<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
<!--XBRL document created with Toppan Merrill Bridge  11.0.0.3 -->
<!--Based on XBRL 2.1-->
<!--Created on: 7/29/2025 6:56:42 PM-->
<!--Modified on: 7/29/2025 6:56:42 PM-->
<xsd:schema targetNamespace="http://www.wm.com/20250630" attributeFormDefault="unqualified" elementFormDefault="qualified" xmlns:xsd="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" xmlns:wm="http://www.wm.com/20250630" xmlns:dei="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2025" xmlns:deprecated="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/deprecated" xmlns:srt-types="http://fasb.org/srt-types/2025" xmlns:dtr="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/dtr" xmlns:currency="http://xbrl.sec.gov/currency/2025" xmlns:ref="http://www.xbrl.org/2006/ref" xmlns:xbrldt="http://xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt" xmlns:xl="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/XLink" xmlns:us-gaap="http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2025" xmlns:utr="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/utr" xmlns:sic="http://xbrl.sec.gov/sic/2025" xmlns:stpr="http://xbrl.sec.gov/stpr/2025" xmlns:link="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" xmlns:enum2="http://xbrl.org/2020/extensible-enumerations-2.0" xmlns:country="http://xbrl.sec.gov/country/2025" xmlns:us-roles="http://fasb.org/us-roles/2025" xmlns:net="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/net" xmlns:naics="http://xbrl.sec.gov/naics/2025" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns:us-types="http://fasb.org/us-types/2025" xmlns:dtr-types="http://www.xbrl.org/dtr/type/2024-01-31" xmlns:xbrldi="http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi" xmlns:negated="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negated" xmlns:srt="http://fasb.org/srt/2025" xmlns:exch="http://xbrl.sec.gov/exch/2025" xmlns:attributeFormDefault="unqualified" xmlns:srt-roles="http://fasb.org/srt-roles/2025" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance" xmlns:xbrli="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instance" xmlns:us-gaap-ebp="http://fasb.org/us-gaap-ebp/2025" xmlns:cyd-af-sub="http://xbrl.sec.gov/cyd-af-sub/2025" xmlns:ecd="http://xbrl.sec.gov/ecd/2025" xmlns:ecd-sub="http://xbrl.sec.gov/ecd-sub/2025">
  <xsd:annotation>
    <xsd:appinfo>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.wm.com/role/StatementCondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheets" id="StatementCondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheets">
        <link:definition>995200100 - Statement - CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.wm.com/role/StatementCondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfOperations" id="StatementCondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfOperations">
        <link:definition>995200200 - Statement - CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.wm.com/role/StatementCondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfComprehensiveIncome" id="StatementCondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfComprehensiveIncome">
        <link:definition>995200300 - Statement - CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.wm.com/role/StatementCondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlows" id="StatementCondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlows">
        <link:definition>995200400 - Statement - CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.wm.com/role/StatementCondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlowsParenthetical" id="StatementCondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlowsParenthetical">
        <link:definition>995200405 - Statement - CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Parenthetical)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.wm.com/role/DisclosureLandfillAndEnvironmentalRemediationLiabilitiesSummaryDetail" id="DisclosureLandfillAndEnvironmentalRemediationLiabilitiesSummaryDetail">
        <link:definition>99940201 - Disclosure - Landfill and Environmental Remediation Liabilities - Summary (Detail)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.wm.com/role/DisclosureDebtComponentsDetail" id="DisclosureDebtComponentsDetail">
        <link:definition>99940301 - Disclosure - Debt - Components (Detail)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.wm.com/role/DisclosureEarningsPerShareDetail" id="DisclosureEarningsPerShareDetail">
        <link:definition>99940501 - Disclosure - Earnings Per Share (Detail)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.wm.com/role/DisclosureCommitmentsAndContingenciesDetails" id="DisclosureCommitmentsAndContingenciesDetails">
        <link:definition>99940601 - Disclosure - Commitments and Contingencies (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.wm.com/role/DisclosureSegmentAndRelatedInformationSummaryDetail" id="DisclosureSegmentAndRelatedInformationSummaryDetail">
