International transport of hazardous waste

Introduction

The Danish Environmental Protection Agency enhanced waste transport oversight and compliance by implementing a fully digital case management system, streamlining licensing, monitoring, and inspections in accordance with the Basel Convention

Case metrics

Key statistics

49.4

kg per capita of hazardous waste exported from Denmark

20.3

kg per capita is the average hazardous waste exported for european citizens

5.3%

The proportion of total waste generated in the EU in 2022 that was classified as hazardous

The challenge

Improving waste transport oversight and compliance with a streamlined digital case management system

The Danish Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is responsible for overseeing the transboundary movement of hazardous wastes, as mandated by the Basel Convention, which aims to protect human health and the environment from the adverse effects of hazardous wastes. This includes tracking waste shipments entering, leaving, or transiting through Denmark and conducting inspections to ensure legal compliance.

Previously, the Danish EPA's Department of Circular Economy and Waste (CØA) utilized a transport waste database to monitor notifications, transports, and inspections. However, this system lacked comprehensive visibility into case volumes, deadlines, types, and progress, leading to prolonged case processing times and a significant backlog.

Additionally, the system did not provide adequate oversight of compliance with permitted waste volumes, creating regulatory blind spots. The inability to efficiently communicate with international stakeholders via email or fax further complicated coordination efforts. These challenges made it difficult for the EPA to ensure smooth regulatory processes, timely inspections, and effective enforcement of waste transport regulations.

The solution

Digitizing waste transport management for compliance and efficiency

To improve efficiency and compliance, the Danish EPA implemented a digital F2-based case management system to streamline the licensing, monitoring, and inspection processes for waste imports and exports, ensuring compliance with the Basel Convention. This integrated platform replaced manual processes, enabling automated workflows and real-time case tracking. The system maintains a digital register of approved transporters, automates licensing processes, and facilitates the handling of waste shipment notifications across national borders. Notifications and approvals are automatically generated and shared with relevant authorities, improving regulatory coordination.

Each shipment was recorded as an individual case, tracking dispatch dates, waste quantities, and compliance with permitted volumes. The system also supports both administrative and physical inspections, including real-time highway inspections conducted in collaboration with the police to detect unauthorized shipments and issue fines. Enhanced features such as dashboards, search templates, and automated reporting provide improved case volume oversight, faster decision-making, and increased transparency in regulatory enforcement.

The result

Improved efficiency, oversight, and cost savings in waste transport management

The implementation of the F2 platform improved the efficiency and oversight of waste transport management in Denmark. Faster case processing reduced administrative workloads and helped clear backlogs, allowing for more timely regulatory responses. The ability to track shipments, monitor volume limits, and manage missing documentation within a single system provided a complete overview of the waste transport sector, enhancing transparency and compliance.

For businesses involved in waste import and export, the streamlined process minimized delays and reduced costs associated with prolonged waste storage. The integration of real-time enforcement measures strengthened Denmark's ability to prevent illegal waste transport, reinforcing environmental protection efforts. By transitioning from a manual system to a fully digital, automated case management solution, the Danish EPA improved compliance enforcement, increased operational efficiency, and established a structured framework for sustainable waste transport management.

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