 538​$ 460Investments without readily determinable fair values​ 68​​ 62Redeemable preferred stock​ —​​ 56Investments in unconsolidated entities​$ 606​$ 578​We monitor and assess the carrying value of our investments throughout the year for potential impairment and write them down to their fair value when other-than-temporary declines exist. Fair value is generally based on (i) other third-party investors’ recent or pending transactions in the securities; (ii) other information available regarding the current market for similar assets; (iii) a market or income approach, as deemed appropriate and/or (iv) a quantitative approach, or measurement alternative, as noted above. Impairments of our investments are recorded in (gain) loss from divestitures, asset impairments and unusual items, net in our Consolidated Statements of Operations in accordance with appropriate accounting guidance.Refer to Note 11, Note 12 and Note 16 for information related to impairments and other adjustments recognized during the reported periods. Foreign CurrencyOur operations are primarily in the U.S. but we also have significant operations in Canada. Additionally, we have certain support functions in India. Local currencies generally are considered the functional currencies of our operations and investments outside the U.S. The assets and liabilities of our foreign operations are translated to U.S. dollars using the exchange rate as of the balance sheet date. Revenues and expenses are translated to U.S. dollars using the average exchange rate during the period. The resulting translation difference is reflected as a component of other comprehensive income (loss). Foreign currency translation adjustments have primarily been impacted by fluctuations in the U.S. dollar/Canadian dollar exchange rate which was 1.3243 at December 31, 2023, 1.3554 at December 31, 2022 and 1.2639 at December 31, 2021. Refer to Note 12 for information regarding the impacts of foreign currency on our comprehensive income and results of operations.89 Table of ContentsWASTE MANAGEMENT, INC.NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)​ Table of Contents Table of Contents"
    },
    {
      "status": "MODIFIED",
      "current_title": "If we are not able to develop new service offerings and protect intellectual property or if a competitor develops or obtains exclusive rights to a breakthrough technology, our financial results may suffer.",
      "prior_title": "Large-scale disruption of social and commercial activity and financial markets, such as has occurred in the past due to pandemic conditions, may have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.",
      "similarity_score": 0.648,
      "confidence": "medium",
      "key_changes": [
        "Reworded sentence: \"Our existing and proposed service offerings to customers require that we invest in, develop, license, and protect new technologies.\"",
        "Reworded sentence: \"We may experience difficulties or delays in the research, development, production and/or marketing of new products and services or implementation of technologies in which we have invested or acquired, which may 35 35 Table of Contentsnegatively impact our operating results and prevent us from recouping or realizing a return on these investments and acquisitions.\"",
        "Reworded sentence: \"Our post-acquisition efforts to integrate Stericycle’s technology and systems may result in substantial costs and uncertainties.\"",
        "Reworded sentence: \"Our post-acquisition efforts to integrate Stericycle’s technology and systems may result in substantial costs and uncertainties.\""
      ],
      "current_body": "Our existing and proposed service offerings to customers require that we invest in, develop, license, and protect new technologies. Our Company is increasingly focusing on new technologies that automate and innovate our operations, improve the customer experience, provide alternatives to traditional disposal and maximize the resource value of waste. We are continuing our multi-year commitment to strategic investments in technology that prioritize the reduction of labor dependency for certain high-turnover jobs, further digitalize our customer self-service and implement technologies to further enhance the safety, reliability and efficiency of our operations. Research, development and implementation of enhanced technology often requires significant spending that may divert capital investment away from our traditional business operations. We may experience difficulties or delays in the research, development, production and/or marketing of new products and services or implementation of technologies in which we have invested or acquired, which may 35 35 Table of Contentsnegatively impact our operating results and prevent us from recouping or realizing a return on these investments and acquisitions. Further, protecting our intellectual property rights and combating unlicensed copying and use of intellectual property is difficult, and an inability to obtain or protect new technologies could impact our services to customers and the development of new revenue sources. We rely on a combination of patents and trade secrets to protect our intellectual property, as well as confidentiality and non-disclosure agreements with employees, contractors, and other third parties. We cannot guarantee that these measures will fully prevent unauthorized access or use. Furthermore, there is no assurance that current or future applications will result in issued patents or, if issued, will provide adequate protection against competitors. If a competitor develops or obtains exclusive rights to a “breakthrough technology” that provides a revolutionary change in our industry, or if we have inferior intellectual property to our competitors, our financial results may suffer.We are dependent on technology, and if our technology fails, our business would be adversely affected.Our Company, our customers, and the economy in general are increasingly dependent on continuous information technology systems and digital tools to conduct operations. This dependence spans nearly all areas of our business, from overseeing and controlling critical infrastructure to processing and securing proprietary and sensitive information. The information technology systems and networks that we, our customers, suppliers, and other third parties rely on can be vulnerable to disruptions from cyberattacks, power failures, telecommunications outages, major events like natural disasters, acts of war or terrorism, employee errors, and other unexpected or uncontrollable occurrences. Should these systems be compromised or cease to function effectively, we may face substantial costs to repair or replace them, as well as potential liability, loss of crucial data, reputational harm, and interruptions to our services or operations.Challenges in implementing new systems can also affect our ability to realize projected cost savings or other benefits. Significant system failures could impede our ability to timely collect and report financial results in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. Our post-acquisition efforts to integrate Stericycle’s technology and systems may result in substantial costs and uncertainties. Systems that increase our utilization of, and dependency on, third-party cloud computing services, and digital platforms to accommodate work-from-home arrangements, also increase various technology risks, including potential exposure to cyber incidents, loss of data, fraud, internal control challenges and other disruptions as a consequence of more employees accessing Company systems and information remotely in the course of their ordinary work.Inability to adapt to and manage the benefits and risks of artificial intelligence could expose us to liability or put us at a disadvantage.Artificial intelligence could disrupt certain aspects of our business and change use of technology in ways that are not yet known. Artificial intelligence technologies are subject to a variety of laws, including intellectual property, privacy, data protection and cybersecurity, consumer protection, competition, and equal opportunity laws, and are expected to be subject to increased regulation and new laws or new applications of existing laws. Such laws and regulations may present a variety of compliance risks. The use of artificial intelligence may also result in litigation, ethical concerns, and other legal and business risks. If we are not able to adapt and effectively incorporate potential advantages of artificial intelligence in our business, it may negatively impact our ability to compete. If we are not able to effectively manage the risks of artificial intelligence, we may suffer harm to our results of operations and reputation.Significant cybersecurity incidents may negatively impact our business and our relationships with customers, vendors and employees and expose us to increased liability.Substantially all aspects of our business operations rely on digital technology. We use computers, mobile devices, social networking and other online platforms to connect with our employees, customers, vendors, as well as other individuals and third parties. These uses give rise to cybersecurity risks, including security breach, ransomware, espionage, system disruption, theft and/or inadvertent, accidental, unlawful, unauthorized access, loss, alteration, destruction and/or disclosure or release of information. Our business necessitates the processing, collection, use, storage and transmission of numerous classes of sensitive and/or confidential information and intellectual property, including individuals’ personal information, private and sensitive employment-related personal information, and financial and strategic information about the Company and other businesses. In addition to our own safeguarding efforts, we also rely on third parties to process, collect and store sensitive data, including a Payment Card Industry compliant third-party to protect our customers’ credit card information. We are regularly the target of attempted cyber intrusions, have experienced cyber intrusions, and we anticipate continuing to be subject to such attempts as cyber intrusions become increasingly sophisticated and more difficult to predict and protect against. Geopolitical conflicts and developments and technological advancements also 36 Table of Contents Table of Contents Table of Contents negatively impact our operating results and prevent us from recouping or realizing a return on these investments and acquisitions. Further, protecting our intellectual property rights and combating unlicensed copying and use of intellectual property is difficult, and an inability to obtain or protect new technologies could impact our services to customers and the development of new revenue sources. We rely on a combination of patents and trade secrets to protect our intellectual property, as well as confidentiality and non-disclosure agreements with employees, contractors, and other third parties. We cannot guarantee that these measures will fully prevent unauthorized access or use. Furthermore, there is no assurance that current or future applications will result in issued patents or, if issued, will provide adequate protection against competitors. If a competitor develops or obtains exclusive rights to a “breakthrough technology” that provides a revolutionary change in our industry, or if we have inferior intellectual property to our competitors, our financial results may suffer.We are dependent on technology, and if our technology fails, our business would be adversely affected.Our Company, our customers, and the economy in general are increasingly dependent on continuous information technology systems and digital tools to conduct operations. This dependence spans nearly all areas of our business, from overseeing and controlling critical infrastructure to processing and securing proprietary and sensitive information. The information technology systems and networks that we, our customers, suppliers, and other third parties rely on can be vulnerable to disruptions from cyberattacks, power failures, telecommunications outages, major events like natural disasters, acts of war or terrorism, employee errors, and other unexpected or uncontrollable occurrences. Should these systems be compromised or cease to function effectively, we may face substantial costs to repair or replace them, as well as potential liability, loss of crucial data, reputational harm, and interruptions to our services or operations.Challenges in implementing new systems can also affect our ability to realize projected cost savings or other benefits. Significant system failures could impede our ability to timely collect and report financial results in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. Our post-acquisition efforts to integrate Stericycle’s technology and systems may result in substantial costs and uncertainties. Systems that increase our utilization of, and dependency on, third-party cloud computing services, and digital platforms to accommodate work-from-home arrangements, also increase various technology risks, including potential exposure to cyber incidents, loss of data, fraud, internal control challenges and other disruptions as a consequence of more employees accessing Company systems and information remotely in the course of their ordinary work.Inability to adapt to and manage the benefits and risks of artificial intelligence could expose us to liability or put us at a disadvantage.Artificial intelligence could disrupt certain aspects of our business and change use of technology in ways that are not yet known. Artificial intelligence technologies are subject to a variety of laws, including intellectual property, privacy, data protection and cybersecurity, consumer protection, competition, and equal opportunity laws, and are expected to be subject to increased regulation and new laws or new applications of existing laws. Such laws and regulations may present a variety of compliance risks. The use of artificial intelligence may also result in litigation, ethical concerns, and other legal and business risks. If we are not able to adapt and effectively incorporate potential advantages of artificial intelligence in our business, it may negatively impact our ability to compete. If we are not able to effectively manage the risks of artificial intelligence, we may suffer harm to our results of operations and reputation.Significant cybersecurity incidents may negatively impact our business and our relationships with customers, vendors and employees and expose us to increased liability.Substantially all aspects of our business operations rely on digital technology. We use computers, mobile devices, social networking and other online platforms to connect with our employees, customers, vendors, as well as other individuals and third parties. These uses give rise to cybersecurity risks, including security breach, ransomware, espionage, system disruption, theft and/or inadvertent, accidental, unlawful, unauthorized access, loss, alteration, destruction and/or disclosure or release of information. Our business necessitates the processing, collection, use, storage and transmission of numerous classes of sensitive and/or confidential information and intellectual property, including individuals’ personal information, private and sensitive employment-related personal information, and financial and strategic information about the Company and other businesses. In addition to our own safeguarding efforts, we also rely on third parties to process, collect and store sensitive data, including a Payment Card Industry compliant third-party to protect our customers’ credit card information. We are regularly the target of attempted cyber intrusions, have experienced cyber intrusions, and we anticipate continuing to be subject to such attempts as cyber intrusions become increasingly sophisticated and more difficult to predict and protect against. Geopolitical conflicts and developments and technological advancements also negatively impact our operating results and prevent us from recouping or realizing a return on these investments and acquisitions. Further, protecting our intellectual property rights and combating unlicensed copying and use of intellectual property is difficult, and an inability to obtain or protect new technologies could impact our services to customers and the development of new revenue sources. We rely on a combination of patents and trade secrets to protect our intellectual property, as well as confidentiality and non-disclosure agreements with employees, contractors, and other third parties. We cannot guarantee that these measures will fully prevent unauthorized access or use. Furthermore, there is no assurance that current or future applications will result in issued patents or, if issued, will provide adequate protection against competitors. If a competitor develops or obtains exclusive rights to a “breakthrough technology” that provides a revolutionary change in our industry, or if we have inferior intellectual property to our competitors, our financial results may suffer.We are dependent on technology, and if our technology fails, our business would be adversely affected.Our Company, our customers, and the economy in general are increasingly dependent on continuous information technology systems and digital tools to conduct operations. This dependence spans nearly all areas of our business, from overseeing and controlling critical infrastructure to processing and securing proprietary and sensitive information. The information technology systems and networks that we, our customers, suppliers, and other third parties rely on can be vulnerable to disruptions from cyberattacks, power failures, telecommunications outages, major events like natural disasters, acts of war or terrorism, employee errors, and other unexpected or uncontrollable occurrences. Should these systems be compromised or cease to function effectively, we may face substantial costs to repair or replace them, as well as potential liability, loss of crucial data, reputational harm, and interruptions to our services or operations.Challenges in implementing new systems can also affect our ability to realize projected cost savings or other benefits. Significant system failures could impede our ability to timely collect and report financial results in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. Our post-acquisition efforts to integrate Stericycle’s technology and systems may result in substantial costs and uncertainties. Systems that increase our utilization of, and dependency on, third-party cloud computing services, and digital platforms to accommodate work-from-home arrangements, also increase various technology risks, including potential exposure to cyber incidents, loss of data, fraud, internal control challenges and other disruptions as a consequence of more employees accessing Company systems and information remotely in the course of their ordinary work.Inability to adapt to and manage the benefits and risks of artificial intelligence could expose us to liability or put us at a disadvantage.Artificial intelligence could disrupt certain aspects of our business and change use of technology in ways that are not yet known. Artificial intelligence technologies are subject to a variety of laws, including intellectual property, privacy, data protection and cybersecurity, consumer protection, competition, and equal opportunity laws, and are expected to be subject to increased regulation and new laws or new applications of existing laws. Such laws and regulations may present a variety of compliance risks. The use of artificial intelligence may also result in litigation, ethical concerns, and other legal and business risks. If we are not able to adapt and effectively incorporate potential advantages of artificial intelligence in our business, it may negatively impact our ability to compete. If we are not able to effectively manage the risks of artificial intelligence, we may suffer harm to our results of operations and reputation.Significant cybersecurity incidents may negatively impact our business and our relationships with customers, vendors and employees and expose us to increased liability.Substantially all aspects of our business operations rely on digital technology. We use computers, mobile devices, social networking and other online platforms to connect with our employees, customers, vendors, as well as other individuals and third parties. These uses give rise to cybersecurity risks, including security breach, ransomware, espionage, system disruption, theft and/or inadvertent, accidental, unlawful, unauthorized access, loss, alteration, destruction and/or disclosure or release of information. Our business necessitates the processing, collection, use, storage and transmission of numerous classes of sensitive and/or confidential information and intellectual property, including individuals’ personal information, private and sensitive employment-related personal information, and financial and strategic information about the Company and other businesses. In addition to our own safeguarding efforts, we also rely on third parties to process, collect and store sensitive data, including a Payment Card Industry compliant third-party to protect our customers’ credit card information. We are regularly the target of attempted cyber intrusions, have experienced cyber intrusions, and we anticipate continuing to be subject to such attempts as cyber intrusions become increasingly sophisticated and more difficult to predict and protect against. Geopolitical conflicts and developments and technological advancements also negatively impact our operating results and prevent us from recouping or realizing a return on these investments and acquisitions. Further, protecting our intellectual property rights and combating unlicensed copying and use of intellectual property is difficult, and an inability to obtain or protect new technologies could impact our services to customers and the development of new revenue sources. We rely on a combination of patents and trade secrets to protect our intellectual property, as well as confidentiality and non-disclosure agreements with employees, contractors, and other third parties. We cannot guarantee that these measures will fully prevent unauthorized access or use. Furthermore, there is no assurance that current or future applications will result in issued patents or, if issued, will provide adequate protection against competitors. If a competitor develops or obtains exclusive rights to a “breakthrough technology” that provides a revolutionary change in our industry, or if we have inferior intellectual property to our competitors, our financial results may suffer.",
      "prior_body": "Major external events, including pandemic conditions that result in large-sale disruption of social and commercial activity, such as business closures and social restrictions, could adversely impact our volumes, costs and operational execution. If such conditions were to be severe, resulting in a broad-based economic slow-down, it may have a material adverse impact on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows and hinder our ability to grow our business and execute our business strategy. 28 28 Table of ContentsTechnology and Information Security RisksDevelopments in technology could trigger a fundamental change in the waste management industry, as waste streams are increasingly viewed as a resource, which may adversely impact volumes at our landfills and our profitability.Our Company and others have recognized the value of the traditional waste stream as a potential resource. Research and development activities are ongoing to provide disposal alternatives that maximize the value of waste, including using waste as a source for renewable energy and other valuable by-products. We and many other companies are investing in and/or developing these new technologies. It is possible that such investments and technological advancements may reduce the cost of waste disposal or the value of landfill gas recovery to a level below our costs and may reduce the demand for landfill space. As a result, our revenues and margins could be adversely affected due to advancements in disposal alternatives.If we are not able to develop new service offerings and protect intellectual property or if a competitor develops or obtains exclusive rights to a breakthrough technology, our financial results may suffer.Our existing and proposed service offerings to customers require that we invest in, develop or license, and protect new technologies. Our Company is increasingly focusing on new technologies that automate and innovate our operations, improve the customer experience and provide alternatives to traditional disposal and maximize the resource value of waste. We are continuing our multi-year commitment to strategic investments in technology that prioritize reduction of labor dependency for certain high-turnover jobs, further digitalize our customer self-service and implement technologies to further enhance the safety, reliability and efficiency of our collection operations. Research, development and implementation of enhanced technology often requires significant spending that may divert capital investment away from our traditional business operations. We may experience difficulties or delays in the research, development, production and/or marketing of new products and services or implementation of technologies in which we have invested or acquired, which may negatively impact our operating results and prevent us from recouping or realizing a return on these investments and acquisitions. Further, protecting our intellectual property rights and combating unlicensed copying and use of intellectual property is difficult, and inability to obtain or protect new technologies could impact our services to customers and development of new revenue sources. If a competitor develops or obtains exclusive rights to a “breakthrough technology” that provides a revolutionary change in traditional waste management, or if we have inferior intellectual property to our competitors, our financial results may suffer.We are increasingly dependent on technology in our operations and if our technology fails, our business could be adversely affected.We may experience problems with the operation of our current information technology systems or the technology systems of third parties on which we rely, as well as the development and deployment of new information technology systems, that could adversely affect, or even temporarily disrupt, all or a portion of our operations until resolved. Inabilities and delays in implementing new systems can also affect our ability to realize projected cost savings or other benefits. Significant system failures could impede our ability to timely collect and report financial results in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. In 2022, we implemented a new general ledger accounting system, complementary finance enterprise resource planning system and a human capital management system. These systems increase our utilization of, and dependance on, third-party “cloud” computing services in connection with our business operations. Employee work-from-home arrangements also increase various technology risks, including potential exposure to cyber incidents, loss of data, fraud, internal control challenges and other disruptions as a consequence of more employees accessing Company systems and information remotely in the course of their ordinary work.In 2023, the world experienced an exponential level of growth in the availability of potential applications of artificial intelligence (“AI”). AI could disrupt certain aspects of our business and evolve use of technology in ways that are not yet known. If we are not able to adapt and effectively incorporate potential advantages of AI in our business, it may negatively impact our ability to compete. On the other hand, if we are not able to effectively manage the risks of AI, including the potential for poor or inconsistent quality, privacy concerns, risks related to automated decision-making, and the potential for exposure of confidential and/or propriety information, we may suffer harm to our results of operation and reputation.Significant cybersecurity incidents negatively impact our business and our relationships with customers, vendors and employees and expose us to increased liability.Substantially all aspects of our business operations rely on digital technology. We use computers, mobile devices, social networking and other online platforms to connect with our employees, customers, vendors, as well as other 29 Table of Contents Table of Contents Table of Contents Technology and Information Security RisksDevelopments in technology could trigger a fundamental change in the waste management industry, as waste streams are increasingly viewed as a resource, which may adversely impact volumes at our landfills and our profitability.Our Company and others have recognized the value of the traditional waste stream as a potential resource. Research and development activities are ongoing to provide disposal alternatives that maximize the value of waste, including using waste as a source for renewable energy and other valuable by-products. We and many other companies are investing in and/or developing these new technologies. It is possible that such investments and technological advancements may reduce the cost of waste disposal or the value of landfill gas recovery to a level below our costs and may reduce the demand for landfill space. As a result, our revenues and margins could be adversely affected due to advancements in disposal alternatives.If we are not able to develop new service offerings and protect intellectual property or if a competitor develops or obtains exclusive rights to a breakthrough technology, our financial results may suffer.Our existing and proposed service offerings to customers require that we invest in, develop or license, and protect new technologies. Our Company is increasingly focusing on new technologies that automate and innovate our operations, improve the customer experience and provide alternatives to traditional disposal and maximize the resource value of waste. We are continuing our multi-year commitment to strategic investments in technology that prioritize reduction of labor dependency for certain high-turnover jobs, further digitalize our customer self-service and implement technologies to further enhance the safety, reliability and efficiency of our collection operations. Research, development and implementation of enhanced technology often requires significant spending that may divert capital investment away from our traditional business operations. We may experience difficulties or delays in the research, development, production and/or marketing of new products and services or implementation of technologies in which we have invested or acquired, which may negatively impact our operating results and prevent us from recouping or realizing a return on these investments and acquisitions. Further, protecting our intellectual property rights and combating unlicensed copying and use of intellectual property is difficult, and inability to obtain or protect new technologies could impact our services to customers and development of new revenue sources. If a competitor develops or obtains exclusive rights to a “breakthrough technology” that provides a revolutionary change in traditional waste management, or if we have inferior intellectual property to our competitors, our financial results may suffer.We are increasingly dependent on technology in our operations and if our technology fails, our business could be adversely affected.We may experience problems with the operation of our current information technology systems or the technology systems of third parties on which we rely, as well as the development and deployment of new information technology systems, that could adversely affect, or even temporarily disrupt, all or a portion of our operations until resolved. Inabilities and delays in implementing new systems can also affect our ability to realize projected cost savings or other benefits. Significant system failures could impede our ability to timely collect and report financial results in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. In 2022, we implemented a new general ledger accounting system, complementary finance enterprise resource planning system and a human capital management system. These systems increase our utilization of, and dependance on, third-party “cloud” computing services in connection with our business operations. Employee work-from-home arrangements also increase various technology risks, including potential exposure to cyber incidents, loss of data, fraud, internal control challenges and other disruptions as a consequence of more employees accessing Company systems and information remotely in the course of their ordinary work.In 2023, the world experienced an exponential level of growth in the availability of potential applications of artificial intelligence (“AI”). AI could disrupt certain aspects of our business and evolve use of technology in ways that are not yet known. If we are not able to adapt and effectively incorporate potential advantages of AI in our business, it may negatively impact our ability to compete. On the other hand, if we are not able to effectively manage the risks of AI, including the potential for poor or inconsistent quality, privacy concerns, risks related to automated decision-making, and the potential for exposure of confidential and/or propriety information, we may suffer harm to our results of operation and reputation.Significant cybersecurity incidents negatively impact our business and our relationships with customers, vendors and employees and expose us to increased liability.Substantially all aspects of our business operations rely on digital technology. We use computers, mobile devices, social networking and other online platforms to connect with our employees, customers, vendors, as well as other"
    },
    {
      "status": "MODIFIED",
      "current_title": "LIABILITIES AND EQUITY",
      "prior_title": "LIABILITIES AND EQUITY",
      "similarity_score": 0.645,
      "confidence": "medium",
      "key_changes": [
        "Reworded sentence: \"​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Current liabilities: ​ ​ Accounts payable ​ $ 2,046 ​ $ 1,709 Accrued liabilities ​ 2,180 ​ 1,605 Deferred revenues ​ 673 ​ 578 Current portion of long-term debt ​ 1,359 ​ 334 Total current liabilities ​ 6,258 ​ 4,226 Long-term debt, less current portion ​ 22,541 ​ 15,895 Deferred income taxes ​ 2,815 ​ 1,826 Landfill and environmental remediation liabilities ​ 3,048 ​ 2,888 Other long-term liabilities ​ 1,651 ​ 1,092 Total liabilities ​ 36,313 ​ 25,927 Commitments and contingencies (Note 10) ​ ​ Equity: ​ ​ Waste Management, Inc.\""
      ],
      "current_body": "​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Current liabilities: ​ ​ Accounts payable ​ $ 2,046 ​ $ 1,709 Accrued liabilities ​ 2,180 ​ 1,605 Deferred revenues ​ 673 ​ 578 Current portion of long-term debt ​ 1,359 ​ 334 Total current liabilities ​ 6,258 ​ 4,226 Long-term debt, less current portion ​ 22,541 ​ 15,895 Deferred income taxes ​ 2,815 ​ 1,826 Landfill and environmental remediation liabilities ​ 3,048 ​ 2,888 Other long-term liabilities ​ 1,651 ​ 1,092 Total liabilities ​ 36,313 ​ 25,927 Commitments and contingencies (Note 10) ​ ​ Equity: ​ ​ Waste Management, Inc. stockholders’ equity: ​ ​ Common stock, $0.01 par value; 1,500,000,000 shares authorized; 630,282,461 shares issued ​ 6 ​ 6 Additional paid-in capital ​ 5,496 ​ 5,351 Retained earnings ​ 15,858 ​ 14,334 Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) ​ (115) ​ (37) Treasury stock at cost 228,788,284 and 228,827,218 shares, respectively ​ (12,993) ​ (12,751) Total Waste Management, Inc. stockholders’ equity ​ 8,252 ​ 6,903 Noncontrolling interests ​ 2 ​ (7) Total equity ​ 8,254 ​ 6,896 Total liabilities and equity ​ $ 44,567 ​ $ 32,823 ​ ​ ​ See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. ​ 84 84 Table of ContentsWASTE MANAGEMENT, INC.CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS(In Millions, Except per Share Amounts)​​​​​​​​​​​​Year Ended December 31, ​ 2024 2023 2022Operating revenues​$ 22,063​$ 20,426​$ 19,698Costs and expenses:​ ​ ​​ Operating​ 13,383​ 12,606​ 12,294Selling, general and administrative​ 2,264​ 1,926​ 1,938Depreciation, depletion and amortization​ 2,267​ 2,071​ 2,038Restructuring​ 4​ 5​ 1(Gain) loss from divestitures, asset impairments and unusual items, net​ 82​ 243​ 62​​ 18,000​ 16,851​ 16,333Income from operations​ 4,063​ 3,575​ 3,365Other income (expense):​ ​ ​​ Interest expense, net​ (598)​ (500)​ (378)Loss on early extinguishment of debt, net​​ (7)​​ —​​ —Equity in net income (losses) of unconsolidated entities​ 4​ (60)​ (67)Other, net​ (4)​ 6​ (2)​​ (605)​ (554)​ (447)Income before income taxes​ 3,458​ 3,021​ 2,918Income tax expense​ 713​ 745​ 678Consolidated net income​ 2,745​ 2,276​ 2,240Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests​ (1)​ (28)​ 2Net income attributable to Waste Management, Inc.​$ 2,746​$ 2,304​$ 2,238Basic earnings per common share​$ 6.84​$ 5.69​$ 5.42Diluted earnings per common share​$ 6.81​$ 5.66​$ 5.39​​​CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME(In Millions)​​​​​​​​​​​​Year Ended December 31, ​ 2024 2023 2022Consolidated net income​$ 2,745​$ 2,276​$ 2,240Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:​ ​ ​ Derivative instruments, net​ 27​ 14​ 3Available-for-sale securities, net​ 7​ (11)​ (24)Foreign currency translation adjustments​ (111)​ 26​ (65)Post-retirement benefit obligations, net​ (1)​ 3​ —Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax​ (78)​ 32​ (86)Comprehensive income​ 2,667​ 2,308​ 2,154Less: Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests​ (1)​ (28)​ 2Comprehensive income attributable to Waste Management, Inc.​$ 2,668​$ 2,336​$ 2,152​​See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.​​85 Table of Contents Table of Contents Table of Contents WASTE MANAGEMENT, INC.CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS(In Millions, Except per Share Amounts)​​​​​​​​​​​​Year Ended December 31, ​ 2024 2023 2022Operating revenues​$ 22,063​$ 20,426​$ 19,698Costs and expenses:​ ​ ​​ Operating​ 13,383​ 12,606​ 12,294Selling, general and administrative​ 2,264​ 1,926​ 1,938Depreciation, depletion and amortization​ 2,267​ 2,071​ 2,038Restructuring​ 4​ 5​ 1(Gain) loss from divestitures, asset impairments and unusual items, net​ 82​ 243​ 62​​ 18,000​ 16,851​ 16,333Income from operations​ 4,063​ 3,575​ 3,365Other income (expense):​ ​ ​​ Interest expense, net​ (598)​ (500)​ (378)Loss on early extinguishment of debt, net​​ (7)​​ —​​ —Equity in net income (losses) of unconsolidated entities​ 4​ (60)​ (67)Other, net​ (4)​ 6​ (2)​​ (605)​ (554)​ (447)Income before income taxes​ 3,458​ 3,021​ 2,918Income tax expense​ 713​ 745​ 678Consolidated net income​ 2,745​ 2,276​ 2,240Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests​ (1)​ (28)​ 2Net income attributable to Waste Management, Inc.​$ 2,746​$ 2,304​$ 2,238Basic earnings per common share​$ 6.84​$ 5.69​$ 5.42Diluted earnings per common share​$ 6.81​$ 5.66​$ 5.39​​​CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME(In Millions)​​​​​​​​​​​​Year Ended December 31, ​ 2024 2023 2022Consolidated net income​$ 2,745​$ 2,276​$ 2,240Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:​ ​ ​ Derivative instruments, net​ 27​ 14​ 3Available-for-sale securities, net​ 7​ (11)​ (24)Foreign currency translation adjustments​ (111)​ 26​ (65)Post-retirement benefit obligations, net​ (1)​ 3​ —Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax​ (78)​ 32​ (86)Comprehensive income​ 2,667​ 2,308​ 2,154Less: Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests​ (1)​ (28)​ 2Comprehensive income attributable to Waste Management, Inc.​$ 2,668​$ 2,336​$ 2,152​​See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.​​ WASTE MANAGEMENT, INC.CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS(In Millions, Except per Share Amounts)​​​​​​​​​​​​Year Ended December 31, ​ 2024 2023 2022Operating revenues​$ 22,063​$ 20,426​$ 19,698Costs and expenses:​ ​ ​​ Operating​ 13,383​ 12,606​ 12,294Selling, general and administrative​ 2,264​ 1,926​ 1,938Depreciation, depletion and amortization​ 2,267​ 2,071​ 2,038Restructuring​ 4​ 5​ 1(Gain) loss from divestitures, asset impairments and unusual items, net​ 82​ 243​ 62​​ 18,000​ 16,851​ 16,333Income from operations​ 4,063​ 3,575​ 3,365Other income (expense):​ ​ ​​ Interest expense, net​ (598)​ (500)​ (378)Loss on early extinguishment of debt, net​​ (7)​​ —​​ —Equity in net income (losses) of unconsolidated entities​ 4​ (60)​ (67)Other, net​ (4)​ 6​ (2)​​ (605)​ (554)​ (447)Income before income taxes​ 3,458​ 3,021​ 2,918Income tax expense​ 713​ 745​ 678Consolidated net income​ 2,745​ 2,276​ 2,240Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests​ (1)​ (28)​ 2Net income attributable to Waste Management, Inc.​$ 2,746​$ 2,304​$ 2,238Basic earnings per common share​$ 6.84​$ 5.69​$ 5.42Diluted earnings per common share​$ 6.81​$ 5.66​$ 5.39​​​CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME(In Millions)​​​​​​​​​​​​Year Ended December 31, ​ 2024 2023 2022Consolidated net income​$ 2,745​$ 2,276​$ 2,240Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:​ ​ ​ Derivative instruments, net​ 27​ 14​ 3Available-for-sale securities, net​ 7​ (11)​ (24)Foreign currency translation adjustments​ (111)​ 26​ (65)Post-retirement benefit obligations, net​ (1)​ 3​ —Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax​ (78)​ 32​ (86)Comprehensive income​ 2,667​ 2,308​ 2,154Less: Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests​ (1)​ (28)​ 2Comprehensive income attributable to Waste Management, Inc.​$ 2,668​$ 2,336​$ 2,152​​See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.​​",
      "prior_body": "​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Current liabilities: ​ ​ Accounts payable ​ $ 1,709 ​ $ 1,766 Accrued liabilities ​ 1,605 ​ 1,625 Deferred revenues ​ 578 ​ 589 Current portion of long-term debt ​ 334 ​ 414 Total current liabilities ​ 4,226 ​ 4,394 Long-term debt, less current portion ​ 15,895 ​ 14,570 Deferred income taxes ​ 1,826 ​ 1,733 Landfill and environmental remediation liabilities ​ 2,888 ​ 2,700 Other liabilities ​ 1,092 ​ 1,106 Total liabilities ​ 25,927 ​ 24,503 Commitments and contingencies (Note 10) ​ ​ Equity: ​ ​ Waste Management, Inc. stockholders’ equity: ​ ​ Common stock, $0.01 par value; 1,500,000,000 shares authorized; 630,282,461 shares issued ​ 6 ​ 6 Additional paid-in capital ​ 5,351 ​ 5,314 Retained earnings ​ 14,334 ​ 13,167 Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) ​ (37) ​ (69) Treasury stock at cost, 228,827,218 and 222,396,166 shares, respectively ​ (12,751) ​ (11,569) Total Waste Management, Inc. stockholders’ equity ​ 6,903 ​ 6,849 Noncontrolling interests ​ (7) ​ 15 Total equity ​ 6,896 ​ 6,864 Total liabilities and equity ​ $ 32,823 ​ $ 31,367 ​ ​ See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. ​ 75 75 Table of ContentsWASTE MANAGEMENT, INC.CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS(In Millions, Except per Share Amounts)​​​​​​​​​​​​Year Ended December 31, ​ 2023 2022 2021Operating revenues​$ 20,426​$ 19,698​$ 17,931Costs and expenses:​ ​ ​​ Operating​ 12,606​ 12,294​ 11,111Selling, general and administrative​ 1,926​ 1,938​ 1,864Depreciation, depletion and amortization​ 2,071​ 2,038​ 1,999Restructuring​ 5​ 1​ 8(Gain) loss from divestitures, asset impairments and unusual items, net​ 243​ 62​ (16)​​ 16,851​ 16,333​ 14,966Income from operations​ 3,575​ 3,365​ 2,965Other income (expense):​ ​ ​​ Interest expense, net​ (500)​ (378)​ (365)Loss on early extinguishment of debt, net​​ —​​ —​​ (220)Equity in net losses of unconsolidated entities​ (60)​ (67)​ (36)Other, net​ 6​ (2)​ 5​​ (554)​ (447)​ (616)Income before income taxes​ 3,021​ 2,918​ 2,349Income tax expense​ 745​ 678​ 532Consolidated net income​ 2,276​ 2,240​ 1,817Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests​ (28)​ 2​ 1Net income attributable to Waste Management, Inc.​$ 2,304​$ 2,238​$ 1,816Basic earnings per common share​$ 5.69​$ 5.42​$ 4.32Diluted earnings per common share​$ 5.66​$ 5.39​$ 4.29​​​CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME(In Millions)​​​​​​​​​​​​Year Ended December 31, ​ 2023 2022 2021Consolidated net income​$ 2,276​$ 2,240​$ 1,817Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:​ ​ ​ Derivative instruments, net​ 14​ 3​ 9Available-for-sale securities, net​ (11)​ (24)​ (6)Foreign currency translation adjustments​ 26​ (65)​ (28)Post-retirement benefit obligations, net​ 3​ —​ 3Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax​ 32​ (86)​ (22)Comprehensive income​ 2,308​ 2,154​ 1,795Less: Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests​ (28)​ 2​ 1Comprehensive income attributable to Waste Management, Inc.​$ 2,336​$ 2,152​$ 1,794​​See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.​​76 Table of Contents Table of Contents Table of Contents WASTE MANAGEMENT, INC.CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS(In Millions, Except per Share Amounts)​​​​​​​​​​​​Year Ended December 31, ​ 2023 2022 2021Operating revenues​$ 20,426​$ 19,698​$ 17,931Costs and expenses:​ ​ ​​ Operating​ 12,606​ 12,294​ 11,111Selling, general and administrative​ 1,926​ 1,938​ 1,864Depreciation, depletion and amortization​ 2,071​ 2,038​ 1,999Restructuring​ 5​ 1​ 8(Gain) loss from divestitures, asset impairments and unusual items, net​ 243​ 62​ (16)​​ 16,851​ 16,333​ 14,966Income from operations​ 3,575​ 3,365​ 2,965Other income (expense):​ ​ ​​ Interest expense, net​ (500)​ (378)​ (365)Loss on early extinguishment of debt, net​​ —​​ —​​ (220)Equity in net losses of unconsolidated entities​ (60)​ (67)​ (36)Other, net​ 6​ (2)​ 5​​ (554)​ (447)​ (616)Income before income taxes​ 3,021​ 2,918​ 2,349Income tax expense​ 745​ 678​ 532Consolidated net income​ 2,276​ 2,240​ 1,817Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests​ (28)​ 2​ 1Net income attributable to Waste Management, Inc.​$ 2,304​$ 2,238​$ 1,816Basic earnings per common share​$ 5.69​$ 5.42​$ 4.32Diluted earnings per common share​$ 5.66​$ 5.39​$ 4.29​​​CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME(In Millions)​​​​​​​​​​​​Year Ended December 31, ​ 2023 2022 2021Consolidated net income​$ 2,276​$ 2,240​$ 1,817Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:​ ​ ​ Derivative instruments, net​ 14​ 3​ 9Available-for-sale securities, net​ (11)​ (24)​ (6)Foreign currency translation adjustments​ 26​ (65)​ (28)Post-retirement benefit obligations, net​ 3​ —​ 3Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax​ 32​ (86)​ (22)Comprehensive income​ 2,308​ 2,154​ 1,795Less: Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests​ (28)​ 2​ 1Comprehensive income attributable to Waste Management, Inc.​$ 2,336​$ 2,152​$ 1,794​​See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.​​"
