Our approach to waste management is based on a simple set of priorities – first, eliminate waste where possible; then reuse, recover and recycle it; and finally as a last resort, dispose of it safely. We have a global Waste Management Standard that requires all operations to evaluate the waste they generate and the suitability of the waste facilities they use.

ConocoPhillips’ businesses can use only commercial waste contractors that meet company standards for operational integrity, have environmental protection measures in place, implement monitoring and institutional controls, and comply with relevant regulations.

The Waste Management Standard also requires businesses to develop comprehensive management plans for company-owned or -operated waste units. The standard applies to all operations worldwide. In ventures where we are not the operator or hold a minority interest, we strive to influence our co-venturers to implement similar programs.

In implementing our standard, we developed a commercial waste management program to track waste-disposal activity. In the United States and Canada, we have compiled a list of company-approved commercial waste management facilities. We inspect potential new waste sites and periodically audit the sites that we choose to utilize. We prefer contractors who provide cost-effective commercial alternatives to landfill disposal. But if this is not an option, we select sites that comply with strict environmental standards.

Around the world, we manage the disposal of surplus or obsolete electronic equipment in a process known as e-cycling. As part of this process, we negotiate contracts with vendors for the remarketing and recycling of electronic equipment, such as computers, televisions, microwave ovens, copiers, fax machines and telephones that no longer have value to ConocoPhillips, but may have value for others. In many locations, we have partnered with our recycling contractor to provide similar services for the public, using company locations as collection points. In addition, our employees help their local communities collect household waste and recyclable material that cannot be disposed of in regular household garbage.