A method detects and evaluates emissions from plants, in particular from incineration or industrial plants. The absolute quantities of the pollutants are determined at preset intervals and an average over a preset measuring interval is formed therefrom. When a preset limiting average is exceeded, a check is made to determine whether this excess is due to a functional fault of the plant. If so, the plant is switched over to emergency running. If there is no functional fault, the running of the plant is restricted until the average falls again below the limiting average. The pollutant quantities determined are stored and can be utilized for determining levies.