Rio Tinto PLC
Rio Tinto Waste Data Preview
In 2023, Rio Tinto 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 - 2017 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Total Waste Generated | 0000000 | Copy restricted. Please purchase to unlock this data.  | Copy restricted. Please purchase to unlock this data.  | 0000000 |
Total Waste Recovered | 0000000 | Copy restricted. Please purchase to unlock this data.  | Copy restricted. Please purchase to unlock this data.  | 0000000 |
Total Hazardous Waste Generated | 0000000 | Copy restricted. Please purchase to unlock this data.  | Copy restricted. Please purchase to unlock this data.  | 0000000 |
Non-Hazardous Waste Disposed | 0000000 | Copy restricted. Please purchase to unlock this data.  | Copy restricted. Please purchase to unlock this data. | 0000000 |
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Insights into Rio Tinto's Waste Treatment Practices
In 2023, Rio Tinto generated a total of 977,737,000 metric tonnes of waste.
Of this amount, 0.95% of Rio Tinto's total waste generated was recovered through methods such as recycling, reuse, or composting, while 0.15% was disposed of through landfilling, incineration, or combustion. The remaining 98.9% was either treated using unspecified methods or not clearly categorized.
Rio Tinto's Waste Recovery Rate
How much of Rio Tinto's waste is recycled or recovered?
In 2023, Rio Tinto reported a total waste generation of 977,737,000 metric tonnes, of which 0.95% was recovered through recycling, reuse, or composting. This low recovery rate highlights limited waste diversion and suggests that Rio Tinto may be relying more heavily on landfill or incineration, underscoring opportunities for stronger resource recovery initiatives.
Has Rio Tinto reduced its environmental waste footprint over time?
Since 2019, Rio Tinto's total waste generation increased by 7.96%, but remained relatively stable in 2023, suggesting that past growth in waste production may have recently plateaued.
Over the same period, Rio Tinto's waste recovery rate increased by 1,267.97%, but declined by 43.03% in 2023, potentially signaling volatility in waste treatment processes or shifting priorities in waste management.
Overall, Rio Tinto’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.
Rio Tinto’s Waste Recovery vs. Disposal Over Time
- Total Waste Disposed
- Total Waste Recovered
Insights into Rio Tinto’s Generation of Hazardous and Non-Hazardous Waste
In 2023, Rio Tinto generated a total of 977,737,000 metric tonnes of waste.
Of this amount, 0.94% of Rio Tinto'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. 99.06% was identified as non-hazardous waste, generally considered less harmful and subject to lighter regulatory controls.
Rio Tinto’s Hazardous vs Non-Hazardous Waste Over Time
- Total Non-Hazardous Waste Generated
- Total Hazardous Waste Generated
How Rio Tinto reduced the environmental impact of its waste?
Since 2019, Rio Tinto's total waste generation increased by 7.96%, including a 0.12% rise in 2023, reflecting a persistent upward trend that could be linked to operational growth, inefficient material use, or limited investment in waste prevention systems.
Over the same period, the share of hazardous waste decreased by 16.17%, yet rose by 12.1% in 2023, potentially signaling operational variability, temporary setbacks, or less effective hazardous waste mitigation in the short term.
Overall, Rio Tinto'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.