Waste 21

3. Initiatives

Up to now, Danish waste strategy has focused on waste prevention, increased recycling and reduced landfilling. These concepts will still be in focus, but now the quality of waste treatment is also to be improved. Environmental impacts from chemical substances will be reduced and resources in waste utilised.

For Waste 21 to succeed, a number of initiatives must be launched at different levels. Some initiatives are of more general nature, others will be adapted to different sectors or directed at the waste fraction in question.

This requires that national and local authorities live up to their obligations, including the preparation of necessary rules and regulations, and that citizens and enterprises contribute to good waste solutions.

Development and information activities stated in the plan require a substantial subsidy from the Environmental Council for Cleaner Products, but there is also a need to study additional financing possibilities which may be established in order to promote technological development.

Waste can be divided according to the source (sector) generating it. Sectors are waste incineration plants, building and construction, households, industry, institutions, trade and offices, power plants, and wastewater treatment plants. Total amounts of waste are distributed as follows: building and construction 27 per cent, households 22 per cent, industry 21 per cent, institutions/trade and offices 7 per cent, power plants 13 per cent. Wastewater treatment plants account for 10 per cent (see also figure)⁹.

Residues from waste incineration plants are not included in total waste amounts in the figure, as they would otherwise be counted twice.

The initiatives of Waste 21 are described below. The first initiatives are of more general nature, followed by a number of initiatives divided into sectors generating the waste. A more detailed description of initiatives is given in Appendices A to E.

3.1 General areas of effort

In Denmark, 12.9 million tonnes¹⁰ waste were generated in 1997. Of total amounts less than 2 per cent was hazardous waste and 7 per cent packaging waste.

In general, waste amounts have increased over the past 10 years up to 1996. Within the building and construction sector and coal-fired power plants especially, increasing amounts of waste have been registered. From 1996 to 1997 total waste amounts remained stable. Amounts of residues from coal-fired power plants dropped steeply from 1996 to 1997.

Despite increasing waste amounts, past objectives for recycling in year 2000 have been reached¹¹. The building and construction sector especially has contributed to the high rate of recycling.

The Folketing has decided that total waste amounts must be kept stable. Waste prevention is a very hard task to solve. The Government will do their part, but all members of society have a responsibility.

Studies have shown that the economy is the decisive factor for 80 per cent of the increase in waste generation, but it does not play the same role for all fractions. The remaining part of the increase is caused by other factors such as amendment of legislation and citizens' behaviour.

In order to break the generally increasing trend in waste generation it is necessary to identify mechanisms behind waste generation in different sectors, and on this basis adapt initiatives (see Appendix B on waste amounts).

Responsibility for solving the problem of increasing waste amounts is shared by all citizens. In 1999 a conference will be organised, allowing all parties involved to meet and commit themselves to co-operation on waste prevention.

Knowledge on waste must form the basis for planning, regulation and supervision by local authorities to a greater extent. Initiatives to improve the statistical basis in the waste sector are described in Appendix B on waste data.

It is a prerequisite for improved quality in waste treatment that good statistics are available. Reliable data must be used for identifying new areas of effort and for monitoring whether initiatives which have been launched lead to the expected results (see Appendix B on waste data).

Improved quality in waste treatment requires development of new technology. There are several barriers to automatic development, for example decentralised competence in waste management, fluctuating prices, as well as the fact that waste is generated unevenly over the country (see Appendix B on technological development).

Denmark has been at the forefront of technology in waste treatment. If technologies suitable for waste of the future are to be developed at general level, it is necessary to ensure an intensive effort solving the task systematically throughout the country. In co-operation with operators in the area, the Government will evaluate areas in which an enhanced effort is needed and how best to support this effort.

The waste tax is a good financial incentive to ensure that waste is subjected to the form of treatment to be promoted; this means increased recycling and reduced landfilling. It will be ensured regularly that the waste tax supports overall priorities in waste management. In this connection it will be evaluated whether waste tax should also comprise hazardous waste and contaminated soil, promoting more suitable treatment (a detailed description of the Danish waste tax is given in Appendix A).

