Case study:
With Oslo Municipality

OSLO MUNICIPALITY × LITECH / customer

Making waste operations safer in Oslo.

Oslo, Norway – Renovasjons- og gjenvinningsetaten (REG), the municipal agency responsible for collecting and handling household waste in Oslo, has taken a major step toward safer and smarter operations. With over 115,000 bins emptied each week across nearly 350,000 households, and two large-scale sorting facilities at Haraldrud and Klemetsrud, REG plays a central role in the city’s circular economy and climate strategy.

To strengthen fire prevention and protect both people and infrastructure, REG has deployed Litech’s sensor technology to detect dangerous objects in the waste stream before they become fires.

facility type

Material Recycling Facility (MRF)

PROJECT STAGE

Signed commercial agreement

PILOT FOCUS

Gas bottle detection

"Litech helped cut fire incidents by catching gas canisters before they reached the incinerator. The small sensors fit easily into our existing process."

Konrad Palmer

Director of Production

City of Oslo Waste Agency

Konrad Palmer

Director of Production

City of Oslo Waste Agency

REG Testimonial

Every object we detect is one less risk in Oslo's waste stream, and one step closer to safer recycling.

In just a few months Litech has already detected and removed 600+ explosive canisters in Oslo’s waste stream

Helping to prevent potentially millions in damage.

In just a few months Litech has already detected and removed 600+ explosive canisters in Oslo’s waste stream

Helping to prevent potentially millions in damage.

In just a few months Litech has already detected and removed 600+ explosive canisters in Oslo’s waste stream

Helping to prevent potentially millions in damage.

The Challenge

In 2024, Oslo Municipality faced over 50 million NOK in unexpected costs, largely due to fires, equipment damage, and insurance pressure.

A major cause was nitrous oxide canisters hidden in general waste. These small containers can explode in shredders and trigger serious incidents.

Over 200 such explosions were recorded in Norwegian waste facilities that year.

The Challenge

In 2024, Oslo Municipality faced over 50 million NOK in unexpected costs, largely due to fires, equipment damage, and insurance pressure.

A major cause was nitrous oxide canisters hidden in general waste. These small containers can explode in shredders and trigger serious incidents.

Over 200 such explosions were recorded in Norwegian waste facilities that year.

The Simple Solution

Oslo Municipality uses Litech’s MIS sensor, a modular plug-and-play system that detects hazardous items such as gas canisters in real time. The technology uses magnetic induction to read the unique metal signature of each object, even through bags and mixed waste. It sends instant alerts to operators, requires no extra training, and installs in just a few hours.

The Challenge

In 2024, Oslo Municipality faced over 50 million NOK in unexpected costs, largely due to fires, equipment damage, and insurance pressure.

A major cause was nitrous oxide canisters hidden in general waste. These small containers can explode in shredders and trigger serious incidents.

Over 200 such explosions were recorded in Norwegian waste facilities that year.

The Simple Solution

The Results

Big impact — from just 3 of 8 lines.

In our pilot with Oslo Kommune:
* 600+ gas bottles detected and removed before harm (during pilot)
* Live alerts empowered operator decisions
* No new equipment or training required
* Zero disruptions to existing operations

Big impact — from just 3 of 8 lines.

BOTTLES REMOVED

DETECTION RATE

The Results

Big impact — from just 3 of 8 lines.

BOTTLES REMOVED

DETECTION RATE

The Results

Big impact — from just 3 of 8 lines.

In our pilot with Oslo Kommune:
* 600+ gas bottles detected and removed before harm
* Live alerts empowered operator decisions
* No new equipment or training required
* Zero disruptions to existing operations

This pilot proved what’s possible, and we’re just getting started!

BOTTLES REMOVED

DETECTION RATE

What started as a pilot with Oslo Kommune is now a

signed commercial agreement.

What started as a pilot with Oslo Kommune is now a

signed commercial agreement.

Discover more

Let’s work together to close the loop

Recover more, reduce fire risk, and boost your sorting rate — with sensors under your existing conveyor belt.