Gjenvinnings

Gjenvinnings (Norwegian for recycling) refers to the process of recovering usable materials from waste to reintroduce them into production. It is a central element of the waste management hierarchy, aiming to conserve resources, reduce energy use, and lower environmental impact.

The practice covers a range of materials, including metals (aluminium, steel), glass, paper and cardboard, and various plastics, as well as electronics and textiles. Biological waste can be processed through composting or anaerobic digestion, yielding compost or biogas. Most materials are made suitable for reuse after sorting, cleaning, and processing such as melting, pulping, or pelletizing.

Sorting and pre-treatment at source—kildesortering or source separation—are essential to improve recycling rates. Collection systems, recycling facilities, and consumer participation determine success. Recycling competes with other waste management options like energy recovery from incineration and landfilling, but is preferred in the waste hierarchy.

Benefits include reduced resource extraction, energy savings, greenhouse gas reductions, and job creation. Challenges include contamination, material downcycling, price fluctuations for recyclates, and the need for standardization in products and packaging to improve recyclability.

In Norway and the European Union, gjenvinning is supported by regulations and programs such as producer responsibility for packaging and electronics, mandatory sorting, and separate collection streams. Public information campaigns and infrastructure investments aim to increase recycling rates.