The author discusses the notion of environmental controversies as frame conflicts through a case study of the waste-policy dialogue in Finland. The argument that intractable policy controversies result from internally consistent but incompatible normative^prescriptive scripts which name and frame problems differently is explored. Different waste-policy frames are identified and it is suggested that these frames do indeed contribute to the stubbornness of ongoing debate on incineration versus waste reduction. However, the importance of interest, identities, and ineffectual communication in these controversies is also highlighted, and it is suggested that consensus building can result in practical agreements even in the face of seemingly incompatible frames.