In the period 1991-2007, greenhouse gas emissions increased in 4 out of 5 Norwegian municipalities, most of the increase due to traffic growth. Emissions from waste treatment have, on the other hand, decreased, although there has been a considerable growth in waste amounts.

The municipalities’ emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2 ), methane (CH4 ) and nitrous oxide (N2 O) were 20 per cent higher in 2007 compared with 1991. The total increase in the period equals 6.4 million tonnes of CO2 equivalents. Growth is due to higher emissions from road traffic and other mobile sources, manufacturing industries, onshore oil and gas activity, and other process emissions such as the use of solvents.

But in 3 out of 4 municipalities, the greenhouse gas emissions from waste were lower in 2007 than in 1991. More than 100 municipalities had reduced the emissions from waste by more than 50 per cent. The total national emissions from waste treatment were reduced from 1.8 million tonnes of CO2 equivalents in 1991 to 1.4 million tonnes in 2007. The reduction has taken place despite a 30 per cent growth in annual generated waste since 1995.

The greenhouse gas methane is formed when organic waste decays in landfills. Waste combustion plants and improved sorting of waste have reduced the amounts of organic waste disposed of in landfills. In addition, recovery and combustion of methane have reduced the emissions.

Norwegian emissions to air of hazardous substances have been comparatively stable during recent years. In a wider timeframe, however, there has been a significant reduction, in accordance with national targets and international obligations.