In 2023, 3M conducted an environmental assessment and disclosed corporate waste management data in accordance with recognized sustainability reporting standards.The company provided a breakdown of its waste by type (hazardous vs non-hazardous) and treatment method (recovery vs disposal), enabling greater transparency into its waste handling and environmental practices.
| Metric (tonnes) | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020-2019 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Total Waste Generated | 412,000a | 460,000a | 492,000a | |
Total Waste Recovered | 259,000a | 284,000a | 324,000a | |
Total Hazardous Waste Generated | 56,600a | 58,100a | 58,000a | |
Non-Hazardous Waste Disposed | N/A | N/A | N/A |
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In 2023, 3M generated a total of 412,000metric tonnes of waste.a
Of this amount, 62.86% of 3M's total waste generated was recovered through methods such as recycling, reuse, or composting, while 36.89% was disposed of through landfilling, incineration, or combustion.a
In 2023, 3M reported a total waste generation of 412,000 metric tonnes, of which 62.86% was recovered through recycling, reuse, or composting.This moderate level of recovery indicates that 3M is taking steps toward improving its waste diversion practices, though there is still room to enhance recycling and recovery efforts.a
Since 2021, 3M's total waste generation decreased by 16.26%, including a further 10.43% drop in 2023, highlighting a consistent and deliberate reduction in waste production over time.a
Over the same period, 3M's waste recovery rate declined by 4.54%, yet improved by 1.82% in 2023, pointing to a recent rebound or renewed focus on better waste treatment outcomes.a
Overall, 3M’s waste generation and recovery data show a mixed and inconsistent trend. A deeper analysis of the company's activities, industry benchmarks, and operational changes is needed to assess its sustainability performance more precisely.
In 2023, 3M generated a total of 412,000 metric tonnes of waste.a
Of this amount, 13.74% of 3M's total waste generated of was classified as hazardous waste, characterized by properties such as toxicity, flammability, corrosiveness, or reactivity that may pose risks to human health, ecosystems, or the environment.43.45% was identified as non-hazardous waste, generally considered less harmful and subject to lighter regulatory controls.The remaining 42.82% was either treated using unspecified methods or not clearly categorized.a
Since 2021, 3M's total waste generation decreased by 16.26%, with an additional 10.43% decline in 2023, suggesting a consistent and deliberate effort to minimize waste generation at the source.a
Over the same period, the share of hazardous waste in 3M's total output increased by 16.53%, including a further 8.77% rise in 2023, suggesting a troubling upward shift toward more environmentally harmful waste streams that could raise compliance costs and environmental risks.a
Overall, 3M's waste and hazardousness trends are mixed or inconclusive. A more detailed review of its materials, industry standards, and operational changes would help clarify the net environmental impact of its waste strategy.a