Oslo Waste Facility Confronts Recurring Issue: Improperly Disposed Moose Carcasses
Oslo’s Renovation and Recycling Agency is grappling with a persistent and unsettling problem: residents improperly disposing of large animal carcasses, most recently a moose, in the city’s residual waste system. The latest incident, discovered on the night of Thursday, November 20, 2025, involved an elk head and portions of a carcass found at the Haraldrud sorting facility.
The agency stresses that while small deceased animals like birds and mice can be placed in residual waste if securely bagged, larger game and slaughter waste are strictly prohibited. “We will not have big game and other slaughter waste in to us,” the agency stated on its Facebook page.
A Familiar, Unpleasant Occurrence
This is not an isolated event. According to team leader Katharina Sørensen, the Haraldrud facility receives approximately five to six moose carcasses annually during hunting season, alongside a consistent influx of deer throughout the year. The presence of these large carcasses poses significant operational challenges.
“Big game can stop the machinery,” Sørensen explained. “Then the workers have to step in to clean up.” The cleanup process is not only unpleasant but also presents hygiene concerns, as decaying carcasses can harbor larvae and dirt. “It is very unhygienic,” she added, noting the potential for damage to conveyor belts and other equipment, resulting in costly repairs for the municipality.
Beyond Moose: The Holiday Waste Surge
The issue extends beyond hunting season. The agency anticipates a surge in improperly discarded items as the Christmas season approaches. Residents often dispose of broken Christmas lights directly into the waste stream, unaware that the tangled wires can severely disrupt the sorting process. “The wires get stuck something so violently, and are very difficult to get free,” Sørensen said. These items should be treated as electronic waste and delivered to designated recycling stations.
Proper Carcass Disposal Procedures
So, what is the correct way to dispose of a large game carcass? The agency is clear: not in residual waste. While hunters commonly leave carcasses in the forest after slaughter, the State Administrator in the Interior permits the burial of small amounts of slaughter waste with landowner approval, provided it doesn’t harm the environment. Larger quantities require a landfill permit. Waste originating from slaughterhouses, including wild animals, must be delivered to an approved reception facility.
The recurring issue highlights the need for greater public awareness regarding proper waste disposal practices and the potential consequences of non-compliance. The Oslo Renovation and Recycling Agency continues to urge residents to responsibly manage their waste to ensure the efficiency and safety of the city’s recycling infrastructure.
