The present invention relates to a method for ameliorating the salinity of drilling waste that is generated over the course of drilling for oil & gas using water-based drilling fluid. In particular for drilling waste that is generated when using a potassium silicate-based drilling fluid. Salinity is a common problem since salt-based additives are commonly added to drilling fluids to obtain certain desirable properties such as shale inhibition. Potassium salts represents a commonly used drilling fluid additive to inhibit the swelling and dispersion of shale. Salinity in the drilling fluid can further increase as a result of drilling fluid contact with the geological formations being drilled.