WM and Caterpillar Showcase How Tech Innovation is Transforming Landfills at CES 2026

Landfills may not first come to mind when thinking of automation and AI -- but that may soon change. During a tech talk with Caterpillar at CES 2026, WM showcased how it is integrating technology in the environmental services industry to advance operations.

WM’s President & Chief Operating Officer John Morris sat down with Caterpillar Group President Bob DeLange and shared how WM is a logistics powerhouse using AI, data, remote operations and autonomy to transform the waste industry.

"We run about 20,000 trucks a day in North America, 15,000 or so of those are dedicated to collection and recycling - and then with the acquisition of a healthcare business a little over a year ago, we run about 4,500 routes on the healthcare side,” explained Morris.  WM manages more than 120 million tons of waste each year at over 260 landfills and another 400,000 tons of medical waste at 44 autoclaves and two alternative treatment facilities, along with nine incineration locations.

Caterpillar equipment is utilized at many of WM’s landfills, and the companies have a longstanding history of collaboration as WM has incorporated many Caterpillar-developed technologies into day-to-day operations.

Bob De Lange reinforced Caterpillar’s commitment to helping WM find solutions,
 “Our technology is not just an idea or vision. We're helping real-world customers, real-world businesses — and in the case of WM, hopefully we can play a small part in building the landfill of the future.”

WM is working to expand one of its most significant innovations, CONNECTED LANDFILL™ — a WM-developed system that uses internet-connected devices and sensors to give technicians real-time visibility into site conditions. Through digital dashboards, teams can monitor equipment health, review data, make decisions and even interact directly with equipment remotely. WM deployed 15 CONNECTED LANDFILL™ sites in 2025, with more planned in 2026.

Integrating additional technologies like autonomy and remote-controlled equipment from Caterpillar are being explored at select WM landfills, and the innovations could unlock even more efficiency.

Both companies stressed that adopting autonomy and AI is a phased approach.

• "A lot of the technology, autonomy and remote operations we’re piloting right now help solve for the future," Morris said. "Caterpillar has helped us preserve and optimize the expensive and scarce airspace that exists in our landfills."

AI is already being incorporated into other parts of the WM’s business – including at its recycling facilities, dynamic routing for its trucks, fire prevention and safety monitoring for drivers.

As WM and Caterpillar continue to push the boundaries of technology, these innovations promise a smarter, safer and more sustainable way to manage waste for decades to come.