Waste 21

Preface

In Denmark, around seven kg waste per capita are generated every day of the year. The task of ensuring collection, correct treatment and largest possible rate of recycling of this waste is heavy, but not impossible.

Experience from waste management in recent years has shown that it does make a difference to make an effort. We have achieved many fine results, but it is no secret that we are still faced with important challenges.

We have reached the overall objectives laid down in the Plan of Action for Waste and Recycling 1993-97. For example, in 1997 total recycling was already 9 per cent above the objective for year 2000, and landfilling was reduced to a level below the objective set for year 2000.

In 1997 the Government introduced a ban on landfilling of waste suitable for incineration. This regulation has been very successful and has meant that more waste has been shifted from landfilling to incineration. When waste that used to be landfilled is incinerated, recovery of the energy contained in waste is ensured, and at the same time much waste is avoided at landfills - waste that takes up space, smells and threatens groundwater resources.

All in all, we have come a long way, but we must go further. An important target for the future is to shift waste from incineration to recycling. Incineration is better than landfilling, but a long term perspective is to recycle even more. For example, paper, cardboard, organic domestic waste, and waste electronic equipment must be recycled. We will also shift waste, for example industrial waste (foundry waste), directly from landfilling to recycling.

Another aspect for the future is the quality of waste treatment. Until now, we have primarily concentrated our efforts on limiting waste arisings, increasing recycling and reducing landfilling. These aspects are still important, but they must be supplemented by more qualitative elements focusing on utilisation of resources in waste, quality in treatment, and greater efforts for environmental contaminants.

Waste 21 was debated on 28^th January 1999 in the Danish Folketing. The debate showed broad political agreement on the overall targets of Waste 21. This is a very positive starting point.

Waste 21 sets the agenda for future waste management in Denmark. The plan lays down the overall waste management strategy, and it presents a large number of new initiatives to be launched in the years 1998-2004. The plan will contribute to ensuring better and more efficient waste management than we have today.

Waste 21 is also a signal to local councils of initiatives to be launched in the coming years and to be taken into consideration in the next generation of municipal waste management plans.

Many citizens and enterprises want to contribute to increased recycling. Most people show a keen interest in participating in various waste solutions, and this commitment is central in Waste 21- favouring both the environment and the economy.

Svend Auken
Minister for Environment and Energy