    },
    {
      "status": "MODIFIED",
      "current_title": "Investments in Unconsolidated Entities",
      "prior_title": "NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)",
      "similarity_score": 0.632,
      "confidence": "medium",
      "key_changes": [
        "Reworded sentence: \"As a result of adopting ASU 2023-02 in 2024, our investments in entities established to invest in and manage low-income housing properties are accounted for using the proportional amortization method.\"",
        "Reworded sentence: \"The following table summarizes our investments in unconsolidated entities as of December 31 (in millions): ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 2024 2023 Equity method investments ​ $ 86 ​ $ 538 Investments qualifying for proportional amortization method (a) ​ ​ 707 ​ ​ — Investments without readily determinable fair values ​ 53 ​ ​ 68 Investments in unconsolidated entities ​ $ 846 ​ $ 606 98 98 Table of ContentsWASTE MANAGEMENT, INC.NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)​We monitor and assess the carrying value of our investments throughout the year for potential impairment and write them down to their fair value when other-than-temporary declines exist.\"",
        "Reworded sentence: \"Impairments of our investments are recorded in (gain) loss from divestitures, asset impairments and unusual items, net in our Consolidated Statements of Operations in accordance with appropriate accounting guidance.Refer to Note 11 for information related to impairments and other adjustments recognized during the reported periods.\"",
        "Reworded sentence: \"The resulting translation difference is reflected as a component of other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax.\"",
        "Reworded sentence: \"dollar/Canadian dollar exchange rate and to a lesser extent, the U.S.\""
      ],
      "current_body": "As a result of adopting ASU 2023-02 in 2024, our investments in entities established to invest in and manage low-income housing properties are accounted for using the proportional amortization method. Under the proportional amortization method, the equity investment is amortized in proportion to the income tax credits and other income tax benefits received. Investments in unconsolidated entities over which the Company has significant influence are accounted for under the equity method of accounting. Equity investments in which the Company does not have the ability to exert significant influence over the investees’ operating and financing activities are measured using a quantitative approach as these investments do not have readily determinable fair values. The quantitative approach, or measurement alternative, is equal to its cost minus impairment, if any, plus or minus changes resulting from observable price changes in orderly transactions for the identical or a similar investment of the same issuer. The following table summarizes our investments in unconsolidated entities as of December 31 (in millions): ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 2024 2023 Equity method investments ​ $ 86 ​ $ 538 Investments qualifying for proportional amortization method (a) ​ ​ 707 ​ ​ — Investments without readily determinable fair values ​ 53 ​ ​ 68 Investments in unconsolidated entities ​ $ 846 ​ $ 606 98 98 Table of ContentsWASTE MANAGEMENT, INC.NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)​We monitor and assess the carrying value of our investments throughout the year for potential impairment and write them down to their fair value when other-than-temporary declines exist. Fair value is generally based on (i) other third-party investors’ recent or pending transactions in the securities; (ii) other information available regarding the current market for similar assets; (iii) a market or income approach, as deemed appropriate and/or (iv) a quantitative approach, or measurement alternative, as noted above. Impairments of our investments are recorded in (gain) loss from divestitures, asset impairments and unusual items, net in our Consolidated Statements of Operations in accordance with appropriate accounting guidance.Refer to Note 11 for information related to impairments and other adjustments recognized during the reported periods. Derivative Instruments At times we use derivative instruments to manage risk. To qualify for hedge accounting, the hedged item must expose us to risk and the related derivative instrument must reduce the exposure to that risk and meet specific hedge documentation requirements related to designation dates, expectations for hedge effectiveness and the probability that hedged future transactions will occur as forecasted. We formally designate derivative instruments as hedges and document and assess their effectiveness at inception of the hedge and on a quarterly basis thereafter. Forecasted transactions are evaluated for the probability of occurrence.We are required to recognize derivative instruments at fair value as either assets or liabilities on our Consolidated Balance Sheets unless such instruments meet certain normal purchase/normal sale criteria. For derivatives that qualify for hedge accounting, we designate them as cash flow hedges. The change in the fair value of a cash flow hedge is reported in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and is reclassified to earnings when the forecasted transaction affects earnings. See Note 6 for additional information regarding our derivative instruments.Foreign CurrencyOur operations are primarily in the U.S. but we also have significant operations in Canada and certain countries in Western Europe. Additionally, we have certain support functions in India. Local currencies generally are considered the functional currencies of our operations and investments outside the U.S. The assets and liabilities of our foreign operations are translated to U.S. dollars using the exchange rate as of the balance sheet date. Revenues and expenses are translated to U.S. dollars using the average exchange rate during the period. The resulting translation difference is reflected as a component of other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax. Foreign currency translation adjustments have primarily been impacted by fluctuations in the U.S. dollar/Canadian dollar exchange rate and to a lesser extent, the U.S. dollar/Euro exchange rates and the U.S. dollar/British pound sterling exchange rate. The U.S. dollar/Canadian dollar exchange rate was 1.4384 at December 31, 2024, 1.3243 at December 31, 2023 and 1.3554 at December 31, 2022. The U.S. dollar/Euro exchange rate was 0.9659 at December 31, 2024. The U.S. dollar/British pound sterling exchange rate was 0.7990 at December 31, 2024. Refer to Note 12 for information regarding the impacts of foreign currency on our comprehensive income and results of operations.Revenue RecognitionWe generally recognize revenue as services are performed or products are delivered. For example, revenue typically is recognized as waste is collected; tons are received at our landfills, transfer stations or processing facilities; or recycling and other commodities, such as RNG, electricity and capacity, Renewable Identification Numbers (“RINs”) and Renewable Energy Credits (“RECs”), are sold. Compliance services revenues are recognized over the contractual service period. We also bill for certain services prior to performance. Such services include, among others, certain commercial 99 Table of ContentsWASTE MANAGEMENT, INC.NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)​ Table of Contents Table of Contents",
      "prior_body": "​ Estimates and AssumptionsIn preparing our financial statements, we make numerous estimates and assumptions that affect the accounting for and recognition and disclosure of assets, liabilities, equity, revenues and expenses. We must make these estimates and assumptions because certain information that we use is dependent on future events, cannot be calculated with precision from available data or simply cannot be calculated. In some cases, these estimates are difficult to determine, and we must exercise significant judgment. In preparing our financial statements, the most difficult, subjective and complex estimates and the assumptions that present the greatest amount of uncertainty relate to our accounting for landfills, environmental remediation liabilities, long-lived asset impairments, intangible asset impairments and the fair value of assets and liabilities acquired in business combinations. Each of these items is discussed in additional detail below. Actual results could differ materially from the estimates and assumptions that we use in the preparation of our financial statements.Cash and Cash EquivalentsCash in excess of current operating requirements is invested in short-term interest-bearing instruments with maturities of three months or less at the date of purchase and is stated at cost, which approximates market value.Concentrations of Credit RiskFinancial instruments that potentially subject us to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, investments held within restricted funds, and accounts receivable. We make efforts to control our exposure to credit risk associated with these instruments by (i) placing our assets and other financial interests with a diverse group of credit-worthy financial institutions; (ii) holding high-quality financial instruments while limiting investments in any one instrument and (iii) maintaining strict policies over credit extension that include credit evaluations, credit limits and monitoring procedures, although generally we do not have collateral requirements for credit extensions. We also control our exposure associated with trade receivables by discontinuing service, to the extent allowable, to non-paying customers. However, our overall credit risk associated with trade receivables is limited due to the large number and diversity of customers we serve. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, no single customer represented greater than 5% of total accounts receivable.Accounts and Other Receivables Our receivables, which are recorded when billed, when services are performed or when cash is advanced, are claims against third parties that will generally be settled in cash. The carrying value of our receivables, net of the allowance for doubtful accounts, represents the estimated net realizable value. We estimate our allowance for doubtful accounts based on historical collection trends; type of customer, such as municipal or commercial; the age of outstanding receivables and existing as well as expected economic conditions. If events or changes in circumstances indicate that specific receivable balances may be impaired, further consideration is given to the collectability of those balances and the allowance is adjusted accordingly. Past-due receivable balances are written off when our internal collection efforts have been unsuccessful. Also, we recognize interest income on long-term interest-bearing notes receivable as the interest accrues under the terms of the notes. We no longer accrue interest once the notes are deemed uncollectible."
    },
    {
      "status": "MODIFIED",
      "current_title": "General economic conditions can directly and adversely affect revenues for our services and our income from operations margins.",
      "prior_title": "General economic conditions, such as a broad-based economic recession, can directly and adversely affect revenues for environmental services and our income from operations margins.",
      "similarity_score": 0.624,
      "confidence": "medium",
      "key_changes": [
        "Removed sentence: \"In recent years, many in the financial industry have debated whether the North American economy is likely to enter into a period of economic recession.\"",
        "Reworded sentence: \"Consumer uncertainty and the loss of consumer confidence may also reduce the number and variety of services requested by customers.\"",
        "Reworded sentence: \"Many of our contracts have price adjustment provisions that are tied to an index such as the Consumer Price Index.\"",
        "Removed sentence: \"Weakness in the economy may expose us to credit risk of governmental entities and municipalities and other major customers, which could negatively impact our financial results.We provide service to a number of governmental entities, municipalities, and large national accounts.\"",
        "Removed sentence: \"During periods of economic weakness, governmental entities and municipalities can suffer significant financial difficulties, due in part to reduced tax revenue and/or high cost structures.\""
      ],
      "current_body": "Our business is directly affected by changes in national and general economic factors that are outside of our control, including consumer confidence, inflation, interest rates and access to capital markets. A weak economy generally results in decreased consumer spending and decreases in volumes of waste generated, which negatively impacts the ability to grow through new business or service upgrades, and may result in customer turnover and reduction in customers’ waste service needs. Consumer uncertainty and the loss of consumer confidence may also reduce the number and variety of services requested by customers. Additionally, a weak market for consumer goods can significantly decrease demand by paper mills for recycled corrugated cardboard used in packaging, which could negatively impact commodity prices and our operating income and cash flows. A decrease in waste volumes generated results in an increase in competitive pricing pressure; such economic conditions may also interfere with our ability to implement our pricing strategy. Many of our contracts have price adjustment provisions that are tied to an index such as the Consumer Price Index. Our costs may increase more than the increase, if any, in the Consumer Price Index, partially due to our relatively high fixed-cost structure. We may not be able to dynamically manage our cost structure in response to shifting volume levels and vendor costs, and our cost structure may not correlate with the Consumer Price Index or the waste industry. An economic recession or other economic weakness is likely to negatively impact our revenues and margins.",
      "prior_body": "Our business is directly affected by changes in national and general economic factors that are outside of our control, including consumer confidence, inflation, interest rates and access to capital markets. In recent years, many in the financial industry have debated whether the North American economy is likely to enter into a period of economic recession. A weak economy generally results in decreased consumer spending and decreases in volumes of waste generated, which negatively impacts the ability to grow through new business or service upgrades, and may result in customer turnover and reduction in customers’ waste service needs. Consumer uncertainty and the loss of consumer confidence may also reduce the number 27 27 Table of Contentsand variety of services requested by customers. Additionally, a weak market for consumer goods can significantly decrease demand by paper mills for recycled corrugated cardboard used in packaging; such as we have experienced since the second half of 2022, negatively impacting commodity prices and our operating income and cash flows. A decrease in waste volumes generated results in an increase in competitive pricing pressure; such economic conditions may also interfere with our ability to implement our pricing strategy. Many of our contracts have price adjustment provisions that are tied to an index such as the Consumer Price Index, and our costs may increase more than the increase, if any, in the Consumer Price Index. This is partially due to our relatively high fixed-cost structure; we may not be able to dynamically manage our cost structure in response to shifting volume levels and vendor costs, and our cost structure may not correlate with the Consumer Price Index or the waste industry. An economic recession or other economic weakness is likely to negatively impact our revenues and margins. Weakness in the economy may expose us to credit risk of governmental entities and municipalities and other major customers, which could negatively impact our financial results.We provide service to a number of governmental entities, municipalities, and large national accounts. During periods of economic weakness, governmental entities and municipalities can suffer significant financial difficulties, due in part to reduced tax revenue and/or high cost structures. During these periods, such entities, and our non-governmental customers, could be unable to pay amounts owed to us or renew contracts with us at previous or increased rates.Purchasers of our recycling commodities can be particularly vulnerable to financial difficulties in times of commodity price volatility. The inability of our customers to pay us in a timely manner or to pay increased rates, particularly large national accounts, could negatively affect our operating results.In addition, the financial difficulties of municipalities could result in a decline in investors’ demand for municipal bonds and a correlating increase in interest rates. As of December 31, 2023, we had $1.6 billion of tax-exempt bonds with term interest rate periods that expire within the next 12 months, which is prior to their scheduled maturities. If market dynamics resulted in repricing of our tax-exempt bonds at significantly higher interest rates, we would incur increased interest expenses that may negatively affect our operating results and cash flows.The Company’s effective tax rate and tax liability could materially change as a result of the adoption of new tax legislation and other factors.Predominantly all of the Company’s revenues are generated in the U.S., and changes in U.S. tax laws could materially impact our effective tax rate, financial condition and results of operations. The U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, enacted on December 22, 2017 (the “Tax Act”), had a significant impact on our effective tax rate, cash tax expenses and net deferred tax liabilities. The Tax Act reduced the U.S. corporate statutory tax rate and eliminated or limited the deduction of several expenses that were previously deductible, among other things. However, future changes in tax laws could reverse the impacts of the Tax Act and if ultimately enacted into law, such an increase could materially impact our tax provision, cash tax liability, effective tax rate and net deferred tax liabilities.Significant shortages in diesel fuel supply or increases in diesel fuel prices will increase our operating expenses.The price and supply of diesel fuel can fluctuate significantly based on international, political and economic circumstances, as well as other factors outside our control, such as actions by oil and gas producers, regional production patterns, weather conditions and environmental concerns. We need diesel fuel to run a significant portion of our collection and transfer trucks and our equipment used in our landfill operations. Fuel supply shortages and price increases could substantially increase our operating expenses. Regardless of any offsetting surcharge programs, increased operating costs due to higher diesel fuel prices will decrease our income from operations margins.Large-scale disruption of social and commercial activity and financial markets, such as has occurred in the past due to pandemic conditions, may have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.Major external events, including pandemic conditions that result in large-sale disruption of social and commercial activity, such as business closures and social restrictions, could adversely impact our volumes, costs and operational execution. If such conditions were to be severe, resulting in a broad-based economic slow-down, it may have a material adverse impact on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows and hinder our ability to grow our business and execute our business strategy.28 Table of Contents Table of Contents Table of Contents and variety of services requested by customers. Additionally, a weak market for consumer goods can significantly decrease demand by paper mills for recycled corrugated cardboard used in packaging; such as we have experienced since the second half of 2022, negatively impacting commodity prices and our operating income and cash flows. A decrease in waste volumes generated results in an increase in competitive pricing pressure; such economic conditions may also interfere with our ability to implement our pricing strategy. Many of our contracts have price adjustment provisions that are tied to an index such as the Consumer Price Index, and our costs may increase more than the increase, if any, in the Consumer Price Index. This is partially due to our relatively high fixed-cost structure; we may not be able to dynamically manage our cost structure in response to shifting volume levels and vendor costs, and our cost structure may not correlate with the Consumer Price Index or the waste industry. An economic recession or other economic weakness is likely to negatively impact our revenues and margins. Weakness in the economy may expose us to credit risk of governmental entities and municipalities and other major customers, which could negatively impact our financial results.We provide service to a number of governmental entities, municipalities, and large national accounts. During periods of economic weakness, governmental entities and municipalities can suffer significant financial difficulties, due in part to reduced tax revenue and/or high cost structures. During these periods, such entities, and our non-governmental customers, could be unable to pay amounts owed to us or renew contracts with us at previous or increased rates.Purchasers of our recycling commodities can be particularly vulnerable to financial difficulties in times of commodity price volatility. The inability of our customers to pay us in a timely manner or to pay increased rates, particularly large national accounts, could negatively affect our operating results.In addition, the financial difficulties of municipalities could result in a decline in investors’ demand for municipal bonds and a correlating increase in interest rates. As of December 31, 2023, we had $1.6 billion of tax-exempt bonds with term interest rate periods that expire within the next 12 months, which is prior to their scheduled maturities. If market dynamics resulted in repricing of our tax-exempt bonds at significantly higher interest rates, we would incur increased interest expenses that may negatively affect our operating results and cash flows.The Company’s effective tax rate and tax liability could materially change as a result of the adoption of new tax legislation and other factors.Predominantly all of the Company’s revenues are generated in the U.S., and changes in U.S. tax laws could materially impact our effective tax rate, financial condition and results of operations. The U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, enacted on December 22, 2017 (the “Tax Act”), had a significant impact on our effective tax rate, cash tax expenses and net deferred tax liabilities. The Tax Act reduced the U.S. corporate statutory tax rate and eliminated or limited the deduction of several expenses that were previously deductible, among other things. However, future changes in tax laws could reverse the impacts of the Tax Act and if ultimately enacted into law, such an increase could materially impact our tax provision, cash tax liability, effective tax rate and net deferred tax liabilities.Significant shortages in diesel fuel supply or increases in diesel fuel prices will increase our operating expenses.The price and supply of diesel fuel can fluctuate significantly based on international, political and economic circumstances, as well as other factors outside our control, such as actions by oil and gas producers, regional production patterns, weather conditions and environmental concerns. We need diesel fuel to run a significant portion of our collection and transfer trucks and our equipment used in our landfill operations. Fuel supply shortages and price increases could substantially increase our operating expenses. Regardless of any offsetting surcharge programs, increased operating costs due to higher diesel fuel prices will decrease our income from operations margins.Large-scale disruption of social and commercial activity and financial markets, such as has occurred in the past due to pandemic conditions, may have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.Major external events, including pandemic conditions that result in large-sale disruption of social and commercial activity, such as business closures and social restrictions, could adversely impact our volumes, costs and operational execution. If such conditions were to be severe, resulting in a broad-based economic slow-down, it may have a material adverse impact on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows and hinder our ability to grow our business and execute our business strategy. and variety of services requested by customers. Additionally, a weak market for consumer goods can significantly decrease demand by paper mills for recycled corrugated cardboard used in packaging; such as we have experienced since the second half of 2022, negatively impacting commodity prices and our operating income and cash flows. A decrease in waste volumes generated results in an increase in competitive pricing pressure; such economic conditions may also interfere with our ability to implement our pricing strategy. Many of our contracts have price adjustment provisions that are tied to an index such as the Consumer Price Index, and our costs may increase more than the increase, if any, in the Consumer Price Index. This is partially due to our relatively high fixed-cost structure; we may not be able to dynamically manage our cost structure in response to shifting volume levels and vendor costs, and our cost structure may not correlate with the Consumer Price Index or the waste industry. An economic recession or other economic weakness is likely to negatively impact our revenues and margins."
    },
    {
      "status": "MODIFIED",
      "current_title": "We have made significant investments in an extensive natural gas truck fleet, which makes us partially dependent on the availability of natural gas and fueling infrastructure and vulnerable to natural gas prices, and requirements to transition away from our current vehicle fleet to electric powered vehicles could impair our investments and result in cost increases and significant additional capital investment.",
      "prior_title": "Our operations require us to attract, hire, develop and retain a high-quality workforce to provide a superior customer experience. This includes key individuals in leadership and specialty roles, as well as a very large number of drivers,",
      "similarity_score": 0.575,
      "confidence": "low",
      "key_changes": [
        "Reworded sentence: \"We operate a large fleet of natural gas vehicles, and we plan to continue to invest in these assets for our collection fleet.\"",
        "Reworded sentence: \"Fluctuations in the price and supply of natural gas or diesel fuel could substantially increase our operating expenses; a reduction in the existing cost differential between natural gas and diesel fuel could materially reduce the benefits we anticipate from our investment in natural gas vehicles.\"",
        "Reworded sentence: \"Business – Regulation – Investment in Natural Gas Vehicles and Infrastructure for additional information.\""
      ],
      "current_body": "We operate a large fleet of natural gas vehicles, and we plan to continue to invest in these assets for our collection fleet. However, natural gas fueling infrastructure is not yet broadly available in the U.S. and Canada; as a result, we have constructed and operate natural gas fueling stations, some of which also serve the public or pre-approved third parties. It will remain necessary for us to invest capital in fueling infrastructure to power our natural gas fleet. Fluctuations in the price and supply of natural gas or diesel fuel could substantially increase our operating expenses; a reduction in the existing cost differential between natural gas and diesel fuel could materially reduce the benefits we anticipate from our investment in natural gas vehicles. There is increasing pressure to reduce the use of fossil fuel in the heavy-duty truck industry, and some regulatory bodies are pursuing requirements for using alternative engine technology, such as electric powered vehicles, rather than natural gas or diesel vehicles. This is resulting in regulatory actions to advance the adoption of zero-emission vehicles and a shift away from tax incentives and grants for natural gas trucks and RNG infrastructure. See Item 1. Business – Regulation – Investment in Natural Gas Vehicles and Infrastructure for additional information. Regulation mandating an accelerated transition away from natural gas trucks and our remaining diesel vehicles, including the recently acquired Stericycle fleet, to electric powered vehicles would increase our cost to acquire vehicles needed to service our customers, and capital investment required to establish sufficient charging infrastructure could be significant. Additionally, the investments we have made in an industry-leading natural gas fleet and infrastructure could be impaired. Tax incentives and grants that advance the adoption of zero-emissions vehicles and lead to a shift away from natural gas trucks and RNG infrastructure would likely also negatively impact our investments in landfill gas-to-energy facilities.",
      "prior_body": "22 22 Table of Contentstechnicians and other front-line and back-office team members necessary to provide our environmental services. We experience significant competition to hire and retain individuals for certain front-line positions, such as commercial truck drivers, from within and outside our industry. (Also see Item 1A. Risk Factors — Market disruption, including labor shortages and supply chain constraints, and macroeconomic pressures, including inflation, have adversely impacted our business and results of operations.) Additionally, the market for employees that serve on our digital team is highly competitive. As we have accelerated our investments in our technology-led automation and optimization strategy, it is increasingly important that we are able to attract and retain employees with the skills and expertise necessary to implement and manage these projects. We also compete to attract skilled business leaders, and our own key team members are sought after by our competitors and other companies. We make significant investments, and engage in internal succession planning, to provide us with a robust pipeline of future leaders. If we are not able to attract, hire, develop and retain a high-quality workforce with the necessary skills and expertise, as well as key leaders, or if we experience significant employee turnover, it can result in business and strategic disruption, increased costs, and loss of institutional knowledge, which could negatively impact our results of operations.Our business depends on our reputation and the value of our brand.We believe we have developed a reputation for high-quality service, reliability and social and environmental responsibility, and we believe our brand symbolizes these attributes. The WM brand name, trademarks and logos and our reputation are powerful sales and marketing tools, and we devote significant resources to promoting and protecting them. Adverse publicity, whether or not justified, relating to activities by our operations, employees or agents, or challenges to our assertions of social and environmental responsibility, could tarnish our reputation and reduce the value of our brand. (Also see Item 1A. Risk Factors — Focus on, and regulation of, environmental, social and governance (“ESG”) performance and disclosure can result in increased costs, risk of noncompliance, damage to our reputation and related adverse effects.) Damage to our reputation could reduce demand for our services and potentially have an adverse effect on our financial condition, liquidity and results of operations, as well as require additional resources to rebuild our reputation and restore the value of our brand.We have made significant investments in an extensive natural gas truck fleet, which makes us partially dependent on the availability of natural gas and fueling infrastructure and vulnerable to natural gas prices, and requirements to transition to other vehicle types could impair these investments.We operate a large fleet of natural gas vehicles, and we plan to continue to invest in these assets for our collection fleet. However, natural gas fueling infrastructure is not yet broadly available in the U.S. and Canada; as a result, we have constructed and operate natural gas fueling stations, some of which also serve the public or pre-approved third parties. It will remain necessary for us to invest capital in fueling infrastructure to power our natural gas fleet. Additionally, fluctuations in the price and supply of natural gas could substantially increase our operating expenses; a reduction in the existing cost differential between natural gas and diesel fuel could materially reduce the benefits we anticipate from our investment in natural gas vehicles. There is increasing pressure to reduce the use of fossil fuel in the heavy-duty truck industry, and some regulatory bodies are pursuing requirements for using alternative engine technology, such as electric powered vehicles, rather than natural gas or diesel vehicles. This is resulting in regulatory actions to advance the adoption of zero-emission vehicles and a shift away from tax incentives and grants for natural gas trucks and RNG infrastructure. For example, California is at various stages of regulation that would require heavy-duty vehicle fleets to phase-in zero-emissions vehicles. The extent to which other states adopt California’s standards or something similar into their own regulatory frameworks could accelerate the industry-wide adoption of electric vehicles. Although current options for heavy-duty electric vehicles lack sufficient range and proven experience for our operations, we are proactively engaging in pilots of electric powered heavy-duty vehicles and anticipate that we could redirect future planned capital investments in our fleet toward these assets when the vehicles prove economically and operationally viable. Should regulation mandate an accelerated transition to electric powered vehicles, our cost to acquire vehicles needed to service our customers could increase, capital investment required to establish sufficient charging infrastructure could be significant and investments we have made in an industry-leading natural gas fleet and infrastructure could be impaired. In addition, tax incentives and grants that advance the adoption of zero-emissions vehicles and lead to a shift away from natural gas trucks and RNG infrastructure would likely also negatively impact our investments in landfill gas-to-energy facilities.23 Table of Contents Table of Contents Table of Contents technicians and other front-line and back-office team members necessary to provide our environmental services. We experience significant competition to hire and retain individuals for certain front-line positions, such as commercial truck drivers, from within and outside our industry. (Also see Item 1A. Risk Factors — Market disruption, including labor shortages and supply chain constraints, and macroeconomic pressures, including inflation, have adversely impacted our business and results of operations.) Additionally, the market for employees that serve on our digital team is highly competitive. As we have accelerated our investments in our technology-led automation and optimization strategy, it is increasingly important that we are able to attract and retain employees with the skills and expertise necessary to implement and manage these projects. We also compete to attract skilled business leaders, and our own key team members are sought after by our competitors and other companies. We make significant investments, and engage in internal succession planning, to provide us with a robust pipeline of future leaders. If we are not able to attract, hire, develop and retain a high-quality workforce with the necessary skills and expertise, as well as key leaders, or if we experience significant employee turnover, it can result in business and strategic disruption, increased costs, and loss of institutional knowledge, which could negatively impact our results of operations.Our business depends on our reputation and the value of our brand.We believe we have developed a reputation for high-quality service, reliability and social and environmental responsibility, and we believe our brand symbolizes these attributes. The WM brand name, trademarks and logos and our reputation are powerful sales and marketing tools, and we devote significant resources to promoting and protecting them. Adverse publicity, whether or not justified, relating to activities by our operations, employees or agents, or challenges to our assertions of social and environmental responsibility, could tarnish our reputation and reduce the value of our brand. (Also see Item 1A. Risk Factors — Focus on, and regulation of, environmental, social and governance (“ESG”) performance and disclosure can result in increased costs, risk of noncompliance, damage to our reputation and related adverse effects.) Damage to our reputation could reduce demand for our services and potentially have an adverse effect on our financial condition, liquidity and results of operations, as well as require additional resources to rebuild our reputation and restore the value of our brand.We have made significant investments in an extensive natural gas truck fleet, which makes us partially dependent on the availability of natural gas and fueling infrastructure and vulnerable to natural gas prices, and requirements to transition to other vehicle types could impair these investments.We operate a large fleet of natural gas vehicles, and we plan to continue to invest in these assets for our collection fleet. However, natural gas fueling infrastructure is not yet broadly available in the U.S. and Canada; as a result, we have constructed and operate natural gas fueling stations, some of which also serve the public or pre-approved third parties. It will remain necessary for us to invest capital in fueling infrastructure to power our natural gas fleet. Additionally, fluctuations in the price and supply of natural gas could substantially increase our operating expenses; a reduction in the existing cost differential between natural gas and diesel fuel could materially reduce the benefits we anticipate from our investment in natural gas vehicles. There is increasing pressure to reduce the use of fossil fuel in the heavy-duty truck industry, and some regulatory bodies are pursuing requirements for using alternative engine technology, such as electric powered vehicles, rather than natural gas or diesel vehicles. This is resulting in regulatory actions to advance the adoption of zero-emission vehicles and a shift away from tax incentives and grants for natural gas trucks and RNG infrastructure. For example, California is at various stages of regulation that would require heavy-duty vehicle fleets to phase-in zero-emissions vehicles. The extent to which other states adopt California’s standards or something similar into their own regulatory frameworks could accelerate the industry-wide adoption of electric vehicles. Although current options for heavy-duty electric vehicles lack sufficient range and proven experience for our operations, we are proactively engaging in pilots of electric powered heavy-duty vehicles and anticipate that we could redirect future planned capital investments in our fleet toward these assets when the vehicles prove economically and operationally viable. Should regulation mandate an accelerated transition to electric powered vehicles, our cost to acquire vehicles needed to service our customers could increase, capital investment required to establish sufficient charging infrastructure could be significant and investments we have made in an industry-leading natural gas fleet and infrastructure could be impaired. In addition, tax incentives and grants that advance the adoption of zero-emissions vehicles and lead to a shift away from natural gas trucks and RNG infrastructure would likely also negatively impact our investments in landfill gas-to-energy facilities. technicians and other front-line and back-office team members necessary to provide our environmental services. We experience significant competition to hire and retain individuals for certain front-line positions, such as commercial truck drivers, from within and outside our industry. (Also see Item 1A. Risk Factors — Market disruption, including labor shortages and supply chain constraints, and macroeconomic pressures, including inflation, have adversely impacted our business and results of operations.) Additionally, the market for employees that serve on our digital team is highly competitive. As we have accelerated our investments in our technology-led automation and optimization strategy, it is increasingly important that we are able to attract and retain employees with the skills and expertise necessary to implement and manage these projects. We also compete to attract skilled business leaders, and our own key team members are sought after by our competitors and other companies. We make significant investments, and engage in internal succession planning, to provide us with a robust pipeline of future leaders. If we are not able to attract, hire, develop and retain a high-quality workforce with the necessary skills and expertise, as well as key leaders, or if we experience significant employee turnover, it can result in business and strategic disruption, increased costs, and loss of institutional knowledge, which could negatively impact our results of operations."
