WM · Earnings call · 2026Q3T · Full report

Strategic Initiatives

WASTE MANAGEMENT INC · 2026-10-27 · Importance 34 · Surprise 42

Management said it is evaluating technology to reduce reliance on labor amid a long-term labor shortage, including automated side loaders and Caterpillar pilots of remotely operated heavy equipment. The pilots are taking place at a hazardous landfill and a facility in Arizona. If expanded, management expects the approach could broaden the available labor pool and structurally lower costs over time, and said these efforts could transform operations over the next 10 years.

Key facts

• James C. Fish Jr. will retire as CEO in early January 2027, and John Morris will become WM's CEO at that time.
• WM said health care solutions volume trends were improving and that it would continue pursuing SG&A and pricing progress, while identifying the business as a strategic investment going forward.
• WM planned to continue integrating its health care business and pursue cross-selling and operating expense opportunities.
• Waste Management said it was pursuing technologies to reduce labor dependence given an expected long-term labor shortage, and viewed this as a transformation over the next 10 years.