ABSTRACT
Waste is one of the issues mentioned in the United Nation's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). A waste stream can be a material issue depending upon the volume of the waste generated, if the contaminants in the waste are of concern and/or if it is poorly managed. Unfortunately, even material waste streams are usually not discussed in detail in corporate sustainability reporting or corporate financial reporting. These material, non-reported waste streams are externalities that society is unaware of their impacts. An example of a material waste that has a tremendous impact and that is not properly disclosed is oil and gas drilling waste. This case study will explore how drilling waste is a material externality, how it is not properly reported in corporate sustainability reporting and the potential impacts to society if it is not properly addressed.
