Every year, WM rewards the best technicians, drivers, and heavy machine operators across the country. Internally, that initiative represents our “People First” commitment, a way of caring for the many resilient members of the WM family and celebrating their excellence and dedication to the trade. Externally, the accolade is a testament to how our people strive to do the right thing at every step of the waste processing journey.

Earlier this year, two heavy machine operators rose to the top of their rank. Representing the Northern California and Nevada market area, Juan Gallo and Robert Bennett were named winners of the 2023 NCN Operator of the Year award for their exceptional level of safety compliance and dedication to the Altamont and Redwood Landfills, respectively. And that’s not a small feat. Landfills are an essential part of the waste cycle. Through these facilities, millions of tons of waste are buried annually, and to handle such a critical task, landfill managers rely on heavy machine operators to get it done right, with safety, the environment, and our customers in mind.

With that unparalleled work ethic and a dose of perfectionism, Juan has dedicated almost 34 years to his career at WM. A tenure, says his manager Luiz Rocha, marked by an unmatched sense of accountability. “He is the type of man who will be there half an hour before his shift, sitting in his car reading his newspaper. This man is punctual to the point where he has never been late.” Juan stands out not only for his punctuality but also for his ability to efficiently move waste through facilities that span hundreds of acres. He has helped maintain a secure work environment for himself and his peers, all while ensuring that our landfill operation complies with local regulations to protect nearby communities. When asked about what has inspired his decades-long commitment to delivering a high performance every day, Juan does not hesitate to attribute his discipline and diligence to his father’s teachings, a legacy, says Juan, passed down to him at a young age.

“I learned that from my dad. I have been working ever since I can remember, since I was a kid. He used to say, ‘Never call off unless you’re really dying.’” This sense of deep commitment, now celebrated in the form of an area-wide award, is what Juan hopes will inspire the younger generation of operators coming to the waste industry.

Front-end loader operator moving solid waste at WM landfill.

The Golden Rule

Robert Bennett, the Operator of the Year at the Redwood Landfill, has a straightforward and laid-back demeanor. He speaks of getting recognized for his competence with an unusual combination of confidence and humility, traits shared by those who have mastered their craft but know that there’s always something new to learn. Although his nomination is a direct reflection of his work performance, the foundation for his achievement can be traced back to the beginning of his career, when, according to Robert, operators “did not have the [level] of training offered today.”

During that time of scarce guidance, Robert took it upon himself to find ways to learn the trade and expand his industry knowledge. The golden rule, he says, is to “pay attention to the more experienced operators, the ones everyone looks up to.” Patient observation and diligent implementation, he believes, is what got him this far. “Watch others, listen to what they say, feed off the veterans.” That, for Robert, was always a good rule of thumb.

Another important element driving his performance is a deep understanding of the impact of his work. At landfills, a job well done means more than the prospect of obtaining accolades. It means that he and his peers get to go back home the same way they came in to work. It means that operators and other professionals are following important environmental guidelines to mitigate the operational impact of landfills. A responsibility that Robert takes personally. “If we have exposed garbage or methane leaks, that is a direct reflection on me. If we get a NOV, that comes back on me.”

A Notice of Violation, or NOV, is a formal notification issued by CalRecycle and local enforcement agencies (LEA) to companies found in violation of solid waste handling regulations. This measure is designed to ensure that businesses, such as WM, comply with the safety and environmental standards set by the state of California. By preventing NOVs, Robert is not only helping protect the business and the environment, but he is also raising the bar for others within WM and across the waste industry. He is sending a message that a job well done has to be done right. And it does not hurt if one can have fun while at it. “I like to get along with my fellow employees. I just want things to look good and flow well.”

A National Recognition

After a careful study of recommendation letters, safety reports, service awards, and certificates, the National Waste and Recycling Association granted Sergio Padilla—a veteran heavy machine operator at the Altamont Landfill—the 2024 Operator of the Year accolade. This independent contest evaluates the performance of heavy equipment operators, including bulldozers, front-end loaders, and compactors nationwide, in order to reveal and recognize the best and safest among all.

But unlike other operators, outperforming the competition is not a first for Sergio. He has previously won a few internal contests at WM. This time, however, his achievement is especially meaningful as he has been recognized as the top operator in his field nationally, beating out the competition working in post-collection, landfills, and transfer stations in both the private and public sectors in the United States. “It’s exciting being elected amongst a bunch of guys, and everybody is good at what they’re doing.”

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