In 2024, Microsoft 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 | 41,290a | 36,392a | 29,596a | |
Total Waste Recovered | 28,285a | 24,663a | 17,149a | |
Total Hazardous Waste Generated | 85a | 195a | 881a | |
Non-Hazardous Waste Disposed | 12,965a | 11,727a | 12,445a |
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In 2024, Microsoft generated a total of 41,290metric tonnes of waste.a
Of this amount, 68.5% of Microsoft's total waste generated was recovered through methods such as recycling, reuse, or composting, while 31.5% was disposed of through landfilling, incineration, or combustion.a
In 2024, Microsoft reported a total waste generation of 41,290 metric tonnes, of which 68.5% was recovered through recycling, reuse, or composting.This moderate level of recovery indicates that Microsoft is taking steps toward improving its waste diversion practices, though there is still room to enhance recycling and recovery efforts.a
Since 2020, Microsoft's total waste generation increased by 1.77%, including a 13.46%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, Microsoft's waste recovery rate declined by 4.67%, yet improved by 1.08% in 2024, pointing to a recent rebound or renewed focus on better waste treatment outcomes.a
Overall, Microsoft’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 2024, Microsoft generated a total of 41,290 metric tonnes of waste.a
Of this amount, 0.21% of Microsoft'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.99.79% was identified as non-hazardous waste, generally considered less harmful and subject to lighter regulatory controls.a
Since 2020, Microsoft's total waste generation increased by 1.77%, including a 13.46% 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, Microsoft reduced the hazardousness of its waste by 99.12%, with a further 61.58% decline in 2024, suggesting a sustained and meaningful shift toward safer waste profiles and lower environmental impact.a
Overall, Microsoft 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, Microsoft reported that 85 metric tonnes of its total waste output were classified as hazardous. This represents 0.21% of its overall waste generation.a
The company treated this hazardous waste using a combination of methods.A majority (52.94%) was diverted from disposal through recovery-oriented treatments such as recycling or reuse. This suggests that Microsoft has established processes to reduce the environmental burden of its most harmful waste streams.a