The weight-based packaging fee gives producers an incentive to reduce the weight of packaging and thereby also waste generated. If the packaging fee is later to be fixed on the basis of environmental impact of packaging, in addition to being waste preventive, the fee will also give an incentive to reducing environmental impact of packaging waste (see Appendix A on regulation).

Increased need for capacity, overall energy policy and enhanced environmental requirements¹² create a number of challenges to be solved in close co-operation between local, regional and national authorities.

The objective is to adjust incineration capacity to actual needs and locate it in areas where best possible energy utilisation and largest possible CO₂ mitigation are obtained, taking into consideration principles of regional self-sufficiency. In future, establishment of new plants, closing-down of operation, or conversion to combined power and heating generation will be co-ordinated better.

Today, a large number of incineration furnaces generate only heating without co-generation. It is estimated that after year 2000 there will still be a need to exploit capacity in several of these furnaces. The use of these furnaces will be evaluated regularly, taking special consideration of the largest possible energy utilisation and stricter environmental requirements.

Co-ordination will be enhanced and rules will be laid down to ensure a comprehensive planning nationally and regionally and optimum respect of environmental and economic aspects.

Up to year 2004 landfill capacity is sufficient at national level, but at the same time there are large differences among the regions due to different availabilities of suitable sites for the landfills. In addition, practice shows that planning must be carried out with a 12-year horizon. Considerations on capacity must therefore go further than the four years which are often practice in planning.

3.2 Sectors and fractions

In waste planning, it is expedient to divide waste according to its source. Within a given sector, waste of a similar type is normally generated, and collection schemes are adapted to this type.

Initiatives for each sector are described below. Under each sector it is discussed how to achieve objectives, including for which fractions initiatives will be launched, and which efforts work well today (see also Appendix D on sectors and Appendix E on fractions).

3.3 Waste incineration plants

70 % recycling of total waste amounts from incineration plants

In 1997, around 550,000 tonnes of residues (slag and flue gas cleaning waste) were generated at waste incineration plants¹³. It is expected that increasing amounts of waste will be incinerated in the coming years, and thereby increasing amounts of residues will be generated.

Fractions are incinerated today which are no longer considered suitable for incineration. These fractions include PVC, impregnated wood and waste electrical and electronic equipment. In future, as far as possible these fractions will not be incinerated. In a coming EU directive on waste incineration, Denmark will seek to include principles for incineration of certain fractions.

The quality of residues must be improved, and both recycling and landfilling of residues must be managed with largest possible respect of groundwater resources. To this end, new treatment methods for, e.g. flue gas cleaning waste, will have to be developed.

Waste incineration plants, initiatives

Initiatives to reduce loss of resources

Studies have shown that waste electrical and electronic equipment contributes with 60 per cent of copper and 20-40 per cent of lead going to either incineration or landfilling. As a consequence, waste electrical and electronic equipment will be collected separately and managed in a more environment-friendly way. This will reduce loss of resources considerably. Requirements for management were laid down in a Statutory Order issued in 1998.

Similarly, impregnated wood contains a number of heavy metals. The incineration of such wood leads to pollution of residues with heavy metals. In future, impregnated wood will be managed as waste not suitable for incineration, and landfilled. When better treatment methods have been developed, impregnated wood will be collected separately for treatment.

The incineration of PVC entails generation of larger amounts of waste (flue gas cleaning waste) than amounts incinerated. Furthermore, PVC often contains heavy metals which pollute residues. PVC will therefore be separated. If PVC waste cannot be recycled, it will be landfilled. It is recommended that local councils assign PVC waste to landfilling in special cells so that it will be possible subsequently to transfer this waste to alternative treatment. When better treatment methods have been developed, new requirements for special management will be made. A large proportion of hard PVC construction waste can be recycled today, and this will be reflected in municipal assignments.

Flue gas cleaning waste is classified as hazardous waste¹⁴. It used to be landfilled temporarily, as no suitable methods to stabilise it were available. Suitable disposal sites have formally been selected, and the sites are now to be established. The work of developing stabilisation methods for flue gas cleaning waste will be continued. When disposal sites come into operation, exports of flue gas cleaning waste will not longer be permitted.

