In 2024, First Solar 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) | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021-2019 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Total Waste Generated | 65,415a | 52,471a | 48,210a | |
Total Waste Recovered | 57,864a | 45,575a | 40,978.5a | |
Total Hazardous Waste Generated | 8,269a | 5,606a | 4,821a | |
Non-Hazardous Waste Disposed | 2,613a | 2,168a | 2,892.6a |
You are welcome to quote or reference individual data points from this page, provided you include the following attribution with a visible, clickable link to this page: "Source: Tracenable, the global reference for ESG data"
Bulk collection, scraping, resale, or redistribution of data across multiple company profiles is not permitted without our prior written permission. For more information, see our General Terms and Conditions.
Every figure on this dashboard has a transparent audit trail. With Tracenable, each data point is traceable back to its original source, viewable directly inside our platform.
In 2024, First Solar generated a total of 65,415metric tonnes of waste.a
Of this amount, 88.46% of First Solar's total waste generated was recovered through methods such as recycling, reuse, or composting, while 11.54% was disposed of through landfilling, incineration, or combustion.a
In 2024, First Solar reported a total waste generation of 65,415 metric tonnes, of which 88.46% was recovered through recycling, reuse, or composting.This high recovery rate suggests that First Solar has implemented strong circular economy practices and actively prioritizes sustainable waste management.a
Since 2021, First Solar's total waste generation increased by 24.11%, including a 24.67%increase in 2024, indicating a persistent upward trend that may reflect scaling operations, inefficiencies in resource use, or a lack of effective waste minimization practices.a
Over the same period, First Solar's waste recovery rate increased by 6.57%, including a 1.84% rise in 2024, indicating growing emphasis on circularity and improved operational practices for diverting waste from disposal.a
Overall, First Solar has seen a consistent rise in waste generation both over the long term and in the year 2024. However, the company has also steadily improved its waste recovery performance, suggesting that it is actively working to offset the environmental consequences of increased production through enhanced circularity efforts.
In 2024, First Solar generated a total of 65,415 metric tonnes of waste.a
Of this amount, 12.64% of First Solar'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.87.36% was identified as non-hazardous waste, generally considered less harmful and subject to lighter regulatory controls.a
Since 2021, First Solar's total waste generation increased by 24.11%, including a 24.67% rise in 2024, reflecting a persistent upward trend that could be linked to operational growth, inefficient material use, or limited investment in waste prevention systems.a
Over the same period, the share of hazardous waste decreased by 2.76%, yet rose by 18.32% in 2024, potentially signaling operational variability, temporary setbacks, or less effective hazardous waste mitigation in the short term.a
Overall, First Solar'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
In 2024, First Solar reported that 8,269 metric tonnes of its total waste output were classified as hazardous. This represents 12.64% of its overall waste generation.a
The company treated this hazardous waste using a combination of methods.Approximately 40.28% was managed through recovery methods, indicating a moderate integration of circular practices into its hazardous waste management. However, a significant share was still directed toward disposal, highlighting room for improvement in reducing the long-term impact of hazardous materials.a