Grapevine

Researchers find Norway's waste policy falls short of goals

Norway's waste policy falls short of its goals because of inaccurate measurement methods, unreliable data and a lack of transparency about where Norwegian waste ends up, researchers say.

Norwegians throw away and burn increasing amounts of waste that could easily be recycled, in spite of a waste policy that envisions a different result.

Norway's waste policy aims to ensure the transition to an economy that helps stop the loss of natural habitat and significantly reduce environmental emissions. The goals for a circular economy of this nature have been established in accordance with EU policy and are based on government statistics compiled by the Norwegian Environment Agency and Statistics Norway (SSB).

Plans that don't work

NTNU researchers have now taken a critical look at Norway's waste policy over the past few decades. Their analysis shows that 65% of all collected and processed waste is incinerated, which is an increase from 49% in 2009. The research shows that there are major gaps in the information being collected by the Norwegian Environment Agency and Statistics Norway. In some years, Norwegians have actually recycled 40% less than what the authorities have reported.