In 1997, 82 per cent of slag¹⁵ was recycled. In future, recycling of slag will also take place with largest possible respect of groundwater resources. In 1999, a Statutory Order on rules for recycling will be submitted to hearing.

In the development of recycling possibilities and treatment methods for residues and flue gas cleaning waste it is expected that closer co-operation among operators in the area will be established. A new centre for research on residues is planned.

3.4 Building and construction sector

	90% recycling of construction and demolition waste
	sorting and separate collection of environmentally harmful fractions
	increased use of environmentally correct design

The building and construction sector is characterised by a very high recycling rate of waste generated. This high rate will be maintained, as waste recycling saves important resources.

The objective for year 2004 is to increase recycling further¹⁶. This will be achieved primarily by continued separation of construction and demolition waste such as asphalt, stone and concrete in clean fractions, separation of PVC, impregnated wood and waste electrical and electronic equipment, as well as extended used of environmentally correct design.

In 1997, construction and demolition waste amounted to some 3.4 million tonnes. The amount of PVC, impregnated wood, and waste electrical and electronic equipment is estimated at around 2 per cent of total construction and demolition waste amounts.

However, it is expected that amounts of PVC and impregnated wood will increase considerably in the coming years. It is assessed that PVC and impregnated wood in year 2004 will amount to some 60,000-70,000 tonnes.

The need for separating other environmentally harmful fractions will be examined.

Building and construction sector, initiatives

Initiatives to improve quality in waste treatment and reduce loss of resources

A separate scheme for waste electrical and electronic equipment will be established, and in 1998 a Statutory Order was issued¹⁷.. The purpose of the Statutory Order is to ensure environmentally correct treatment of waste.

Impregnated wood will be managed as waste not suitable for incineration and landfilled. So far, no suitable treatment method has been found, but methods are being developed. When better treatment methods have been developed, separate collection of impregnated wood will be established.

The concept of environmentally correct design takes waste prevention and recycling into consideration in the design. The use of environmentally correct design is voluntary today, but possibilities of making it compulsory will be investigated in co-operation with the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.

PVC waste will be separated. PVC construction waste contains a large fraction of hard PVC which can be recycled today. Recyclable hard PVC construction waste will therefore be assigned to recycling. Other non-recyclable PVC waste will be landfilled. It is recommended that local councils assign PVC waste to landfilling in separate cells, allowing subsequent alternative treatment of the waste. When suitable treatment methods have been developed, new requirements for special management of the waste will be made.

In 1999, a Statutory Order on residues and soil for building and construction purposes will be submitted to hearing. The purpose is to ensure that recycling is managed with largest possible respect of groundwater resources.

As a result of above initiatives, the objective for recycling of construction and demolition waste is set at 90 per cent in year 2004.

Objectives year 2004

	increased focus on link between material consumption and waste amounts
	maintenance of return bottle system
	increased collection of household hazardous waste

3.5 Households

Household waste covers domestic waste, bulky waste and garden waste. A small proportion of household waste is hazardous.

There has been an increase in household waste arisings, and the major part of this increase can be attributed to garden waste. The increase should also be seen in connection with increased purchasing power and private consumption.

No specific objectives for recycling, incineration and landfilling have been set up for the sector as a whole. Material consumption and resulting waste arisings will come in focus. Also, the Danish return bottle system will be maintained.

Weight-based packaging fees to some extent give producers an incentive to reduce packaging weight and thereby waste arisings. If the packaging feeis later to be fixed on the basis of environmental impact of packages, the fee - in addition to being waste preventive - will give an incentive to reduce environmental impacts from packaging waste.

In order for objectives for domestic waste, garden waste and bulky waste to be met, it is necessary to activate citizens into participating in various collection schemes. This implies that information efforts in local authorities will be increased in order to provide the best possible knowledge of waste collection schemes.

Furthermore, citizens will have better opportunities to deliver fractions containing environmental contaminants for separate treatment.

