In 2024, Merck & Co Inc 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 | 91,865a | 74,320a | 83,333a | |
Total Waste Recovered | 81,464a | 63,416a | 69,608a | |
Total Hazardous Waste Generated | 43,436a | 39,957a | 48,540a | |
Non-Hazardous Waste Disposed | 4,417a | 4,719a | 4,524a |
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In 2024, Merck & Co Inc generated a total of 91,865metric tonnes of waste.a
Of this amount, 88.68% of Merck & Co Inc's total waste generated was recovered through methods such as recycling, reuse, or composting, while 11.32% was disposed of through landfilling, incineration, or combustion.a
In 2024, Merck & Co Inc reported a total waste generation of 91,865 metric tonnes, of which 88.68% was recovered through recycling, reuse, or composting.This high recovery rate suggests that Merck & Co Inc has implemented strong circular economy practices and actively prioritizes sustainable waste management.a
Since 2020, Merck & Co Inc's total waste generation increased by 18.42%, including a 23.61%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, Merck & Co Inc's waste recovery rate increased by 23.85%, including a 3.93% rise in 2024, indicating growing emphasis on circularity and improved operational practices for diverting waste from disposal.a
Overall, Merck & Co Inc 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, Merck & Co Inc generated a total of 91,865 metric tonnes of waste.a
Of this amount, 47.28% of Merck & Co Inc'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.52.72% was identified as non-hazardous waste, generally considered less harmful and subject to lighter regulatory controls.a
Since 2020, Merck & Co Inc's total waste generation increased by 18.42%, including a 23.61% 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, Merck & Co Inc reduced the hazardousness of its waste by 14.7%, with a further 12.05% decline in 2024, suggesting a sustained and meaningful shift toward safer waste profiles and lower environmental impact.a
Overall, Merck & Co Inc is generating more waste but has significantly reduced the share of hazardous materials, suggesting a partial decoupling of volume and toxicity that could reflect more responsible inputs or enhanced treatment.a
In 2024, Merck & Co Inc reported that 43,436 metric tonnes of its total waste output were classified as hazardous. This represents 47.28% of its overall waste generation.a
The company treated this hazardous waste using a combination of methods.A majority (86.22%) was diverted from disposal through recovery-oriented treatments such as recycling or reuse. This suggests that Merck & Co Inc has established processes to reduce the environmental burden of its most harmful waste streams.a