Failed waste management leads to increased incineration and less recycling

Failed waste management leads to increased incineration and less recycling
by Robert Schreiber
Berlin, Germany (SPX) Oct 11, 2024
Despite Norway's ambitious waste policy aimed at fostering a circular economy, the reality on the ground tells a different story. Increasingly, Norwegians are discarding and burning materials that could otherwise be recycled, according to a study by researchers at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU). The analysis reveals that 65% of processed waste in the country is incinerated, a stark increase from 49% in 2009, signaling a failure in achieving key environmental goals.

The circular economy goals, aligned with EU policy, are supported by government statistics from the Norwegian Environment Agency and Statistics Norway (SSB). However, the NTNU study indicates significant flaws in the data collection process, with gaps leading to overly optimistic recycling rates. The actual recycling figures are much lower than what is officially reported. "Inadequate data, imprecise measurement methods, and a lack of transparency from recycling companies are weakening the foundation of the waste policy," said Kim Rainer Mattson, a PhD candidate at NTNU.

Overly positive statistics
The research, co-authored by Mattson, Professor Helge Brattebo, and Associate Professor Johan Berg Pettersen, is the first to comprehensively track waste from collection to its final destination, such as incineration or landfill. Their findings show that the public is given inflated recycling rates, which distorts the true progress towards a circular economy. For instance, in 2009, Statistics Norway reported a recycling rate of 44%, while NTNU's analysis suggests the actual figure was closer to 28%.

The rise of incineration
Norway's waste management practices have shifted towards incineration, with 65% of waste being burned in 2019. "Instead of advancing toward a circular economy, we are entrenched in an incineration economy," Mattson commented. He noted that this trend undermines efforts to reduce natural resource consumption and transition away from a linear, throwaway model.

The research recommends more accurate measurement methods to improve waste policy and ensure the recycling rates reflect actual outcomes. The study highlights that much of the waste sent for recycling could be processed more efficiently, but limitations in sorting and collection systems lead to substantial losses. Additionally, incineration remains the most cost-effective solution for residual waste, which often includes recyclable materials like plastics, paper, and electronics.

The need for change
To truly achieve a circular economy, Mattson and his colleagues argue that waste policies need to focus on reducing resource consumption and improving waste sorting and transparency. The study also raises concerns about the environmental impact of exporting waste for processing, as emissions from incinerating Norwegian waste abroad are not accounted for in national statistics.

The researchers call for legislative reforms and a more transparent waste management system to address these issues. In particular, they advocate for stricter requirements on manufacturers and better documentation of waste processing outcomes to provide a clearer picture of material losses and recycling efficacy.

Research Report:Incineration economy: Waste management policy failing the circular economy transition in Norway