Another purpose of this information effort in local authorities is to enhance the interest of citizens in purchasing products that after use have the least possible environmental impact as waste.

Collection of household waste is financed in many municipalities through a general waste collection fee. It will be studied whether a differentiated fee will increase citizens' incentives to contribute to increased recycling and waste minimisation.

3.5.1 Domestic waste

	30% recycling of domestic waste
	70% incineration

Recycling of domestic waste can be increased considerably, and in forthcoming years focus will be put on increased separation and collection of glass, paper, plastic and the organic fraction of domestic waste¹⁸

40-50% recycling of domestic waste

A rough estimate shows that these four fractions cover around 84 per cent of total domestic waste amounts.¹⁹

Domestic waste, initiatives

Initiatives to increase recycling

When suitable treatment methods have been developed, all batteries will be collected.

A separate scheme will be established for waste electrical and electronic equipment. In 1998, a Statutory Order was issued with the purpose of ensuring environmentally correct treatment of this waste fraction.

Citizens play an important role in the separation of household hazardous waste. Often, due to lack of knowledge, hazardous waste will end up in domestic waste. Local councils must therefore increase information to citizens on existing schemes. As a support to local authorities, a guideline on hazardous waste will be issued in 1999.

Collection of waste glass can be increased through better information to citizens. Information campaigns will be launched to increase collection of packaging glass and reduce incorrect separation. The possibility of reducing the rate of cullets of collected glass through better collection equipment will be evaluated. Furthermore, the market for reuse of wine bottles and environmental impacts of bottle export will be evaluated.

The Danish return bottle system ensures a high reuse rate of packaging and thereby a considerable reduction of both waste arisings and resource consumption.

Work is being undertaken to gain better experience with biogas plants for the treatment of organic domestic waste. Once the basis is sufficient, requirements for the collection of organic domestic waste will be introduced. A status for recycling of organic domestic waste and sewage sludge will be drawn up to be used as a basis for a possible plan of action for recycling of organic waste.

Separation and recycling schemes will be established for cardboard packaging from households. It will also be studied whether and how plastic drums can be collected and sold for recycling. The schemes may be established in conjunction with bulky waste schemes.

The collection of paper from households will be increased by using more efficient collection systems and collecting more types of paper. An extension of the scheme from year 2000 with kerbside collection is expected to double collection. In parallel, barriers hampering increased recycling will be evaluated. Solutions may be to use alternative glues or inks.

Altogether, the above initiatives will result in domestic waste recycling of 30 per cent in year 2004 (15 per cent in 1997). Especially, increased collection of paper and organic domestic waste will contribute to this result.

Objectives year 2004

	25% recycling
	37.5% incineration
	37.5% landfilling

3.5.2 Bulky waste

Recycling of bulky waste may be increased by converting/improving existing schemes, and by activating citizens in the process by requiring increased separation of a number of fractions.²⁰

Focus will especially be on separation of waste electrical and electronic equipment, impregnated wood, refrigeration equipment and PVC. A rough estimate shows that these fractions account for around 12 per cent of total amounts of bulky waste.²¹

In recent years, staffed recycling stations have been established in many municipalities, often supplemented by collection schemes.

The possibility of increasing recycling through requirements for bulky waste schemes will be evaluated.

Today, special schemes for Ni-Cd batteries and lead accumulators exist. The scheme for lead accumulators works well. When better treatment methods for batteries have been developed, all batteries will be collected.

A special scheme will be established for waste electrical and electronic equipment. In 1998, a Statutory Order to this effect was issued²². The purpose is to ensure an environmentally correct treatment of this waste fraction.

The Statutory Order will be supplemented with a nation-wide information campaign, and a number of environmental guidelines will be prepared. Finally, eco-labelling criteria will be set up for several products. In 1998, a product panel will be established for electronics.

In future, impregnated wood will be managed as waste not suitable for incineration. This waste will be landfilled. When better treatment methods have been developed, impregnated wood will be collected separately.