        <link:definition>99940701 - Disclosure - Segment and Related Information - Summary (Detail)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.wm.com/role/DisclosureAcquisitionsAndDivestituresAllocationDetail" id="DisclosureAcquisitionsAndDivestituresAllocationDetail">
        <link:definition>99940802 - Disclosure - Acquisitions and Divestitures - Allocation (Detail)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.wm.com/role/DisclosureAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossDetail" id="DisclosureAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossDetail">
        <link:definition>99941001 - Disclosure - Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Detail)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.wm.com/role/DisclosureFairValueMeasurementsRecurringDetail" id="DisclosureFairValueMeasurementsRecurringDetail">
        <link:definition>99941201 - Disclosure - Fair Value Measurements - Recurring (Detail)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.wm.com/role/StatementCondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfChangesInEquity" id="StatementCondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfChangesInEquity">
        <link:definition>995200500 - Statement - CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.wm.com/role/DisclosureAcquisitionsAndDivestituresTables" id="DisclosureAcquisitionsAndDivestituresTables">
        <link:definition>99930803 - Disclosure - Acquisitions and Divestitures (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.wm.com/role/DisclosureBasisOfPresentationDetails" id="DisclosureBasisOfPresentationDetails">
        <link:definition>99940101 - Disclosure - Basis of Presentation (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.wm.com/role/DisclosureLandfillAndEnvironmentalRemediationLiabilitiesChangesDetail" id="DisclosureLandfillAndEnvironmentalRemediationLiabilitiesChangesDetail">
        <link:definition>99940202 - Disclosure - Landfill and Environmental Remediation Liabilities - Changes (Detail)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.wm.com/role/DisclosureDebtClassificationAndCreditFacilitiesDetail" id="DisclosureDebtClassificationAndCreditFacilitiesDetail">
        <link:definition>99940302 - Disclosure - Debt - Classification and Credit Facilities (Detail)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.wm.com/role/DisclosureDebtBorrowingsAndRepaymentsDetail" id="DisclosureDebtBorrowingsAndRepaymentsDetail">
        <link:definition>99940303 - Disclosure - Debt - Borrowings and Repayments (Detail)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.wm.com/role/DisclosureIncomeTaxesDetail" id="DisclosureIncomeTaxesDetail">
        <link:definition>99940401 - Disclosure - Income Taxes (Detail)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.wm.com/role/DisclosureSegmentAndRelatedInformationAssetsDetail" id="DisclosureSegmentAndRelatedInformationAssetsDetail">
        <link:definition>99940702 - Disclosure - Segment and Related Information - Assets (Detail)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.wm.com/role/DisclosureSegmentAndRelatedInformationRevenueMixDetail" id="DisclosureSegmentAndRelatedInformationRevenueMixDetail">
        <link:definition>99940703 - Disclosure - Segment and Related Information - Revenue mix (Detail)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.wm.com/role/DisclosureAcquisitionsAndDivestituresDetail" id="DisclosureAcquisitionsAndDivestituresDetail">
        <link:definition>99940801 - Disclosure - Acquisitions and Divestitures (Detail)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.wm.com/role/DisclosureAcquisitionsAndDivestituresIntangibleAllocationDetail" id="DisclosureAcquisitionsAndDivestituresIntangibleAllocationDetail">
        <link:definition>99940803 - Disclosure - Acquisitions and Divestitures - Intangible Allocation (Detail)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.wm.com/role/DisclosureGainLossFromDivestituresAssetImpairmentsAndUnusualItemsNetDetails" id="DisclosureGainLossFromDivestituresAssetImpairmentsAndUnusualItemsNetDetails">
        <link:definition>99940901 - Disclosure - (Gain) Loss from Divestitures, Asset Impairments and Unusual Items, Net (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.wm.com/role/DisclosureCommonStockRepurchaseProgramRepurchasesDetail" id="DisclosureCommonStockRepurchaseProgramRepurchasesDetail">
        <link:definition>99941101 - Disclosure - Common Stock Repurchase Program - Repurchases (Detail)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.wm.com/role/DisclosureFairValueMeasurementsDebtDetail" id="DisclosureFairValueMeasurementsDebtDetail">
        <link:definition>99941202 - Disclosure - Fair Value Measurements - Debt (Detail)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.wm.com/role/DisclosureVariableInterestEntitiesDetail" id="DisclosureVariableInterestEntitiesDetail">
        <link:definition>99941301 - Disclosure - Variable Interest Entities (Detail)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.wm.com/role/DocumentDocumentAndEntityInformation" id="DocumentDocumentAndEntityInformation">
