Abstract: The characteristics of oil-based cuttings from the drilling of deep and shallow shale gas wells may be different, originating from the regional differences and oil-based drilling fluid systems applied. In this study, five samples of oil-based cuttings from deep and shallow shale gas in Sichuan and Chongqing were collected. The pollution characteristics of the oil-based drilling cuttings and the associated pyrolysis residues from deep and shallow shale gas development were analyzed, mainly the contents of heavy metals, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and petroleum hydrocarbons. The results showed that the petroleum hydrocarbon contents of oil-based cuttings and pyrolysis residues after pretreatment exceeded the limit requirements of GB 5085.6-2007 Identification Standards for Hazardous Wastes-Identification for Toxic Substance Content. Besides, the contents of heavy metals and PAHs were low, and none of them exceeded the risk screening values for the type Ⅱ land in GB 36600-2018 Risk Control Standard for Soil Contamination of Development Land. The contents of petroleum hydrocarbons, heavy metals, and PAHs in the pyrolysis residues after thermal desorption treatment were also lower than the standard limits of GB 5085.6-2007.