In future, refrigeration equipment will also be collected for an environmentally acceptable treatment. CFC will be extracted and collected, and resource recovery will be ensured for recyclable fractions.

PVC will be separated. What cannot be recycled will be assigned to landfilling. It is recommended that PVC waste is assigned to landfilling in special cells, allowing to bring it to alternative treatment at a later stage. When better treatment methods have been developed, new requirements will be made for special management of PVC waste.

Altogether, the above initiatives will lead to an increase in recycling of bulky waste to 25 per cent in 2004 (17 per cent in 1997). Initiatives for waste electrical and electronic equipment and refrigeration equipment ensure that the quality of waste treatment will be improved.

Around 50,000 tonnes, corresponding to half the waste electrical and electronic equipment collected, have generally ended up in bulky waste. New initiatives in the area result in these amounts advancing into the best category of the waste treatment hierarchy: from incineration and landfilling to recycling.

3.5.3 Garden waste

95% recycling

For many years, home composting of garden waste has been promoted in information campaigns. Local councils have established schemes and plants for the composting of garden waste on a voluntary basis.

It is not considered that recycling of garden waste can be increased further²³.

Today's efforts will be maintained, and no new initiatives are envisaged.

3.6 Industry

The objectives for recycling industrial waste for year 2000 have already been fulfilled, but the amount of waste landfilled is still too high. Therefore, concerted efforts will be made to reduce amounts of waste for landfilling and increase the recycling rate to 65 per cent.

	65% recycling
	15 % landfilling
	improved collection of hazardous waste

The objective for year 2004 is to reduce amounts for landfilling to a maximum of 15 per cent. A study has shown that shredder waste and foundry waste account for 27 per cent of industrial waste landfilled in 1997, corresponding to some 190,000 tonnes.²⁴

Other fractions will be separated in order to increase recycling. Fractions are described below. Amounts from these fractions account for an estimated 22 per cent of total amounts of industrial waste. The fractions in question are primarily waste electrical and electronic equipment, paper and cardboard, PCB/PCT, end-of-life vehicles, including shredder waste, as well as foundry waste. These fractions are the most important in relation to amounts and environmental impacts.

Waste from enterprises will come in focus. Information on waste will be prioritised. These points will be taken into consideration when evaluating green accounts and in the implementation of the IPPC directive. A workshop will be organised discussing how to increase recycling, including a discussion of waste exchanges. Experience with consultants on industrial and commercial waste will be evaluated.

Industry, initiatives

Initiatives to reduce loss of resources and amounts of waste landfilled

A separate scheme for end-of-life vehicles will be established. A Statutory Order including requirements for the management of waste will be submitted to hearing in 1999. Recyclable and environmentally harmful fractions will be separated for recycling or environmentally appropriate disposal. Furthermore, a certification scheme will be introduced for enterprises undertaking reprocessing of end-of-life vehicles. The introduction of a certification scheme requires an amendment to the Danish Environmental Protection Act.

No technology for the treatment of shredder waste is available in Denmark. A method is being developed, but has not yet been fully tested. When a treatment technology has been developed, special requirements for management of shredder waste will be made.

Technically, large parts of waste sand from foundries can be recycled today. It will therefore be ensured that all foundries in Denmark recycle waste sand. The possibility of recycling other waste fractions from foundries will be studied. Initiatives to this end will be promoted.

Initiatives to increase recycling and quality in waste treatment

Today, special schemes for Ni-Cd batteries and lead accumulators exist. The scheme for lead accumulators works well. When better treatment methods have been developed, all batteries will be collected.

A special scheme for waste electrical and electronic equipment will be established. In 1998, a Statutory Order on such equipment was issued with the purpose of ensuring correct management of this fraction. The Statutory Order will be supplemented by a national information campaign, and a number of guidelines will be issued. Also, eco-labelling criteria will be established for several products.

Enterprises are under a responsibility to notify the local council of their hazardous waste generation. In 1999, a guideline will be issued on hazardous waste. The purpose is to enhance the understanding of how to apply hazardous waste criteria. Hazardous waste is exempt from the Danish waste tax, and the basis for this exemption will be re-evaluated.