        <link:definition>995200090 - Document - Document and Entity Information</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.wm.com/role/StatementCondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheetsParenthetical" id="StatementCondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheetsParenthetical">
        <link:definition>995200105 - Statement - CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.wm.com/role/StatementCondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfChangesInEquityParenthetical" id="StatementCondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfChangesInEquityParenthetical">
        <link:definition>995200505 - Statement - CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY (Parenthetical)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.wm.com/role/DisclosureBasisOfPresentation" id="DisclosureBasisOfPresentation">
        <link:definition>995210101 - Disclosure - Basis of Presentation</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.wm.com/role/DisclosureLandfillAndEnvironmentalRemediationLiabilities" id="DisclosureLandfillAndEnvironmentalRemediationLiabilities">
        <link:definition>995210201 - Disclosure - Landfill and Environmental Remediation Liabilities</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.wm.com/role/DisclosureDebt" id="DisclosureDebt">
        <link:definition>995210301 - Disclosure - Debt</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.wm.com/role/DisclosureIncomeTaxes" id="DisclosureIncomeTaxes">
        <link:definition>995210401 - Disclosure - Income Taxes</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.wm.com/role/DisclosureEarningsPerShare" id="DisclosureEarningsPerShare">
        <link:definition>995210501 - Disclosure - Earnings Per Share</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.wm.com/role/DisclosureCommitmentsAndContingencies" id="DisclosureCommitmentsAndContingencies">
        <link:definition>995210601 - Disclosure - Commitments and Contingencies</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.wm.com/role/DisclosureSegmentAndRelatedInformation" id="DisclosureSegmentAndRelatedInformation">
        <link:definition>995210701 - Disclosure - Segment and Related Information</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.wm.com/role/DisclosureAcquisitionsAndDivestitures" id="DisclosureAcquisitionsAndDivestitures">
        <link:definition>995210801 - Disclosure - Acquisitions and Divestitures</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.wm.com/role/DisclosureGainLossFromDivestituresAssetImpairmentsAndUnusualItemsNet" id="DisclosureGainLossFromDivestituresAssetImpairmentsAndUnusualItemsNet">
        <link:definition>995210901 - Disclosure - (Gain) Loss from Divestitures, Asset Impairments and Unusual Items, Net</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.wm.com/role/DisclosureAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLoss" id="DisclosureAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLoss">
        <link:definition>995211001 - Disclosure - Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.wm.com/role/DisclosureCommonStockRepurchaseProgram" id="DisclosureCommonStockRepurchaseProgram">
        <link:definition>995211101 - Disclosure - Common Stock Repurchase Program</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.wm.com/role/DisclosureFairValueMeasurements" id="DisclosureFairValueMeasurements">
        <link:definition>995211201 - Disclosure - Fair Value Measurements</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.wm.com/role/DisclosureVariableInterestEntities" id="DisclosureVariableInterestEntities">
        <link:definition>995211301 - Disclosure - Variable Interest Entities</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.wm.com/role/DisclosureBasisOfPresentationPolicies" id="DisclosureBasisOfPresentationPolicies">
        <link:definition>99920102 - Disclosure - Basis of Presentation (Policies)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.wm.com/role/DisclosureLandfillAndEnvironmentalRemediationLiabilitiesTables" id="DisclosureLandfillAndEnvironmentalRemediationLiabilitiesTables">
        <link:definition>99930203 - Disclosure - Landfill and Environmental Remediation Liabilities (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.wm.com/role/DisclosureDebtTables" id="DisclosureDebtTables">
        <link:definition>99930303 - Disclosure - Debt (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.wm.com/role/DisclosureEarningsPerShareTables" id="DisclosureEarningsPerShareTables">
        <link:definition>99930503 - Disclosure - Earnings Per Share (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.wm.com/role/DisclosureSegmentAndRelatedInformationTables" id="DisclosureSegmentAndRelatedInformationTables">
        <link:definition>99930703 - Disclosure - Segment and Related Information (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.wm.com/role/DisclosureAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTables" id="DisclosureAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTables">