    },
    {
      "status": "MODIFIED",
      "current_title": "Loss on Early Extinguishment of Debt, Net",
      "prior_title": "Loss on Early Extinguishment of Debt, Net",
      "similarity_score": 0.575,
      "confidence": "low",
      "key_changes": [
        "Reworded sentence: \"In October 2024, we drew $5.2 billion of borrowings under the Term Credit Agreement that were applied to funding our acquisition of Stericycle.\""
      ],
      "current_body": "In October 2024, we drew $5.2 billion of borrowings under the Term Credit Agreement that were applied to funding our acquisition of Stericycle. In November 2024, we repaid all outstanding borrowings with net proceeds from our November 2024 issuance of $5.2 billion of senior notes and contemporaneously terminated the Term Credit Agreement, resulting in a $7 million loss on early extinguishment of debt.",
      "prior_body": "In May 2021, WMI issued $950 million of senior notes and used the net proceeds of $942 million as well as available cash on hand to retire $1.3 billion of certain high-coupon senior notes. The loss on early extinguishment of debt for 2021 includes $220 million of charges related to this tender offer, including cash paid of $211 million related to premiums and other third-party costs, and $9 million primarily related to unamortized discounts and debt issuance costs."
    },
    {
      "status": "MODIFIED",
      "current_title": "Increasing customer preference for alternatives to landfill disposal and bans on certain types of waste could reduce our landfill volumes and cause our revenues and operating results to decline.",
      "prior_title": "Increasing customer preference for alternatives to landfill disposal and bans on certain types of waste could reduce our landfill volumes and cause our revenues and operating results to decline.",
      "similarity_score": 0.566,
      "confidence": "low",
      "key_changes": [
        "Reworded sentence: \"Zero-waste goals (sending no waste to the landfill) have been set by many large North American and global companies and government agencies.\"",
        "Reworded sentence: \"33 33 Table of ContentsWith a heightened awareness of the global problems caused by plastic waste in the environment, and actual or perceived risks for human health, many governments have passed ordinances banning certain types of plastics from sale or use.\""
      ],
      "current_body": "Our customers are increasingly diverting waste to alternatives to landfill disposal, such as recycling and composting, while also working to reduce the amount of waste they generate. In addition, many state and local governments mandate diversion, recycling and waste reduction at the source and prohibit the disposal of certain types of materials at landfills, such as recyclables (cardboard, bottles and cans), yard waste, food waste and electronics. Where organic waste is not banned from disposal in landfills, some large customers such as grocery stores and restaurants are choosing to divert their organic waste from landfills. Zero-waste goals (sending no waste to the landfill) have been set by many large North American and global companies and government agencies. This increased focus on minimizing climate impacts may require the Company to invest in higher-cost technologies for more efficient waste collection and processing. Although such mandates and initiatives help to protect our environment, these developments reduce the volume of waste going to our landfills, which may affect the prices that we can charge for landfill disposal. Our landfills currently provide our highest income from operations margins. Reducing landfilled organic waste also reduces the amount of landfill gas produced from our landfills, adversely impacting our landfill gas-to-energy facilities. If we are not successful in expanding our service offerings, growing lines of businesses to service waste streams that do not go to landfills, and providing alternative services for customers that wish to reduce waste entirely, then our revenues and operating results may decline. Additionally, despite the development of new service offerings and lines of business, it is possible that our revenues and our income from operations margins could be negatively affected due to disposal alternatives. 33 33 Table of ContentsWith a heightened awareness of the global problems caused by plastic waste in the environment, and actual or perceived risks for human health, many governments have passed ordinances banning certain types of plastics from sale or use. The most common materials banned include plastic bags and straws, polystyrene plastic and some types of single use packaging. These bans have increased pressure by manufacturers on our recycling facilities to accept a broader array of materials in curbside recycling and composting programs to alleviate public pressures to ban the sale of those materials. However, there are currently no or limited viable end markets for recycling many of these materials, and inclusion of such materials in our recycling stream increases contamination and operating costs that can negatively affect the results of our recycling operations.General economic conditions can directly and adversely affect revenues for our services and our income from operations margins.Our business is directly affected by changes in national and general economic factors that are outside of our control, including consumer confidence, inflation, interest rates and access to capital markets. A weak economy generally results in decreased consumer spending and decreases in volumes of waste generated, which negatively impacts the ability to grow through new business or service upgrades, and may result in customer turnover and reduction in customers’ waste service needs. Consumer uncertainty and the loss of consumer confidence may also reduce the number and variety of services requested by customers. Additionally, a weak market for consumer goods can significantly decrease demand by paper mills for recycled corrugated cardboard used in packaging, which could negatively impact commodity prices and our operating income and cash flows.A decrease in waste volumes generated results in an increase in competitive pricing pressure; such economic conditions may also interfere with our ability to implement our pricing strategy. Many of our contracts have price adjustment provisions that are tied to an index such as the Consumer Price Index. Our costs may increase more than the increase, if any, in the Consumer Price Index, partially due to our relatively high fixed-cost structure. We may not be able to dynamically manage our cost structure in response to shifting volume levels and vendor costs, and our cost structure may not correlate with the Consumer Price Index or the waste industry. An economic recession or other economic weakness is likely to negatively impact our revenues and margins. Reduction in volumes of medical waste, controlled substances wastes, and personal and confidential information, and changing conditions in the healthcare industry, could adversely affect our financial results.Following our acquisition of Stericycle, we provide compliance-based services that rely on the generation of medical waste, controlled substances waste and personal and confidential information by our customers. The volume of such material may be impacted by macroeconomic trends associated with manufacturing and industrial markets, healthcare market dynamics, and trends associated with an increase in work-from-home arrangements and electronic and digital record keeping. Long-term trends resulting from these factors could reduce the demand for these services. In addition, in the U.S. and elsewhere, the healthcare industry is evolving to meet competing demands for increased healthcare coverage of a growing and aging population and economic pressures to reduce healthcare costs. As a result of these dynamics, hospital networks are consolidating physician practices into their networks, independent practices are consolidating, and healthcare providers are focused on cutting costs within their businesses. These changes and consolidation of the customer base increase the competitive nature of the healthcare waste industry and exert downward pricing pressure, which could adversely affect our financial results. Weakness in the economy may expose us to credit risk of governmental entities and municipalities and other major customers, which could negatively impact our financial results.We provide service to a number of governmental entities, municipalities, and large national accounts. During periods of economic weakness, governmental entities and municipalities can suffer significant financial difficulties, due in part to reduced tax revenue and/or high-cost structures. During these periods, such entities, and our non-governmental customers, could be unable to pay amounts owed to us or renew contracts with us at previous or increased rates. Purchasers of our recycling commodities can be particularly vulnerable to financial difficulties in times of commodity price volatility. The inability of our customers to pay us in a timely manner or to pay increased rates, particularly large national accounts, could negatively affect our operating results.In addition, the financial difficulties of municipalities could result in a decline in investors’ demand for municipal bonds and a correlating increase in interest rates. As of December 31, 2024, we had $1.4 billion of tax-exempt bonds with 34 Table of Contents Table of Contents Table of Contents With a heightened awareness of the global problems caused by plastic waste in the environment, and actual or perceived risks for human health, many governments have passed ordinances banning certain types of plastics from sale or use. The most common materials banned include plastic bags and straws, polystyrene plastic and some types of single use packaging. These bans have increased pressure by manufacturers on our recycling facilities to accept a broader array of materials in curbside recycling and composting programs to alleviate public pressures to ban the sale of those materials. However, there are currently no or limited viable end markets for recycling many of these materials, and inclusion of such materials in our recycling stream increases contamination and operating costs that can negatively affect the results of our recycling operations.General economic conditions can directly and adversely affect revenues for our services and our income from operations margins.Our business is directly affected by changes in national and general economic factors that are outside of our control, including consumer confidence, inflation, interest rates and access to capital markets. A weak economy generally results in decreased consumer spending and decreases in volumes of waste generated, which negatively impacts the ability to grow through new business or service upgrades, and may result in customer turnover and reduction in customers’ waste service needs. Consumer uncertainty and the loss of consumer confidence may also reduce the number and variety of services requested by customers. Additionally, a weak market for consumer goods can significantly decrease demand by paper mills for recycled corrugated cardboard used in packaging, which could negatively impact commodity prices and our operating income and cash flows.A decrease in waste volumes generated results in an increase in competitive pricing pressure; such economic conditions may also interfere with our ability to implement our pricing strategy. Many of our contracts have price adjustment provisions that are tied to an index such as the Consumer Price Index. Our costs may increase more than the increase, if any, in the Consumer Price Index, partially due to our relatively high fixed-cost structure. We may not be able to dynamically manage our cost structure in response to shifting volume levels and vendor costs, and our cost structure may not correlate with the Consumer Price Index or the waste industry. An economic recession or other economic weakness is likely to negatively impact our revenues and margins. Reduction in volumes of medical waste, controlled substances wastes, and personal and confidential information, and changing conditions in the healthcare industry, could adversely affect our financial results.Following our acquisition of Stericycle, we provide compliance-based services that rely on the generation of medical waste, controlled substances waste and personal and confidential information by our customers. The volume of such material may be impacted by macroeconomic trends associated with manufacturing and industrial markets, healthcare market dynamics, and trends associated with an increase in work-from-home arrangements and electronic and digital record keeping. Long-term trends resulting from these factors could reduce the demand for these services. In addition, in the U.S. and elsewhere, the healthcare industry is evolving to meet competing demands for increased healthcare coverage of a growing and aging population and economic pressures to reduce healthcare costs. As a result of these dynamics, hospital networks are consolidating physician practices into their networks, independent practices are consolidating, and healthcare providers are focused on cutting costs within their businesses. These changes and consolidation of the customer base increase the competitive nature of the healthcare waste industry and exert downward pricing pressure, which could adversely affect our financial results. Weakness in the economy may expose us to credit risk of governmental entities and municipalities and other major customers, which could negatively impact our financial results.We provide service to a number of governmental entities, municipalities, and large national accounts. During periods of economic weakness, governmental entities and municipalities can suffer significant financial difficulties, due in part to reduced tax revenue and/or high-cost structures. During these periods, such entities, and our non-governmental customers, could be unable to pay amounts owed to us or renew contracts with us at previous or increased rates. Purchasers of our recycling commodities can be particularly vulnerable to financial difficulties in times of commodity price volatility. The inability of our customers to pay us in a timely manner or to pay increased rates, particularly large national accounts, could negatively affect our operating results.In addition, the financial difficulties of municipalities could result in a decline in investors’ demand for municipal bonds and a correlating increase in interest rates. As of December 31, 2024, we had $1.4 billion of tax-exempt bonds with With a heightened awareness of the global problems caused by plastic waste in the environment, and actual or perceived risks for human health, many governments have passed ordinances banning certain types of plastics from sale or use. The most common materials banned include plastic bags and straws, polystyrene plastic and some types of single use packaging. These bans have increased pressure by manufacturers on our recycling facilities to accept a broader array of materials in curbside recycling and composting programs to alleviate public pressures to ban the sale of those materials. However, there are currently no or limited viable end markets for recycling many of these materials, and inclusion of such materials in our recycling stream increases contamination and operating costs that can negatively affect the results of our recycling operations.General economic conditions can directly and adversely affect revenues for our services and our income from operations margins.Our business is directly affected by changes in national and general economic factors that are outside of our control, including consumer confidence, inflation, interest rates and access to capital markets. A weak economy generally results in decreased consumer spending and decreases in volumes of waste generated, which negatively impacts the ability to grow through new business or service upgrades, and may result in customer turnover and reduction in customers’ waste service needs. Consumer uncertainty and the loss of consumer confidence may also reduce the number and variety of services requested by customers. Additionally, a weak market for consumer goods can significantly decrease demand by paper mills for recycled corrugated cardboard used in packaging, which could negatively impact commodity prices and our operating income and cash flows.A decrease in waste volumes generated results in an increase in competitive pricing pressure; such economic conditions may also interfere with our ability to implement our pricing strategy. Many of our contracts have price adjustment provisions that are tied to an index such as the Consumer Price Index. Our costs may increase more than the increase, if any, in the Consumer Price Index, partially due to our relatively high fixed-cost structure. We may not be able to dynamically manage our cost structure in response to shifting volume levels and vendor costs, and our cost structure may not correlate with the Consumer Price Index or the waste industry. An economic recession or other economic weakness is likely to negatively impact our revenues and margins. Reduction in volumes of medical waste, controlled substances wastes, and personal and confidential information, and changing conditions in the healthcare industry, could adversely affect our financial results.Following our acquisition of Stericycle, we provide compliance-based services that rely on the generation of medical waste, controlled substances waste and personal and confidential information by our customers. The volume of such material may be impacted by macroeconomic trends associated with manufacturing and industrial markets, healthcare market dynamics, and trends associated with an increase in work-from-home arrangements and electronic and digital record keeping. Long-term trends resulting from these factors could reduce the demand for these services. In addition, in the U.S. and elsewhere, the healthcare industry is evolving to meet competing demands for increased healthcare coverage of a growing and aging population and economic pressures to reduce healthcare costs. As a result of these dynamics, hospital networks are consolidating physician practices into their networks, independent practices are consolidating, and healthcare providers are focused on cutting costs within their businesses. These changes and consolidation of the customer base increase the competitive nature of the healthcare waste industry and exert downward pricing pressure, which could adversely affect our financial results. Weakness in the economy may expose us to credit risk of governmental entities and municipalities and other major customers, which could negatively impact our financial results.We provide service to a number of governmental entities, municipalities, and large national accounts. During periods of economic weakness, governmental entities and municipalities can suffer significant financial difficulties, due in part to reduced tax revenue and/or high-cost structures. During these periods, such entities, and our non-governmental customers, could be unable to pay amounts owed to us or renew contracts with us at previous or increased rates. Purchasers of our recycling commodities can be particularly vulnerable to financial difficulties in times of commodity price volatility. The inability of our customers to pay us in a timely manner or to pay increased rates, particularly large national accounts, could negatively affect our operating results.In addition, the financial difficulties of municipalities could result in a decline in investors’ demand for municipal bonds and a correlating increase in interest rates. As of December 31, 2024, we had $1.4 billion of tax-exempt bonds with With a heightened awareness of the global problems caused by plastic waste in the environment, and actual or perceived risks for human health, many governments have passed ordinances banning certain types of plastics from sale or use. The most common materials banned include plastic bags and straws, polystyrene plastic and some types of single use packaging. These bans have increased pressure by manufacturers on our recycling facilities to accept a broader array of materials in curbside recycling and composting programs to alleviate public pressures to ban the sale of those materials. However, there are currently no or limited viable end markets for recycling many of these materials, and inclusion of such materials in our recycling stream increases contamination and operating costs that can negatively affect the results of our recycling operations.",
      "prior_body": "Our customers are increasingly diverting waste to alternatives to landfill disposal, such as recycling and composting, while also working to reduce the amount of waste they generate. In addition, many state and local governments mandate diversion, recycling and waste reduction at the source and prohibit the disposal of certain types of materials at landfills, such as recyclables (cardboard, bottles and cans), yard waste, food waste and electronics. Where organic waste is not banned from disposal in landfills, some large customers such as grocery stores and restaurants are choosing to divert their organic waste from landfills. Zero-waste goals (sending no waste to the landfill) have been set by many of the U.S. and Canada’s largest companies. Although such mandates and initiatives help to protect our environment, these developments reduce the volume of waste going to our landfills, which may affect the prices that we can charge for landfill disposal. Our landfills currently provide our highest income from operations margins. Reducing landfilled organic waste also reduces the amount of landfill gas produced from our landfills, adversely impacting our landfill gas-to-energy facilities. If we are not successful in expanding our service offerings, growing lines of businesses to service waste streams that do not go to landfills, and providing alternative services for customers that wish to reduce waste entirely, then our revenues and operating results may decline. Additionally, despite the development of new service offerings and lines of business, it is possible that our revenues and our income from operations margins could be negatively affected due to disposal alternatives. With a heightened awareness of the global problems caused by plastic waste in the environment, Canada and an increasing number of cities and states across the U.S. have passed ordinances banning certain types of plastics from sale or use. The most common materials banned include plastic bags and straws, polystyrene plastic and some types of single use packaging. These bans have increased pressure by manufacturers on our recycling facilities to accept a broader array of materials in curbside recycling and composting programs to alleviate public pressures to ban the sale of those materials. However, there are currently no or limited viable end markets for recycling many of these materials, and inclusion of such materials in our recycling stream increases contamination and operating costs that can negatively affect the results of our recycling operations."
    },
    {
      "status": "MODIFIED",
      "current_title": "Landfill – Final Capping, Closure and Post-Closure Costs",
      "prior_title": "Landfill – Final Capping, Closure and Post-Closure Costs",
      "similarity_score": 0.559,
      "confidence": "low",
      "key_changes": [
        "Reworded sentence: \"Description of the Matter At December 31, 2024, the carrying value of the Company’s landfill asset retirement obligations related to final capping, closure and post-closure costs totaled $3.1 billion.\"",
        "Removed sentence: \"​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​​/s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP​​We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2002.​​​Houston, TexasFebruary 13, 2024​ ​ ​ ​ ​ /s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP ​ ​ We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2002.\"",
        "Removed sentence: \"​ ​ ​ Houston, TexasFebruary 13, 2024 ​ ​ ​ ​ 74 74 Table of ContentsWASTE MANAGEMENT, INC.CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS(In Millions, Except Share and Par Value Amounts)​​​​​​​​​December 31, ​ 2023 2022ASSETS​​​​​​Current assets:​​ ​​ Cash and cash equivalents​$ 458​$ 351Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $30 and $26, respectively​ 2,633​ 2,461Other receivables, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $4 and $7, respectively​ 237​ 291Parts and supplies​ 173​ 164Other assets​ 303​ 284Total current assets​ 3,804​ 3,551Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation and depletion of $22,826 and $21,627, respectively​ 16,968​ 15,719Goodwill​ 9,254​ 9,323Other intangible assets, net​ 759​ 827Restricted funds​ 422​ 348Investments in unconsolidated entities​ 606​ 578Other assets​ 1,010​ 1,021Total assets​$ 32,823​$ 31,367LIABILITIES AND EQUITY​​​​​​Current liabilities:​ ​ Accounts payable​$ 1,709​$ 1,766Accrued liabilities​ 1,605​ 1,625Deferred revenues​ 578​ 589Current portion of long-term debt​ 334​ 414Total current liabilities​ 4,226​ 4,394Long-term debt, less current portion​ 15,895​ 14,570Deferred income taxes​ 1,826​ 1,733Landfill and environmental remediation liabilities​ 2,888​ 2,700Other liabilities​ 1,092​ 1,106Total liabilities​ 25,927​ 24,503Commitments and contingencies (Note 10)​ ​ Equity:​ ​ Waste Management, Inc.\"",
        "Removed sentence: \"stockholders’ equity:​ ​ Common stock, $0.01 par value; 1,500,000,000 shares authorized; 630,282,461 shares issued​ 6​ 6Additional paid-in capital​ 5,351​ 5,314Retained earnings​ 14,334​ 13,167Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)​ (37)​ (69)Treasury stock at cost, 228,827,218 and 222,396,166 shares, respectively​ (12,751)​ (11,569)Total Waste Management, Inc.\"",
        "Removed sentence: \"stockholders’ equity​ 6,903​ 6,849Noncontrolling interests​ (7)​ 15Total equity​ 6,896​ 6,864Total liabilities and equity​$ 32,823​$ 31,367​​See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.​75 Table of Contents Table of Contents Table of Contents WASTE MANAGEMENT, INC.CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS(In Millions, Except Share and Par Value Amounts)​​​​​​​​​December 31, ​ 2023 2022ASSETS​​​​​​Current assets:​​ ​​ Cash and cash equivalents​$ 458​$ 351Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $30 and $26, respectively​ 2,633​ 2,461Other receivables, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $4 and $7, respectively​ 237​ 291Parts and supplies​ 173​ 164Other assets​ 303​ 284Total current assets​ 3,804​ 3,551Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation and depletion of $22,826 and $21,627, respectively​ 16,968​ 15,719Goodwill​ 9,254​ 9,323Other intangible assets, net​ 759​ 827Restricted funds​ 422​ 348Investments in unconsolidated entities​ 606​ 578Other assets​ 1,010​ 1,021Total assets​$ 32,823​$ 31,367LIABILITIES AND EQUITY​​​​​​Current liabilities:​ ​ Accounts payable​$ 1,709​$ 1,766Accrued liabilities​ 1,605​ 1,625Deferred revenues​ 578​ 589Current portion of long-term debt​ 334​ 414Total current liabilities​ 4,226​ 4,394Long-term debt, less current portion​ 15,895​ 14,570Deferred income taxes​ 1,826​ 1,733Landfill and environmental remediation liabilities​ 2,888​ 2,700Other liabilities​ 1,092​ 1,106Total liabilities​ 25,927​ 24,503Commitments and contingencies (Note 10)​ ​ Equity:​ ​ Waste Management, Inc.\""
      ],
      "current_body": "Description of the Matter At December 31, 2024, the carrying value of the Company’s landfill asset retirement obligations related to final capping, closure and post-closure costs totaled $3.1 billion. As discussed in Note 2 of the financial statements, the Company updates the estimates used to measure the asset retirement obligations annually, or more often if significant facts change. ​ Auditing the landfill asset retirement obligation is complex due to the highly judgmental nature of the assumptions used in the measurement process. Significant assumptions include: estimated future costs associated with the capping, closure and post closure activities at each specific landfill, airspace consumed to date in relation to total estimated permitted and expansion airspace and the projected remaining landfill life. ​ ​​​​ ​​​​ ​ ​ ​ ​ How We Addressed the Matter in Our Audit We obtained an understanding, evaluated the design, and tested the operating effectiveness of the Company’s controls over the calculation of landfill asset retirement obligations. Our audit procedures included, among others, testing the Company’s controls over the landfill asset retirement obligation estimation process and management’s review of the significant assumptions used in the estimation of the liability, including the amount and timing of retirement costs. ​ To test the landfill asset retirement obligation valuation, we performed audit procedures that included, among others, assessing methodologies used by the Company, testing the completeness of activities included in the estimate (e.g., gas monitoring and extraction), and testing the significant assumptions discussed above, inclusive of the underlying data used by the Company in its development of these assumptions. We compared the significant assumptions used by management to historical trends and, when available, to comparable size landfills accepting the same type of waste. In addition, we considered the professional qualifications and objectivity of management’s internal engineers responsible for developing the assumptions. We involved EY engineering specialists to assist us with these procedures. Specifically, we utilized the EY engineering specialists to evaluate the reasons for significant changes in assumptions from the historical trend, and to determine whether the change from the historical trend was appropriate and identified timely. We also tested the completeness and accuracy of the historical data utilized in preparing the estimate. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​",
      "prior_body": "Description of the Matter At December 31, 2023, the carrying value of the Company’s landfill asset retirement obligations related to final capping, closure and post-closure costs totaled $2.9 billion. As discussed in Note 2 of the financial statements, the Company updates the estimates used to measure the asset retirement obligations annually, or more often if significant facts change. ​ Auditing the landfill asset retirement obligation is complex due to the highly judgmental nature of the assumptions used in the measurement process. Significant assumptions include: estimated future costs associated with the capping, closure and post closure activities at each specific landfill, airspace consumed to date in relation to total estimated permitted and expansion airspace and the projected remaining landfill life. ​ ​​​​ ​​​​ ​ ​ ​ ​ How We Addressed the Matter in Our Audit We obtained an understanding, evaluated the design, and tested the operating effectiveness of the Company’s controls over the calculation of landfill asset retirement obligations. Our audit procedures included, among others, testing the Company’s controls over the landfill asset retirement obligation estimation process and management’s review of the significant assumptions used in the estimation of the liability, including the amount and timing of retirement costs. ​ To test the landfill asset retirement obligation valuation, we performed audit procedures that included, among others, assessing methodologies used by the Company, testing the completeness of activities included in the estimate (e.g., gas monitoring and extraction), and testing the significant assumptions discussed above, inclusive of the underlying data used by the Company in its development of these assumptions. We compared the significant assumptions used by management to historical trends and, when available, to comparable size landfills accepting the same type of waste. In addition, we considered the professional qualifications and objectivity of management’s internal engineers responsible for developing the assumptions. We involved EY engineering specialists to assist us with these procedures. Specifically, we utilized the EY engineering specialists to evaluate the reasons for significant changes in assumptions from the historical trend, and to determine whether the change from the historical trend was appropriate and identified timely. We also tested the completeness and accuracy of the historical data utilized in preparing the estimate. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​​/s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP​​We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2002.​​​Houston, TexasFebruary 13, 2024​ ​ ​ ​ ​ /s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP ​ ​ We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2002. ​ ​ ​ Houston, TexasFebruary 13, 2024 ​ ​ ​ ​ 74 74 Table of ContentsWASTE MANAGEMENT, INC.CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS(In Millions, Except Share and Par Value Amounts)​​​​​​​​​December 31, ​ 2023 2022ASSETS​​​​​​Current assets:​​ ​​ Cash and cash equivalents​$ 458​$ 351Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $30 and $26, respectively​ 2,633​ 2,461Other receivables, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $4 and $7, respectively​ 237​ 291Parts and supplies​ 173​ 164Other assets​ 303​ 284Total current assets​ 3,804​ 3,551Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation and depletion of $22,826 and $21,627, respectively​ 16,968​ 15,719Goodwill​ 9,254​ 9,323Other intangible assets, net​ 759​ 827Restricted funds​ 422​ 348Investments in unconsolidated entities​ 606​ 578Other assets​ 1,010​ 1,021Total assets​$ 32,823​$ 31,367LIABILITIES AND EQUITY​​​​​​Current liabilities:​ ​ Accounts payable​$ 1,709​$ 1,766Accrued liabilities​ 1,605​ 1,625Deferred revenues​ 578​ 589Current portion of long-term debt​ 334​ 414Total current liabilities​ 4,226​ 4,394Long-term debt, less current portion​ 15,895​ 14,570Deferred income taxes​ 1,826​ 1,733Landfill and environmental remediation liabilities​ 2,888​ 2,700Other liabilities​ 1,092​ 1,106Total liabilities​ 25,927​ 24,503Commitments and contingencies (Note 10)​ ​ Equity:​ ​ Waste Management, Inc. stockholders’ equity:​ ​ Common stock, $0.01 par value; 1,500,000,000 shares authorized; 630,282,461 shares issued​ 6​ 6Additional paid-in capital​ 5,351​ 5,314Retained earnings​ 14,334​ 13,167Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)​ (37)​ (69)Treasury stock at cost, 228,827,218 and 222,396,166 shares, respectively​ (12,751)​ (11,569)Total Waste Management, Inc. stockholders’ equity​ 6,903​ 6,849Noncontrolling interests​ (7)​ 15Total equity​ 6,896​ 6,864Total liabilities and equity​$ 32,823​$ 31,367​​See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.​75 Table of Contents Table of Contents Table of Contents WASTE MANAGEMENT, INC.CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS(In Millions, Except Share and Par Value Amounts)​​​​​​​​​December 31, ​ 2023 2022ASSETS​​​​​​Current assets:​​ ​​ Cash and cash equivalents​$ 458​$ 351Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $30 and $26, respectively​ 2,633​ 2,461Other receivables, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $4 and $7, respectively​ 237​ 291Parts and supplies​ 173​ 164Other assets​ 303​ 284Total current assets​ 3,804​ 3,551Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation and depletion of $22,826 and $21,627, respectively​ 16,968​ 15,719Goodwill​ 9,254​ 9,323Other intangible assets, net​ 759​ 827Restricted funds​ 422​ 348Investments in unconsolidated entities​ 606​ 578Other assets​ 1,010​ 1,021Total assets​$ 32,823​$ 31,367LIABILITIES AND EQUITY​​​​​​Current liabilities:​ ​ Accounts payable​$ 1,709​$ 1,766Accrued liabilities​ 1,605​ 1,625Deferred revenues​ 578​ 589Current portion of long-term debt​ 334​ 414Total current liabilities​ 4,226​ 4,394Long-term debt, less current portion​ 15,895​ 14,570Deferred income taxes​ 1,826​ 1,733Landfill and environmental remediation liabilities​ 2,888​ 2,700Other liabilities​ 1,092​ 1,106Total liabilities​ 25,927​ 24,503Commitments and contingencies (Note 10)​ ​ Equity:​ ​ Waste Management, Inc. stockholders’ equity:​ ​ Common stock, $0.01 par value; 1,500,000,000 shares authorized; 630,282,461 shares issued​ 6​ 6Additional paid-in capital​ 5,351​ 5,314Retained earnings​ 14,334​ 13,167Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)​ (37)​ (69)Treasury stock at cost, 228,827,218 and 222,396,166 shares, respectively​ (12,751)​ (11,569)Total Waste Management, Inc. stockholders’ equity​ 6,903​ 6,849Noncontrolling interests​ (7)​ 15Total equity​ 6,896​ 6,864Total liabilities and equity​$ 32,823​$ 31,367​​See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.​"
    },
    {
      "status": "MODIFIED",
      "current_title": "We are dependent on technology, and if our technology fails, our business would be adversely affected.",
      "prior_title": "We are increasingly dependent on technology in our operations and if our technology fails, our business could be adversely affected.",
      "similarity_score": 0.547,
      "confidence": "low",
      "key_changes": [
        "Reworded sentence: \"Our Company, our customers, and the economy in general are increasingly dependent on continuous information technology systems and digital tools to conduct operations.\"",
        "Reworded sentence: \"Our post-acquisition efforts to integrate Stericycle’s technology and systems may result in substantial costs and uncertainties.\""
      ],
      "current_body": "Our Company, our customers, and the economy in general are increasingly dependent on continuous information technology systems and digital tools to conduct operations. This dependence spans nearly all areas of our business, from overseeing and controlling critical infrastructure to processing and securing proprietary and sensitive information. The information technology systems and networks that we, our customers, suppliers, and other third parties rely on can be vulnerable to disruptions from cyberattacks, power failures, telecommunications outages, major events like natural disasters, acts of war or terrorism, employee errors, and other unexpected or uncontrollable occurrences. Should these systems be compromised or cease to function effectively, we may face substantial costs to repair or replace them, as well as potential liability, loss of crucial data, reputational harm, and interruptions to our services or operations. Challenges in implementing new systems can also affect our ability to realize projected cost savings or other benefits. Significant system failures could impede our ability to timely collect and report financial results in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. Our post-acquisition efforts to integrate Stericycle’s technology and systems may result in substantial costs and uncertainties. Systems that increase our utilization of, and dependency on, third-party cloud computing services, and digital platforms to accommodate work-from-home arrangements, also increase various technology risks, including potential exposure to cyber incidents, loss of data, fraud, internal control challenges and other disruptions as a consequence of more employees accessing Company systems and information remotely in the course of their ordinary work.",
      "prior_body": "We may experience problems with the operation of our current information technology systems or the technology systems of third parties on which we rely, as well as the development and deployment of new information technology systems, that could adversely affect, or even temporarily disrupt, all or a portion of our operations until resolved. Inabilities and delays in implementing new systems can also affect our ability to realize projected cost savings or other benefits. Significant system failures could impede our ability to timely collect and report financial results in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. In 2022, we implemented a new general ledger accounting system, complementary finance enterprise resource planning system and a human capital management system. These systems increase our utilization of, and dependance on, third-party “cloud” computing services in connection with our business operations. Employee work-from-home arrangements also increase various technology risks, including potential exposure to cyber incidents, loss of data, fraud, internal control challenges and other disruptions as a consequence of more employees accessing Company systems and information remotely in the course of their ordinary work. In 2023, the world experienced an exponential level of growth in the availability of potential applications of artificial intelligence (“AI”). AI could disrupt certain aspects of our business and evolve use of technology in ways that are not yet known. If we are not able to adapt and effectively incorporate potential advantages of AI in our business, it may negatively impact our ability to compete. On the other hand, if we are not able to effectively manage the risks of AI, including the potential for poor or inconsistent quality, privacy concerns, risks related to automated decision-making, and the potential for exposure of confidential and/or propriety information, we may suffer harm to our results of operation and reputation."
