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                                                                EXHIBIT 23.1

               CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Waste Connections, Inc.
registration statements listed below of our report dated February 9, 2000
(except for the first, second, and third paragraphs of Note 18, as to which the
dates are June 27, 2000, May 16, 2000 and April 17, 2000, respectively) with
respect to the consolidated financial statements and schedule of Waste
Connections, Inc. and Predecessors included in the Current Report (Form 8-K)
filed July 21, 2000:

Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-72113) pertaining to the First Amended
and Restated 1997 Stock Option Plan of Waste Connections, Inc.;

Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-63407) pertaining to the 1997 Stock
Option Plan of Waste Connections, Inc.;

Registration Statement (Form S-4 No. 333-65615);

Registration Statement (Form S-4 No. 333-83825);

Registration Statement (Form S-3 No. 333-87269); and,

Registration Statement (Form S-3 No. 333-87703).


                                       ERNST & YOUNG LLP


Sacramento, California
July 5, 2000