Waste from building and construction, 2001

In Statistics Norway's Waste Accounts it is estimated that about 940 000 tonnes of construction and demolition waste (C&D-waste) is generated annually. A new survey on Norwegian waste treatment plants shows that 536 000 tonnes of such waste is treated at these plants. This leaves more than 400 000 tonnes C&D waste unaccounted for in the statistics. Some of this is probably sent directly to recycling companies, without any pre-treatment at sorting plants, but a significant percentage is probably disposed of illegally. The figures are uncertain because of varying practice concerning registration of C&D waste at the treatment plants.

44 per cent of the C&D waste was sorted. Out of this, about one third was sent for recycling, slightly more than that was landfilled and 22 per cent was energy recovered. About half of the C&D waste did not enter ordinary waste treatment plants. This may be because it was forwarded to a recycler without any pre-treatment, but it may also reflect a possible widespread illegal disposal of C&D waste. Sorted C&D waste consisted of 25 per cent wood, 19 per cent concrete, 9 per cent metals and 42 per cent sorting residues in addition to small amounts of paper, hazardous waste and other materials.

Of the Norwegian counties, Akershus, Rogaland, Oslo and Hordaland treated 70 000 tonnes or more. In the other counties, smaller amounts of C&D waste were treated. Stone, gravel, sand and the like are excluded from the figures. Unknown treatment is also excluded from the county figures.

Tables:

• Table 1 Construction and demolition waste in Norway, by treatment/disposal. 2001. Tonnes