The Danish model for sustainable waste solutions
Aims of the waste policy and strategy
The integrated waste management solutions implemented in Denmark today are very much influenced by the general development in society and priorities set in the past and today by citizens and their elected representatives.
Similar to water supply and wastewater treatment, the solid waste management system has substantial bearings on infrastructure, human health and the environment. It enhances the standard of living of citizens and contributes to the professionalism and further development of the functional basis of enterprises.
Concurrently, it is imperative to reduce the impact of waste on human health and the environment. Further, a series of initiatives to prevent waste generation will secure conservation of nature and natural resources.
Thus, the Danish waste policy and strategy are based on the internationally recognized waste hierarchy prioritising the efforts as follows:
 | initiatives to prevent waste generation |
| maximum recycling and material recovery |
| optimal recovery of the energy contents in waste |
| minimal use of landfilling |
Within all these areas, Danish experience exists concerning legislation and planning aspects as well as practical implementation of the physical infrastructure (vehicles, collection equipment, logistics, treatment plants, landfill facilities etc.).
One hundred years of waste management development makes it clear that the waste problems cannot be solved by recycling and energy recovery alone. There will always be a need for final disposal of waste that cannot be further recovered. Therefore wellcontrolled and organized landfills, also in Denmark, are a vital element in the basic structure of a waste management system.
Ensuring a solid basic structure for the waste management system is the best background for any gradual, further development of the entire system. This is often the basis for Danish participation in international solid waste management projects. However, the development of a waste management system must take place in consideration and respect of any existing local systems. This is important for a successful implementation and in total compliance with Danish tradition.