    },
    {
      "status": "MODIFIED",
      "current_title": "Summary of Cash and Cash Equivalents, Restricted Funds and Debt Obligations",
      "prior_title": "Summary of Cash and Cash Equivalents, Restricted Funds and Debt Obligations",
      "similarity_score": 0.543,
      "confidence": "low",
      "key_changes": [
        "Reworded sentence: \"The following is a summary of our cash and cash equivalents, restricted funds and debt balances as of December 31 (in millions): ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 2024 2023 Cash and cash equivalents ​ $ 414 ​ $ 458 Restricted funds: ​ ​ ​ Insurance reserves ​ $ 385 ​ $ 376 Final capping, closure, post-closure and environmental remediation funds ​ ​ 128 ​ ​ 119 Other ​ — ​ 17 Total restricted funds (a) ​ $ 513 ​ $ 512 Debt: ​ ​ Current portion ​ $ 1,359 ​ $ 334 Long-term portion ​ 22,541 ​ 15,895 Total debt ​ $ 23,900 ​ $ 16,229 (a) As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, $100 million and $90 million, respectively, of these account balances was included in other current assets in our Consolidated Balance Sheets.\"",
        "Reworded sentence: \"The components of our borrowings as of December 31, 2024 are described in Note 6 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.\"",
        "Reworded sentence: \"The remaining $1.4 billion of debt maturing in the next 12 months is classified as current obligations.\"",
        "Reworded sentence: \"In lieu of providing separate financial statements for the subsidiary issuer and guarantor (WMI and WM Holdings), we have presented the accompanying supplemental summarized combined balance sheet and income statement information for WMI and WM Holdings on a combined basis after elimination of intercompany transactions between WMI and WM Holdings and amounts related to investments in any subsidiary that is a non-guarantor (in millions):​68 Table of Contents Table of Contents Table of Contents Senior Notes — In July 2024, WMI issued $750 million of 4.950% senior notes due July 2027 and $750 million of 4.950% notes due July 2031, the net proceeds of which were $1.49 billion.\"",
        "Reworded sentence: \"In lieu of providing separate financial statements for the subsidiary issuer and guarantor (WMI and WM Holdings), we have presented the accompanying supplemental summarized combined balance sheet and income statement information for WMI and WM Holdings on a combined basis after elimination of intercompany transactions between WMI and WM Holdings and amounts related to investments in any subsidiary that is a non-guarantor (in millions):​ Senior Notes — In July 2024, WMI issued $750 million of 4.950% senior notes due July 2027 and $750 million of 4.950% notes due July 2031, the net proceeds of which were $1.49 billion.\""
      ],
      "current_body": "The following is a summary of our cash and cash equivalents, restricted funds and debt balances as of December 31 (in millions): ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 2024 2023 Cash and cash equivalents ​ $ 414 ​ $ 458 Restricted funds: ​ ​ ​ Insurance reserves ​ $ 385 ​ $ 376 Final capping, closure, post-closure and environmental remediation funds ​ ​ 128 ​ ​ 119 Other ​ — ​ 17 Total restricted funds (a) ​ $ 513 ​ $ 512 Debt: ​ ​ Current portion ​ $ 1,359 ​ $ 334 Long-term portion ​ 22,541 ​ 15,895 Total debt ​ $ 23,900 ​ $ 16,229 (a) As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, $100 million and $90 million, respectively, of these account balances was included in other current assets in our Consolidated Balance Sheets. Debt — We use long-term borrowings in addition to the cash we generate from operations as part of our overall financial strategy to support and grow our business. We primarily use senior notes and tax-exempt bonds to borrow on a long-term basis, but we also use other instruments and facilities, when appropriate. The components of our borrowings as of December 31, 2024 are described in Note 6 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. As of December 31, 2024, we had approximately $4.0 billion of debt maturing within the next 12 months, including (i) $1.4 billion of tax-exempt bonds with term interest rate periods that expire within the next 12 months, which is prior to their scheduled maturities; (ii) $1.2 billion of short-term borrowings under our commercial paper program (net of related discount on issuance); (iii) $422 million of 3.125% senior notes that mature in March 2025; (iv) $500 million of 0.750% senior notes that mature in November 2025 and (v) $438 million of other debt with scheduled maturities within the next 12 months, including $298 million of tax-exempt bonds. As of December 31, 2024, we have classified $2.6 billion of debt maturing in the next 12 months as long term because we have the intent and ability to refinance these borrowings on a long-term basis as supported by the forecasted available capacity under our $3.5 billion long-term U.S. and Canadian revolving credit facility (“$3.5 billion revolving credit facility”). The remaining $1.4 billion of debt maturing in the next 12 months is classified as current obligations. 67 67 Table of ContentsSenior Notes — In July 2024, WMI issued $750 million of 4.950% senior notes due July 2027 and $750 million of 4.950% notes due July 2031, the net proceeds of which were $1.49 billion. The net proceeds were used primarily to reduce outstanding borrowings under our commercial paper program. We also repaid $156 million of WMI’s 3.500% senior notes upon maturity in May 2024. ​In August 2024, WMI entered into a delayed draw Term Credit Agreement in a principal amount of up to $7.2 billion (the “Term Credit Agreement”). In October 2024, we drew $5.2 billion of borrowings under the Term Credit Agreement that were applied to funding our acquisition of Stericycle. In November 2024, we repaid all outstanding borrowings and contemporaneously terminated the Term Credit Agreement, resulting in a $7 million loss on early extinguishment of debt. See Note 6 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion.​In November 2024, we issued senior notes, the net proceeds of which were approximately $5.2 billion, consisting of (i) $1.0 billion of 4.500% senior notes due March 2028; (ii) $700 million of 4.650% senior notes due March 2030; (iii) $750 million of 4.800% senior notes due March 2032; (iv) $1.5 billion of 4.950% senior notes due March 2035; and (v) $1.25 billion of 5.350% senior notes due October 2054. We used the net proceeds to repay all outstanding borrowing under the Term Credit Agreement.​Stericycle Exchange Offer and Consent Solicitation — On November 8, 2024, we completed our private offer to eligible holders to exchange $500 million of outstanding 3.875% senior notes issued by Stericycle (the “Stericycle Notes”) for new notes issued by us (the “WM Notes”) and cash. The WM Notes have the same interest rate, interest payment dates, and maturity date as the exchanged Stericycle Notes but differ in certain respects from the Stericycle Notes, including with respect to the redemption provisions. Approximately $485 million in aggregate principal amount of the Stericycle Notes, or 97%, were tendered and accepted, and new WM Notes were issued. The portion of Stericycle Notes not exchanged, approximately $15 million, remains an outstanding obligation of Stericycle, our wholly-owned subsidiary. The debt exchange is accounted for as a modification of debt, as the financial terms of the WM Notes do not differ from the Stericycle Notes, and there is no substantial difference between the present value of cash flows under each respective set of notes. In connection with the exchange offer, we solicited and obtained sufficient consents to amend the Stericycle Notes and related indenture to eliminate substantially all the restrictive covenants, restrictive provisions and events of default, other than payment-related, guarantee-related and bankruptcy-related events of default, and such amendments took effect with respect to the remaining Stericycle Notes on November 8, 2024.​We have credit lines in place to support our liquidity and financial assurance needs. The following table summarizes our outstanding letters of credit, categorized by type of facility as of December 31 (in millions):​​​​​​​​ 2024 2023Revolving credit facility (a)​$ 224​$ 180Other letter of credit lines (b)​ 862​ 834​​$ 1,086​$ 1,014(a)As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, we had an unused and available credit capacity of $2.1 billion and $2.5 billion, respectively.(b)As of December 31, 2024, these other letter of credit lines are uncommitted with terms extending through December 2028. Guarantor Financial InformationWM Holdings has fully and unconditionally guaranteed all of WMI’s senior indebtedness. WMI has fully and unconditionally guaranteed all of WM Holdings’ senior indebtedness. None of WMI’s other subsidiaries have guaranteed any of WMI’s or WM Holdings’ debt. In lieu of providing separate financial statements for the subsidiary issuer and guarantor (WMI and WM Holdings), we have presented the accompanying supplemental summarized combined balance sheet and income statement information for WMI and WM Holdings on a combined basis after elimination of intercompany transactions between WMI and WM Holdings and amounts related to investments in any subsidiary that is a non-guarantor (in millions):​68 Table of Contents Table of Contents Table of Contents Senior Notes — In July 2024, WMI issued $750 million of 4.950% senior notes due July 2027 and $750 million of 4.950% notes due July 2031, the net proceeds of which were $1.49 billion. The net proceeds were used primarily to reduce outstanding borrowings under our commercial paper program. We also repaid $156 million of WMI’s 3.500% senior notes upon maturity in May 2024. ​In August 2024, WMI entered into a delayed draw Term Credit Agreement in a principal amount of up to $7.2 billion (the “Term Credit Agreement”). In October 2024, we drew $5.2 billion of borrowings under the Term Credit Agreement that were applied to funding our acquisition of Stericycle. In November 2024, we repaid all outstanding borrowings and contemporaneously terminated the Term Credit Agreement, resulting in a $7 million loss on early extinguishment of debt. See Note 6 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion.​In November 2024, we issued senior notes, the net proceeds of which were approximately $5.2 billion, consisting of (i) $1.0 billion of 4.500% senior notes due March 2028; (ii) $700 million of 4.650% senior notes due March 2030; (iii) $750 million of 4.800% senior notes due March 2032; (iv) $1.5 billion of 4.950% senior notes due March 2035; and (v) $1.25 billion of 5.350% senior notes due October 2054. We used the net proceeds to repay all outstanding borrowing under the Term Credit Agreement.​Stericycle Exchange Offer and Consent Solicitation — On November 8, 2024, we completed our private offer to eligible holders to exchange $500 million of outstanding 3.875% senior notes issued by Stericycle (the “Stericycle Notes”) for new notes issued by us (the “WM Notes”) and cash. The WM Notes have the same interest rate, interest payment dates, and maturity date as the exchanged Stericycle Notes but differ in certain respects from the Stericycle Notes, including with respect to the redemption provisions. Approximately $485 million in aggregate principal amount of the Stericycle Notes, or 97%, were tendered and accepted, and new WM Notes were issued. The portion of Stericycle Notes not exchanged, approximately $15 million, remains an outstanding obligation of Stericycle, our wholly-owned subsidiary. The debt exchange is accounted for as a modification of debt, as the financial terms of the WM Notes do not differ from the Stericycle Notes, and there is no substantial difference between the present value of cash flows under each respective set of notes. In connection with the exchange offer, we solicited and obtained sufficient consents to amend the Stericycle Notes and related indenture to eliminate substantially all the restrictive covenants, restrictive provisions and events of default, other than payment-related, guarantee-related and bankruptcy-related events of default, and such amendments took effect with respect to the remaining Stericycle Notes on November 8, 2024.​We have credit lines in place to support our liquidity and financial assurance needs. The following table summarizes our outstanding letters of credit, categorized by type of facility as of December 31 (in millions):​​​​​​​​ 2024 2023Revolving credit facility (a)​$ 224​$ 180Other letter of credit lines (b)​ 862​ 834​​$ 1,086​$ 1,014(a)As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, we had an unused and available credit capacity of $2.1 billion and $2.5 billion, respectively.(b)As of December 31, 2024, these other letter of credit lines are uncommitted with terms extending through December 2028. Guarantor Financial InformationWM Holdings has fully and unconditionally guaranteed all of WMI’s senior indebtedness. WMI has fully and unconditionally guaranteed all of WM Holdings’ senior indebtedness. None of WMI’s other subsidiaries have guaranteed any of WMI’s or WM Holdings’ debt. In lieu of providing separate financial statements for the subsidiary issuer and guarantor (WMI and WM Holdings), we have presented the accompanying supplemental summarized combined balance sheet and income statement information for WMI and WM Holdings on a combined basis after elimination of intercompany transactions between WMI and WM Holdings and amounts related to investments in any subsidiary that is a non-guarantor (in millions):​ Senior Notes — In July 2024, WMI issued $750 million of 4.950% senior notes due July 2027 and $750 million of 4.950% notes due July 2031, the net proceeds of which were $1.49 billion. The net proceeds were used primarily to reduce outstanding borrowings under our commercial paper program. We also repaid $156 million of WMI’s 3.500% senior notes upon maturity in May 2024. ​In August 2024, WMI entered into a delayed draw Term Credit Agreement in a principal amount of up to $7.2 billion (the “Term Credit Agreement”). In October 2024, we drew $5.2 billion of borrowings under the Term Credit Agreement that were applied to funding our acquisition of Stericycle. In November 2024, we repaid all outstanding borrowings and contemporaneously terminated the Term Credit Agreement, resulting in a $7 million loss on early extinguishment of debt. See Note 6 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion.​In November 2024, we issued senior notes, the net proceeds of which were approximately $5.2 billion, consisting of (i) $1.0 billion of 4.500% senior notes due March 2028; (ii) $700 million of 4.650% senior notes due March 2030; (iii) $750 million of 4.800% senior notes due March 2032; (iv) $1.5 billion of 4.950% senior notes due March 2035; and (v) $1.25 billion of 5.350% senior notes due October 2054. We used the net proceeds to repay all outstanding borrowing under the Term Credit Agreement.​Stericycle Exchange Offer and Consent Solicitation — On November 8, 2024, we completed our private offer to eligible holders to exchange $500 million of outstanding 3.875% senior notes issued by Stericycle (the “Stericycle Notes”) for new notes issued by us (the “WM Notes”) and cash. The WM Notes have the same interest rate, interest payment dates, and maturity date as the exchanged Stericycle Notes but differ in certain respects from the Stericycle Notes, including with respect to the redemption provisions. Approximately $485 million in aggregate principal amount of the Stericycle Notes, or 97%, were tendered and accepted, and new WM Notes were issued. The portion of Stericycle Notes not exchanged, approximately $15 million, remains an outstanding obligation of Stericycle, our wholly-owned subsidiary. The debt exchange is accounted for as a modification of debt, as the financial terms of the WM Notes do not differ from the Stericycle Notes, and there is no substantial difference between the present value of cash flows under each respective set of notes. In connection with the exchange offer, we solicited and obtained sufficient consents to amend the Stericycle Notes and related indenture to eliminate substantially all the restrictive covenants, restrictive provisions and events of default, other than payment-related, guarantee-related and bankruptcy-related events of default, and such amendments took effect with respect to the remaining Stericycle Notes on November 8, 2024.​We have credit lines in place to support our liquidity and financial assurance needs. The following table summarizes our outstanding letters of credit, categorized by type of facility as of December 31 (in millions):​​​​​​​​ 2024 2023Revolving credit facility (a)​$ 224​$ 180Other letter of credit lines (b)​ 862​ 834​​$ 1,086​$ 1,014(a)As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, we had an unused and available credit capacity of $2.1 billion and $2.5 billion, respectively.(b)As of December 31, 2024, these other letter of credit lines are uncommitted with terms extending through December 2028. Guarantor Financial InformationWM Holdings has fully and unconditionally guaranteed all of WMI’s senior indebtedness. WMI has fully and unconditionally guaranteed all of WM Holdings’ senior indebtedness. None of WMI’s other subsidiaries have guaranteed any of WMI’s or WM Holdings’ debt. In lieu of providing separate financial statements for the subsidiary issuer and guarantor (WMI and WM Holdings), we have presented the accompanying supplemental summarized combined balance sheet and income statement information for WMI and WM Holdings on a combined basis after elimination of intercompany transactions between WMI and WM Holdings and amounts related to investments in any subsidiary that is a non-guarantor (in millions):​ Senior Notes — In July 2024, WMI issued $750 million of 4.950% senior notes due July 2027 and $750 million of 4.950% notes due July 2031, the net proceeds of which were $1.49 billion. The net proceeds were used primarily to reduce outstanding borrowings under our commercial paper program. We also repaid $156 million of WMI’s 3.500% senior notes upon maturity in May 2024. ​ In August 2024, WMI entered into a delayed draw Term Credit Agreement in a principal amount of up to $7.2 billion (the “Term Credit Agreement”). In October 2024, we drew $5.2 billion of borrowings under the Term Credit Agreement that were applied to funding our acquisition of Stericycle. In November 2024, we repaid all outstanding borrowings and contemporaneously terminated the Term Credit Agreement, resulting in a $7 million loss on early extinguishment of debt. See Note 6 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion. ​ In November 2024, we issued senior notes, the net proceeds of which were approximately $5.2 billion, consisting of (i) $1.0 billion of 4.500% senior notes due March 2028; (ii) $700 million of 4.650% senior notes due March 2030; (iii) $750 million of 4.800% senior notes due March 2032; (iv) $1.5 billion of 4.950% senior notes due March 2035; and (v) $1.25 billion of 5.350% senior notes due October 2054. We used the net proceeds to repay all outstanding borrowing under the Term Credit Agreement. ​ Stericycle Exchange Offer and Consent Solicitation — On November 8, 2024, we completed our private offer to eligible holders to exchange $500 million of outstanding 3.875% senior notes issued by Stericycle (the “Stericycle Notes”) for new notes issued by us (the “WM Notes”) and cash. The WM Notes have the same interest rate, interest payment dates, and maturity date as the exchanged Stericycle Notes but differ in certain respects from the Stericycle Notes, including with respect to the redemption provisions. Approximately $485 million in aggregate principal amount of the Stericycle Notes, or 97%, were tendered and accepted, and new WM Notes were issued. The portion of Stericycle Notes not exchanged, approximately $15 million, remains an outstanding obligation of Stericycle, our wholly-owned subsidiary. The debt exchange is accounted for as a modification of debt, as the financial terms of the WM Notes do not differ from the Stericycle Notes, and there is no substantial difference between the present value of cash flows under each respective set of notes. In connection with the exchange offer, we solicited and obtained sufficient consents to amend the Stericycle Notes and related indenture to eliminate substantially all the restrictive covenants, restrictive provisions and events of default, other than payment-related, guarantee-related and bankruptcy-related events of default, and such amendments took effect with respect to the remaining Stericycle Notes on November 8, 2024. ​ We have credit lines in place to support our liquidity and financial assurance needs. The following table summarizes our outstanding letters of credit, categorized by type of facility as of December 31 (in millions): ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 2024 2023 Revolving credit facility (a) ​ $ 224 ​ $ 180 Other letter of credit lines (b) ​ 862 ​ 834 ​ ​ $ 1,086 ​ $ 1,014",
      "prior_body": "The following is a summary of our cash and cash equivalents, restricted funds and debt balances as of December 31 (in millions): ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 2023 2022 Cash and cash equivalents ​ $ 458 ​ $ 351 Restricted funds: ​ ​ ​ Insurance reserves ​ $ 376 ​ $ 313 Final capping, closure, post-closure and environmental remediation funds ​ ​ 119 ​ ​ 113 Other ​ 17 ​ 5 Total restricted funds (a) ​ $ 512 ​ $ 431 Debt: ​ ​ Current portion ​ $ 334 ​ $ 414 Long-term portion ​ 15,895 ​ 14,570 Total debt ​ $ 16,229 ​ $ 14,984 (a) As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, $90 million and $83 million, respectively, of these account balances was included in other current assets in our Consolidated Balance Sheets. Debt — We use long-term borrowings in addition to the cash we generate from operations as part of our overall financial strategy to support and grow our business. We primarily use senior notes and tax-exempt bonds to borrow on a long-term basis, but we also use other instruments and facilities, when appropriate. The components of our borrowings as of December 31, 2023 are described in Note 6 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. As of December 31, 2023, we had approximately $2.8 billion of debt maturing within the next 12 months, including (i) $1.6 billion of tax-exempt bonds with term interest rate periods that expire within the next 12 months, which is prior to their scheduled maturities; (ii) $859 million of short-term borrowings under our commercial paper program (net of related discount on issuance); (iii) $175 million of other debt with scheduled maturities within the next 12 months, including $60 million of tax exempt bonds, and (iv) $156 million of 3.5% senior notes that mature in May 2024. As of December 31, 2023, we have classified $2.4 billion of debt maturing in the next 12 months as long-term because we have the intent and ability to refinance these borrowings on a long-term basis as supported by the forecasted available capacity under our $3.5 billion long-term U.S. and Canadian revolving credit facility (“$3.5 billion revolving credit facility”). The remaining $334 million of debt maturing in the next 12 months is classified as current obligations. In February 2023, WMI issued $750 million and $500 million of 4.625% senior notes due February 2030 and February 2033, respectively, the net proceeds of which were $1.24 billion. We used the net proceeds to reduce outstanding borrowings under our commercial paper program, repay $500 million of WMI’s 2.4% senior notes upon maturity in May 2023, and for general corporate purposes, including our planned and ongoing investments in our Recycling Processing and Sales and WM Renewable Energy segments. ​ In July 2023, WMI issued $750 million and $1.25 billion of 4.875% senior notes due February 2029 and February 2034, respectively, the net proceeds of which were $1.97 billion. We used the net proceeds to reduce outstanding borrowings under our commercial paper program, repay $1.0 billion of outstanding borrowings under our Term Loan and for general corporate purposes. ​ 59 59 Table of ContentsWe have credit lines in place to support our liquidity and financial assurance needs. The following table summarizes our outstanding letters of credit, categorized by type of facility as of December 31 (in millions):​​​​​​​​ 2023 2022Revolving credit facility (a)​$ 180​$ 166Other letter of credit lines (b)​ 834​ 800​​$ 1,014​$ 966(a)As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, we had an unused and available credit capacity of $2.5 billion and $1.6 billion, respectively.(b)As of December 31, 2023, these other letter of credit lines are uncommitted with terms extending through December 2027. Guarantor Financial InformationWM Holdings has fully and unconditionally guaranteed all of WMI’s senior indebtedness. WMI has fully and unconditionally guaranteed all of WM Holdings’ senior indebtedness. None of WMI’s other subsidiaries have guaranteed any of WMI’s or WM Holdings’ debt. In lieu of providing separate financial statements for the subsidiary issuer and guarantor (WMI and WM Holdings), we have presented the accompanying supplemental summarized combined balance sheet and income statement information for WMI and WM Holdings on a combined basis after elimination of intercompany transactions between WMI and WM Holdings and amounts related to investments in any subsidiary that is a non-guarantor (in millions):​​​​​​ December 31,2023Balance Sheet Information:​​​Current assets $ 276Noncurrent assets​​ 25Current liabilities​ 336Noncurrent liabilities:​​​Advances due to affiliates​​ 21,228Other noncurrent liabilities​ 13,798​​​​​​ Year Ended​​December 31, 2023Income Statement Information:​​​Revenue $ —Operating income​​ —Net loss​​ 348​​Summary of Cash Flow ActivityThe following is a summary of our cash flows for the year ended December 31 (in millions):​​​​​​​​​​​ 2023 2022 2021Net cash provided by operating activities​$ 4,719​$ 4,536​$ 4,338Net cash used in investing activities​$ (3,091)​$ (3,063)​$ (1,894)Net cash used in financing activities​$ (1,524)​$ (1,216)​$ (2,900)​Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities — Our operating cash flows increased in 2023, as compared with 2022, by $183 million primarily driven by higher earnings attributable to our Collection and Disposal businesses and lower income tax payments as a result of a deposit of approximately $103 million that was made to the IRS in 2022 related to a disputed tax matter discussed within Note 8 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. These increases were partially offset 60 Table of Contents Table of Contents Table of Contents We have credit lines in place to support our liquidity and financial assurance needs. The following table summarizes our outstanding letters of credit, categorized by type of facility as of December 31 (in millions):​​​​​​​​ 2023 2022Revolving credit facility (a)​$ 180​$ 166Other letter of credit lines (b)​ 834​ 800​​$ 1,014​$ 966(a)As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, we had an unused and available credit capacity of $2.5 billion and $1.6 billion, respectively.(b)As of December 31, 2023, these other letter of credit lines are uncommitted with terms extending through December 2027. Guarantor Financial InformationWM Holdings has fully and unconditionally guaranteed all of WMI’s senior indebtedness. WMI has fully and unconditionally guaranteed all of WM Holdings’ senior indebtedness. None of WMI’s other subsidiaries have guaranteed any of WMI’s or WM Holdings’ debt. In lieu of providing separate financial statements for the subsidiary issuer and guarantor (WMI and WM Holdings), we have presented the accompanying supplemental summarized combined balance sheet and income statement information for WMI and WM Holdings on a combined basis after elimination of intercompany transactions between WMI and WM Holdings and amounts related to investments in any subsidiary that is a non-guarantor (in millions):​​​​​​ December 31,2023Balance Sheet Information:​​​Current assets $ 276Noncurrent assets​​ 25Current liabilities​ 336Noncurrent liabilities:​​​Advances due to affiliates​​ 21,228Other noncurrent liabilities​ 13,798​​​​​​ Year Ended​​December 31, 2023Income Statement Information:​​​Revenue $ —Operating income​​ —Net loss​​ 348​​Summary of Cash Flow ActivityThe following is a summary of our cash flows for the year ended December 31 (in millions):​​​​​​​​​​​ 2023 2022 2021Net cash provided by operating activities​$ 4,719​$ 4,536​$ 4,338Net cash used in investing activities​$ (3,091)​$ (3,063)​$ (1,894)Net cash used in financing activities​$ (1,524)​$ (1,216)​$ (2,900)​Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities — Our operating cash flows increased in 2023, as compared with 2022, by $183 million primarily driven by higher earnings attributable to our Collection and Disposal businesses and lower income tax payments as a result of a deposit of approximately $103 million that was made to the IRS in 2022 related to a disputed tax matter discussed within Note 8 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. These increases were partially offset We have credit lines in place to support our liquidity and financial assurance needs. The following table summarizes our outstanding letters of credit, categorized by type of facility as of December 31 (in millions): ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 2023 2022 Revolving credit facility (a) ​ $ 180 ​ $ 166 Other letter of credit lines (b) ​ 834 ​ 800 ​ ​ $ 1,014 ​ $ 966"
    },
    {
      "status": "MODIFIED",
      "current_title": "December 31,",
      "prior_title": "December 31,",
      "similarity_score": 0.539,
      "confidence": "low",
      "key_changes": [
        "Reworded sentence: \"​ 2024 2023 ASSETS ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Current assets: ​ ​ ​ ​ Cash and cash equivalents ​ $ 414 ​ $ 458 Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $165 and $30, respectively ​ 3,272 ​ 2,633 Other receivables, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $4 and $4, respectively ​ 415 ​ 237 Parts and supplies ​ 206 ​ 173 Other current assets ​ 467 ​ 303 Total current assets ​ 4,774 ​ 3,804 Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation and depletion of $23,777 and $22,826, respectively ​ 19,340 ​ 16,968 Goodwill ​ 13,438 ​ 9,254 Other intangible assets, net ​ 4,188 ​ 759 Restricted funds ​ 413 ​ 422 Investments in unconsolidated entities ​ 846 ​ 606 Other long-term assets ​ 1,568 ​ 1,010 Total assets ​ $ 44,567 ​ $ 32,823\""
      ],
      "current_body": "​ 2024 2023 ASSETS ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Current assets: ​ ​ ​ ​ Cash and cash equivalents ​ $ 414 ​ $ 458 Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $165 and $30, respectively ​ 3,272 ​ 2,633 Other receivables, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $4 and $4, respectively ​ 415 ​ 237 Parts and supplies ​ 206 ​ 173 Other current assets ​ 467 ​ 303 Total current assets ​ 4,774 ​ 3,804 Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation and depletion of $23,777 and $22,826, respectively ​ 19,340 ​ 16,968 Goodwill ​ 13,438 ​ 9,254 Other intangible assets, net ​ 4,188 ​ 759 Restricted funds ​ 413 ​ 422 Investments in unconsolidated entities ​ 846 ​ 606 Other long-term assets ​ 1,568 ​ 1,010 Total assets ​ $ 44,567 ​ $ 32,823",
      "prior_body": "​ 2023 2022 ASSETS ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Current assets: ​ ​ ​ ​ Cash and cash equivalents ​ $ 458 ​ $ 351 Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $30 and $26, respectively ​ 2,633 ​ 2,461 Other receivables, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $4 and $7, respectively ​ 237 ​ 291 Parts and supplies ​ 173 ​ 164 Other assets ​ 303 ​ 284 Total current assets ​ 3,804 ​ 3,551 Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation and depletion of $22,826 and $21,627, respectively ​ 16,968 ​ 15,719 Goodwill ​ 9,254 ​ 9,323 Other intangible assets, net ​ 759 ​ 827 Restricted funds ​ 422 ​ 348 Investments in unconsolidated entities ​ 606 ​ 578 Other assets ​ 1,010 ​ 1,021 Total assets ​ $ 32,823 ​ $ 31,367"
    },
    {
      "status": "MODIFIED",
      "current_title": "2023 vs. 2022",
      "prior_title": "2022 vs. 2021",
      "similarity_score": 0.535,
      "confidence": "low",
      "current_body": "​ ​ ​ ​ ​ As a % of ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ As a % of ​ ​ ​ ​ As a % of ​ ​ ​ ​ As a % of ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Related ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Total ​ ​ ​ ​ Related ​ ​ ​ ​ Total ​ Amount",
      "prior_body": "​ ​ ​ ​ ​ As a % of ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ As a % of ​ ​ ​ ​ As a % of ​ ​ ​ ​ As a % of ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Related ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Total ​ ​ ​ ​ Related ​ ​ ​ ​ Total ​ Amount"
    },
    {
      "status": "MODIFIED",
      "current_title": "Property and Equipment (exclusive of landfills, discussed above)",
      "prior_title": "Property and Equipment (exclusive of landfills, discussed above)",
      "similarity_score": 0.515,
      "confidence": "low",
      "key_changes": [
        "Reworded sentence: \"94 94 Table of ContentsWASTE MANAGEMENT, INC.NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)​The estimated useful lives for significant property and equipment categories are as follows (in years):​​​​ Useful LivesVehicles — excluding rail haul cars 3 to 10Vehicles — rail haul cars 10 to 30Machinery and equipment (a) 3 to 30Buildings and improvements 5 to 40Furniture, fixtures and office equipment 3 to 10(a)Includes recycling and renewable natural gas (“RNG”) facilities and WM Healthcare Solutions autoclaves and incinerators as well as containers.LeasesWe lease property and equipment in the ordinary course of our business.\""
      ],
      "current_body": "We record property and equipment at cost. Expenditures for major additions and improvements are capitalized and maintenance activities are expensed as incurred. We depreciate property and equipment over the estimated useful life of the asset using the straight-line method. We generally assume no salvage value for our depreciable property and equipment. When property and equipment are retired, sold or otherwise disposed of, the cost and accumulated depreciation are removed from our accounts and any resulting gain or loss is included in results of operations as an offset or increase to operating expense for the period. 94 94 Table of ContentsWASTE MANAGEMENT, INC.NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)​The estimated useful lives for significant property and equipment categories are as follows (in years):​​​​ Useful LivesVehicles — excluding rail haul cars 3 to 10Vehicles — rail haul cars 10 to 30Machinery and equipment (a) 3 to 30Buildings and improvements 5 to 40Furniture, fixtures and office equipment 3 to 10(a)Includes recycling and renewable natural gas (“RNG”) facilities and WM Healthcare Solutions autoclaves and incinerators as well as containers.LeasesWe lease property and equipment in the ordinary course of our business. Our operating lease activities primarily consist of leases for real estate, landfills, fleet vehicles and operating equipment. Our financing lease activities primarily consist of leases for operating equipment, railcars and landfill assets. Our leases have varying terms. Some may include renewal or purchase options, escalation clauses, restrictions, penalties or other obligations that we consider in determining minimum lease payments. The leases are classified as either operating leases or financing leases, as appropriate. Operating Leases (excluding landfill leases discussed below) — The majority of our leases are operating leases. This classification generally can be attributed to either (i) relatively low fixed minimum lease payments as a result of real property lease obligations that vary based on the volume of waste we receive or process or (ii) minimum lease terms that are much shorter than the assets’ economic useful lives. Management expects that in the normal course of business our operating leases will be renewed, replaced by other leases or replaced with fixed asset expenditures. Financing Leases (excluding landfill leases discussed below) — Assets under financing leases are capitalized using interest rates determined at the commencement of each lease and are depreciated over either the useful life of the asset or the lease term, as appropriate, on a straight-line basis. The present value of the related lease payments is recorded as a debt obligation. Landfill Leases — From an operating perspective, landfills that we lease are similar to landfills we own because generally we will operate the landfill for the life of the operating permit. The most significant portion of our rental obligations for landfill leases is contingent upon operating factors such as disposal volume and often there are no contractual minimum rental obligations. Contingent rental obligations are expensed as incurred. For landfill financing leases that provide for minimum contractual rental obligations, we record the present value of the minimum obligation as part of the landfill asset, which is depleted on a units-of-consumption basis over the shorter of the lease term or the life of the landfill. For operating and financing leases, including landfill leases, our rent expense for each of the last three years and future minimum lease payments are disclosed in Note 7.AcquisitionsWe generally recognize assets acquired and liabilities assumed in business combinations, including contingent assets and liabilities, based on fair value estimates as of the date of acquisition.Contingent Consideration — In certain acquisitions, we agree to pay additional amounts to sellers contingent upon achievement by the acquired businesses of certain negotiated goals, such as targeted revenue levels, targeted disposal 95 Table of ContentsWASTE MANAGEMENT, INC.NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)​ Table of Contents Table of Contents",
      "prior_body": "We record property and equipment at cost. Expenditures for major additions and improvements are capitalized and maintenance activities are expensed as incurred. We depreciate property and equipment over the estimated useful life of the asset using the straight-line method. We generally assume no salvage value for our depreciable property and equipment. When property and equipment are retired, sold or otherwise disposed of, the cost and accumulated depreciation are removed from our accounts and any resulting gain or loss is included in results of operations as an offset or increase to operating expense for the period. The estimated useful lives for significant property and equipment categories are as follows (in years): ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​"
    },
    {
      "status": "MODIFIED",
      "current_title": "We may be unable to obtain or maintain required permits for our operations or expand existing permitted capacity at our landfills, due to land scarcity, public opposition or otherwise, which can require us to identify disposal alternatives, resulting in decreased revenue and increased costs.",
      "prior_title": "We may be unable to obtain or maintain required permits or expand existing permitted capacity at our landfills, due to land scarcity, public opposition or otherwise, which can require us to identify disposal alternatives, resulting in decreased revenue and increased costs.",
      "similarity_score": 0.511,
      "confidence": "low",
      "key_changes": [
        "Reworded sentence: \"Our ability to meet our financial and operating objectives depends in part on our ability to obtain and maintain the permits, authorizations, approvals, certificates, and other governmental permissions necessary to operate landfill sites, recycling facilities, compost facilities, processing facilities, landfill gas-to-energy facilities, incineration facilities and transfer stations in the various jurisdictions in which we operate.\"",
        "Reworded sentence: \"Our ability 28 28 Table of Contentsto receive permits is also impacted by land scarcity, particularly in densely populated areas.\"",
        "Reworded sentence: \"Our failure to obtain the required permits and necessary capacity expansion to operate our business, including our landfills, could have a material adverse impact on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.If we are unable to attract, hire or retain key team members and a high-quality workforce, or if our succession planning does not develop an adequate pipeline of future leaders, it could disrupt our business, jeopardize our strategic priorities and result in increased costs, negatively impacting our results of operations.Our operations require us to attract, hire, develop and retain a high-quality workforce to provide a superior customer experience.\"",
        "Reworded sentence: \"Governments are increasingly adopting requirements for environmental justice reviews as part of certain permitting decisions.\""
      ],
