EXHIBIT 23.1



                         CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS


  We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement
  (Form S-8) pertaining to the Waste Management, Inc. Employee Stock Purchase
  Plan of our report dated February 14, 2003, with respect to the consolidated
  financial statements and schedule of Waste Management, Inc. included in its
  Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 2002 filed with the
  Securities and Exchange Commission.





                                                    /s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP

Houston, Texas
June 12, 2003