Refrigeration equipment will in future also be collected for environmentally correct treatment of waste. CFC will be extracted and collected, and recyclable fractions will be recovered.

Paper and cardboard collection will be considerably extended. A guideline will be issued to local councils in order to extend responsibility for establishment of recycling schemes for paper and cardboard as well as supervision of schemes.

In 1998, a Statutory Order on PCB/PCT²⁵ was issued, including requirements for the registration of certain PCB/PCT-bearing products.

PVC will be separated, and the fraction that cannot be recycled will be assigned to landfilling. It is recommended that local councils assign PVC waste to landfilling in special cells, allowing subsequent alternative treatment of PVC waste. When better treatment methods have been developed, new requirements will be made for special management of this waste.

Today, waste oil is treated by incineration with energy recovery. The subsidy scheme for waste oil will be re-evaluated and legislation amended as necessary.

On 1^st July 1998 a requirement came into effect on recycling of plastic transport packaging from enterprises. The scheme is being implemented in municipalities.

Altogether, above initiatives will result in increased recycling of industrial waste to 65 per cent in 2004 (58 per cent in 1997). Most important fractions contributing to increased recycling are paper, cardboard, shredder waste, waste electrical and electronic equipment, and foundry waste.

The initiatives for end-of-life vehicles, shredder waste, waste electrical and electronic equipment, and foundry waste will all contribute to a reduction of waste for landfilling.

Several of the initiatives will contribute to improved waste treatment. One example is the treatment of waste electrical and electronic equipment, which is described above.

3.7 Institutions, trade and offices

	50% recycling
	45% incineration
	5% landfilling

Recycling of waste from institutions, trade and offices²⁶ is far below the objective for year 2000. Therefore, focus in the coming years will be put on separation of a number of waste fractions for recycling or special treatment.

The objective for year 2004 is a recycling rate of 50 per cent. This objective will be fulfilled primarily through source separation of a number of fractions for recycling. Initiatives are described below. The most important fractions are tyres, waste electrical and electronic equipment, glass, organic waste (food waste from catering centres), cardboard, paper, and plastic.

A rough estimate shows that these fractions account for some 87 per cent of total waste amounts generated in the sector.²⁷

Experience with consultants on industrial and commercial waste will be evaluated, and a survey of waste composition in the sector will be carried out.

Institutions, trade and offices, initiatives

Initiatives to increase recycling and ensure better quality in waste treatment

When new treatment methods for batteries have been developed, all batteries will be collected separately. So far, only Ni-Cd batteries and lead accumulators have been collected. The scheme for lead accumulators works well.

End-of-life vehicles will be collected in an efficient way and environmentally appropriate treatment ensured. A Statutory Order will be submitted to hearing in 1999 on requirements for management of this waste fraction. Recyclable and environmentally harmful fractions will be separated for recycling or environmentally appropriate disposal. A certification scheme will be introduced for enterprises reprocessing end-of-life vehicles. The introduction of a certification scheme requires an amendment of the Danish Environmental Protection Act.

The existing scheme for tyres will be extended to comprise large tyres that will be collected for recycling or energy recovery through incineration.

A special scheme for waste electrical and electronic equipment will be established, and a Statutory Order was issued in 1998, making requirements for the management of this waste. The Statutory Order will be supplemented by a nation-wide information campaign, and a number of environmental guidelines will be issued. Finally, eco-labelling criteria for several products will be established.

Refrigeration equipment will in future be collected for environmentally correct treatment. CFC from refrigeration equipment will be extracted and collected, and recyclable fractions will be recovered.

Organic waste (food waste from catering centres) is currently reprocessed for animal fodder. The collection scheme has been in effect since 1986, and an evaluation is called for to clarify whether other forms of recycling than reprocessing for animal fodder may be of relevance. Rules for the schemes will therefore be studied and adjusted as necessary.

