Exploring waste prevention possibilities through public procurement in public institutions -A case study from Bornholm, Denmark

Abstract: The thesis explored how waste could be prevented through public procurement in the public institutions on the Danish island, Bornholm. The island has set an ambitious vision, ‘Bornholm showing the way – without waste 2032’, aiming for 100 % waste recycling and reuse by 2032. To reach the vision, it is essential to include waste prevention, particularly dematerialisation before goods are procured on to the island. The study aimed to look at how decision-makers could work towards preventing waste in public institutions. The thesis narrowed down to particularly focus on public procurement as a tool to steer towards waste prevention, hence to steer consumption. The study examined closer barriers and enablers to utilise public procurement of goods as a waste prevention method. To reach conclusion, this thesis took a qualitative approach with in-depth interviews with various stakeholders. Findings showed that key success factors to prevent waste in public institutions by using public procurement was to include strong political will, the presence of front runners in public procurement that can champion the cause, and strong propagation of the vision, independent of the tenure of the front runners in public office. Another important finding was the misconception that “greener” products are more expensive than conventional ones. Hence, what is necessary is the allocation of resources and particularly knowledgeable human resources, with the necessary sourcing expertise to seek these products out which has fewer materials used during production phase but also when procuring, for example, less packaging around goods. Furthermore, Bornholm would benefit from a clear definition of waste prevention and how it should be implemented on Bornholm. By positioning itself as a leader in green thinking, Bornholm can attract crucial partnerships with other municipalities, as well as private industries to partner on the waste prevention and dematerialisation initiatives, in public procurement.