      "current_body": "Our ability to meet our financial and operating objectives depends in part on our ability to obtain and maintain the permits, authorizations, approvals, certificates, and other governmental permissions necessary to operate landfill sites, recycling facilities, compost facilities, processing facilities, landfill gas-to-energy facilities, incineration facilities and transfer stations in the various jurisdictions in which we operate. Changes in applicable laws and regulations could require us to obtain new permits or to change the way in which we operate our business. Even where permits are obtained, they may contain conditions or restrictions that limit our ability to operate efficiently. Permits to build, operate and expand solid waste management facilities, including landfills and transfer stations, have become more difficult and expensive to obtain and maintain. Permits often take years to obtain as a result of numerous hearings and compliance requirements with regard to zoning, environmental and other regulations. These permits are also often subject to resistance from citizen or other groups and other political pressures. Local communities and citizen groups, adjacent landowners or governmental agencies may oppose the issuance of a permit or approval we may need, allege violations of the permits under which we currently operate or laws or regulations to which we are subjected, or seek to impose liability on us for alleged environmental damage. Such actions could also impact our ability to do business by causing reputational harm. Our ability 28 28 Table of Contentsto receive permits is also impacted by land scarcity, particularly in densely populated areas. Diminishing disposal capacity, typically in proximity to major metropolitan areas, sometimes requires us to transport waste by rail or find alternative disposal solutions in affected areas, increasing our operating costs. Governments are increasingly adopting requirements for environmental justice reviews as part of certain permitting decisions. These policies generally require permitting agencies to give heightened attention to the potential for projects to disproportionately impact low-income and minority communities. Responding to permit challenges has, at times, increased our costs and extended the time associated with establishing new facilities and expanding existing facilities. Our failure to obtain the required permits and necessary capacity expansion to operate our business, including our landfills, could have a material adverse impact on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.If we are unable to attract, hire or retain key team members and a high-quality workforce, or if our succession planning does not develop an adequate pipeline of future leaders, it could disrupt our business, jeopardize our strategic priorities and result in increased costs, negatively impacting our results of operations.Our operations require us to attract, hire, develop and retain a high-quality workforce to provide a superior customer experience. This includes key individuals in leadership and specialty roles, as well as a very large number of drivers, technicians and other front-line and back-office team members necessary to provide our environmental services. We experience significant competition to hire and retain individuals for certain front-line positions, such as commercial truck drivers, from within and outside our industry. (Also see Item 1A. Risk Factors — Market disruption, including labor shortages, external strikes, and supply chain constraints, and macroeconomic pressures, including inflation, have recently had, and may in the future have, an adverse impact on our business and results of operations.) Additionally, the market for employees that serve on our digital team is highly competitive. As we have accelerated our investments in our technology-led automation and optimization strategy, it is increasingly important that we are able to attract and retain employees with the skills and expertise necessary to implement and manage these projects. We also compete to attract skilled business leaders, and our own key team members are sought after by our competitors and other companies. We make significant investments, and engage in internal succession planning, to provide us with a robust pipeline of future leaders. If we are not able to attract, hire, develop and retain a high-quality workforce with the necessary skills and expertise, as well as key leaders, or if we experience significant employee turnover, it can result in business and strategic disruption, increased costs, and loss of institutional knowledge, which could negatively impact our results of operations.Increases in our labor costs as a result of labor unions organizing, changes in regulations related to labor unions or increases in employee minimum wages, could adversely affect our future results.Labor unions continually attempt to organize our employees, and these efforts will likely continue in the future. Certain groups of our employees are currently represented by unions, and we have negotiated collective bargaining agreements with these unions. Additional groups of employees may seek union representation in the future, and, if successful, would enhance organized labor’s leverage to obtain higher than expected wage and benefits costs and resist the introduction of new technology and other initiatives, which can result in increased operating expenses and lower net income. If we are unable to negotiate acceptable collective bargaining agreements, our operating expenses could increase significantly as a result of work stoppages, including strikes. Additionally, a large portion of our workforce are hourly personnel, and many of these individuals, particularly in our recycling business, are paid at rates related to federal and state minimum wages. Increases in minimum wage rates, or the enactment of new wage-related legislation, may significantly increase our labor costs. Any of these matters could adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.The seasonal nature of our business, severe weather events resulting from climate change and event driven projects cause our results to fluctuate, and prior performance may not be indicative of our future results.Our financial and operating results may fluctuate for many reasons. Our operating revenues and volumes typically experience seasonal increases in the summer months, that are reflected in second and third quarter revenues and results of operations. Service or operational disruptions caused by severe storms, extended periods of inclement weather or climate events can significantly affect the operating results of the geographic areas affected. Extreme weather events may also lead to supply chain disruption and delayed project development, or disruption of our customers’ businesses, reducing the amount of waste generated by their operations. Conversely, certain destructive weather and climate conditions, such as wildfires in the Western U.S. and hurricanes that most often impact our operations in the Southern and Eastern U.S. during the second half of the year, can increase our revenues in the geographic areas affected as a result of the waste volumes generated by these events. While weather-related and other event-driven projects can boost revenues through additional 29 Table of Contents Table of Contents Table of Contents to receive permits is also impacted by land scarcity, particularly in densely populated areas. Diminishing disposal capacity, typically in proximity to major metropolitan areas, sometimes requires us to transport waste by rail or find alternative disposal solutions in affected areas, increasing our operating costs. Governments are increasingly adopting requirements for environmental justice reviews as part of certain permitting decisions. These policies generally require permitting agencies to give heightened attention to the potential for projects to disproportionately impact low-income and minority communities. Responding to permit challenges has, at times, increased our costs and extended the time associated with establishing new facilities and expanding existing facilities. Our failure to obtain the required permits and necessary capacity expansion to operate our business, including our landfills, could have a material adverse impact on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.If we are unable to attract, hire or retain key team members and a high-quality workforce, or if our succession planning does not develop an adequate pipeline of future leaders, it could disrupt our business, jeopardize our strategic priorities and result in increased costs, negatively impacting our results of operations.Our operations require us to attract, hire, develop and retain a high-quality workforce to provide a superior customer experience. This includes key individuals in leadership and specialty roles, as well as a very large number of drivers, technicians and other front-line and back-office team members necessary to provide our environmental services. We experience significant competition to hire and retain individuals for certain front-line positions, such as commercial truck drivers, from within and outside our industry. (Also see Item 1A. Risk Factors — Market disruption, including labor shortages, external strikes, and supply chain constraints, and macroeconomic pressures, including inflation, have recently had, and may in the future have, an adverse impact on our business and results of operations.) Additionally, the market for employees that serve on our digital team is highly competitive. As we have accelerated our investments in our technology-led automation and optimization strategy, it is increasingly important that we are able to attract and retain employees with the skills and expertise necessary to implement and manage these projects. We also compete to attract skilled business leaders, and our own key team members are sought after by our competitors and other companies. We make significant investments, and engage in internal succession planning, to provide us with a robust pipeline of future leaders. If we are not able to attract, hire, develop and retain a high-quality workforce with the necessary skills and expertise, as well as key leaders, or if we experience significant employee turnover, it can result in business and strategic disruption, increased costs, and loss of institutional knowledge, which could negatively impact our results of operations.Increases in our labor costs as a result of labor unions organizing, changes in regulations related to labor unions or increases in employee minimum wages, could adversely affect our future results.Labor unions continually attempt to organize our employees, and these efforts will likely continue in the future. Certain groups of our employees are currently represented by unions, and we have negotiated collective bargaining agreements with these unions. Additional groups of employees may seek union representation in the future, and, if successful, would enhance organized labor’s leverage to obtain higher than expected wage and benefits costs and resist the introduction of new technology and other initiatives, which can result in increased operating expenses and lower net income. If we are unable to negotiate acceptable collective bargaining agreements, our operating expenses could increase significantly as a result of work stoppages, including strikes. Additionally, a large portion of our workforce are hourly personnel, and many of these individuals, particularly in our recycling business, are paid at rates related to federal and state minimum wages. Increases in minimum wage rates, or the enactment of new wage-related legislation, may significantly increase our labor costs. Any of these matters could adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.The seasonal nature of our business, severe weather events resulting from climate change and event driven projects cause our results to fluctuate, and prior performance may not be indicative of our future results.Our financial and operating results may fluctuate for many reasons. Our operating revenues and volumes typically experience seasonal increases in the summer months, that are reflected in second and third quarter revenues and results of operations. Service or operational disruptions caused by severe storms, extended periods of inclement weather or climate events can significantly affect the operating results of the geographic areas affected. Extreme weather events may also lead to supply chain disruption and delayed project development, or disruption of our customers’ businesses, reducing the amount of waste generated by their operations. Conversely, certain destructive weather and climate conditions, such as wildfires in the Western U.S. and hurricanes that most often impact our operations in the Southern and Eastern U.S. during the second half of the year, can increase our revenues in the geographic areas affected as a result of the waste volumes generated by these events. While weather-related and other event-driven projects can boost revenues through additional to receive permits is also impacted by land scarcity, particularly in densely populated areas. Diminishing disposal capacity, typically in proximity to major metropolitan areas, sometimes requires us to transport waste by rail or find alternative disposal solutions in affected areas, increasing our operating costs. Governments are increasingly adopting requirements for environmental justice reviews as part of certain permitting decisions. These policies generally require permitting agencies to give heightened attention to the potential for projects to disproportionately impact low-income and minority communities. Responding to permit challenges has, at times, increased our costs and extended the time associated with establishing new facilities and expanding existing facilities. Our failure to obtain the required permits and necessary capacity expansion to operate our business, including our landfills, could have a material adverse impact on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.If we are unable to attract, hire or retain key team members and a high-quality workforce, or if our succession planning does not develop an adequate pipeline of future leaders, it could disrupt our business, jeopardize our strategic priorities and result in increased costs, negatively impacting our results of operations.Our operations require us to attract, hire, develop and retain a high-quality workforce to provide a superior customer experience. This includes key individuals in leadership and specialty roles, as well as a very large number of drivers, technicians and other front-line and back-office team members necessary to provide our environmental services. We experience significant competition to hire and retain individuals for certain front-line positions, such as commercial truck drivers, from within and outside our industry. (Also see Item 1A. Risk Factors — Market disruption, including labor shortages, external strikes, and supply chain constraints, and macroeconomic pressures, including inflation, have recently had, and may in the future have, an adverse impact on our business and results of operations.) Additionally, the market for employees that serve on our digital team is highly competitive. As we have accelerated our investments in our technology-led automation and optimization strategy, it is increasingly important that we are able to attract and retain employees with the skills and expertise necessary to implement and manage these projects. We also compete to attract skilled business leaders, and our own key team members are sought after by our competitors and other companies. We make significant investments, and engage in internal succession planning, to provide us with a robust pipeline of future leaders. If we are not able to attract, hire, develop and retain a high-quality workforce with the necessary skills and expertise, as well as key leaders, or if we experience significant employee turnover, it can result in business and strategic disruption, increased costs, and loss of institutional knowledge, which could negatively impact our results of operations.Increases in our labor costs as a result of labor unions organizing, changes in regulations related to labor unions or increases in employee minimum wages, could adversely affect our future results.Labor unions continually attempt to organize our employees, and these efforts will likely continue in the future. Certain groups of our employees are currently represented by unions, and we have negotiated collective bargaining agreements with these unions. Additional groups of employees may seek union representation in the future, and, if successful, would enhance organized labor’s leverage to obtain higher than expected wage and benefits costs and resist the introduction of new technology and other initiatives, which can result in increased operating expenses and lower net income. If we are unable to negotiate acceptable collective bargaining agreements, our operating expenses could increase significantly as a result of work stoppages, including strikes. Additionally, a large portion of our workforce are hourly personnel, and many of these individuals, particularly in our recycling business, are paid at rates related to federal and state minimum wages. Increases in minimum wage rates, or the enactment of new wage-related legislation, may significantly increase our labor costs. Any of these matters could adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.The seasonal nature of our business, severe weather events resulting from climate change and event driven projects cause our results to fluctuate, and prior performance may not be indicative of our future results.Our financial and operating results may fluctuate for many reasons. Our operating revenues and volumes typically experience seasonal increases in the summer months, that are reflected in second and third quarter revenues and results of operations. Service or operational disruptions caused by severe storms, extended periods of inclement weather or climate events can significantly affect the operating results of the geographic areas affected. Extreme weather events may also lead to supply chain disruption and delayed project development, or disruption of our customers’ businesses, reducing the amount of waste generated by their operations. Conversely, certain destructive weather and climate conditions, such as wildfires in the Western U.S. and hurricanes that most often impact our operations in the Southern and Eastern U.S. during the second half of the year, can increase our revenues in the geographic areas affected as a result of the waste volumes generated by these events. While weather-related and other event-driven projects can boost revenues through additional to receive permits is also impacted by land scarcity, particularly in densely populated areas. Diminishing disposal capacity, typically in proximity to major metropolitan areas, sometimes requires us to transport waste by rail or find alternative disposal solutions in affected areas, increasing our operating costs. Governments are increasingly adopting requirements for environmental justice reviews as part of certain permitting decisions. These policies generally require permitting agencies to give heightened attention to the potential for projects to disproportionately impact low-income and minority communities. Responding to permit challenges has, at times, increased our costs and extended the time associated with establishing new facilities and expanding existing facilities. Our failure to obtain the required permits and necessary capacity expansion to operate our business, including our landfills, could have a material adverse impact on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.",
      "prior_body": "Our ability to meet our financial and operating objectives depends in part on our ability to obtain and maintain the permits necessary to operate landfill sites and transfer stations. Permits to build, operate and expand solid waste management facilities, including landfills and transfer stations, have become more difficult and expensive to obtain and maintain. Permits often take years to obtain as a result of numerous hearings and compliance requirements with regard to zoning, environmental and other regulations. These permits are also often subject to resistance from citizen or other groups and other political pressures. Local communities and citizen groups, adjacent landowners or governmental agencies may oppose the issuance of a permit or approval we may need, allege violations of the permits under which we currently operate or laws or regulations to which we are subjected, or seek to impose liability on us for alleged environmental damage. Such actions could also impact our ability to do business by causing reputational harm. Federal, state and local governments are also increasingly adopting requirements for environmental justice reviews as part of certain permitting decisions. These policies generally require permitting agencies to give heightened attention to the potential for projects to disproportionately impact low-income and minority communities. Responding to permit challenges has, at times, increased our costs and extended the time associated with establishing new facilities and expanding existing facilities. In addition, failure to receive regulatory and zoning approval, as well as land scarcity, particularly in densely populated areas, may prohibit us from establishing new facilities or expanding existing facilities. Diminishing disposal capacity, typically in proximity to major metropolitan areas, sometimes requires us to transport waste by rail or find alternative disposal solutions in affected areas, increasing our operating costs. Our failure to obtain the required permits and necessary capacity expansion to operate our landfills could have a material adverse impact on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows."
    },
    {
      "status": "MODIFIED",
      "current_title": "Current Year Financial Results",
      "prior_title": "Current Year Financial Results",
      "similarity_score": 0.511,
      "confidence": "low",
      "key_changes": [
        "Reworded sentence: \"During 2024, we continued to focus on our priorities to advance our strategy—enhancing employee engagement, reducing our cost to serve through the use of technology and automation, and investing in growth through acquisitions and our Recycling Processing and Sales and WM Renewable Energy segments.\"",
        "Reworded sentence: \"This strategic focus, combined with strong operational execution, resulted in increased revenue, income from operations and income from operations margin in 2024 when compared to the prior year.\"",
        "Reworded sentence: \"Refer to Free Cash Flow below for our definition of free cash flow, additional information about our use of this measure, and a reconciliation to net cash provided by operating activities, which is the most comparable GAAP measure.51 Table of Contents Table of Contents Table of Contents Key elements of our 2024 financial results include:●Revenues of $22,063 million for 2024 compared with $20,426 million in 2023, an increase of $1,637 million, or 8.0%.\"",
        "Reworded sentence: \"Key elements of our 2024 financial results include:●Revenues of $22,063 million for 2024 compared with $20,426 million in 2023, an increase of $1,637 million, or 8.0%.\""
      ],
      "current_body": "During 2024, we continued to focus on our priorities to advance our strategy—enhancing employee engagement, reducing our cost to serve through the use of technology and automation, and investing in growth through acquisitions and our Recycling Processing and Sales and WM Renewable Energy segments. We invested approximately $8 billion, with $7.5 billion funded in cash and $0.5 billion as the assumption of debt, on acquisitions in 2024, including having completed our acquisition of Stericycle in early November. We remain diligent in offering competitive and differentiated services that meet the needs of our customers, and we are focused on driving operating efficiencies and reducing discretionary spend. We continue to invest in our people through paying a competitive market wage, investing in our digital platform and providing training for our team members. We also continue to make investments in automation and optimization to enhance our operational efficiency and improve labor productivity for all lines of business. This strategic focus, combined with strong operational execution, resulted in increased revenue, income from operations and income from operations margin in 2024 when compared to the prior year. During 2024, the Company allocated $3,231 million of available cash to capital expenditures. We also allocated $1,472 million of available cash to our shareholders during 2024 through dividends and common stock repurchases. 50 50 Table of ContentsKey elements of our 2024 financial results include:●Revenues of $22,063 million for 2024 compared with $20,426 million in 2023, an increase of $1,637 million, or 8.0%. The increase is primarily attributable to (i) higher yield in our Collection and Disposal businesses; (ii) acquisitions, net of divestitures; (iii) increases in commodity prices in our Recycling and Sales and WM Renewable Energy segments and (iv) increased volumes. These increases were partially offset by a decrease in revenue from our energy surcharge program as a result of a decline in the price of fuel, particularly diesel;●Operating expenses of $13,383 million in 2024, or 60.7% of revenues, compared with $12,606 million, or 61.7% of revenues, in 2023. As a percentage of revenue, operating expenses improved significantly compared to the prior year as revenue growth from price, efficiency gains, improved employee retention and momentum in truck deliveries offset the impacts of inflationary increases in wages and other expenses. The increase in total operating expenses from prior year related primarily to (i) acquisitions; (ii) inflationary pressure on wages and expenses; (iii) higher recycling customer rebates resulting from an approximate 50% increase in single-stream recycling commodity prices; (iv) volume growth within our WMSBS business which relies more extensively on subcontracted hauling and services than our Collection and Disposal businesses; (v) increases in landfill operating costs, particularly for higher leachate costs due to wet weather and (vi) higher risk management spend, due in part, to increases in certain large loss claims reserves. These increases were partially offset by lower diesel fuel prices and an increase in gains on the sale of non-strategic assets in 2024 as compared with the prior year;●Selling, general and administrative expenses of $2,264 million in 2024, or 10.3% of revenues, compared with $1,926 million, or 9.4% of revenues, in 2023. The $338 million increase was primarily due to (i) costs incurred in connection with the acquisition and integration of Stericycle of which a significant portion were transaction and integration costs that are not expected to recur; (ii) increased labor costs from higher annual and long-term incentive compensation costs and annual wage increases and (iii) increased professional fees to support strategic initiatives. Partially offsetting these increases was a decline in litigation costs;●Income from operations of $4,063 million, or 18.4% of revenues, in 2024 compared with $3,575 million, or 17.5% of revenues, in 2023. The increase in the current year earnings was primarily driven by (i) revenue growth and improved performance within our Collection and Disposal businesses; (ii) impairments incurred in 2023 and (iii) higher RIN quantities generated and sold at higher market values in the current year;●Net income attributable to Waste Management, Inc. was $2,746 million, or $6.81 per diluted share, compared with $2,304 million, or $5.66 per diluted share, in 2023. The $442 million increase is due to an increase in income from operations discussed above, as well as lower income tax expense driven by benefits generated from our low-income housing investments and federal tax credits realized from our RNG investments. These increases were partially offset by higher interest expense;●Net cash provided by operating activities was $5,390 million in 2024, compared with $4,719 million in 2023. The $671 million increase in net cash provided by operating activities was primarily driven by (i) higher earnings in our Collection and Disposal businesses; (ii) favorable changes in working capital, net of effects of acquisitions and divestitures and (iii) lower annual incentive compensation payments. This increase was partially offset by higher cash interest payments and income tax payments; and●Free cash flow was $2,317 million in 2024, compared with $1,902 million in 2023. The $415 million increase in free cash flow was primarily due to the increases in operating cash described above and increase in proceeds from the divestiture of non-strategic assets and businesses. These increases were partially offset by an increase in capital spending, which was driven by our planned and ongoing investments in our Recycling Processing and Sales and WM Renewable Energy segments and higher capital asset purchases in the current year to support our Collection and Disposal businesses. Free cash flow is a non-GAAP measure of liquidity. Refer to Free Cash Flow below for our definition of free cash flow, additional information about our use of this measure, and a reconciliation to net cash provided by operating activities, which is the most comparable GAAP measure.51 Table of Contents Table of Contents Table of Contents Key elements of our 2024 financial results include:●Revenues of $22,063 million for 2024 compared with $20,426 million in 2023, an increase of $1,637 million, or 8.0%. The increase is primarily attributable to (i) higher yield in our Collection and Disposal businesses; (ii) acquisitions, net of divestitures; (iii) increases in commodity prices in our Recycling and Sales and WM Renewable Energy segments and (iv) increased volumes. These increases were partially offset by a decrease in revenue from our energy surcharge program as a result of a decline in the price of fuel, particularly diesel;●Operating expenses of $13,383 million in 2024, or 60.7% of revenues, compared with $12,606 million, or 61.7% of revenues, in 2023. As a percentage of revenue, operating expenses improved significantly compared to the prior year as revenue growth from price, efficiency gains, improved employee retention and momentum in truck deliveries offset the impacts of inflationary increases in wages and other expenses. The increase in total operating expenses from prior year related primarily to (i) acquisitions; (ii) inflationary pressure on wages and expenses; (iii) higher recycling customer rebates resulting from an approximate 50% increase in single-stream recycling commodity prices; (iv) volume growth within our WMSBS business which relies more extensively on subcontracted hauling and services than our Collection and Disposal businesses; (v) increases in landfill operating costs, particularly for higher leachate costs due to wet weather and (vi) higher risk management spend, due in part, to increases in certain large loss claims reserves. These increases were partially offset by lower diesel fuel prices and an increase in gains on the sale of non-strategic assets in 2024 as compared with the prior year;●Selling, general and administrative expenses of $2,264 million in 2024, or 10.3% of revenues, compared with $1,926 million, or 9.4% of revenues, in 2023. The $338 million increase was primarily due to (i) costs incurred in connection with the acquisition and integration of Stericycle of which a significant portion were transaction and integration costs that are not expected to recur; (ii) increased labor costs from higher annual and long-term incentive compensation costs and annual wage increases and (iii) increased professional fees to support strategic initiatives. Partially offsetting these increases was a decline in litigation costs;●Income from operations of $4,063 million, or 18.4% of revenues, in 2024 compared with $3,575 million, or 17.5% of revenues, in 2023. The increase in the current year earnings was primarily driven by (i) revenue growth and improved performance within our Collection and Disposal businesses; (ii) impairments incurred in 2023 and (iii) higher RIN quantities generated and sold at higher market values in the current year;●Net income attributable to Waste Management, Inc. was $2,746 million, or $6.81 per diluted share, compared with $2,304 million, or $5.66 per diluted share, in 2023. The $442 million increase is due to an increase in income from operations discussed above, as well as lower income tax expense driven by benefits generated from our low-income housing investments and federal tax credits realized from our RNG investments. These increases were partially offset by higher interest expense;●Net cash provided by operating activities was $5,390 million in 2024, compared with $4,719 million in 2023. The $671 million increase in net cash provided by operating activities was primarily driven by (i) higher earnings in our Collection and Disposal businesses; (ii) favorable changes in working capital, net of effects of acquisitions and divestitures and (iii) lower annual incentive compensation payments. This increase was partially offset by higher cash interest payments and income tax payments; and●Free cash flow was $2,317 million in 2024, compared with $1,902 million in 2023. The $415 million increase in free cash flow was primarily due to the increases in operating cash described above and increase in proceeds from the divestiture of non-strategic assets and businesses. These increases were partially offset by an increase in capital spending, which was driven by our planned and ongoing investments in our Recycling Processing and Sales and WM Renewable Energy segments and higher capital asset purchases in the current year to support our Collection and Disposal businesses. Free cash flow is a non-GAAP measure of liquidity. Refer to Free Cash Flow below for our definition of free cash flow, additional information about our use of this measure, and a reconciliation to net cash provided by operating activities, which is the most comparable GAAP measure. Key elements of our 2024 financial results include:●Revenues of $22,063 million for 2024 compared with $20,426 million in 2023, an increase of $1,637 million, or 8.0%. The increase is primarily attributable to (i) higher yield in our Collection and Disposal businesses; (ii) acquisitions, net of divestitures; (iii) increases in commodity prices in our Recycling and Sales and WM Renewable Energy segments and (iv) increased volumes. These increases were partially offset by a decrease in revenue from our energy surcharge program as a result of a decline in the price of fuel, particularly diesel;●Operating expenses of $13,383 million in 2024, or 60.7% of revenues, compared with $12,606 million, or 61.7% of revenues, in 2023. As a percentage of revenue, operating expenses improved significantly compared to the prior year as revenue growth from price, efficiency gains, improved employee retention and momentum in truck deliveries offset the impacts of inflationary increases in wages and other expenses. The increase in total operating expenses from prior year related primarily to (i) acquisitions; (ii) inflationary pressure on wages and expenses; (iii) higher recycling customer rebates resulting from an approximate 50% increase in single-stream recycling commodity prices; (iv) volume growth within our WMSBS business which relies more extensively on subcontracted hauling and services than our Collection and Disposal businesses; (v) increases in landfill operating costs, particularly for higher leachate costs due to wet weather and (vi) higher risk management spend, due in part, to increases in certain large loss claims reserves. These increases were partially offset by lower diesel fuel prices and an increase in gains on the sale of non-strategic assets in 2024 as compared with the prior year;●Selling, general and administrative expenses of $2,264 million in 2024, or 10.3% of revenues, compared with $1,926 million, or 9.4% of revenues, in 2023. The $338 million increase was primarily due to (i) costs incurred in connection with the acquisition and integration of Stericycle of which a significant portion were transaction and integration costs that are not expected to recur; (ii) increased labor costs from higher annual and long-term incentive compensation costs and annual wage increases and (iii) increased professional fees to support strategic initiatives. Partially offsetting these increases was a decline in litigation costs;●Income from operations of $4,063 million, or 18.4% of revenues, in 2024 compared with $3,575 million, or 17.5% of revenues, in 2023. The increase in the current year earnings was primarily driven by (i) revenue growth and improved performance within our Collection and Disposal businesses; (ii) impairments incurred in 2023 and (iii) higher RIN quantities generated and sold at higher market values in the current year;●Net income attributable to Waste Management, Inc. was $2,746 million, or $6.81 per diluted share, compared with $2,304 million, or $5.66 per diluted share, in 2023. The $442 million increase is due to an increase in income from operations discussed above, as well as lower income tax expense driven by benefits generated from our low-income housing investments and federal tax credits realized from our RNG investments. These increases were partially offset by higher interest expense;●Net cash provided by operating activities was $5,390 million in 2024, compared with $4,719 million in 2023. The $671 million increase in net cash provided by operating activities was primarily driven by (i) higher earnings in our Collection and Disposal businesses; (ii) favorable changes in working capital, net of effects of acquisitions and divestitures and (iii) lower annual incentive compensation payments. This increase was partially offset by higher cash interest payments and income tax payments; and●Free cash flow was $2,317 million in 2024, compared with $1,902 million in 2023. The $415 million increase in free cash flow was primarily due to the increases in operating cash described above and increase in proceeds from the divestiture of non-strategic assets and businesses. These increases were partially offset by an increase in capital spending, which was driven by our planned and ongoing investments in our Recycling Processing and Sales and WM Renewable Energy segments and higher capital asset purchases in the current year to support our Collection and Disposal businesses. Free cash flow is a non-GAAP measure of liquidity. Refer to Free Cash Flow below for our definition of free cash flow, additional information about our use of this measure, and a reconciliation to net cash provided by operating activities, which is the most comparable GAAP measure. Key elements of our 2024 financial results include: 51 51 Table of ContentsResults of OperationsOperating RevenuesThe mix of operating revenues for the years ended December 31 are as follows (in millions):​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Net​Intercompany​Gross​ Operating​Operating​Operating​​Revenues Revenues(a)(b) Revenues(b)Year Ended December 31:​​​​​​​​​2024 ​​​​​​​​Commercial $ 5,371​$ 798​$ 6,169Industrial​ 3,089​​ 794​ 3,883Residential​​ 3,466​​ 89​​ 3,555Other collection​ 2,964​ 230​ 3,194Total collection​ 14,890​ 1,911​ 16,801Landfill ​​ 3,445​​ 1,513​​ 4,958Transfer​​ 1,381​​ 1,067​​ 2,448Total Collection and Disposal​ 19,716​ 4,491​ 24,207Recycling Processing and Sales ​ 1,603​ 287​ 1,890WM Renewable Energy​ 318​ 3​ 321WM Healthcare Solutions​​ 403​​ 10​​ 413Corporate and Other​​ 23​​ 25​​ 48Total​$ 22,063​$ 4,816​$ 26,879​​​​​​​​​​2023​​​​​​​​​Commercial $ 5,109​$ 692​$ 5,801Industrial​ 3,083​​ 753​ 3,836Residential​​ 3,378​​ 96​​ 3,474Other collection​ 2,786​ 220​ 3,006Total collection​ 14,356​ 1,761​ 16,117Landfill ​​ 3,252​​ 1,479​​ 4,731Transfer​​ 1,257​​ 1,036​​ 2,293Total Collection and Disposal​ 18,865​ 4,276​ 23,141Recycling Processing and Sales ​ 1,264​ 312​ 1,576WM Renewable Energy​ 273​ 3​ 276Corporate and Other ​​ 24​​ 22​​ 46Total​$ 20,426​$ 4,613​$ 25,039​​​​​​​​​​2022​​​​​​​​​Commercial $ 4,860​$ 590​$ 5,450Industrial​ 3,025​​ 656​ 3,681Residential​​ 3,264​​ 75​​ 3,339Other collection​ 2,466​ 217​ 2,683Total collection​ 13,615​ 1,538​ 15,153Landfill ​​ 3,062​​ 1,454​​ 4,516Transfer​​ 1,166​​ 977​​ 2,143Total Collection and Disposal ​ 17,843​ 3,969​ 21,812Recycling Processing and Sales ​ 1,516​ 244​ 1,760WM Renewable Energy​ 312​ 3​ 315Corporate and Other ​​ 27​​ 22​​ 49Total​$ 19,698​$ 4,238​$ 23,93652 Table of Contents Table of Contents Table of Contents Results of OperationsOperating RevenuesThe mix of operating revenues for the years ended December 31 are as follows (in millions):​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Net​Intercompany​Gross​ Operating​Operating​Operating​​Revenues Revenues(a)(b) Revenues(b)Year Ended December 31:​​​​​​​​​2024 ​​​​​​​​Commercial $ 5,371​$ 798​$ 6,169Industrial​ 3,089​​ 794​ 3,883Residential​​ 3,466​​ 89​​ 3,555Other collection​ 2,964​ 230​ 3,194Total collection​ 14,890​ 1,911​ 16,801Landfill ​​ 3,445​​ 1,513​​ 4,958Transfer​​ 1,381​​ 1,067​​ 2,448Total Collection and Disposal​ 19,716​ 4,491​ 24,207Recycling Processing and Sales ​ 1,603​ 287​ 1,890WM Renewable Energy​ 318​ 3​ 321WM Healthcare Solutions​​ 403​​ 10​​ 413Corporate and Other​​ 23​​ 25​​ 48Total​$ 22,063​$ 4,816​$ 26,879​​​​​​​​​​2023​​​​​​​​​Commercial $ 5,109​$ 692​$ 5,801Industrial​ 3,083​​ 753​ 3,836Residential​​ 3,378​​ 96​​ 3,474Other collection​ 2,786​ 220​ 3,006Total collection​ 14,356​ 1,761​ 16,117Landfill ​​ 3,252​​ 1,479​​ 4,731Transfer​​ 1,257​​ 1,036​​ 2,293Total Collection and Disposal​ 18,865​ 4,276​ 23,141Recycling Processing and Sales ​ 1,264​ 312​ 1,576WM Renewable Energy​ 273​ 3​ 276Corporate and Other ​​ 24​​ 22​​ 46Total​$ 20,426​$ 4,613​$ 25,039​​​​​​​​​​2022​​​​​​​​​Commercial $ 4,860​$ 590​$ 5,450Industrial​ 3,025​​ 656​ 3,681Residential​​ 3,264​​ 75​​ 3,339Other collection​ 2,466​ 217​ 2,683Total collection​ 13,615​ 1,538​ 15,153Landfill ​​ 3,062​​ 1,454​​ 4,516Transfer​​ 1,166​​ 977​​ 2,143Total Collection and Disposal ​ 17,843​ 3,969​ 21,812Recycling Processing and Sales ​ 1,516​ 244​ 1,760WM Renewable Energy​ 312​ 3​ 315Corporate and Other ​​ 27​​ 22​​ 49Total​$ 19,698​$ 4,238​$ 23,936 Results of OperationsOperating RevenuesThe mix of operating revenues for the years ended December 31 are as follows (in millions):​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Net​Intercompany​Gross​ Operating​Operating​Operating​​Revenues Revenues(a)(b) Revenues(b)Year Ended December 31:​​​​​​​​​2024 ​​​​​​​​Commercial $ 5,371​$ 798​$ 6,169Industrial​ 3,089​​ 794​ 3,883Residential​​ 3,466​​ 89​​ 3,555Other collection​ 2,964​ 230​ 3,194Total collection​ 14,890​ 1,911​ 16,801Landfill ​​ 3,445​​ 1,513​​ 4,958Transfer​​ 1,381​​ 1,067​​ 2,448Total Collection and Disposal​ 19,716​ 4,491​ 24,207Recycling Processing and Sales ​ 1,603​ 287​ 1,890WM Renewable Energy​ 318​ 3​ 321WM Healthcare Solutions​​ 403​​ 10​​ 413Corporate and Other​​ 23​​ 25​​ 48Total​$ 22,063​$ 4,816​$ 26,879​​​​​​​​​​2023​​​​​​​​​Commercial $ 5,109​$ 692​$ 5,801Industrial​ 3,083​​ 753​ 3,836Residential​​ 3,378​​ 96​​ 3,474Other collection​ 2,786​ 220​ 3,006Total collection​ 14,356​ 1,761​ 16,117Landfill ​​ 3,252​​ 1,479​​ 4,731Transfer​​ 1,257​​ 1,036​​ 2,293Total Collection and Disposal​ 18,865​ 4,276​ 23,141Recycling Processing and Sales ​ 1,264​ 312​ 1,576WM Renewable Energy​ 273​ 3​ 276Corporate and Other ​​ 24​​ 22​​ 46Total​$ 20,426​$ 4,613​$ 25,039​​​​​​​​​​2022​​​​​​​​​Commercial $ 4,860​$ 590​$ 5,450Industrial​ 3,025​​ 656​ 3,681Residential​​ 3,264​​ 75​​ 3,339Other collection​ 2,466​ 217​ 2,683Total collection​ 13,615​ 1,538​ 15,153Landfill ​​ 3,062​​ 1,454​​ 4,516Transfer​​ 1,166​​ 977​​ 2,143Total Collection and Disposal ​ 17,843​ 3,969​ 21,812Recycling Processing and Sales ​ 1,516​ 244​ 1,760WM Renewable Energy​ 312​ 3​ 315Corporate and Other ​​ 27​​ 22​​ 49Total​$ 19,698​$ 4,238​$ 23,936",
