Illegal dumping of toxic asbestos waste in Danish forests is on the rise, prompting calls for stricter penalties and easier disposal methods. Forest owners and the Danish Nature Agency are struggling to manage the increasing amounts of dumped waste, a problem exacerbated by recent legislation intended to ensure responsible handling of asbestos-containing materials.

The Danish Forest Association reports widespread incidents of dumped asbestos waste across the country, with at least 30 forest owners providing photographic evidence since winter. This has become a significant burden for forest owners who are responsible for the removal of the waste, often at considerable expense.

The issue is also affecting state-owned forests. The Danish Nature Agency North Zealand has spent approximately 200,000 kroner on asbestos disposal and has requested additional funding to address the problem.

Dumping asbestos waste is driven by the cost and effort required to dispose of it legally. It can cost up to 100,000 kroner to have an entire asbestos roof removed by authorized companies, as mandated by the new regulations.

SF’s environmental spokesperson, Marianne Bigum, advocates for higher penalties for environmental crimes and easier disposal methods for asbestos waste. She suggests municipalities should improve monitoring of construction projects involving asbestos removal to ensure proper handling.

Director Anders Frandsen calls for fines that outweigh the savings gained by illegally dumping waste.