        <link:definition>99931003 - Disclosure - Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.wm.com/role/DisclosureFairValueMeasurementsTables" id="DisclosureFairValueMeasurementsTables">
        <link:definition>99931203 - Disclosure - Fair Value Measurements (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:linkbaseRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="wm-20250630_pre.xml" xlink:title="Presentation Links, all" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationLinkbaseRef" xlink:arcrole="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink/properties/linkbase" />
      <link:linkbaseRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="wm-20250630_cal.xml" xlink:title="Calculation Links, all" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/calculationLinkbaseRef" xlink:arcrole="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink/properties/linkbase" />
      <link:linkbaseRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="wm-20250630_def.xml" xlink:title="Definition Links, all" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/definitionLinkbaseRef" xlink:arcrole="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink/properties/linkbase" />
      <link:linkbaseRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="wm-20250630_lab.xml" xlink:title="Label Links, all" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/labelLinkbaseRef" xlink:arcrole="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink/properties/linkbase" />
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.wm.com/role/DisclosureStandardAndCustomAxisDomainDefaults" id="DisclosureStandardAndCustomAxisDomainDefaults">
        <link:definition>99900 - Disclosure - Standard And Custom Axis Domain Defaults</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
    </xsd:appinfo>
  </xsd:annotation>
  <xsd:import namespace="https://xbrl.org/2023/calculation-1.1" schemaLocation="https://www.xbrl.org/2023/calculation-1.1.xsd" />
  <xsd:import namespace="http://xbrl.sec.gov/ecd/2025" schemaLocation="https://xbrl.sec.gov/ecd/2025/ecd-2025.xsd" />
  <xsd:import namespace="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2025" schemaLocation="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2025/dei-2025.xsd" />
  <xsd:import namespace="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instance" schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/xbrl-instance-2003-12-31.xsd" />
  <xsd:import namespace="http://www.xbrl.org/dtr/type/2024-01-31" schemaLocation="https://www.xbrl.org/dtr/type/2024-01-31/types.xsd" />
  <xsd:import namespace="http://xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt" schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd" />
  <xsd:import namespace="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negated" schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/lrr/role/negated-2009-12-16.xsd" />
  <xsd:import namespace="http://fasb.org/us-roles/2025" schemaLocation="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-roles-2025.xsd" />
  <xsd:import namespace="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/net" schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/lrr/role/net-2009-12-16.xsd" />
  <xsd:import namespace="http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2025" schemaLocation="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd" />
  <xsd:import namespace="http://fasb.org/srt/2025" schemaLocation="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2025/elts/srt-2025.xsd" />
  <xsd:import namespace="http://xbrl.sec.gov/currency/2025" schemaLocation="https://xbrl.sec.gov/currency/2025/currency-2025.xsd" />
  <xsd:import namespace="http://xbrl.sec.gov/ecd-sub/2025" schemaLocation="https://xbrl.sec.gov/ecd/2025/ecd-sub-2025.xsd" />
  <xsd:element name="AssetRetirementObligationAndEnvironmentalRemediationDisclosureTextBlock" id="wm_AssetRetirementObligationAndEnvironmentalRemediationDisclosureTextBlock" type="dtr-types:textBlockItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="false" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element name="AssetRetirementObligationAndEnvironmentalRemediationRollforwardAnalysisTableTextBlock" id="wm_AssetRetirementObligationAndEnvironmentalRemediationRollforwardAnalysisTableTextBlock" type="dtr-types:textBlockItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="false" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element name="AssetRetirementObligationIncreaseDecreaseForAcquisitionsDivestituresAndOtherAdjustments" id="wm_AssetRetirementObligationIncreaseDecreaseForAcquisitionsDivestituresAndOtherAdjustments" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="false" nillable="true" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element name="CommercialPaperProgramMember" id="wm_CommercialPaperProgramMember" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element name="DisclosureRequiredUnderItemOneZeroThreeOfSecsRegulationSk" id="wm_DisclosureRequiredUnderItemOneZeroThreeOfSecsRegulationSk" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="false" nillable="true" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element