      "prior_body": "During 2023, we continued to focus on our priorities to advance our strategy—enhancing employee engagement, permanently reducing our cost to serve through the use of technology and automation, and investing in growth through our Recycling Processing and Sales and WM Renewable Energy segments. This strategic focus, combined with strong operational execution, resulted in increased revenue, income from operations and income from operations margin. We remain diligent in offering a competitive and differentiated service that meets the needs of our customers, and we are focused on driving operating efficiencies and reducing discretionary spend. We continue to invest in our people through paying a competitive market wage, investments in our digital platform and training for our team members. We also continue to make investments in automation and optimization to enhance our operational efficiency and improve labor productivity for all lines of business. During 2023, the Company allocated $2,895 million of available cash to capital expenditures. We also allocated $2,438 million of available cash to our shareholders during 2023 through dividends and common stock repurchases. Key elements of our 2023 financial results include: 42 42 Table of Contents●Net cash provided by operating activities was $4,719 million in 2023, compared with $4,536 million in 2022. The increase in net cash provided by operating activities was driven by higher earnings attributable to our Collection and Disposal businesses and lower income tax payments. This increase was partially offset by (i) unfavorable changes in working capital, net of effects of acquisitions and divestitures; (ii) higher interest payments and (iii) higher incentive compensation payments during 2023; and●Free cash flow was $1,902 million in 2023, compared with $1,976 million in 2022. The decrease in free cash flow is primarily attributable to the increase in capital spending, primarily driven by our planned and ongoing investments in our Recycling Processing and Sales and WM Renewable Energy segments and higher capital asset purchases in the current year to support our Collection and Disposal businesses. The decrease was partially offset by the increase in net cash provided by operating activities discussed above and higher proceeds from divestitures of businesses and other assets. Free cash flow is a non-GAAP measure of liquidity. Refer to Free Cash Flow below for our definition of free cash flow, additional information about our use of this measure, and a reconciliation to net cash provided by operating activities, which is the most comparable GAAP measure.43 Table of Contents Table of Contents Table of Contents ●Net cash provided by operating activities was $4,719 million in 2023, compared with $4,536 million in 2022. The increase in net cash provided by operating activities was driven by higher earnings attributable to our Collection and Disposal businesses and lower income tax payments. This increase was partially offset by (i) unfavorable changes in working capital, net of effects of acquisitions and divestitures; (ii) higher interest payments and (iii) higher incentive compensation payments during 2023; and●Free cash flow was $1,902 million in 2023, compared with $1,976 million in 2022. The decrease in free cash flow is primarily attributable to the increase in capital spending, primarily driven by our planned and ongoing investments in our Recycling Processing and Sales and WM Renewable Energy segments and higher capital asset purchases in the current year to support our Collection and Disposal businesses. The decrease was partially offset by the increase in net cash provided by operating activities discussed above and higher proceeds from divestitures of businesses and other assets. Free cash flow is a non-GAAP measure of liquidity. Refer to Free Cash Flow below for our definition of free cash flow, additional information about our use of this measure, and a reconciliation to net cash provided by operating activities, which is the most comparable GAAP measure. 43 43 Table of ContentsResults of OperationsOperating RevenuesThe mix of operating revenues for the year ended December 31 are as follows (in millions):​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Gross​Intercompany​Net​ Operating​Operating​Operating​​Revenues Revenues(a) RevenuesYear Ended December 31:​​​​​​​​​2023 ​​​​​​​​Commercial $ 5,801​$ (692)​$ 5,109Industrial​ 3,836​​ (753)​ 3,083Residential​​ 3,474​​ (96)​​ 3,378Other collection​ 3,006​ (220)​ 2,786Total collection​ 16,117​ (1,761)​ 14,356Landfill ​​ 4,863​​ (1,611)​​ 3,252Transfer​​ 2,293​​ (1,036)​​ 1,257Total Collection and Disposal​ 23,273​ (4,408)​ 18,865Recycling Processing and Sales ​ 1,576​ (312)​ 1,264WM Renewable Energy​ 276​ (3)​ 273Corporate and Other​​ 51​​ (27)​​ 24Total​$ 25,176​$ (4,750)​$ 20,426​​​​​​​​​​2022​​​​​​​​​Commercial $ 5,450​$ (590)​$ 4,860Industrial​ 3,681​​ (656)​ 3,025Residential​​ 3,339​​ (75)​​ 3,264Other collection​ 2,683​ (217)​ 2,466Total collection​ 15,153​ (1,538)​ 13,615Landfill ​​ 4,597​​ (1,535)​​ 3,062Transfer​​ 2,143​​ (977)​​ 1,166Total Collection and Disposal​ 21,893​ (4,050)​ 17,843Recycling Processing and Sales ​ 1,760​ (244)​ 1,516WM Renewable Energy​ 315​ (3)​ 312Corporate and Other ​​ 50​​ (23)​​ 27Total​$ 24,018​$ (4,320)​$ 19,698​​​​​​​​​​2021​​​​​​​​​Commercial $ 4,759​$ (476)​$ 4,283Industrial​ 3,210​​ (524)​ 2,686Residential​​ 3,181​​ (36)​​ 3,145Other collection​ 2,309​ (179)​ 2,130Total collection​ 13,459​ (1,215)​ 12,244Landfill ​​ 4,184​​ (1,434)​​ 2,750Transfer​​ 2,023​​ (918)​​ 1,105Total Collection and Disposal ​ 19,666​ (3,567)​ 16,099Recycling Processing and Sales ​ 1,760​ (232)​ 1,528WM Renewable Energy​ 220​ 56​ 276Corporate and Other ​​ 47​​ (19)​​ 28Total​$ 21,693​$ (3,762)​$ 17,931(a)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.44 Table of Contents Table of Contents Table of Contents Results of OperationsOperating RevenuesThe mix of operating revenues for the year ended December 31 are as follows (in millions):​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Gross​Intercompany​Net​ Operating​Operating​Operating​​Revenues Revenues(a) RevenuesYear Ended December 31:​​​​​​​​​2023 ​​​​​​​​Commercial $ 5,801​$ (692)​$ 5,109Industrial​ 3,836​​ (753)​ 3,083Residential​​ 3,474​​ (96)​​ 3,378Other collection​ 3,006​ (220)​ 2,786Total collection​ 16,117​ (1,761)​ 14,356Landfill ​​ 4,863​​ (1,611)​​ 3,252Transfer​​ 2,293​​ (1,036)​​ 1,257Total Collection and Disposal​ 23,273​ (4,408)​ 18,865Recycling Processing and Sales ​ 1,576​ (312)​ 1,264WM Renewable Energy​ 276​ (3)​ 273Corporate and Other​​ 51​​ (27)​​ 24Total​$ 25,176​$ (4,750)​$ 20,426​​​​​​​​​​2022​​​​​​​​​Commercial $ 5,450​$ (590)​$ 4,860Industrial​ 3,681​​ (656)​ 3,025Residential​​ 3,339​​ (75)​​ 3,264Other collection​ 2,683​ (217)​ 2,466Total collection​ 15,153​ (1,538)​ 13,615Landfill ​​ 4,597​​ (1,535)​​ 3,062Transfer​​ 2,143​​ (977)​​ 1,166Total Collection and Disposal​ 21,893​ (4,050)​ 17,843Recycling Processing and Sales ​ 1,760​ (244)​ 1,516WM Renewable Energy​ 315​ (3)​ 312Corporate and Other ​​ 50​​ (23)​​ 27Total​$ 24,018​$ (4,320)​$ 19,698​​​​​​​​​​2021​​​​​​​​​Commercial $ 4,759​$ (476)​$ 4,283Industrial​ 3,210​​ (524)​ 2,686Residential​​ 3,181​​ (36)​​ 3,145Other collection​ 2,309​ (179)​ 2,130Total collection​ 13,459​ (1,215)​ 12,244Landfill ​​ 4,184​​ (1,434)​​ 2,750Transfer​​ 2,023​​ (918)​​ 1,105Total Collection and Disposal ​ 19,666​ (3,567)​ 16,099Recycling Processing and Sales ​ 1,760​ (232)​ 1,528WM Renewable Energy​ 220​ 56​ 276Corporate and Other ​​ 47​​ (19)​​ 28Total​$ 21,693​$ (3,762)​$ 17,931(a)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."
    },
    {
      "status": "MODIFIED",
      "current_title": "Weakness in the economy may expose us to credit risk of governmental entities and municipalities and other major customers, which could negatively impact our financial results.",
      "prior_title": "If we are not able to develop new service offerings and protect intellectual property or if a competitor develops or obtains exclusive rights to a breakthrough technology, our financial results may suffer.",
      "similarity_score": 0.458,
      "confidence": "low",
      "key_changes": [
        "Reworded sentence: \"We provide service to a number of governmental entities, municipalities, and large national accounts.\"",
        "Reworded sentence: \"We may experience difficulties or delays in the research, development, production and/or marketing of new products and services or implementation of technologies in which we have invested or acquired, which may 35 Table of Contents Table of Contents Table of Contents term interest rate periods that expire within the next 12 months, which is prior to their scheduled maturities.\""
      ],
      "current_body": "We provide service to a number of governmental entities, municipalities, and large national accounts. During periods of economic weakness, governmental entities and municipalities can suffer significant financial difficulties, due in part to reduced tax revenue and/or high-cost structures. During these periods, such entities, and our non-governmental customers, could be unable to pay amounts owed to us or renew contracts with us at previous or increased rates. Purchasers of our recycling commodities can be particularly vulnerable to financial difficulties in times of commodity price volatility. The inability of our customers to pay us in a timely manner or to pay increased rates, particularly large national accounts, could negatively affect our operating results. In addition, the financial difficulties of municipalities could result in a decline in investors’ demand for municipal bonds and a correlating increase in interest rates. As of December 31, 2024, we had $1.4 billion of tax-exempt bonds with 34 34 Table of Contentsterm interest rate periods that expire within the next 12 months, which is prior to their scheduled maturities. If market dynamics resulted in repricing of our tax-exempt bonds at significantly higher interest rates, we would incur increased interest expenses that may negatively affect our operating results and cash flows.Changes to applicable tax laws and regulation or interpretation thereof or the imposition of new or increased taxes may increase our tax liabilities and could adversely affect our operating results and cash flows.We are subject to various complex and evolving U.S. federal, state, local and non-U.S. tax laws. Existing tax laws, policies, statutes, rules, regulations or ordinances, including those related to any non-U.S. tax jurisdictions in which we operate, could be interpreted, changed, modified or applied adversely to us, in each case, possibly with retroactive effect. Any significant variance in our interpretation of current tax laws or a successful challenge of one or more of our tax positions by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service or other tax authorities could increase our future tax liabilities and adversely affect our operating results and cash flows.Shortages in diesel fuel supply or increases in diesel fuel prices will increase our operating expenses.The price and supply of diesel fuel can fluctuate significantly based on international, political and economic circumstances, as well as other factors outside our control, such as actions by oil and gas producers, regional production patterns, weather conditions and environmental concerns. We need diesel fuel to run a notable portion of our collection and transfer trucks and our equipment used in our landfill operations. We also recently acquired Stericycle’s fleet, including a substantial number of diesel vehicles. Fuel supply shortages and price increases could substantially increase our operating expenses. Regardless of any offsetting surcharge programs, increased operating costs due to higher diesel fuel prices will decrease our income from operations margins.Large-scale disruption of social and commercial activity and financial markets may have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.Major external events, including pandemic conditions that result in large-scale disruption of social and commercial activity, such as business closures and social restrictions, could adversely impact our volumes, costs and operational execution. While pandemic conditions can increase demand for medical waste and controlled substances waste collection, treatment and disposal or destruction, protective actions such as travel restrictions, quarantines, or facility closures may interfere with our ability to provide services. If such conditions were to be severe, resulting in a broad-based economic slow-down, it may have a material adverse impact on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows and hinder our ability to grow our business and execute our business strategy. Technology and Information Security RisksDevelopments in technology could trigger a fundamental change in our industry, as waste streams are increasingly viewed as a resource, which may adversely impact volumes at our landfills and our profitability.Our industry has recognized the value of the traditional waste stream as a potential resource. Research and development activities are ongoing to provide disposal alternatives that maximize the value of waste, including using waste as a source for renewable energy and other valuable by-products. We and many other companies are investing in and/or developing these new technologies. It is possible that such investments and technological advancements may reduce the cost of waste disposal or the value of landfill gas recovery to a level below our costs and may reduce the demand for landfill space. As a result, our revenues and margins could be adversely affected due to advancements in disposal alternatives.If we are not able to develop new service offerings and protect intellectual property or if a competitor develops or obtains exclusive rights to a breakthrough technology, our financial results may suffer.Our existing and proposed service offerings to customers require that we invest in, develop, license, and protect new technologies. Our Company is increasingly focusing on new technologies that automate and innovate our operations, improve the customer experience, provide alternatives to traditional disposal and maximize the resource value of waste. We are continuing our multi-year commitment to strategic investments in technology that prioritize the reduction of labor dependency for certain high-turnover jobs, further digitalize our customer self-service and implement technologies to further enhance the safety, reliability and efficiency of our operations. Research, development and implementation of enhanced technology often requires significant spending that may divert capital investment away from our traditional business operations. We may experience difficulties or delays in the research, development, production and/or marketing of new products and services or implementation of technologies in which we have invested or acquired, which may 35 Table of Contents Table of Contents Table of Contents term interest rate periods that expire within the next 12 months, which is prior to their scheduled maturities. If market dynamics resulted in repricing of our tax-exempt bonds at significantly higher interest rates, we would incur increased interest expenses that may negatively affect our operating results and cash flows.Changes to applicable tax laws and regulation or interpretation thereof or the imposition of new or increased taxes may increase our tax liabilities and could adversely affect our operating results and cash flows.We are subject to various complex and evolving U.S. federal, state, local and non-U.S. tax laws. Existing tax laws, policies, statutes, rules, regulations or ordinances, including those related to any non-U.S. tax jurisdictions in which we operate, could be interpreted, changed, modified or applied adversely to us, in each case, possibly with retroactive effect. Any significant variance in our interpretation of current tax laws or a successful challenge of one or more of our tax positions by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service or other tax authorities could increase our future tax liabilities and adversely affect our operating results and cash flows.Shortages in diesel fuel supply or increases in diesel fuel prices will increase our operating expenses.The price and supply of diesel fuel can fluctuate significantly based on international, political and economic circumstances, as well as other factors outside our control, such as actions by oil and gas producers, regional production patterns, weather conditions and environmental concerns. We need diesel fuel to run a notable portion of our collection and transfer trucks and our equipment used in our landfill operations. We also recently acquired Stericycle’s fleet, including a substantial number of diesel vehicles. Fuel supply shortages and price increases could substantially increase our operating expenses. Regardless of any offsetting surcharge programs, increased operating costs due to higher diesel fuel prices will decrease our income from operations margins.Large-scale disruption of social and commercial activity and financial markets may have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.Major external events, including pandemic conditions that result in large-scale disruption of social and commercial activity, such as business closures and social restrictions, could adversely impact our volumes, costs and operational execution. While pandemic conditions can increase demand for medical waste and controlled substances waste collection, treatment and disposal or destruction, protective actions such as travel restrictions, quarantines, or facility closures may interfere with our ability to provide services. If such conditions were to be severe, resulting in a broad-based economic slow-down, it may have a material adverse impact on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows and hinder our ability to grow our business and execute our business strategy. Technology and Information Security RisksDevelopments in technology could trigger a fundamental change in our industry, as waste streams are increasingly viewed as a resource, which may adversely impact volumes at our landfills and our profitability.Our industry has recognized the value of the traditional waste stream as a potential resource. Research and development activities are ongoing to provide disposal alternatives that maximize the value of waste, including using waste as a source for renewable energy and other valuable by-products. We and many other companies are investing in and/or developing these new technologies. It is possible that such investments and technological advancements may reduce the cost of waste disposal or the value of landfill gas recovery to a level below our costs and may reduce the demand for landfill space. As a result, our revenues and margins could be adversely affected due to advancements in disposal alternatives.If we are not able to develop new service offerings and protect intellectual property or if a competitor develops or obtains exclusive rights to a breakthrough technology, our financial results may suffer.Our existing and proposed service offerings to customers require that we invest in, develop, license, and protect new technologies. Our Company is increasingly focusing on new technologies that automate and innovate our operations, improve the customer experience, provide alternatives to traditional disposal and maximize the resource value of waste. We are continuing our multi-year commitment to strategic investments in technology that prioritize the reduction of labor dependency for certain high-turnover jobs, further digitalize our customer self-service and implement technologies to further enhance the safety, reliability and efficiency of our operations. Research, development and implementation of enhanced technology often requires significant spending that may divert capital investment away from our traditional business operations. We may experience difficulties or delays in the research, development, production and/or marketing of new products and services or implementation of technologies in which we have invested or acquired, which may term interest rate periods that expire within the next 12 months, which is prior to their scheduled maturities. If market dynamics resulted in repricing of our tax-exempt bonds at significantly higher interest rates, we would incur increased interest expenses that may negatively affect our operating results and cash flows.Changes to applicable tax laws and regulation or interpretation thereof or the imposition of new or increased taxes may increase our tax liabilities and could adversely affect our operating results and cash flows.We are subject to various complex and evolving U.S. federal, state, local and non-U.S. tax laws. Existing tax laws, policies, statutes, rules, regulations or ordinances, including those related to any non-U.S. tax jurisdictions in which we operate, could be interpreted, changed, modified or applied adversely to us, in each case, possibly with retroactive effect. Any significant variance in our interpretation of current tax laws or a successful challenge of one or more of our tax positions by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service or other tax authorities could increase our future tax liabilities and adversely affect our operating results and cash flows.Shortages in diesel fuel supply or increases in diesel fuel prices will increase our operating expenses.The price and supply of diesel fuel can fluctuate significantly based on international, political and economic circumstances, as well as other factors outside our control, such as actions by oil and gas producers, regional production patterns, weather conditions and environmental concerns. We need diesel fuel to run a notable portion of our collection and transfer trucks and our equipment used in our landfill operations. We also recently acquired Stericycle’s fleet, including a substantial number of diesel vehicles. Fuel supply shortages and price increases could substantially increase our operating expenses. Regardless of any offsetting surcharge programs, increased operating costs due to higher diesel fuel prices will decrease our income from operations margins.Large-scale disruption of social and commercial activity and financial markets may have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.Major external events, including pandemic conditions that result in large-scale disruption of social and commercial activity, such as business closures and social restrictions, could adversely impact our volumes, costs and operational execution. While pandemic conditions can increase demand for medical waste and controlled substances waste collection, treatment and disposal or destruction, protective actions such as travel restrictions, quarantines, or facility closures may interfere with our ability to provide services. If such conditions were to be severe, resulting in a broad-based economic slow-down, it may have a material adverse impact on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows and hinder our ability to grow our business and execute our business strategy. Technology and Information Security RisksDevelopments in technology could trigger a fundamental change in our industry, as waste streams are increasingly viewed as a resource, which may adversely impact volumes at our landfills and our profitability.Our industry has recognized the value of the traditional waste stream as a potential resource. Research and development activities are ongoing to provide disposal alternatives that maximize the value of waste, including using waste as a source for renewable energy and other valuable by-products. We and many other companies are investing in and/or developing these new technologies. It is possible that such investments and technological advancements may reduce the cost of waste disposal or the value of landfill gas recovery to a level below our costs and may reduce the demand for landfill space. As a result, our revenues and margins could be adversely affected due to advancements in disposal alternatives.If we are not able to develop new service offerings and protect intellectual property or if a competitor develops or obtains exclusive rights to a breakthrough technology, our financial results may suffer.Our existing and proposed service offerings to customers require that we invest in, develop, license, and protect new technologies. Our Company is increasingly focusing on new technologies that automate and innovate our operations, improve the customer experience, provide alternatives to traditional disposal and maximize the resource value of waste. We are continuing our multi-year commitment to strategic investments in technology that prioritize the reduction of labor dependency for certain high-turnover jobs, further digitalize our customer self-service and implement technologies to further enhance the safety, reliability and efficiency of our operations. Research, development and implementation of enhanced technology often requires significant spending that may divert capital investment away from our traditional business operations. We may experience difficulties or delays in the research, development, production and/or marketing of new products and services or implementation of technologies in which we have invested or acquired, which may term interest rate periods that expire within the next 12 months, which is prior to their scheduled maturities. If market dynamics resulted in repricing of our tax-exempt bonds at significantly higher interest rates, we would incur increased interest expenses that may negatively affect our operating results and cash flows.",
      "prior_body": "Our existing and proposed service offerings to customers require that we invest in, develop or license, and protect new technologies. Our Company is increasingly focusing on new technologies that automate and innovate our operations, improve the customer experience and provide alternatives to traditional disposal and maximize the resource value of waste. We are continuing our multi-year commitment to strategic investments in technology that prioritize reduction of labor dependency for certain high-turnover jobs, further digitalize our customer self-service and implement technologies to further enhance the safety, reliability and efficiency of our collection operations. Research, development and implementation of enhanced technology often requires significant spending that may divert capital investment away from our traditional business operations. We may experience difficulties or delays in the research, development, production and/or marketing of new products and services or implementation of technologies in which we have invested or acquired, which may negatively impact our operating results and prevent us from recouping or realizing a return on these investments and acquisitions. Further, protecting our intellectual property rights and combating unlicensed copying and use of intellectual property is difficult, and inability to obtain or protect new technologies could impact our services to customers and development of new revenue sources. If a competitor develops or obtains exclusive rights to a “breakthrough technology” that provides a revolutionary change in traditional waste management, or if we have inferior intellectual property to our competitors, our financial results may suffer."
    },
    {
      "status": "UNCHANGED",
      "current_title": "Basis for Opinion",
      "prior_title": "Basis for Opinion",
      "current_body": "The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB. ​ We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. ​ Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion. ​"
    },
    {
      "status": "UNCHANGED",
      "current_title": "Parts and Supplies",
      "prior_title": "Parts and Supplies",
      "current_body": "Parts and supplies consist primarily of spare parts, fuel, tires, lubricants and processed recycling materials. Our parts and supplies are stated at the lower of cost (using the average cost method) or market."
    },
    {
      "status": "UNCHANGED",
      "current_title": "Reclassifications",
      "prior_title": "Reclassifications",
      "current_body": "When necessary, reclassifications have been made to our prior period financial information to conform to the current year presentation and are not material to our consolidated financial statements. ​ ​"
    },
    {
      "status": "UNCHANGED",
      "current_title": "Accumulated",
      "prior_title": "Accumulated",
      "current_body": "​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Additional ​ ​ ​ ​ Other ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​"
    },
    {
      "status": "UNCHANGED",
      "current_title": "(In Millions, Except Shares in Thousands)",
      "prior_title": "(In Millions, Except Shares in Thousands)",
      "current_body": "​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​"
    },
    {
      "status": "UNCHANGED",
      "current_title": "(In Millions)",
      "prior_title": "(In Millions)",
      "current_body": "​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​"
    },
    {
      "status": "UNCHANGED",
      "current_title": "(In Millions, Except per Share Amounts)",
      "prior_title": "(In Millions, Except per Share Amounts)",
      "current_body": "​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​"
    },
    {
      "status": "UNCHANGED",
      "current_title": "REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM",
      "prior_title": "REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM",
      "current_body": "To the Stockholders and the Board of Directors of Waste Management, Inc. ​"
    },
    {
      "status": "UNCHANGED",
      "current_title": "Basis for Opinion",
      "prior_title": "Basis for Opinion",
      "current_body": "The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB. ​ We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. ​ Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion. ​"
    },
    {
      "status": "UNCHANGED",
      "current_title": "REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM",
      "prior_title": "REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM",
      "current_body": "To the Stockholders and the Board of Directors of Waste Management, Inc. ​"
    },
    {
      "status": "UNCHANGED",
      "current_title": "Cash and Cash Equivalents",
      "prior_title": "Cash and Cash Equivalents",
      "current_body": "Cash in excess of current operating requirements is invested in short-term interest-bearing instruments with maturities of three months or less at the date of purchase and is stated at cost, which approximates market value."
    },
    {
      "status": "UNCHANGED",
      "current_title": "Estimates and Assumptions",
      "prior_title": "Estimates and Assumptions",
      "current_body": "In preparing our financial statements, we make numerous estimates and assumptions that affect the accounting for and recognition and disclosure of assets, liabilities, equity, revenues and expenses. We must make these estimates and assumptions because certain information that we use is dependent on future events, cannot be calculated with precision from available data or simply cannot be calculated. In some cases, these estimates are difficult to determine, and we must exercise significant judgment. In preparing our financial statements, the most difficult, subjective and complex estimates and the assumptions that present the greatest amount of uncertainty relate to our accounting for landfills, environmental remediation liabilities, long-lived asset impairments, intangible asset impairments and the fair value of assets and liabilities acquired in business combinations. Each of these items is discussed in additional detail below. Actual results could differ materially from the estimates and assumptions that we use in the preparation of our financial statements."
    },
    {
      "status": "UNCHANGED",
      "current_title": "Liquidity and Capital Resources",
      "prior_title": "Liquidity and Capital Resources",
      "current_body": "The Company consistently generates annual cash flow from operations that meets and exceeds our working capital needs, allows for payment of our dividends, investment in the business through capital expenditures and tuck-in acquisitions, and funding of strategic sustainability growth investments. We continually monitor our actual and forecasted cash flows, our liquidity and our capital resources, enabling us to plan for our present needs and fund unbudgeted business requirements that may arise during the year. The Company believes that its investment grade credit ratings, diverse investor base, large value of unencumbered assets and modest leverage enable it to obtain adequate financing, and refinance upcoming maturities, as necessary to meet its ongoing capital, operating, strategic and other liquidity requirements. We also have the ability to manage liquidity during periods of significant financial market disruption through temporary modification of our capital expenditure and share repurchase plans."
    },
    {
      "status": "UNCHANGED",
      "current_title": "We may record material charges against our earnings due to impairments to our assets.",
      "prior_title": "We may record material charges against our earnings due to impairments to our assets.",
      "current_body": "Events that have in the past and may in the future lead to an impairment include, but are not limited to, shutting down a facility or operation, abandoning a development project, project cost overruns or the denial of an expansion permit. Additionally, declining waste volumes and development of, and customer preference for, alternatives to traditional waste disposal could warrant asset impairments. If we determine an asset or expansion project is impaired, we will charge against earnings any unamortized capitalized expenditures and advances relating to such asset or project reduced by any portion of the capitalized costs that we estimate will be recoverable, through sale or otherwise. We also carry a significant amount of goodwill on our Consolidated Balance Sheets, which is required to be assessed for impairment annually, and more frequently in the case of certain triggering events. We have in the past and may in the future be required to incur charges against earnings if such impairment tests indicate that the fair value of a reporting unit is below its carrying amount. Any such charges could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations."
    },
    {
      "status": "UNCHANGED",
      "current_title": "Increases in our labor costs as a result of labor unions organizing, changes in regulations related to labor unions or increases in employee minimum wages, could adversely affect our future results.",
      "prior_title": "Increases in our labor costs as a result of labor unions organizing, changes in regulations related to labor unions or increases in employee minimum wages, could adversely affect our future results.",
      "current_body": "Labor unions continually attempt to organize our employees, and these efforts will likely continue in the future. Certain groups of our employees are currently represented by unions, and we have negotiated collective bargaining agreements with these unions. Additional groups of employees may seek union representation in the future, and, if successful, would enhance organized labor’s leverage to obtain higher than expected wage and benefits costs and resist the introduction of new technology and other initiatives, which can result in increased operating expenses and lower net income. If we are unable to negotiate acceptable collective bargaining agreements, our operating expenses could increase significantly as a result of work stoppages, including strikes. Additionally, a large portion of our workforce are hourly personnel, and many of these individuals, particularly in our recycling business, are paid at rates related to federal and state minimum wages. Increases in minimum wage rates, or the enactment of new wage-related legislation, may significantly increase our labor costs. Any of these matters could adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows."
    },
    {
      "status": "UNCHANGED",
      "current_title": "Our operations are subject to environmental, health and safety laws and regulations, as well as contractual obligations that may result in significant liabilities.",
      "prior_title": "Our operations are subject to environmental, health and safety laws and regulations, as well as contractual obligations that may result in significant liabilities.",
      "current_body": "There is risk of incurring significant environmental liabilities in the use, treatment, storage, transfer, processing and disposal or destruction of waste materials. Under applicable environmental laws and regulations, we could be liable if it is alleged that our operations cause environmental damage to our properties or to the property of other landowners, particularly as a result of the contamination of air, drinking water or soil. Under current law, we could also be held liable for damage caused by conditions that existed before we acquired the assets or operations involved and for conditions resulting from waste types or compounds previously considered non-hazardous but later determined to present possible threat to public health or the environment. The risks of successor liability and emerging contaminants are of particular concern as we execute our growth strategy, partially through acquisitions, because we may be unsuccessful in identifying and assessing potential liabilities during our due diligence investigations. Further, the counterparties in such transactions may be unable to perform their indemnification obligations owed to us. Any substantial liability for environmental damage could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. In the ordinary course of our business, we have in the past, we are currently, and we may in the future, become involved in legal and administrative proceedings relating to land use and environmental laws and regulations. These include proceedings in which governmental entities, private groups or individuals seek to impose liability on us for alleged environmental damage or violation of statutes or desire to revoke or deny permits required for our operations. We generally seek to work with the authorities or other persons involved in these proceedings to resolve any issues raised. If we are not successful, the adverse outcome of one or more of these proceedings could result in, among other things, material increases in our costs or liabilities as well as material charges for asset impairments. Further, we often enter into agreements with landowners imposing obligations on us to meet certain regulatory or contractual conditions upon site closure or upon termination of the agreements. Compliance with these agreements inherently involves subjective determinations and may result in disputes, including litigation. Costs to remediate or restore the condition of closed sites may be significant."
