Danish exports of environmental products and consulting services within the waste sector in 1999
Foreword
By Svend Auken, Minister for Environment and Energy
Denmark has always been a pioneer in
environmentally optimal solutions in waste management and waste treatment. As early as 30
years ago, Denmark established a unique system for collecting and treating hazardous
waste.
As the first country in the world, Denmark discontinued the practice of depositing organic waste and waste suitable for incineration. Energy is generated from waste through incineration and biogasification.
Incineration absorbs virtually all energy present in waste. Twenty per cent of the energy is used for combined production of heat and power, and this percentage is likely to increase to 25 per cent in 2004. Denmark finds it very important that waste management and waste treatment procedures are as environmentally friendly as possible, while ensuring a minimum loss of energy and resources. Waste management must also have no adverse effect on our health and safety at work.
The next few years will see Denmark commit itself to waste prevention.b Economic growth does not necessarily have to lead to a rise in waste production. Individual waste fractions must be treated so that they have the lowest possible impact on the environment, while we exploit the energy and resource potential in waste. Denmark's new strategy on waste - a programme known as Waste 21 - will set the agenda for future waste control and waste management in Denmark. The Waste 21 programme introduces a number of new initiatives to improve waste management and enhance efficiency.
Due to waste management and waste treatment requirements, Denmark has developed systems, plants and knowhow, which all provide a platform for exports. In 1999, Danish exports of knowhow and products to the waste sector amounted to about DKK 0.5bn.
Danish waste policy boosts exports and protects the environment, while keeping waste disposal costs at a minimum in Denmark. Therefore, Denmark must unquestionably continue its current approach in waste management to the benefit of both the environment and exports.