Paper and cardboard collection will be increased considerably. Today, local councils shall assign paper and cardboard from industry and commerce to recycling. As a consequence, public and private institutions and enterprises are under an obligation to separate these fractions for recycling. A guideline will be issued to local councils to extend responsibility for establishing recycling schemes for paper and cardboard, as well as supervision of these schemes.

PVC will be separated. The fraction which cannot be recycled will be assigned to landfilling. It is recommended that local councils assign PVC waste to landfilling in special cells, allowing subsequent alternative treatment of the waste. When better treatment methods have been developed, new requirements for special management of PVC waste will be made.

Waste oil is today incinerated with energy recovery. A subsidy to disposal of waste oil by incineration at district heating plants is granted. The subsidy scheme will be re-evaluated and legislation amended as necessary.

On 1^st July 1998 a requirement came into effect on recycling of plastic transport packaging from enterprises. The scheme is being implemented in municipalities.

Altogether, the above initiatives in this sector will result in increased recycling up to 50 per cent in 2004 (38 per cent in 1997). Initiatives for paper and cardboard and electronic equipment contribute most.

Several of these initiatives will also contribute to improved treatment. For example, around 20 per cent of total waste electronics is generated in the sector "institutions, trade and offices". The initiative for this fraction will result in 20,000 tonnes of waste being shifted from landfilling or incineration to recycling.

3.8 Power plants

	reduction of coal-based energy generation
	recycling of 90% of residues from coal-fired power plants
	environmentally acceptable recycling of bioash

The Government's Plan of Action for Energy - Energy 21 - will result in coal-based energy generation being almost completely phased out within 30 years. This will have a decisive impact on the amount of residues from coal-fired power plants that will drop steeply. The amounts still being generated in future will also be recycled with greatest possible respect of groundwater resources.

According to Energy 21, wood and energy crops will in future constitute an increasing part of fuel, and recycling of the ash generated will have high priority.

Power plants, initiatives

Initiatives to improve quality in recycling

In the next 30 years, there will still be generation of residues from coal-fired power plants²⁸. The high recycling rate of residues will be maintained²⁹. In 1999, a Statutory Order will be submitted to hearing on the management of residues and soil which regulates recycling of residues from coal-fired power plants.

With the increased use of biofuel it will be necessary to separate fly ash from bottom ash in order to ensure a high rate of recycling. Methods will be developed ensuring that the cadmium-bearing fly ash can be removed separately for special treatment. There is also a need for initiatives to develop new methods of recycling of residues from biomass. Requirements for the use of bioash as a fertiliser will be laid down in a Statutory Order which will be submitted to hearing in 1999.

3.9 Wastewater treatment plants

50% recycling of sludge on farmland

In 1997, the recycling rate of waste from municipal wastewater treatment plants amounted to 70 per cent of total amounts (wet weight), and thereby the objective for year 2000 has been fulfilled.³⁰

Requirements for the content of certain chemical substances in sludge will become stricter in year 2000, and this means that in a transitional period local councils must find alternatives to the application to farmland.

Both fertiliser and energy contents in sewage sludge are to be utilised, but due to stricter requirements the extensive application of sludge to farmland is expected to decrease. The objective is therefore a recycling rate of 50 per cent in year 2004 (See Appendix E on the sludge fraction).

3.9 Wastewater treatment plants, initiatives

Initiatives to improve quality of sludge for recycling

Today work is being undertaken to improve the quality of sludge and the possibilities of increased recycling, and this work will continue in future through the general policy of phasing-out of xenobiotic substances.

Furthermore, evaluations are being made of the decomposition of xenobiotic substances in sludge at different treatment forms, long term effects of the application of sludge to farmland, as well as assimilation of xenobiotic substances in plants.

Regulations on agricultural use of sewage sludge will be re-evaluated, if results of the studies indicate the need for amendments.

In 1999, a status for recycling of organic domestic waste and sewage sludge will be prepared. This status may form the basis for a plan of action for recycling of organic waste.

Initiatives to increase energy recovery from sludge

In the study program for biogas, funds will be provided for detailed studies of biogasification of sludge prior to application to farmland.

Waste 21: Rough estimate of distribution of selected waste fractions in each sector Look here

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