Following a successful pilot of remote-controlled heavy equipment in landfill operations, WM is building on its collaboration with Caterpillar to test autonomous equipment.
WM was the first company in the solid waste industry to use Cat Command remote-control technology, starting with a D8 bulldozer at its Marana, Arizona landfill, in late 2025. The dozer was used to move and disperse waste, enabling the following benefits for landfill operators:
- Enhanced operational efficiency and productivity.
- Improved safety through remote operation from a climate-controlled environment.
- Increased operational visibility with a 360-degree view enabled by multiple cameras.
Based on the success of the pilot, WM will test a Caterpillar-developed autonomous landfill compactor, as it works to expand autonomous solutions in landfill operations.
"At WM, technology advancement isn't just a business strategy —it's how we put our people-first approach into action. By leveraging innovation, we're reducing employee exposure to risk from challenging environments," said John Morris, president of WM. "As these technologies evolve, we see significant opportunity for operators to oversee a range of remotely-controlled and autonomous equipment across sites while enhancing safety, efficiency and performance and, at the same time, advance their careers with new skills."
"Collaborating with customers who are pioneering in their industry, like WM, is how we accelerate what's next," said Bob De Lange, group president for digital, technology & distribution at Caterpillar. "We're excited to work alongside WM on their journey—bringing advanced technologies into real-world operations to improve safety, drive productivity and help advance the landfill of the future."
Powered byCheck out the video below to learn more about WM’s pilot of Cat Command technology:
