Gjenvinnbart

Gjenvinnbart is a Norwegian adjective meaning capable of being recycled. In waste management, it describes materials or products that can undergo processes to recover materials and be used to manufacture new products. The term is used to distinguish recyclable streams from non-recyclable or difficult-to-recycle waste. The key idea is circular economy: by design and sorting, waste becomes feedstock rather than disposal.

Materials commonly described as gjenvinnbart include paper, cardboard, glass, and many metals. Plastics may be gjenvinnbart, notably certain types such as PET and HDPE, but the recyclability of plastic depends on polymer type, additives, and local recycling infrastructure; some plastics are not widely recycled or are downcycled into lower-grade products.

In policy terms, many countries, including Norway, promote gjenvinnbart materials through waste management regulations, take-back schemes, and producer responsibility for packaging. Sorting at source, collection systems, and recycling facilities determine what fraction of waste can be classified as gjenvinnbart in practice. The concept is part of the broader shift toward a circular economy, which seeks to extend resource life and reduce environmental impact.

Limitations exist: recyclability does not equal infinite reuse; recycled materials may lose quality, require energy, and may not be suitable for all product categories. The term remains a general descriptor rather than a guarantee of universal recyclability, and local definitions may vary.