Waste Prevention

Every day — as we do our jobs and go about our lives — the average American creates 4.6 pounds of solid waste (U.S. EPA). Similarly, the daily operations of the oil and natural gas industry creates wastes that require disposal. As environmental awareness has grown, our industry—like many American households—has made great progress in reducing waste through recycling and improved efficiency. In addition, the oil and natural gas industry has taken steps to reduce the toxicity of the wastes we send to landfills.

Innovation + new technology = less waste

The total wastewater and drilling waste generated by the oil and natural gas industry in its exploration and production operations declined from 21.4 million barrels in 1985 to 18.1 million barrels in 1995.

In the refining sector, residual wastes that once ended up in landfills are now processed and reused as feedstock. In 1985, refineries recycled about 26 percent of residuals; by 1997 this reuse had increased to 62 percent, cutting costs, conserving energy and increasing efficiency.

Since 1988, refineries have cut chemical releases in half while boosting production by 12 percent.

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