Oil and gas wells cannot be drilled without creating waste. However, with good waste management practices, the amount of waste and the toxicity of waste can be reduced. By far, the greatest volume of waste generated in the drilling process is drilled cuttings. The first step and perhaps the best waste management practice is good solids control equipment, such as NOV's line of Brandt shakers, mud conditioners, and centrifuges.

When operated properly, the solids control equipment removes drilled solids from the mud, maintaining the rheology and thereby decreasing the need for dilution. Good solids control equipment operated properly also yields drier solids. Both decreased dilution and drier solids reduces waste and increase profits for the operator.