name="EnvironmentalCostsMember" id="wm_EnvironmentalCostsMember" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element name="IncreaseDecreaseInDeferredRevenueAndOtherOperatingLiabilities" id="wm_IncreaseDecreaseInDeferredRevenueAndOtherOperatingLiabilities" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="false" nillable="true" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element name="InterestAndOtherIncomeExpense" id="wm_InterestAndOtherIncomeExpense" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="false" nillable="true" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element name="NumberOfLandfillsAdjacentToOrNearHomeownersPropertiesWithAgreementsGuaranteeingMarketValue" id="wm_NumberOfLandfillsAdjacentToOrNearHomeownersPropertiesWithAgreementsGuaranteeingMarketValue" type="xbrli:integerItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="false" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element name="NumberOfNonOwnedSitesListedOnEnvironmentalProtectionAgencyNationalPrioritiesListForWhichWeHaveBeenNotifiedWeArePrp" id="wm_NumberOfNonOwnedSitesListedOnEnvironmentalProtectionAgencyNationalPrioritiesListForWhichWeHaveBeenNotifiedWeArePrp" type="xbrli:integerItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="false" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element name="NumberOfOwnedSitesListedOnEnvironmentalProtectionAgencyNationalPrioritiesListForWhichWeHaveBeenNotifiedWeArePrp" id="wm_NumberOfOwnedSitesListedOnEnvironmentalProtectionAgencyNationalPrioritiesListForWhichWeHaveBeenNotifiedWeArePrp" type="xbrli:integerItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="false" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element name="NumberOfSitesListedOnEnvironmentalProtectionAgencyNationalPrioritiesListForWhichWeHaveBeenNotifiedWeArePrp" id="wm_NumberOfSitesListedOnEnvironmentalProtectionAgencyNationalPrioritiesListForWhichWeHaveBeenNotifiedWeArePrp" type="xbrli:integerItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element name="ProceedsFromDivestitureOfBusinessesNetOfCashDivestedAndProceedsFromSalesOfAssetsInvestingActivities" id="wm_ProceedsFromDivestitureOfBusinessesNetOfCashDivestedAndProceedsFromSalesOfAssetsInvestingActivities" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="false" nillable="true" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element name="SanJacintoWastePitsMember" id="wm_SanJacintoWastePitsMember" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element name="WasteDiversionTechnologyCompanyMember" id="wm_WasteDiversionTechnologyCompanyMember" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element name="CreditFacilityRevolvingMember" id="wm_CreditFacilityRevolvingMember" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element name="SeniorNotesAggregateMember" id="wm_SeniorNotesAggregateMember" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element name="TaxExemptBondsMember" id="wm_TaxExemptBondsMember" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element name="IncomeTaxesTable" id="wm_IncomeTaxesTable" type="xbrli:stringItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:hypercubeItem" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element name="IncomeTaxesLineItems" id="wm_IncomeTaxesLineItems" type="xbrli:stringItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element name="CommercialMember" id="wm_CommercialMember" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element name="ResidentialMember" id="wm_ResidentialMember" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element name="IndustrialMember" id="wm_IndustrialMember" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element name="OtherCollectionMember" id="wm_OtherCollectionMember" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element name="CollectionMember" id="wm_CollectionMember" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element name="TransferMember" id="wm_TransferMember" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element name="InvestmentInLowIncomeHousingPropertiesMember" id="wm_InvestmentInLowIncomeHousingPropertiesMember" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element name="TrustForFinalCappingClosurePostClosureOrEnvironmentalRemediationObligationsMember" id="wm_TrustForFinalCappingClosurePostClosureOrEnvironmentalRemediationObligationsMember" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element name="DebtMaturingOrSubjectToRefinancingWithinNextTwelveMonthsClassifiedAsLongTerm" id="wm_DebtMaturingOrSubjectToRefinancingWithinNextTwelveMonthsClassifiedAsLongTerm" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element name="DebtInstrumentInterestRatePeriodExpiringCurrent" id="wm_DebtInstrumentInterestRatePeriodExpiringCurrent" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element name="AccruedCappingAndEnvironmentalCosts" id="wm_AccruedCappingAndEnvironmentalCosts" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element