Shell PLC
Shell Waste Data Preview
In 2023, Shell 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 Shell's Waste Treatment Practices
In 2023, Shell generated a total of 2,905,000 metric tonnes of waste.
Of this amount, 22.51% of Shell's total waste generated was recovered through methods such as recycling, reuse, or composting, while 77.49% was disposed of through landfilling, incineration, or combustion.
Shell's Waste Recovery Rate
How much of Shell's waste is recycled or recovered?
In 2023, Shell reported a total waste generation of 2,905,000 metric tonnes, of which 22.51% was recovered through recycling, reuse, or composting. This low recovery rate highlights limited waste diversion and suggests that Shell may be relying more heavily on landfill or incineration, underscoring opportunities for stronger resource recovery initiatives.
Has Shell reduced its environmental waste footprint over time?
Since 2019, Shell's total waste generation increased by 13.08%, including a 15.97% increase in 2023, indicating a persistent upward trend that may reflect scaling operations, inefficiencies in resource use, or a lack of effective waste minimization practices.
Over the same period, Shell's waste recovery rate increased by 31.15%, including a 14.39% rise in 2023, indicating growing emphasis on circularity and improved operational practices for diverting waste from disposal.
Overall, Shell has seen a consistent rise in waste generation both over the long term and in the year 2023. 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.
Shell’s Waste Recovery vs. Disposal Over Time
- Total Waste Disposed
- Total Waste Recovered
Insights into Shell’s Generation of Hazardous and Non-Hazardous Waste
In 2023, Shell generated a total of 2,905,000 metric tonnes of waste.
Of this amount, 21.72% of Shell'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. 55.73% was identified as non-hazardous waste, generally considered less harmful and subject to lighter regulatory controls. The remaining 22.55% was either treated using unspecified methods or not clearly categorized.
Shell’s Hazardous vs Non-Hazardous Waste Over Time
- Total Non-Hazardous Waste Generated
- Total Hazardous Waste Generated
How Shell reduced the environmental impact of its waste?
Since 2019, Shell's total waste generation increased by 13.08%, including a 15.97% 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, Shell reduced the hazardousness of its waste by 21.18%, with a further 38.03% decline in 2023, suggesting a sustained and meaningful shift toward safer waste profiles and lower environmental impact.
Overall, Shell 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.