Photo: Climate and Pollution Agency
Waste treatment near source
Norway has the capacity to treat almost all of its own hazardous waste. However, there are certain types of hazardous waste, for instance batteries containing lead, that requires specially adapted technology for recycling or disposal. Some types of hazardous waste are therefore exported if specially adapted technology is not available in Norway or we have insufficient treatment capacity.
Norway’s policy is that such waste should preferably be exported to neighbouring countries. Most of the waste that is exported from Norway is used in energy production in neighbouring countries. Some Norwegian companies have specialized in treatment of certain types of waste. These companies import waste from all over Europe.
Import and export open for wider range of options
Waste that is not dealt with in an appropriate way can result in unsightly littering and emissions of harmful substances. Waste imports and exports open up a wider range of disposal options, and may also make it possible to better utilize the resources in waste.
On the other hand, this solution requires more transport and uses more energy. When new products are manufactured using waste materials, a residue of waste is often generated, and this may cause pollution if it is not properly dealt with.
Market influence on waste flows
Waste transport across national borders is influenced by market conditions. Taxation systems and the level of other costs vary from one country to another. These differences are amongst the factors that make some manufacturers and municipalities want to export waste.
A separate market has grown up for some types of waste, in which a few companies compete for one type of waste from many different countries.
Increased export of waste
Official statistics are kept of exports and imports of notifiable waste, i.e. waste that may only be transported across national borders with proper authorization. These statistics are based on annual reports sent to the Climate and Pollution Agency.
Import of waste
In 2009 the import of waste to Norway accounted for about 306 000 tonnes. This represents a growth of 13 per cent from 2008.
Statistics show that imports of notifiable waste has been rather stable with yearly variances since 1998. From 2002 restrictions were introduced and the total amounts dropped. The drop in the amounts imported in 2007 is probably not a real drop, but reflects inadequacies in the annual report. Nearly all the waste is imported from other European countries.
Export of waste
The export of waste has increased substantially since 1998. This is mainly due to a large increase in waste exported for incineration with energy recovery in Sweden and Denmark.
In 2009, Norway exported around 770 000 tonnes of waste. This represents a substantial growth from 2008. The drop in the amounts exported in 2007 is probably not a real drop, but reflects inadequacies in the annual report. 
International regulation and control
Strict procedures and requirements have been established on international and EU scale to regulate transboundary transport of waste and to prevent transport of potentially hazardous waste into countries with lower environmental treatment.
Regulations on transboundary movement of waste
Norway takes part in internationally binding cooperation on waste transport within the framework of the UN, the OECD and the EEA Agreement. As a result, Norway has laid down regulations on transboundary movements of waste. The regulations also distinguish between waste recovery and final disposal. It is generally prohibited to export waste to developing countries.
Authorities may refuse import and export
The international rules allow the authorities to refuse the import or export of waste that may have undesirable environmental effects.
The role of the The Climate and Pollution Agency
The Climate and Pollution Agency is the authority responsible for authorizing waste imports and exports in Norway, and will normally refuse exports of waste for disposal if there is an environmentally sound alternative in Norway. Waste that is to be recovered is regarded as a resource. The Climate and Pollution Agency therefore normally permits exports of both non-hazardous and hazardous waste for recovery to other countries in the OECD area.
The Climate and Pollution Agency, in collaboration with the Directorate of Customs and Excise, makes spot checks along the border and at larger ports to ensure that waste is only being exported and imported in accordance with regulations.