Seeking cleanup operators for the next phase of the Cleanup Norway program
Norway's first national cleanup program has been underway for nearly three years, and it has been confirmed that the program will continue in 2024 and 2025, with the possibility of extension. – We have more than enough to do in the coming years, says environmental fund CEO Cecilie Lind.
Published: 03.July, 2023 Last updated: 05.December, 2025
The Cleanup Norway program was launched in 2020 with the goal of cleaning 40 percent of the outer coastline, as well as prioritized waterways, by the end of 2023. The goal is within reach, and the Norwegian Retailers' Environment Fund plans to continue Norway's first national cleanup program, initially in 2024 and 2025. So far, the environmental fund, which derives its revenue from the sale of plastic bags, has spent over 300 million NOK in plastic bag fees on the Cleanup Norway program.
– This work is impactful, and it is urgent to remove the plastic waste. Therefore, it is also worth spending significant resources on the cleanup efforts. If we manage to clean up the macroplastics before they end up in the sea, we can avoid serious consequences for nature and wildlife, and prevent it from breaking down into microplastics for which we currently lack effective removal methods, says Cecilie Lind, CEO of the Norwegian Retailers' Environment Fund.
SALT vurderer søknadene
SALT har fått i oppdrag å lede programmet. Med andre ord er det de som vil lese tilbud og anbefale valg av ryddeaktør, samt koordinerer planene med relevante regionale og lokale aktører. De ønsker tilbud fra både nye og gamle aktører.
– Rydd Norge-programmet har pågått i snart tre år, og aktørene som har ryddet til nå er selvsagt aktuelle til å levere tilbud igjen. Vi håper alle som er aktuelle melder seg, vi skal rydde mye kyst, sier Snorre Sklet.
The cleanup project is divided into eight cleanup regions
- Agder
- Møre og Romsdal
- Nordland
- Oslo, Viken, Vestfold and Telemark
- Rogaland
- Troms and Finnmark
- Trøndelag
- Vestland
– It is possible to submit an offer for cleaning in one or more cleanup zones within a county. It is also possible to apply for assignments in multiple counties, explains Sklet.
Ambitious Cleanup Goal
The cleanup target of 40 percent of the outer coast set by the Norwegian Retailers' Environment Fund in 2020 was already ambitious. Now the goal is being expanded further.
– For 2024 and 2025, our goal is to clean an additional 15 percent of the outer coast, in addition to maintaining areas with shipwrecks and other places where plastic waste accumulates due to ocean currents. The new target we are working towards is 55 percent of the outer coast by the end of 2025, says Lind.
Experience with Coastal Work a Prerequisite
– We have some experience with relevant applicants from the program so far. Applicants must have the necessary equipment, as they will be cleaning inaccessible areas of the coast. Companies working with oil spill clean-up, smaller aquaculture companies, suppliers to the marine farming and aquaculture industry, fishermen, and outdoor recreation councils are all examples of relevant applicants. We hope for great interest, as there is a significant cleanup task remaining, says Lind.
The application deadline for interested businesses is September 7th.
