Danish Environmental Agency Reveals Food Waste in Denmark

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Food waste is a major challenge in Denmark, with more than 800,000 tons of food wasted annually. A cross-sector effort is needed to tackle the issue.

Food waste is a significant problem in Denmark. According to the Danish Environmental Protection Agency, total food waste amounts to 873,014 tons annually, including both edible and inedible leftovers. Food waste harms the environment and squanders resources that could be used more effectively.

A substantial portion of food waste occurs during production and processing. Denmark exports a large amount of food, such as meat, fish, and dairy products. However, this high level of production also leads to significant waste. The country’s high export levels and low population create an imbalance between production and consumption.

Where Does Food Waste Occur?

According to the Danish Environmental Protection Agency, food waste occurs across multiple sectors:

  • Primary production: In 2022, this sector accounted for 116,629 tons of food waste, 42,984 tons of which were directly avoidable.
  • Food industry: The largest contributor, generating 694,775 tons of food waste in 2022, with 457,172 tons classified as food waste.
  • Retail and wholesale sectors: These contributed 99,800 tons of food waste in 2019.
  • Service sector: Accounted for 75,634 tons in 2022.

Households also play a significant role. In 2021, Danish households discarded 507,000 tons of food waste, nearly half of which—235,000 tons—was avoidable. This highlights the crucial role consumers play in reducing food waste.

What Can Be Done?

Every sector can contribute to reducing food waste:

  • Farmers and producers can optimize processes to reduce waste during production.
  • The food industry can improve packaging and storage solutions.
  • The retail sector can donate surplus food to charitable organizations.
  • Consumers can plan meals better, freeze leftovers, and make better use of the food they buy.

Food waste costs both money and resources, making it essential to raise awareness and take action. Small changes in daily habits can lead to significant savings—for both the climate and our wallets.

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