EXHIBIT 23.1

            CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM


We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements on
Form S-8 (Registration Nos. 333-45062, 333-110293, 333-106223, 333-45066 and
333-115932), Form S-3 (Registration Nos. 333-80063 and 333-97697) and Form S-4
(Registration No. 333-32805), of our reports dated February 16, 2005 with
respect to the consolidated financial statements and schedule of Waste
Management, Inc., Waste Management, Inc. management's assessment of the
effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting and the effectiveness
of internal control over financial reporting of Waste Management, Inc., included
in this Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 2004.


Houston, Texas
February 16, 2005