    },
    {
      "status": "UNCHANGED",
      "current_title": "Concentrations of Credit Risk",
      "prior_title": "Concentrations of Credit Risk",
      "current_body": "Financial instruments that potentially subject us to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, investments held within restricted funds, and accounts receivable. We make efforts to control our exposure to credit risk associated with these instruments by (i) placing our assets and other financial interests with a diverse group of credit-worthy financial institutions; (ii) holding high-quality financial instruments while limiting investments in any one instrument and (iii) maintaining strict policies over credit extension that include credit evaluations, credit limits and monitoring procedures, although generally we do not have collateral requirements for credit extensions. We also control our exposure associated with trade receivables by discontinuing service, to the extent allowable, to non-paying customers. However, our overall credit risk associated with trade receivables is limited due to the large number and diversity of customers we serve. As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, no single customer represented greater than 5% of total accounts receivable."
    },
    {
      "status": "UNCHANGED",
      "current_title": "Critical Audit Matters",
      "prior_title": "Critical Audit Matters",
      "current_body": "The critical audit matters communicated below are matters arising from the current period audit of the financial statements that were communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relate to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matters below, providing separate opinions on the critical audit matters or on the accounts or disclosures to which they relate. ​ 80 80 Table of Contents​​​​Landfill Depletion​Description of the MatterAt December 31, 2024, the Company’s landfill assets, net of accumulated depletion, totaled $8.0 billion and the associated depletion expense for 2024 was $795 million. As discussed in Note 2 of the financial statements, the Company updates the estimates used to calculate individual landfill depletion rates at least annually, or more often if significant facts change. Landfill depletion rates are used in the computation of landfill depletion expense.​Auditing landfill depletion rates and related depletion expense is complex due to the highly judgmental nature of assumptions used in estimating the rates. Significant assumptions used in the calculation of the rates include: estimated future development costs associated with the construction and retirement of the landfill, estimated remaining permitted and expansion airspace, and airspace utilization factors.​How We Addressed the Matter in Our AuditWe obtained an understanding, evaluated the design, and tested the operating effectiveness of the Company’s controls over determining landfill depletion rates and calculating depletion expense. Our audit procedures included, among others, testing controls over: the Company’s process for evaluating and updating the significant assumptions used in the development of the landfill depletion rates, management’s review of those significant assumptions, and the mathematical accuracy of the calculation and recording of depletion expense. ​To test the landfill asset depletion rates, our audit procedures included, among others, assessing methodologies used by the Company and testing the significant assumptions discussed above, inclusive of the underlying data used by the Company in its development of these assumptions. We compared the significant assumptions used by management to historical trends and, when available, to comparable size landfills accepting a similar type of waste. Regarding expansion airspace, we evaluated the Company’s criteria for inclusion in remaining airspace. In addition, we considered the professional qualifications and objectivity of management’s internal engineers responsible for developing the assumptions. We involved EY engineering specialists to assist with the evaluation of the Company’s landfill future development cost and airspace assumptions. We also tested the completeness and accuracy of the historical data utilized in the development of the landfill depletion rates.​81 Table of Contents Table of Contents Table of Contents ​​​​Landfill Depletion​Description of the MatterAt December 31, 2024, the Company’s landfill assets, net of accumulated depletion, totaled $8.0 billion and the associated depletion expense for 2024 was $795 million. As discussed in Note 2 of the financial statements, the Company updates the estimates used to calculate individual landfill depletion rates at least annually, or more often if significant facts change. Landfill depletion rates are used in the computation of landfill depletion expense.​Auditing landfill depletion rates and related depletion expense is complex due to the highly judgmental nature of assumptions used in estimating the rates. Significant assumptions used in the calculation of the rates include: estimated future development costs associated with the construction and retirement of the landfill, estimated remaining permitted and expansion airspace, and airspace utilization factors.​How We Addressed the Matter in Our AuditWe obtained an understanding, evaluated the design, and tested the operating effectiveness of the Company’s controls over determining landfill depletion rates and calculating depletion expense. Our audit procedures included, among others, testing controls over: the Company’s process for evaluating and updating the significant assumptions used in the development of the landfill depletion rates, management’s review of those significant assumptions, and the mathematical accuracy of the calculation and recording of depletion expense. ​To test the landfill asset depletion rates, our audit procedures included, among others, assessing methodologies used by the Company and testing the significant assumptions discussed above, inclusive of the underlying data used by the Company in its development of these assumptions. We compared the significant assumptions used by management to historical trends and, when available, to comparable size landfills accepting a similar type of waste. Regarding expansion airspace, we evaluated the Company’s criteria for inclusion in remaining airspace. In addition, we considered the professional qualifications and objectivity of management’s internal engineers responsible for developing the assumptions. We involved EY engineering specialists to assist with the evaluation of the Company’s landfill future development cost and airspace assumptions. We also tested the completeness and accuracy of the historical data utilized in the development of the landfill depletion rates.​ ​​​​Landfill Depletion​Description of the MatterAt December 31, 2024, the Company’s landfill assets, net of accumulated depletion, totaled $8.0 billion and the associated depletion expense for 2024 was $795 million. As discussed in Note 2 of the financial statements, the Company updates the estimates used to calculate individual landfill depletion rates at least annually, or more often if significant facts change. Landfill depletion rates are used in the computation of landfill depletion expense.​Auditing landfill depletion rates and related depletion expense is complex due to the highly judgmental nature of assumptions used in estimating the rates. Significant assumptions used in the calculation of the rates include: estimated future development costs associated with the construction and retirement of the landfill, estimated remaining permitted and expansion airspace, and airspace utilization factors.​How We Addressed the Matter in Our AuditWe obtained an understanding, evaluated the design, and tested the operating effectiveness of the Company’s controls over determining landfill depletion rates and calculating depletion expense. Our audit procedures included, among others, testing controls over: the Company’s process for evaluating and updating the significant assumptions used in the development of the landfill depletion rates, management’s review of those significant assumptions, and the mathematical accuracy of the calculation and recording of depletion expense. ​To test the landfill asset depletion rates, our audit procedures included, among others, assessing methodologies used by the Company and testing the significant assumptions discussed above, inclusive of the underlying data used by the Company in its development of these assumptions. We compared the significant assumptions used by management to historical trends and, when available, to comparable size landfills accepting a similar type of waste. Regarding expansion airspace, we evaluated the Company’s criteria for inclusion in remaining airspace. In addition, we considered the professional qualifications and objectivity of management’s internal engineers responsible for developing the assumptions. We involved EY engineering specialists to assist with the evaluation of the Company’s landfill future development cost and airspace assumptions. We also tested the completeness and accuracy of the historical data utilized in the development of the landfill depletion rates.​ ​ ​ ​ ​​ ​​ ​ ​ ​"
    },
    {
      "status": "UNCHANGED",
      "current_title": "Income Taxes",
      "prior_title": "Income Taxes",
      "current_body": "The Company is subject to income tax in the U.S., Canada and within parts of Western Europe. Current tax obligations associated with our income tax expense are reflected in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets as a component of accrued liabilities and our deferred tax obligations are reflected in deferred income taxes. Deferred income taxes are based on the difference between the financial reporting and tax basis of assets and liabilities. Deferred income tax expense represents the change during the reporting period in the deferred tax assets and liabilities, net of the effect of acquisitions and dispositions. Deferred tax assets include tax loss and credit carry-forwards and are reduced by a valuation allowance if, based on available evidence, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. We establish reserves for uncertain tax positions when, despite our belief that our tax return positions are supportable, we believe that certain positions may be challenged and potentially disallowed. When facts and circumstances change, we adjust these reserves through our income tax expense. Should interest and penalties be assessed by taxing authorities on any underpayment of income tax, such amounts would be accrued and classified as a component of our income tax expense in our Consolidated Statements of Operations. See Note 8 for discussion of our income taxes."
    },
    {
      "status": "UNCHANGED",
      "current_title": "Collection and Disposal",
      "prior_title": "Collection and Disposal",
      "current_body": "Our Collection and Disposal businesses provide integrated environmental services, including collection, transfer, disposal and resource recovery services. We evaluate our Collection and Disposal businesses primarily through two geographic segments, East Tier and West Tier. Our East Tier primarily consists of geographic areas located in the Eastern U.S., the Great Lakes region and substantially all of Canada. Our West Tier primarily includes geographic areas located in the Western U.S., including the upper Midwest region, and British Columbia, Canada. Additionally, we provide Other Ancillary services that are not managed through the Tier segments but that support our collection and disposal operations. Other Ancillary includes specialized services performed for customers that have differentiated needs. These specialized services are targeted at large industrial customers managed through our Sustainability and Environmental Solutions (“SES”) business or geographically dispersed customers managed through our Strategic Business Solutions (“WMSBS”) business. Also included within Other Ancillary are the results of non-operating entities that provide financial assurance and self-insurance support for our business, net of intercompany activity. Our Collection and Disposal businesses’ operating revenues are primarily generated from fees charged for our collection, transfer, disposal and resource recovery services. Revenues from our collection operations are influenced by factors such as collection frequency, type of collection equipment furnished, type and volume or weight of the waste collected, distance to the disposal facility or recycling facility and our disposal costs. Revenues from our landfill operations consist of tipping fees, which are generally based on the type and weight or volume of waste being disposed of at our disposal facilities. Fees charged at transfer stations are generally based on the weight or volume of waste deposited, considering our cost of loading, transporting and disposing of the solid waste at a disposal site. Included within our Collection and Disposal businesses are landfills having (i) 20 third-party power generating facilities converting our landfill gas to fuel electricity generators; (ii) 16 third-party renewable natural gas (“RNG”) facilities processing landfill gas to be sold to natural gas suppliers and (iii) six third-party projects delivering our landfill gas by pipeline to industrial customers as a direct substitute for fossil fuels in industrial processes. In return for providing our landfill gas, we receive royalties from each facility, including the benefit of a 15% royalty from our WM Renewable Energy segment based on net operating revenue generated through the sale of RNG, renewable identification numbers (“RINs”), electricity and capacity, Renewable Energy Credits (“RECs”) and related environmental attributes from the 84 landfill beneficial use renewable energy projects owned by WM Renewable Energy on our active landfills, which is eliminated in consolidation."
    },
    {
      "status": "UNCHANGED",
      "current_title": "Critical Accounting Estimates and Assumptions",
      "prior_title": "Critical Accounting Estimates and Assumptions",
      "current_body": "In preparing our financial statements, we make numerous estimates and assumptions that affect the accounting for and recognition and disclosure of assets, liabilities, equity, revenues and expenses. We must make these estimates and assumptions because certain information that we use is dependent on future events, cannot be calculated with precision from available data or simply cannot be calculated. In some cases, these estimates are difficult to determine, and we must exercise significant judgment. In preparing our financial statements, the most difficult, subjective and complex estimates and the assumptions that present the greatest amount of uncertainty relate to our accounting for landfills, environmental remediation liabilities, long-lived asset impairments, intangible asset impairments and the fair value of assets and liabilities 71 71 Table of Contentsacquired in business combinations. Each of these items is discussed in additional detail below and in Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. Actual results could differ materially from the estimates and assumptions that we use in the preparation of our financial statements.Landfills Accounting for landfills requires that significant estimates and assumptions be made regarding (i) the cost to construct and develop each landfill asset; (ii) the estimated fair value of final capping, closure and post-closure asset retirement obligations, which must consider both the expected cost and timing of these activities and (iii) the determination of each landfill’s remaining permitted and expansion airspace.Landfill Costs — We estimate the total cost to develop each of our landfill sites to its remaining permitted and expansion airspace. This estimate includes such costs as landfill liner material and installation, excavation for airspace, landfill leachate collection systems, landfill gas collection systems, environmental monitoring equipment for groundwater and landfill gas, directly related engineering, capitalized interest, on-site road construction and other capital infrastructure costs. Additionally, landfill development includes all land purchases for the landfill footprint and landfill buffer property. The projection of these landfill costs is dependent, in part, on future events. The remaining depletable basis of each landfill includes costs to develop a site to its remaining permitted and expansion airspace and includes amounts previously expended and capitalized, net of accumulated airspace depletion, and projections of future purchase and development costs.Final Capping Costs — We estimate the cost for each final capping event based on the area to be capped and the capping materials and activities required. The estimates also consider when these costs are anticipated to be paid and factor in inflation and discount rates. Our engineering personnel allocate landfill final capping costs to specific final capping events and the capping costs are depleted as waste is disposed of at the landfill. We review these costs annually, or more often if significant facts change. Changes in estimates, such as timing or cost of construction, for final capping events immediately impact the required liability and the corresponding asset. When the change in estimate relates to a fully consumed landfill, the adjustment to the asset must be depleted immediately through expense. When the change in estimate relates to a final capping event at a landfill with remaining airspace, the adjustment to the asset is recognized in income prospectively as a component of landfill airspace depletion.Closure and Post-Closure Costs — We base our estimates for closure and post-closure costs on our interpretations of permit and regulatory requirements for closure and post-closure monitoring and maintenance. The estimates for landfill closure and post-closure costs also consider when the costs are anticipated to be paid and factor in inflation and discount rates. The possibility of changing legal and regulatory requirements and the forward-looking nature of these types of costs make any estimation or assumption less certain. Changes in estimates for closure and post-closure events immediately impact the required liability and the corresponding asset. When the change in estimate relates to a fully consumed landfill, the adjustment to the asset must be depleted immediately through expense. When the change in estimate relates to a landfill with remaining airspace, the adjustment to the asset is recognized in income prospectively as a component of landfill airspace depletion.Remaining Permitted Airspace — Our engineers, in consultation with third-party engineering consultants and surveyors, are responsible for determining remaining permitted airspace at our landfills. The remaining permitted airspace is determined by an annual survey, which is used to compare the existing landfill topography to the expected final landfill topography.Expansion Airspace — We also include currently unpermitted expansion airspace in our estimate of remaining permitted and expansion airspace in certain circumstances. First, for unpermitted airspace to be initially included in our estimate of remaining permitted and expansion airspace, we must believe that obtaining the expansion permit is likely. Second, we must generally expect the initial expansion permit application to be submitted within one year and the final expansion permit to be received within five years, in addition to meeting the following criteria:●Personnel are actively working on the expansion of an existing landfill, including efforts to obtain land use and local, state or provincial approvals;72 Table of Contents Table of Contents Table of Contents acquired in business combinations. Each of these items is discussed in additional detail below and in Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. Actual results could differ materially from the estimates and assumptions that we use in the preparation of our financial statements.Landfills Accounting for landfills requires that significant estimates and assumptions be made regarding (i) the cost to construct and develop each landfill asset; (ii) the estimated fair value of final capping, closure and post-closure asset retirement obligations, which must consider both the expected cost and timing of these activities and (iii) the determination of each landfill’s remaining permitted and expansion airspace.Landfill Costs — We estimate the total cost to develop each of our landfill sites to its remaining permitted and expansion airspace. This estimate includes such costs as landfill liner material and installation, excavation for airspace, landfill leachate collection systems, landfill gas collection systems, environmental monitoring equipment for groundwater and landfill gas, directly related engineering, capitalized interest, on-site road construction and other capital infrastructure costs. Additionally, landfill development includes all land purchases for the landfill footprint and landfill buffer property. The projection of these landfill costs is dependent, in part, on future events. The remaining depletable basis of each landfill includes costs to develop a site to its remaining permitted and expansion airspace and includes amounts previously expended and capitalized, net of accumulated airspace depletion, and projections of future purchase and development costs.Final Capping Costs — We estimate the cost for each final capping event based on the area to be capped and the capping materials and activities required. The estimates also consider when these costs are anticipated to be paid and factor in inflation and discount rates. Our engineering personnel allocate landfill final capping costs to specific final capping events and the capping costs are depleted as waste is disposed of at the landfill. We review these costs annually, or more often if significant facts change. Changes in estimates, such as timing or cost of construction, for final capping events immediately impact the required liability and the corresponding asset. When the change in estimate relates to a fully consumed landfill, the adjustment to the asset must be depleted immediately through expense. When the change in estimate relates to a final capping event at a landfill with remaining airspace, the adjustment to the asset is recognized in income prospectively as a component of landfill airspace depletion.Closure and Post-Closure Costs — We base our estimates for closure and post-closure costs on our interpretations of permit and regulatory requirements for closure and post-closure monitoring and maintenance. The estimates for landfill closure and post-closure costs also consider when the costs are anticipated to be paid and factor in inflation and discount rates. The possibility of changing legal and regulatory requirements and the forward-looking nature of these types of costs make any estimation or assumption less certain. Changes in estimates for closure and post-closure events immediately impact the required liability and the corresponding asset. When the change in estimate relates to a fully consumed landfill, the adjustment to the asset must be depleted immediately through expense. When the change in estimate relates to a landfill with remaining airspace, the adjustment to the asset is recognized in income prospectively as a component of landfill airspace depletion.Remaining Permitted Airspace — Our engineers, in consultation with third-party engineering consultants and surveyors, are responsible for determining remaining permitted airspace at our landfills. The remaining permitted airspace is determined by an annual survey, which is used to compare the existing landfill topography to the expected final landfill topography.Expansion Airspace — We also include currently unpermitted expansion airspace in our estimate of remaining permitted and expansion airspace in certain circumstances. First, for unpermitted airspace to be initially included in our estimate of remaining permitted and expansion airspace, we must believe that obtaining the expansion permit is likely. Second, we must generally expect the initial expansion permit application to be submitted within one year and the final expansion permit to be received within five years, in addition to meeting the following criteria:●Personnel are actively working on the expansion of an existing landfill, including efforts to obtain land use and local, state or provincial approvals; acquired in business combinations. Each of these items is discussed in additional detail below and in Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. Actual results could differ materially from the estimates and assumptions that we use in the preparation of our financial statements.Landfills Accounting for landfills requires that significant estimates and assumptions be made regarding (i) the cost to construct and develop each landfill asset; (ii) the estimated fair value of final capping, closure and post-closure asset retirement obligations, which must consider both the expected cost and timing of these activities and (iii) the determination of each landfill’s remaining permitted and expansion airspace.Landfill Costs — We estimate the total cost to develop each of our landfill sites to its remaining permitted and expansion airspace. This estimate includes such costs as landfill liner material and installation, excavation for airspace, landfill leachate collection systems, landfill gas collection systems, environmental monitoring equipment for groundwater and landfill gas, directly related engineering, capitalized interest, on-site road construction and other capital infrastructure costs. Additionally, landfill development includes all land purchases for the landfill footprint and landfill buffer property. The projection of these landfill costs is dependent, in part, on future events. The remaining depletable basis of each landfill includes costs to develop a site to its remaining permitted and expansion airspace and includes amounts previously expended and capitalized, net of accumulated airspace depletion, and projections of future purchase and development costs.Final Capping Costs — We estimate the cost for each final capping event based on the area to be capped and the capping materials and activities required. The estimates also consider when these costs are anticipated to be paid and factor in inflation and discount rates. Our engineering personnel allocate landfill final capping costs to specific final capping events and the capping costs are depleted as waste is disposed of at the landfill. We review these costs annually, or more often if significant facts change. Changes in estimates, such as timing or cost of construction, for final capping events immediately impact the required liability and the corresponding asset. When the change in estimate relates to a fully consumed landfill, the adjustment to the asset must be depleted immediately through expense. When the change in estimate relates to a final capping event at a landfill with remaining airspace, the adjustment to the asset is recognized in income prospectively as a component of landfill airspace depletion.Closure and Post-Closure Costs — We base our estimates for closure and post-closure costs on our interpretations of permit and regulatory requirements for closure and post-closure monitoring and maintenance. The estimates for landfill closure and post-closure costs also consider when the costs are anticipated to be paid and factor in inflation and discount rates. The possibility of changing legal and regulatory requirements and the forward-looking nature of these types of costs make any estimation or assumption less certain. Changes in estimates for closure and post-closure events immediately impact the required liability and the corresponding asset. When the change in estimate relates to a fully consumed landfill, the adjustment to the asset must be depleted immediately through expense. When the change in estimate relates to a landfill with remaining airspace, the adjustment to the asset is recognized in income prospectively as a component of landfill airspace depletion.Remaining Permitted Airspace — Our engineers, in consultation with third-party engineering consultants and surveyors, are responsible for determining remaining permitted airspace at our landfills. The remaining permitted airspace is determined by an annual survey, which is used to compare the existing landfill topography to the expected final landfill topography.Expansion Airspace — We also include currently unpermitted expansion airspace in our estimate of remaining permitted and expansion airspace in certain circumstances. First, for unpermitted airspace to be initially included in our estimate of remaining permitted and expansion airspace, we must believe that obtaining the expansion permit is likely. Second, we must generally expect the initial expansion permit application to be submitted within one year and the final expansion permit to be received within five years, in addition to meeting the following criteria:●Personnel are actively working on the expansion of an existing landfill, including efforts to obtain land use and local, state or provincial approvals; acquired in business combinations. Each of these items is discussed in additional detail below and in Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. Actual results could differ materially from the estimates and assumptions that we use in the preparation of our financial statements. Landfills Accounting for landfills requires that significant estimates and assumptions be made regarding (i) the cost to construct and develop each landfill asset; (ii) the estimated fair value of final capping, closure and post-closure asset retirement obligations, which must consider both the expected cost and timing of these activities and (iii) the determination of each landfill’s remaining permitted and expansion airspace. Landfill Costs — We estimate the total cost to develop each of our landfill sites to its remaining permitted and expansion airspace. This estimate includes such costs as landfill liner material and installation, excavation for airspace, landfill leachate collection systems, landfill gas collection systems, environmental monitoring equipment for groundwater and landfill gas, directly related engineering, capitalized interest, on-site road construction and other capital infrastructure costs. Additionally, landfill development includes all land purchases for the landfill footprint and landfill buffer property. The projection of these landfill costs is dependent, in part, on future events. The remaining depletable basis of each landfill includes costs to develop a site to its remaining permitted and expansion airspace and includes amounts previously expended and capitalized, net of accumulated airspace depletion, and projections of future purchase and development costs. Final Capping Costs — We estimate the cost for each final capping event based on the area to be capped and the capping materials and activities required. The estimates also consider when these costs are anticipated to be paid and factor in inflation and discount rates. Our engineering personnel allocate landfill final capping costs to specific final capping events and the capping costs are depleted as waste is disposed of at the landfill. We review these costs annually, or more often if significant facts change. Changes in estimates, such as timing or cost of construction, for final capping events immediately impact the required liability and the corresponding asset. When the change in estimate relates to a fully consumed landfill, the adjustment to the asset must be depleted immediately through expense. When the change in estimate relates to a final capping event at a landfill with remaining airspace, the adjustment to the asset is recognized in income prospectively as a component of landfill airspace depletion. Closure and Post-Closure Costs — We base our estimates for closure and post-closure costs on our interpretations of permit and regulatory requirements for closure and post-closure monitoring and maintenance. The estimates for landfill closure and post-closure costs also consider when the costs are anticipated to be paid and factor in inflation and discount rates. The possibility of changing legal and regulatory requirements and the forward-looking nature of these types of costs make any estimation or assumption less certain. Changes in estimates for closure and post-closure events immediately impact the required liability and the corresponding asset. When the change in estimate relates to a fully consumed landfill, the adjustment to the asset must be depleted immediately through expense. When the change in estimate relates to a landfill with remaining airspace, the adjustment to the asset is recognized in income prospectively as a component of landfill airspace depletion. Remaining Permitted Airspace — Our engineers, in consultation with third-party engineering consultants and surveyors, are responsible for determining remaining permitted airspace at our landfills. The remaining permitted airspace is determined by an annual survey, which is used to compare the existing landfill topography to the expected final landfill topography. Expansion Airspace — We also include currently unpermitted expansion airspace in our estimate of remaining permitted and expansion airspace in certain circumstances. First, for unpermitted airspace to be initially included in our estimate of remaining permitted and expansion airspace, we must believe that obtaining the expansion permit is likely. Second, we must generally expect the initial expansion permit application to be submitted within one year and the final expansion permit to be received within five years, in addition to meeting the following criteria: 72 72 Table of Contents●We have a legal right to use or obtain land to be included in the expansion plan;●There are no significant known technical, legal, community, business, or political restrictions or similar issues that could negatively affect the success of such expansion; and●Financial analysis has been completed based on conceptual design, and the results demonstrate that the expansion meets Company criteria for investment.These criteria are evaluated by our field-based engineers, accountants, managers and others to identify potential obstacles to obtaining the permits. Once the unpermitted airspace is included, our policy provides that airspace may continue to be included in remaining permitted and expansion airspace even if certain of these criteria are no longer met as long as we continue to believe we will ultimately obtain the permit, based on the facts and circumstances of a specific landfill. In these circumstances, continued inclusion must be approved through a landfill-specific review process that includes approval by our Chief Financial Officer on a quarterly basis. When we include the expansion airspace in our calculations of remaining permitted and expansion airspace, we also include the projected costs for development, as well as the projected asset retirement costs related to final capping, closure and post-closure of the expansion in the depletable basis of the landfill.Once the remaining permitted and expansion airspace is determined in cubic yards, an airspace utilization factor (“AUF”) is established to calculate the remaining permitted and expansion capacity in tons. The AUF is established using the measured density obtained from previous annual surveys and is then adjusted to account for future settlement. The amount of settlement that is forecasted will consider several site-specific factors including current and projected mix of waste type, initial and projected waste density, estimated number of years of life remaining, depth of underlying waste, anticipated access to moisture through precipitation or recirculation of landfill leachate and operating practices. In addition, the initial selection of the AUF is subject to a subsequent multi-level review by our engineering group and the AUF used is reviewed on a periodic basis and revised as necessary. Our historical experience generally indicates that the impact of settlement at a landfill is greater later in the life of the landfill when the waste placed at the landfill approaches its highest point under the permit requirements.After determining the costs and remaining permitted and expansion capacity at each of our landfills, we determine the per ton rates that will be expensed as waste is received and deposited at the landfill by dividing the costs by the corresponding number of tons. We calculate per ton depletion rates for each landfill for assets associated with each final capping event, for assets related to closure and post-closure activities and for all other costs capitalized or to be capitalized in the future. These rates per ton are updated annually, or more often, as significant facts change.It is possible that actual results, including the amount of costs incurred, the timing of final capping, closure and post-closure activities, our airspace utilization or the success of our expansion efforts could ultimately turn out to be significantly different from our estimates and assumptions. To the extent that such estimates, or related assumptions, prove to be significantly different than actual results, lower earnings may be experienced due to higher depletion rates or higher expenses; or higher earnings may result if the opposite occurs. Most significantly, if it is determined that expansion capacity should no longer be considered in calculating the recoverability of a landfill asset, we may be required to recognize an asset impairment or incur significantly higher depletion expense. If at any time management makes the decision to abandon the expansion effort, the capitalized costs related to the expansion effort are expensed immediately.Environmental Remediation LiabilitiesA significant portion of our operating costs and capital expenditures could be characterized as costs of environmental protection. The nature of our operations, particularly with respect to the construction, operation and maintenance of our landfills subjects us to an array of laws and regulations relating to the protection of the environment. Under current laws and regulations, we may have liabilities for environmental damage caused by our operations, or for damage caused by conditions that existed before we acquired a site. In addition to remediation activity required by state or local authorities, such liabilities include potentially responsible party (“PRP”) investigations. The costs associated with these liabilities can include settlements, certain legal and consultant fees, as well as incremental internal and external costs directly associated with site investigation and clean up. 73 Table of Contents Table of Contents Table of Contents ●We have a legal right to use or obtain land to be included in the expansion plan;●There are no significant known technical, legal, community, business, or political restrictions or similar issues that could negatively affect the success of such expansion; and●Financial analysis has been completed based on conceptual design, and the results demonstrate that the expansion meets Company criteria for investment.These criteria are evaluated by our field-based engineers, accountants, managers and others to identify potential obstacles to obtaining the permits. Once the unpermitted airspace is included, our policy provides that airspace may continue to be included in remaining permitted and expansion airspace even if certain of these criteria are no longer met as long as we continue to believe we will ultimately obtain the permit, based on the facts and circumstances of a specific landfill. In these circumstances, continued inclusion must be approved through a landfill-specific review process that includes approval by our Chief Financial Officer on a quarterly basis. When we include the expansion airspace in our calculations of remaining permitted and expansion airspace, we also include the projected costs for development, as well as the projected asset retirement costs related to final capping, closure and post-closure of the expansion in the depletable basis of the landfill.Once the remaining permitted and expansion airspace is determined in cubic yards, an airspace utilization factor (“AUF”) is established to calculate the remaining permitted and expansion capacity in tons. The AUF is established using the measured density obtained from previous annual surveys and is then adjusted to account for future settlement. The amount of settlement that is forecasted will consider several site-specific factors including current and projected mix of waste type, initial and projected waste density, estimated number of years of life remaining, depth of underlying waste, anticipated access to moisture through precipitation or recirculation of landfill leachate and operating practices. In addition, the initial selection of the AUF is subject to a subsequent multi-level review by our engineering group and the AUF used is reviewed on a periodic basis and revised as necessary. Our historical experience generally indicates that the impact of settlement at a landfill is greater later in the life of the landfill when the waste placed at the landfill approaches its highest point under the permit requirements.After determining the costs and remaining permitted and expansion capacity at each of our landfills, we determine the per ton rates that will be expensed as waste is received and deposited at the landfill by dividing the costs by the corresponding number of tons. We calculate per ton depletion rates for each landfill for assets associated with each final capping event, for assets related to closure and post-closure activities and for all other costs capitalized or to be capitalized in the future. These rates per ton are updated annually, or more often, as significant facts change.It is possible that actual results, including the amount of costs incurred, the timing of final capping, closure and post-closure activities, our airspace utilization or the success of our expansion efforts could ultimately turn out to be significantly different from our estimates and assumptions. To the extent that such estimates, or related assumptions, prove to be significantly different than actual results, lower earnings may be experienced due to higher depletion rates or higher expenses; or higher earnings may result if the opposite occurs. Most significantly, if it is determined that expansion capacity should no longer be considered in calculating the recoverability of a landfill asset, we may be required to recognize an asset impairment or incur significantly higher depletion expense. If at any time management makes the decision to abandon the expansion effort, the capitalized costs related to the expansion effort are expensed immediately.Environmental Remediation LiabilitiesA significant portion of our operating costs and capital expenditures could be characterized as costs of environmental protection. The nature of our operations, particularly with respect to the construction, operation and maintenance of our landfills subjects us to an array of laws and regulations relating to the protection of the environment. Under current laws and regulations, we may have liabilities for environmental damage caused by our operations, or for damage caused by conditions that existed before we acquired a site. In addition to remediation activity required by state or local authorities, such liabilities include potentially responsible party (“PRP”) investigations. The costs associated with these liabilities can include settlements, certain legal and consultant fees, as well as incremental internal and external costs directly associated with site investigation and clean up. ●We have a legal right to use or obtain land to be included in the expansion plan;●There are no significant known technical, legal, community, business, or political restrictions or similar issues that could negatively affect the success of such expansion; and●Financial analysis has been completed based on conceptual design, and the results demonstrate that the expansion meets Company criteria for investment.These criteria are evaluated by our field-based engineers, accountants, managers and others to identify potential obstacles to obtaining the permits. Once the unpermitted airspace is included, our policy provides that airspace may continue to be included in remaining permitted and expansion airspace even if certain of these criteria are no longer met as long as we continue to believe we will ultimately obtain the permit, based on the facts and circumstances of a specific landfill. In these circumstances, continued inclusion must be approved through a landfill-specific review process that includes approval by our Chief Financial Officer on a quarterly basis. When we include the expansion airspace in our calculations of remaining permitted and expansion airspace, we also include the projected costs for development, as well as the projected asset retirement costs related to final capping, closure and post-closure of the expansion in the depletable basis of the landfill.Once the remaining permitted and expansion airspace is determined in cubic yards, an airspace utilization factor (“AUF”) is established to calculate the remaining permitted and expansion capacity in tons. The AUF is established using the measured density obtained from previous annual surveys and is then adjusted to account for future settlement. The amount of settlement that is forecasted will consider several site-specific factors including current and projected mix of waste type, initial and projected waste density, estimated number of years of life remaining, depth of underlying waste, anticipated access to moisture through precipitation or recirculation of landfill leachate and operating practices. In addition, the initial selection of the AUF is subject to a subsequent multi-level review by our engineering group and the AUF used is reviewed on a periodic basis and revised as necessary. Our historical experience generally indicates that the impact of settlement at a landfill is greater later in the life of the landfill when the waste placed at the landfill approaches its highest point under the permit requirements.After determining the costs and remaining permitted and expansion capacity at each of our landfills, we determine the per ton rates that will be expensed as waste is received and deposited at the landfill by dividing the costs by the corresponding number of tons. We calculate per ton depletion rates for each landfill for assets associated with each final capping event, for assets related to closure and post-closure activities and for all other costs capitalized or to be capitalized in the future. These rates per ton are updated annually, or more often, as significant facts change.It is possible that actual results, including the amount of costs incurred, the timing of final capping, closure and post-closure activities, our airspace utilization or the success of our expansion efforts could ultimately turn out to be significantly different from our estimates and assumptions. To the extent that such estimates, or related assumptions, prove to be significantly different than actual results, lower earnings may be experienced due to higher depletion rates or higher expenses; or higher earnings may result if the opposite occurs. Most significantly, if it is determined that expansion capacity should no longer be considered in calculating the recoverability of a landfill asset, we may be required to recognize an asset impairment or incur significantly higher depletion expense. If at any time management makes the decision to abandon the expansion effort, the capitalized costs related to the expansion effort are expensed immediately.Environmental Remediation LiabilitiesA significant portion of our operating costs and capital expenditures could be characterized as costs of environmental protection. The nature of our operations, particularly with respect to the construction, operation and maintenance of our landfills subjects us to an array of laws and regulations relating to the protection of the environment. Under current laws and regulations, we may have liabilities for environmental damage caused by our operations, or for damage caused by conditions that existed before we acquired a site. In addition to remediation activity required by state or local authorities, such liabilities include potentially responsible party (“PRP”) investigations. The costs associated with these liabilities can include settlements, certain legal and consultant fees, as well as incremental internal and external costs directly associated with site investigation and clean up. These criteria are evaluated by our field-based engineers, accountants, managers and others to identify potential obstacles to obtaining the permits. Once the unpermitted airspace is included, our policy provides that airspace may continue to be included in remaining permitted and expansion airspace even if certain of these criteria are no longer met as long as we continue to believe we will ultimately obtain the permit, based on the facts and circumstances of a specific landfill. In these circumstances, continued inclusion must be approved through a landfill-specific review process that includes approval by our Chief Financial Officer on a quarterly basis. When we include the expansion airspace in our calculations of remaining permitted and expansion airspace, we also include the projected costs for development, as well as the projected asset retirement costs related to final capping, closure and post-closure of the expansion in the depletable basis of the landfill. Once the remaining permitted and expansion airspace is determined in cubic yards, an airspace utilization factor (“AUF”) is established to calculate the remaining permitted and expansion capacity in tons. The AUF is established using the measured density obtained from previous annual surveys and is then adjusted to account for future settlement. The amount of settlement that is forecasted will consider several site-specific factors including current and projected mix of waste type, initial and projected waste density, estimated number of years of life remaining, depth of underlying waste, anticipated access to moisture through precipitation or recirculation of landfill leachate and operating practices. In addition, the initial selection of the AUF is subject to a subsequent multi-level review by our engineering group and the AUF used is reviewed on a periodic basis and revised as necessary. Our historical experience generally indicates that the impact of settlement at a landfill is greater later in the life of the landfill when the waste placed at the landfill approaches its highest point under the permit requirements. After determining the costs and remaining permitted and expansion capacity at each of our landfills, we determine the per ton rates that will be expensed as waste is received and deposited at the landfill by dividing the costs by the corresponding number of tons. We calculate per ton depletion rates for each landfill for assets associated with each final capping event, for assets related to closure and post-closure activities and for all other costs capitalized or to be capitalized in the future. These rates per ton are updated annually, or more often, as significant facts change. It is possible that actual results, including the amount of costs incurred, the timing of final capping, closure and post-closure activities, our airspace utilization or the success of our expansion efforts could ultimately turn out to be significantly different from our estimates and assumptions. To the extent that such estimates, or related assumptions, prove to be significantly different than actual results, lower earnings may be experienced due to higher depletion rates or higher expenses; or higher earnings may result if the opposite occurs. Most significantly, if it is determined that expansion capacity should no longer be considered in calculating the recoverability of a landfill asset, we may be required to recognize an asset impairment or incur significantly higher depletion expense. If at any time management makes the decision to abandon the expansion effort, the capitalized costs related to the expansion effort are expensed immediately."
