Collection Systems in Norway 🇳🇴
About
Norway uses a combination of kerbside collection and bring-points/recycling centres. Collection methods vary by municipality. Plastic packaging is collected separately, while glass and metal packaging are often collected together. A deposit return scheme (Pant) operates for beverage containers.
Collection Streams
Plastic Packaging Recycling (Plastemballasje) - Packaging ONLY
What goes in:
- Packaging only: plastic bags/film, tubs, bottles, tubes from food/drink and household products
- Some municipalities also accept packaging-type 'hard plastic' only when it was packaging
- Must be empty (typically 'drip-dry') and reasonably clean
What does NOT go in:
- Plastic objects (non-packaging): toys, toothbrushes, dish brushes, garden furniture, buckets, hoses, etc.
- EPS/Styrofoam (Isopor) is usually not in the packaging bag (often recycling centre)
- Packaging with hazardous product residue is hazardous waste
Notes:
- Key rule for consumer tools: 'packaging only'
- If it's a plastic product, not packaging, it should not go in plastic packaging collection
- If very dirty, clean or place in residual
Paper & Cardboard (Papp/papir)
What goes in:
- Clean/dry cardboard & paper packaging + newspapers/printed paper
- Beverage cartons (drikkekartong) are typically included
What does NOT go in:
- Paper/cardboard with food residue, and paper towels/napkins (not accepted as paper recycling)
Notes:
- Keep it dry and clean; flatten boxes
- Beverage cartons: rinse, drain, fold
- In most municipalities cartons go with paper/cardboard
Glass & Metal Packaging (Glass- og metallemballasje)
What goes in:
- Packaging only: glass jars/bottles; metal cans (incl. tinned food), aluminium trays/foil, metal lids/caps, metal tubes
- Rinse if needed; labels can stay
What does NOT go in:
- Non-packaging glass/metal: drinking glasses, ceramics/porcelain, window/fireplace glass; pots/pans; paint buckets; other metal objects not used as packaging
Notes:
- Collection is often via bring-points/containers (some municipalities collect at home)
- Don't put glass/metal packaging in a carrier bag in the container (varies, but commonly advised)
Food Waste / Organics (Matavfall)
What goes in:
- Food scraps from cooking & meals: peels, leftovers, bones, fish/shellfish, coffee grounds/filters
- Often also food-soiled paper towels/napkins (if your municipality allows)
What does NOT go in:
- Packaging, plastic bags, liquids (drinks/soups), and non-food waste
- Garden waste/houseplants often have their own route
Notes:
- Collection method varies: paper bags / bio-bags / colour-bags depending on municipality
- National guidance notes drinks should generally not be sorted with food waste for practical reasons
Residual Waste (Restavfall)
What goes in:
- Non-recyclable household waste, e.g. hygiene waste (diapers, sanitary products), mixed-material packaging that can't be separated (e.g. some foil-lined snack/coffee bags), small plastic items that are not packaging (toothbrushes, dish brushes, toys), gift wrap/ribbons
What does NOT go in:
- Food waste, plastic packaging, paper/cardboard, glass/metal packaging, textiles for collection, batteries, hazardous waste, EE-waste
Notes:
- Residual is 'what can't go elsewhere'
- Many municipalities warn that 'compostable/biodegradable' plastics are not accepted in plastic recycling, so they usually end up as residual (unless your municipality says otherwise)
Deposit Return Scheme (Pant)
What goes in:
- Bottles and cans with a deposit mark (pantemerke) returned to a shop/return machine
What does NOT go in:
- Cans/bottles without deposit mark; completely flattened cans / unreadable barcode (may not be accepted)
Notes:
- If the label is missing, many machines may still recognize it
- If fully crushed and barcode unreadable it may not be accepted
Sources:
What Gets Collected
Accepted Items
- • Packaging materials (varies by stream)
- • Empty and clean containers
- • Material-specific items
Not Accepted
- • Non-packaging items
- • Contaminated materials
- • Hazardous containers with contents
Regional Variations
Collection systems in Norway may vary by municipality or region. Local sorting capabilities, collection infrastructure, and acceptance criteria can differ significantly even within the same country.
Important Notes
Norway primarily uses bring-points and recycling centres rather than comprehensive kerbside collection
The packaging-only rule is critical for plastic and metal streams
The deposit return scheme (Pant) is separate from municipal recycling—return eligible containers for a refund
Collection methods vary significantly by municipality—check local guidance
Sources
Collection system information is based on national and regional guidelines. For the most current and location-specific information, consult local waste management authorities.