WM · 10-Q · 2026Q2 · Full report

Seasonality

WASTE MANAGEMENT INC · 2026-07-29 · Importance 10 · Surprise 6

Waste Management’s operating revenues and volumes typically increase during the summer months, supporting higher second- and third-quarter revenue and operating results. Severe storms, prolonged inclement weather, and climate events can disrupt service and operations, delay project development, and reduce waste generated by affected customers. Conversely, wildfires in the Western U.S. and hurricanes affecting the Southern and Eastern U.S. can increase regional waste volumes and revenues during the second half of the year.

Key facts

• Service or operational disruptions caused by severe storms, extended periods of inclement weather or climate events can significantly affect operating results of the geographic areas affected and can lead to supply chain disruption and delayed project development reducing waste generated by customers. source
• Certain destructive weather such as wildfires in the Western U.S. and hurricanes that most often impact operations in the Southern and Eastern U.S. during the second half of the year can increase Waste Management's revenues in the geographic areas affected as a result of the waste volumes generated by these events. source
• Waste Management's operating revenues and volumes typically experience seasonal increases in the summer months reflected in second and third quarter revenues and results of operations. source