The Danish model for sustainable waste solutions
The Danish Waste Model
The Danish waste management system is often characterized internationally as "The Danish Waste Model", as the system is based on solid principles that join to form a coherent whole.
The most important criteria are:
- One coherent public management, planning and regulatory system combined with an
operational system enforced and controlled by public authorities.
- One clear division of roles, responsibilities and competence between the individual
actors of the waste system (state, regional authorities, local authorities, waste
management companies and waste generators).
- Fixed principles concerning the structure of the waste management system:
the system includes all types of waste (e.g. household, industrial, and hazardous waste) the responsibility for the waste management system lies solely with the local authorities the duty to assign waste treatment and disposal facilities lies with the local authorities, and waste generators are bound to use them management, regulation and control of: waste generators, carriers and treatment plants financing of the system rests on the-polluterpays principle waste collection and waste treatment rest on the principle of source separation
The implementation of the Danish waste model has taken place over many years. So considerable experience is accumulated in Denmark (bad as well as good) including considerable expertise within specific areas.
Today, this know-how is available internationally via the participation of Danish public authorities and their consultants in international projects. In addition to always conducting international projects in close collaboration with local counterparts, the Danish public know-how as far as possible will be transferred in collaboration with and through Danish private consulting and operating/contracting companies.
