Drill cuttings (cuttings) are the small pieces of rock that are broken away by the drill bit and carried to the surface during wellbore construction. Many countries allow controlled discharge of drill cuttings to the marine environment, provided that operators comply with regulations designed to address potential environmental impacts. This document was prepared by IOGP to provide information on the potential environmental and non-water quality impacts of controlled drill cuttings discharges, and examines the history and rationale behind selected regulations covering drill cuttings discharges.