Denmark – study reports on potential flows of household paper and cardboard

The Danish EPA have published a study (in Danish with an English summary) which reports on potential flows paper and cardboard from Danish households



Methodology



The study is based on data from a number of registers published by the trade associations. In addition, key players from daily newspapers and magazines.



Scope of Study



The study focuses on the following categories of paper from private households: Daily newspapers, local free papers, weekly and monthly magazines, trade and scientific magazines, bulletins for members of an organisation, telephone directories, unaddressed printed matter and addressed mail. Furthermore, an evaluation of recyclable paper and recyclable cardboard from private households is included. Thus, the survey does not cover the volume of paper used for household or cleaning purposes, gift paper, rubbish bags, dirty and wet paper and cardboard, beverage containers, etc. (plastic and metal-laminated cardboard) as well as large packaging made of corrugated cardboard. These categories are assumed to be part of the remaining category of refuse collection or of bulky waste (corrugated cardboard).



Calculation



The listing of the relevant paper categories is quantitative, with the exception of two categories: miscellaneous paper and cardboard. Miscellaneous paper (sales packaging made of paper/cardboard as well as other types of clean and dry paper) is based on an estimate of the findings from existing waste analyses, whereas the category "cardboard" was estimated on information presented in Packaging Supply in Denmark in 2000 as well as findings from existing waste analyses.



The calculation method is quite simple. The weight of a paper/magazine is multiplied by the total numbers printed on a yearly basis for each publication. In this way a total weight – based on a year – is calculated for each publication. The total weight of all publications is added up, thus giving the total distribution volume for the private households. In those cases where the weight of the publication of a magazine/paper is not available, it must be calculated. For each publication information has been collected, such as numbers printed, publication frequency, paper quality (grams per m2), number of pages and paper size. Based on this data, the total weight on a yearly basis is calculated.



Findings



The methodology used results in an estimated paper and cardboard potential for private households of approx. 413,700 tonnes in 2003.



The total paper and cardboard potential in private households is estimated at 413,700 tonnes; equivalent to 167 kg per household. Daily newspapers and local free papers account for 33 per cent of the total potential of a household. The estimated country average, however, comprises large disparities both with regard to the composition as well as with regard to the total volume. The variation for each category is shown in Table 2 as an interval estimated in kg/household per municipality.



It appears that where a potential of 130 kg per household per year is noted in one municipality, another municipality has 75 kg more paper per household, i.e. 205 kg. This is due to the scope and character of the distributed publications