Are we moving in the right direction?
In Norway, we have a national target which states that the growth in the amount of waste shall be considerably lower than the growth in the economy (GDP at constant prices). From 1995 to 2010 the total amount of waste increased by about 34 percent, while GDP increased by 39 percent.
The main cause of the growth in the amount of waste in Norway during this period is a substantial rise in industrial waste, which now accounts for 77 per cent of the total waste. Household waste grew faster than GDP during the entire period. Each of us threw away nearly 70 percent more waste in 2010 than in 1995.
In recent years, waste volumes have increased less than the growth in GDP. The total amount of waste is now six percent lower than the peak in 2007, while GDP has declined by one per cent. This is in line with the national target.
Measures to reduce emissions
The central government authorities have put in place a number of policy instruments including legislation, taxes and economic incentives targeted at the municipalities, businesses and industry.
So far, we have seen a positive effect especially with regard to waste recovery and reduced emissions from waste treatment. The full effect of the policy instruments is expected to increase. This particularly applies to the initiatives that require re-adjustment by the municipalities and businesses, and a change in people’s habits and behaviour.
Published by the Climate and Pollution Agency, 14.12.2011, 15:21.