    },
    {
      "status": "UNCHANGED",
      "current_title": "Definition and Limitations of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting",
      "prior_title": "Definition and Limitations of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting",
      "current_body": "A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements. ​ Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. ​ ​​/s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLPHouston, TexasFebruary 19, 2025​ ​ ​ ​ ​ /s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP Houston, TexasFebruary 19, 2025 ​ ​ 79 79 Table of ContentsREPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRMTo the Stockholders and the Board of Directors of Waste Management, Inc.​Opinion on the Financial StatementsWe have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Waste Management, Inc. (the Company) as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income, cash flows and changes in equity for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2024, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company at December 31, 2024 and 2023, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2024, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.​We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2024, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework), and our report dated February 19, 2025 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.​Basis for OpinionThese financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.​We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.​Critical Audit Matters The critical audit matters communicated below are matters arising from the current period audit of the financial statements that were communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relate to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matters below, providing separate opinions on the critical audit matters or on the accounts or disclosures to which they relate.​80 Table of Contents Table of Contents Table of Contents REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRMTo the Stockholders and the Board of Directors of Waste Management, Inc.​Opinion on the Financial StatementsWe have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Waste Management, Inc. (the Company) as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income, cash flows and changes in equity for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2024, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company at December 31, 2024 and 2023, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2024, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.​We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2024, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework), and our report dated February 19, 2025 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.​Basis for OpinionThese financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.​We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.​Critical Audit Matters The critical audit matters communicated below are matters arising from the current period audit of the financial statements that were communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relate to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matters below, providing separate opinions on the critical audit matters or on the accounts or disclosures to which they relate.​ REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRMTo the Stockholders and the Board of Directors of Waste Management, Inc.​Opinion on the Financial StatementsWe have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Waste Management, Inc. (the Company) as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income, cash flows and changes in equity for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2024, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company at December 31, 2024 and 2023, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2024, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.​We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2024, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework), and our report dated February 19, 2025 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.​Basis for OpinionThese financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.​We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.​Critical Audit Matters The critical audit matters communicated below are matters arising from the current period audit of the financial statements that were communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relate to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matters below, providing separate opinions on the critical audit matters or on the accounts or disclosures to which they relate.​"
    },
    {
      "status": "UNCHANGED",
      "current_title": "NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)",
      "prior_title": "NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)",
      "current_body": "​ balances and transactions have been eliminated. Investments in unconsolidated entities are accounted for under the appropriate method of accounting.Estimates and AssumptionsIn preparing our financial statements, we make numerous estimates and assumptions that affect the accounting for and recognition and disclosure of assets, liabilities, equity, revenues and expenses. We must make these estimates and assumptions because certain information that we use is dependent on future events, cannot be calculated with precision from available data or simply cannot be calculated. In some cases, these estimates are difficult to determine, and we must exercise significant judgment. In preparing our financial statements, the most difficult, subjective and complex estimates and the assumptions that present the greatest amount of uncertainty relate to our accounting for landfills, environmental remediation liabilities, long-lived asset impairments, intangible asset impairments and the fair value of assets and liabilities acquired in business combinations. Each of these items is discussed in additional detail below. Actual results could differ materially from the estimates and assumptions that we use in the preparation of our financial statements.Cash and Cash EquivalentsCash in excess of current operating requirements is invested in short-term interest-bearing instruments with maturities of three months or less at the date of purchase and is stated at cost, which approximates market value.Concentrations of Credit RiskFinancial instruments that potentially subject us to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, investments held within restricted funds, and accounts receivable. We make efforts to control our exposure to credit risk associated with these instruments by (i) placing our assets and other financial interests with a diverse group of credit-worthy financial institutions; (ii) holding high-quality financial instruments while limiting investments in any one instrument and (iii) maintaining strict policies over credit extension that include credit evaluations, credit limits and monitoring procedures, although generally we do not have collateral requirements for credit extensions. We also control our exposure associated with trade receivables by discontinuing service, to the extent allowable, to non-paying customers. However, our overall credit risk associated with trade receivables is limited due to the large number and diversity of customers we serve. As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, no single customer represented greater than 5% of total accounts receivable.Accounts and Other Receivables Our receivables, which are recorded when billed, when services are performed or when cash is advanced, are claims against third parties that will generally be settled in cash. The carrying value of our receivables, net of the allowance for doubtful accounts, represents the estimated net realizable value. We estimate our allowance for doubtful accounts based on historical collection trends; type of customer, such as municipal or commercial; the age of outstanding receivables and existing as well as expected economic conditions. If events or changes in circumstances indicate that specific receivable balances may be impaired, further consideration is given to the collectability of those balances and the allowance is adjusted accordingly. Past-due receivable balances are written off when our collection efforts have been unsuccessful. Also, we recognize interest income on long-term interest-bearing notes receivable as the interest accrues under the terms of the notes. We no longer accrue interest once the notes are deemed uncollectible. balances and transactions have been eliminated. Investments in unconsolidated entities are accounted for under the appropriate method of accounting.Estimates and AssumptionsIn preparing our financial statements, we make numerous estimates and assumptions that affect the accounting for and recognition and disclosure of assets, liabilities, equity, revenues and expenses. We must make these estimates and assumptions because certain information that we use is dependent on future events, cannot be calculated with precision from available data or simply cannot be calculated. In some cases, these estimates are difficult to determine, and we must exercise significant judgment. In preparing our financial statements, the most difficult, subjective and complex estimates and the assumptions that present the greatest amount of uncertainty relate to our accounting for landfills, environmental remediation liabilities, long-lived asset impairments, intangible asset impairments and the fair value of assets and liabilities acquired in business combinations. Each of these items is discussed in additional detail below. Actual results could differ materially from the estimates and assumptions that we use in the preparation of our financial statements.Cash and Cash EquivalentsCash in excess of current operating requirements is invested in short-term interest-bearing instruments with maturities of three months or less at the date of purchase and is stated at cost, which approximates market value.Concentrations of Credit RiskFinancial instruments that potentially subject us to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, investments held within restricted funds, and accounts receivable. We make efforts to control our exposure to credit risk associated with these instruments by (i) placing our assets and other financial interests with a diverse group of credit-worthy financial institutions; (ii) holding high-quality financial instruments while limiting investments in any one instrument and (iii) maintaining strict policies over credit extension that include credit evaluations, credit limits and monitoring procedures, although generally we do not have collateral requirements for credit extensions. We also control our exposure associated with trade receivables by discontinuing service, to the extent allowable, to non-paying customers. However, our overall credit risk associated with trade receivables is limited due to the large number and diversity of customers we serve. As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, no single customer represented greater than 5% of total accounts receivable.Accounts and Other Receivables Our receivables, which are recorded when billed, when services are performed or when cash is advanced, are claims against third parties that will generally be settled in cash. The carrying value of our receivables, net of the allowance for doubtful accounts, represents the estimated net realizable value. We estimate our allowance for doubtful accounts based on historical collection trends; type of customer, such as municipal or commercial; the age of outstanding receivables and existing as well as expected economic conditions. If events or changes in circumstances indicate that specific receivable balances may be impaired, further consideration is given to the collectability of those balances and the allowance is adjusted accordingly. Past-due receivable balances are written off when our collection efforts have been unsuccessful. Also, we recognize interest income on long-term interest-bearing notes receivable as the interest accrues under the terms of the notes. We no longer accrue interest once the notes are deemed uncollectible. balances and transactions have been eliminated. Investments in unconsolidated entities are accounted for under the appropriate method of accounting."
    },
    {
      "status": "UNCHANGED",
      "current_title": "WM Renewable Energy",
      "prior_title": "WM Renewable Energy",
      "current_body": "Our WM Renewable Energy segment develops, operates and promotes projects for the beneficial use of landfill gas. Landfill gas is produced naturally as waste decomposes in a landfill. The methane component of the landfill gas is a readily available, renewable energy source that can be gathered and used beneficially as an alternative to fossil fuel. WM Renewable Energy converts landfill gas into several sources of renewable energy to be sold which include RNG, electricity and capacity, heat and/or steam. WM Renewable Energy also generates and sells (i) RINs under the Renewable Fuel Standard (“RFS”) program; (ii) other credits under a variety of state programs associated with the use of RNG in our compressed natural gas fleet and (iii) RECs associated with the production of electricity. The RINs, RECs, and other credits are sold to counterparties who are obligated under the regulatory programs and have a responsibility to procure RINs, RECs, and other credits proportionate to their fossil fuel production and imports. RINs and RECs prices generally fluctuate in response to regulations enacted by the Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) or other regulatory bodies, as well as changes in supply and demand. As of December 31, 2024, we had 102 landfill gas beneficial use projects producing commercial quantities of methane gas at owned or operated landfills. For 65 of these projects, the processed gas is used to fuel electricity generators. The electricity is then sold to public utilities, municipal utilities or power cooperatives. For 23 of these projects, the gas is used at the landfill or delivered by pipeline to industrial customers as a direct substitute for fossil fuels in industrial processes. For 11 of these projects, the landfill gas is processed to pipeline quality RNG and then sold to natural gas suppliers. Additionally, three of these projects are on third-party landfills. The revenues from these facilities are primarily generated through the sale of RNG, RINs, electricity and capacity, heat and/or steam, RECs and related environmental attributes. WM Renewable Energy is charged a 15% royalty on net operating revenue from these facilities residing on our active and closed landfills from our Collection and Disposal and Corporate and Other businesses, which is eliminated in consolidation. Additionally, WM Renewable Energy operates and maintains seven third-party landfill beneficial gas use projects in return for service revenue. Our Collection and Disposal and Corporate and Other businesses benefit from these projects as well as 52 additional third-party landfill beneficial gas use projects in the form of royalties."
    },
    {
      "status": "UNCHANGED",
      "current_title": "Principles of Consolidation",
      "prior_title": "Principles of Consolidation",
      "current_body": "The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of WMI, its wholly-owned and majority-owned subsidiaries and certain variable interest entities for which we have determined that we are the primary beneficiary. In the opinion of management, these Consolidated Financial Statements include all adjustments, which, unless otherwise disclosed, are of a normal recurring nature, necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position, results of operations, comprehensive income, cash flows, and changes in equity for the periods presented. All material intercompany 88 88 Table of ContentsWASTE MANAGEMENT, INC.NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)​balances and transactions have been eliminated. Investments in unconsolidated entities are accounted for under the appropriate method of accounting.Estimates and AssumptionsIn preparing our financial statements, we make numerous estimates and assumptions that affect the accounting for and recognition and disclosure of assets, liabilities, equity, revenues and expenses. We must make these estimates and assumptions because certain information that we use is dependent on future events, cannot be calculated with precision from available data or simply cannot be calculated. In some cases, these estimates are difficult to determine, and we must exercise significant judgment. In preparing our financial statements, the most difficult, subjective and complex estimates and the assumptions that present the greatest amount of uncertainty relate to our accounting for landfills, environmental remediation liabilities, long-lived asset impairments, intangible asset impairments and the fair value of assets and liabilities acquired in business combinations. Each of these items is discussed in additional detail below. Actual results could differ materially from the estimates and assumptions that we use in the preparation of our financial statements.Cash and Cash EquivalentsCash in excess of current operating requirements is invested in short-term interest-bearing instruments with maturities of three months or less at the date of purchase and is stated at cost, which approximates market value.Concentrations of Credit RiskFinancial instruments that potentially subject us to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, investments held within restricted funds, and accounts receivable. We make efforts to control our exposure to credit risk associated with these instruments by (i) placing our assets and other financial interests with a diverse group of credit-worthy financial institutions; (ii) holding high-quality financial instruments while limiting investments in any one instrument and (iii) maintaining strict policies over credit extension that include credit evaluations, credit limits and monitoring procedures, although generally we do not have collateral requirements for credit extensions. We also control our exposure associated with trade receivables by discontinuing service, to the extent allowable, to non-paying customers. However, our overall credit risk associated with trade receivables is limited due to the large number and diversity of customers we serve. As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, no single customer represented greater than 5% of total accounts receivable.Accounts and Other Receivables Our receivables, which are recorded when billed, when services are performed or when cash is advanced, are claims against third parties that will generally be settled in cash. The carrying value of our receivables, net of the allowance for doubtful accounts, represents the estimated net realizable value. We estimate our allowance for doubtful accounts based on historical collection trends; type of customer, such as municipal or commercial; the age of outstanding receivables and existing as well as expected economic conditions. If events or changes in circumstances indicate that specific receivable balances may be impaired, further consideration is given to the collectability of those balances and the allowance is adjusted accordingly. Past-due receivable balances are written off when our collection efforts have been unsuccessful. Also, we recognize interest income on long-term interest-bearing notes receivable as the interest accrues under the terms of the notes. We no longer accrue interest once the notes are deemed uncollectible.89 Table of ContentsWASTE MANAGEMENT, INC.NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)​ Table of Contents Table of Contents"
    },
    {
      "status": "UNCHANGED",
      "current_title": "Developments in technology could trigger a fundamental change in our industry, as waste streams are increasingly viewed as a resource, which may adversely impact volumes at our landfills and our profitability.",
      "prior_title": "Developments in technology could trigger a fundamental change in the waste management industry, as waste streams are increasingly viewed as a resource, which may adversely impact volumes at our landfills and our profitability.",
      "current_body": "Our industry has recognized the value of the traditional waste stream as a potential resource. Research and development activities are ongoing to provide disposal alternatives that maximize the value of waste, including using waste as a source for renewable energy and other valuable by-products. We and many other companies are investing in and/or developing these new technologies. It is possible that such investments and technological advancements may reduce the cost of waste disposal or the value of landfill gas recovery to a level below our costs and may reduce the demand for landfill space. As a result, our revenues and margins could be adversely affected due to advancements in disposal alternatives."
    },
    {
      "status": "UNCHANGED",
      "current_title": "Free Cash Flow",
      "prior_title": "Free Cash Flow",
      "current_body": "We are presenting free cash flow, which is a non-GAAP measure of liquidity, in our disclosures because we use this measure in the evaluation and management of our business. We define free cash flow as net cash provided by operating activities, less capital expenditures, plus proceeds from divestitures of businesses and other assets, net of cash divested. We believe it is indicative of our ability to pay our quarterly dividends, repurchase common stock, fund acquisitions and other investments and, in the absence of refinancings, to repay our debt obligations. Free cash flow is not intended to replace net cash provided by operating activities, which is the most comparable GAAP measure. We believe free cash flow gives investors useful insight into how we view our liquidity, but the use of free cash flow as a liquidity measure has material limitations because it excludes certain expenditures that are required or that we have committed to, such as declared dividend payments and debt service requirements. Our calculation of free cash flow and reconciliation to net cash provided by operating activities is shown in the table below for the year ended December 31 (in millions), and may not be calculated the same as similarly-titled measures presented by other companies: ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 2024 2023 2022 Net cash provided by operating activities ​ $ 5,390 ​ $ 4,719 ​ $ 4,536 Capital expenditures to support the business ​ ​ (2,281) ​ ​ (2,131) ​ ​ (2,026) Capital expenditures - sustainability growth investments (a) ​ ​ (950) ​ ​ (764) ​ ​ (561) Total capital expenditures ​ (3,231) ​ (2,895) ​ (2,587) Proceeds from divestitures of businesses and other assets, net of cash divested ​ 158 ​ 78 ​ 27 Free cash flow ​ $ 2,317 ​ $ 1,902 ​ $ 1,976"
    },
    {
      "status": "UNCHANGED",
      "current_title": "Our capital requirements and our business strategy could increase our expenses, cause us to change our growth and development plans, or result in an inability to maintain our desired credit profile.",
      "prior_title": "Our capital requirements and our business strategy could increase our expenses, cause us to change our growth and development plans, or result in an inability to maintain our desired credit profile.",
      "current_body": "If economic conditions or other risks and uncertainties cause a significant reduction in our cash flows from operations, we may reduce or suspend capital expenditures, growth and acquisition activity, implementation of our business strategy, dividend declarations or share repurchases. We may choose to incur indebtedness to pay for these activities, although our access to capital markets is not assured and we may not be able to incur indebtedness at a cost that is consistent with current borrowing rates. We also may need to incur indebtedness to refinance scheduled debt maturities, and it is possible that the cost of financing could increase significantly, thereby increasing our expenses and decreasing our net income. Macroeconomic pressures, including inflation and rising interest rates, and market disruption are continuing. The U.S. government’s future actions regarding its debt ceiling and any possibility that the U.S. could default on its debt obligations could cause further interest rate increases, disrupt access to capital markets and trigger recessionary conditions. Further, our ability to execute our financial strategy, manage interest rate exposure and incur indebtedness is somewhat dependent upon our ability to maintain investment grade credit ratings on our senior debt. The credit rating process is contingent upon our credit profile and several other factors, many of which are beyond our control, including methodologies established and interpreted by third-party rating agencies. An important factor in our credit ratings is our leverage. We have communicated the Company’s expectation that our leverage will return to targeted levels about 18 months after the November 2024 acquisition of Stericycle. If we do not achieve our projected reduction in leverage, it could negatively impact our credit ratings. If we were unable to maintain our investment grade credit ratings in the future, our interest expense would increase and our ability to obtain financing on favorable terms could be adversely affected. We have $2.7 billion of debt as of December 31, 2024 that is exposed to changes in market interest rates within the next 12 months, associated with our commercial paper borrowings and tax-exempt bonds. If interest rates increase, our interest expense would also increase, lowering our net income and decreasing our cash flow. We may use our $3.5 billion long-term U.S. and Canadian revolving credit facility (“$3.5 billion revolving credit facility”) to meet our cash needs, to the extent available, until maturity in May 2029. As of December 31, 2024, we had no outstanding borrowings under this facility. We had $1.2 billion of outstanding borrowings (net of related discount on issuance) under our commercial paper program and $224 million of letters of credit issued, both supported by this facility, leaving unused and available credit capacity of $2.1 billion as of December 31, 2024. In the event of a default under our $3.5 billion revolving credit facility we could be required to immediately repay all outstanding borrowings and make cash deposits as collateral for all obligations the facility supports, which we may not be able to do. Additionally, any such default could cause a default under many of our other credit agreements and debt instruments. Without waivers from lenders party to those agreements, any such default would have a material adverse effect on our ability to operate."
    },
    {
      "status": "UNCHANGED",
      "current_title": "Summary of Contractual Obligations",
      "prior_title": "Summary of Contractual Obligations",
      "current_body": "The following table summarizes our significant contractual obligations as of December 31, 2024 (other than recorded obligations related to liabilities associated with environmental remediation costs and non-cancelable operating lease obligations, which are discussed further in Notes 3 and 7 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, respectively) and the anticipated effect of these obligations on our liquidity in future years (in millions): ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 Thereafter Total"
    },
    {
      "status": "UNCHANGED",
      "current_title": "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets",
      "prior_title": "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets",
      "current_body": "Goodwill is the excess of our purchase cost over the fair value of the net assets of acquired businesses. We do not amortize goodwill, but as discussed in the Long-Lived Asset Impairments section below, we assess our goodwill for impairment at least annually. Other intangible assets consist primarily of customer and supplier relationships, covenants not-to-compete, licenses, permits (other than landfill permits, which are combined with landfill tangible assets and depleted per our landfill depletion policy), trade names and other contracts. Other intangible assets are recorded at fair value on the acquisition date and are generally amortized using either a 150% declining balance approach or a straight-line basis as we determine appropriate. Customer and supplier relationships are typically amortized over terms of 10 to 15 years. Covenants not-to-compete are amortized over the term of the non-compete covenant, which is generally five years. Definite-lived intangibles are amortized over their useful lives on a straight-line basis while indefinite-lived intangibles are not amortized. Licenses, permits and other contracts are amortized over the definitive terms of the related agreements. If the underlying agreement does not contain definitive terms and the useful life is determined to be indefinite, the asset is not amortized. 10"
    },
    {
      "status": "UNCHANGED",
      "current_title": "CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS",
      "prior_title": "CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS",
      "current_body": "​ Page Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (PCAOB ID 42) Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm ​ 79 Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 ​ 84 Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Years Ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022 Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Years Ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022 ​ 85 Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the Years Ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022 Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the Years Ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022 ​ 85 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022 ​ 86 Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity for the Years Ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022 Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity for the Years Ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022 ​ 87 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements ​ 88 ​ ​ ​ 78 78 Table of ContentsREPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRMTo the Stockholders and the Board of Directors of Waste Management, Inc.​Opinion on Internal Control Over Financial ReportingWe have audited Waste Management, Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2024, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework) (the COSO criteria). In our opinion, Waste Management, Inc. (the Company) maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2024, based on the COSO criteria.​As indicated in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting, management’s assessment of and conclusion on the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting did not include the internal controls of Stericycle, Inc., which is included in the 2024 consolidated financial statements of the Company and constituted approximately 13.0% of total assets, excluding goodwill, as of December 31, 2024 and approximately 1.8% of consolidated operating revenues, for the year then ended. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting of the Company also did not include an evaluation of the internal control over financial reporting of Stericycle, Inc.​We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the 2024 consolidated financial statements of the Company, and our report dated February 19, 2025 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.​Basis for Opinion The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.​We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.​Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.​Definition and Limitations of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements. ​Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.​​​/s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLPHouston, TexasFebruary 19, 2025​​79 Table of Contents Table of Contents Table of Contents REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRMTo the Stockholders and the Board of Directors of Waste Management, Inc.​Opinion on Internal Control Over Financial ReportingWe have audited Waste Management, Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2024, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework) (the COSO criteria). In our opinion, Waste Management, Inc. (the Company) maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2024, based on the COSO criteria.​As indicated in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting, management’s assessment of and conclusion on the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting did not include the internal controls of Stericycle, Inc., which is included in the 2024 consolidated financial statements of the Company and constituted approximately 13.0% of total assets, excluding goodwill, as of December 31, 2024 and approximately 1.8% of consolidated operating revenues, for the year then ended. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting of the Company also did not include an evaluation of the internal control over financial reporting of Stericycle, Inc.​We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the 2024 consolidated financial statements of the Company, and our report dated February 19, 2025 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.​Basis for Opinion The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.​We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.​Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.​Definition and Limitations of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements. ​Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.​​​/s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLPHouston, TexasFebruary 19, 2025​​ REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRMTo the Stockholders and the Board of Directors of Waste Management, Inc.​Opinion on Internal Control Over Financial ReportingWe have audited Waste Management, Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2024, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework) (the COSO criteria). In our opinion, Waste Management, Inc. (the Company) maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2024, based on the COSO criteria.​As indicated in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting, management’s assessment of and conclusion on the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting did not include the internal controls of Stericycle, Inc., which is included in the 2024 consolidated financial statements of the Company and constituted approximately 13.0% of total assets, excluding goodwill, as of December 31, 2024 and approximately 1.8% of consolidated operating revenues, for the year then ended. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting of the Company also did not include an evaluation of the internal control over financial reporting of Stericycle, Inc.​We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the 2024 consolidated financial statements of the Company, and our report dated February 19, 2025 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.​Basis for Opinion The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.​We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.​Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.​Definition and Limitations of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements. ​Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.​​​/s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLPHouston, TexasFebruary 19, 2025​​"
    },
    {
      "status": "UNCHANGED",
      "current_title": "Shortages in diesel fuel supply or increases in diesel fuel prices will increase our operating expenses.",
      "prior_title": "Significant shortages in diesel fuel supply or increases in diesel fuel prices will increase our operating expenses.",
      "current_body": "The price and supply of diesel fuel can fluctuate significantly based on international, political and economic circumstances, as well as other factors outside our control, such as actions by oil and gas producers, regional production patterns, weather conditions and environmental concerns. We need diesel fuel to run a notable portion of our collection and transfer trucks and our equipment used in our landfill operations. We also recently acquired Stericycle’s fleet, including a substantial number of diesel vehicles. Fuel supply shortages and price increases could substantially increase our operating expenses. Regardless of any offsetting surcharge programs, increased operating costs due to higher diesel fuel prices will decrease our income from operations margins."
    },
    {
      "status": "UNCHANGED",
      "current_title": "Corporate and Other",
      "prior_title": "Corporate and Other",
      "current_body": "We also provide additional services that are not managed through our operating segments, which are presented in this report as Corporate and Other. This includes the activities of our corporate office, including costs associated with our long-term incentive program, expanded service offerings and solutions (such as our investments in businesses and technologies that are designed to offer services and solutions ancillary or supplementary to our current operations) as well as our closed sites. Also included within our Corporate and Other businesses closed sites are (i) six third-party power generating facilities converting our landfill gas to fuel electricity generators; (ii) two third-party projects delivering our landfill gas by pipeline to industrial customers as a direct substitute for fossil fuels in industrial processes and (iii) two third-party RNG facilities processing landfill gas to be sold to natural gas suppliers in return for a royalty. Additionally, Corporate and Other benefits from a 15% royalty from our WM Renewable Energy segment based on net operating revenue generated through the sale of RNG, RINs, electricity and capacity, RECs and related environmental attributes from the 15 landfill beneficial use renewable energy projects owned by WM Renewable Energy on our closed sites, which is eliminated in consolidation. Included in the fees we charge for our services is our energy surcharge and other charges that are intended to pass through costs to customers."
    },
    {
      "status": "UNCHANGED",
      "current_title": "NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)",
      "prior_title": "NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)",
      "current_body": "​ balances and transactions have been eliminated. Investments in unconsolidated entities are accounted for under the appropriate method of accounting.Estimates and AssumptionsIn preparing our financial statements, we make numerous estimates and assumptions that affect the accounting for and recognition and disclosure of assets, liabilities, equity, revenues and expenses. We must make these estimates and assumptions because certain information that we use is dependent on future events, cannot be calculated with precision from available data or simply cannot be calculated. In some cases, these estimates are difficult to determine, and we must exercise significant judgment. In preparing our financial statements, the most difficult, subjective and complex estimates and the assumptions that present the greatest amount of uncertainty relate to our accounting for landfills, environmental remediation liabilities, long-lived asset impairments, intangible asset impairments and the fair value of assets and liabilities acquired in business combinations. Each of these items is discussed in additional detail below. Actual results could differ materially from the estimates and assumptions that we use in the preparation of our financial statements.Cash and Cash EquivalentsCash in excess of current operating requirements is invested in short-term interest-bearing instruments with maturities of three months or less at the date of purchase and is stated at cost, which approximates market value.Concentrations of Credit RiskFinancial instruments that potentially subject us to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, investments held within restricted funds, and accounts receivable. We make efforts to control our exposure to credit risk associated with these instruments by (i) placing our assets and other financial interests with a diverse group of credit-worthy financial institutions; (ii) holding high-quality financial instruments while limiting investments in any one instrument and (iii) maintaining strict policies over credit extension that include credit evaluations, credit limits and monitoring procedures, although generally we do not have collateral requirements for credit extensions. We also control our exposure associated with trade receivables by discontinuing service, to the extent allowable, to non-paying customers. However, our overall credit risk associated with trade receivables is limited due to the large number and diversity of customers we serve. As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, no single customer represented greater than 5% of total accounts receivable.Accounts and Other Receivables Our receivables, which are recorded when billed, when services are performed or when cash is advanced, are claims against third parties that will generally be settled in cash. The carrying value of our receivables, net of the allowance for doubtful accounts, represents the estimated net realizable value. We estimate our allowance for doubtful accounts based on historical collection trends; type of customer, such as municipal or commercial; the age of outstanding receivables and existing as well as expected economic conditions. If events or changes in circumstances indicate that specific receivable balances may be impaired, further consideration is given to the collectability of those balances and the allowance is adjusted accordingly. Past-due receivable balances are written off when our collection efforts have been unsuccessful. Also, we recognize interest income on long-term interest-bearing notes receivable as the interest accrues under the terms of the notes. We no longer accrue interest once the notes are deemed uncollectible. balances and transactions have been eliminated. Investments in unconsolidated entities are accounted for under the appropriate method of accounting.Estimates and AssumptionsIn preparing our financial statements, we make numerous estimates and assumptions that affect the accounting for and recognition and disclosure of assets, liabilities, equity, revenues and expenses. We must make these estimates and assumptions because certain information that we use is dependent on future events, cannot be calculated with precision from available data or simply cannot be calculated. In some cases, these estimates are difficult to determine, and we must exercise significant judgment. In preparing our financial statements, the most difficult, subjective and complex estimates and the assumptions that present the greatest amount of uncertainty relate to our accounting for landfills, environmental remediation liabilities, long-lived asset impairments, intangible asset impairments and the fair value of assets and liabilities acquired in business combinations. Each of these items is discussed in additional detail below. Actual results could differ materially from the estimates and assumptions that we use in the preparation of our financial statements.Cash and Cash EquivalentsCash in excess of current operating requirements is invested in short-term interest-bearing instruments with maturities of three months or less at the date of purchase and is stated at cost, which approximates market value.Concentrations of Credit RiskFinancial instruments that potentially subject us to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, investments held within restricted funds, and accounts receivable. We make efforts to control our exposure to credit risk associated with these instruments by (i) placing our assets and other financial interests with a diverse group of credit-worthy financial institutions; (ii) holding high-quality financial instruments while limiting investments in any one instrument and (iii) maintaining strict policies over credit extension that include credit evaluations, credit limits and monitoring procedures, although generally we do not have collateral requirements for credit extensions. We also control our exposure associated with trade receivables by discontinuing service, to the extent allowable, to non-paying customers. However, our overall credit risk associated with trade receivables is limited due to the large number and diversity of customers we serve. As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, no single customer represented greater than 5% of total accounts receivable.Accounts and Other Receivables Our receivables, which are recorded when billed, when services are performed or when cash is advanced, are claims against third parties that will generally be settled in cash. The carrying value of our receivables, net of the allowance for doubtful accounts, represents the estimated net realizable value. We estimate our allowance for doubtful accounts based on historical collection trends; type of customer, such as municipal or commercial; the age of outstanding receivables and existing as well as expected economic conditions. If events or changes in circumstances indicate that specific receivable balances may be impaired, further consideration is given to the collectability of those balances and the allowance is adjusted accordingly. Past-due receivable balances are written off when our collection efforts have been unsuccessful. Also, we recognize interest income on long-term interest-bearing notes receivable as the interest accrues under the terms of the notes. We no longer accrue interest once the notes are deemed uncollectible. balances and transactions have been eliminated. Investments in unconsolidated entities are accounted for under the appropriate method of accounting."
    },
    {
      "status": "UNCHANGED",
      "current_title": "Opinion on the Financial Statements",
      "prior_title": "Opinion on the Financial Statements",
      "current_body": "We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Waste Management, Inc. (the Company) as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income, cash flows and changes in equity for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2024, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company at December 31, 2024 and 2023, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2024, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. ​ We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2024, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework), and our report dated February 19, 2025 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon. ​"
    }
  ]
}