name="BusinessCombinationsAndDispositionsAbstract" id="wm_BusinessCombinationsAndDispositionsAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element name="DeferredRevenueRecognitionPeriod" id="wm_DeferredRevenueRecognitionPeriod" type="xbrli:durationItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element name="GainLossFromDivestituresAssetImpairmentsAndUnusualItems" id="wm_GainLossFromDivestituresAssetImpairmentsAndUnusualItems" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element name="GainLossFromDivestituresAssetImpairmentsAndOtherNoncashPortion" id="wm_GainLossFromDivestituresAssetImpairmentsAndOtherNoncashPortion" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element name="FinancingLeasesAndOtherMember" id="wm_FinancingLeasesAndOtherMember" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element name="WeightedAverageNetNumberOfSharesReducedBasic" id="wm_WeightedAverageNetNumberOfSharesReducedBasic" type="xbrli:sharesItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element name="DebtAndFinancingLeasesMaturingOrSubjectToRemarketingWithinNextTwelveMonths" id="wm_DebtAndFinancingLeasesMaturingOrSubjectToRemarketingWithinNextTwelveMonths" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element name="CanadianSeniorNotesMember" id="wm_CanadianSeniorNotesMember" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element name="InvestmentMaturityTerm" id="wm_InvestmentMaturityTerm" type="xbrli:durationItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element name="OtherLetterOfCreditFacilitiesMember" id="wm_OtherLetterOfCreditFacilitiesMember" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element name="BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentAssetsOfDiscontinuedOperations" id="wm_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentAssetsOfDiscontinuedOperations" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element name="BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentLiabilitiesOfDiscontinuedOperations" id="wm_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentLiabilitiesOfDiscontinuedOperations" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element name="SeniorNotes0.750PercentDueNovember2025Member" id="wm_SeniorNotes0.750PercentDueNovember2025Member" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element name="ProvisionForDoubtfulAccountsAndOtherCreditLosses" id="wm_ProvisionForDoubtfulAccountsAndOtherCreditLosses" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element name="SeniorNotes3.125PercentDue2025Member" id="wm_SeniorNotes3.125PercentDue2025Member" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element name="EastTierRegionAreasMember" id="wm_EastTierRegionAreasMember" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" abstract="true" />
  <xsd:element name="WestTierRegionAreasMember" id="wm_WestTierRegionAreasMember" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" abstract="true" />
  <xsd:element name="TaraHemmerMember" id="wm_TaraHemmerMember" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" abstract="true" />
  <xsd:element name="RecyclingProcessingAndSalesMember" id="wm_RecyclingProcessingAndSalesMember" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" abstract="true" />
  <xsd:element name="RenewableEnergySegmentMember" id="wm_RenewableEnergySegmentMember" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" abstract="true" />
  <xsd:element name="RoyaltyPercentage" id="wm_RoyaltyPercentage" type="dtr-types:percentItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" abstract="false" />
  <xsd:element name="CollectionAndDisposalMember" id="wm_CollectionAndDisposalMember" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" abstract="true" />
  <xsd:element name="OtherAncillaryMember" id="wm_OtherAncillaryMember" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" abstract="true" />
  <xsd:element name="CharlesBoettcherMember" id="wm_CharlesBoettcherMember" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" abstract="true" />
  <xsd:element name="StericycleMember" id="wm_StericycleMember" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" abstract="true" />
  <xsd:element name="SeniorNotes3.875PercentDue2029Member" id="wm_SeniorNotes3.875PercentDue2029Member" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" abstract="true" />
  <xsd:element name="HealthcareSolutionsMember" id="wm_HealthcareSolutionsMember" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" abstract="true" />
  <xsd:element name="BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentLiabilitiesAccruedLiabilities" id="wm_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentLiabilitiesAccruedLiabilities" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" abstract="false" xbrli:balance="credit" />
  <xsd:element name="BusinessAcquisitions2025Member" id="wm_BusinessAcquisitions2025Member" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" abstract="true" />
  <xsd:element name="OilRecoveryAndSludgeProcessingServicesMember" id="wm_OilRecoveryAndSludgeProcessingServicesMember" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" abstract="true" />
</xsd:schema>
