Incineration

Incineration involves the combustion of material in order to convert it to a more manageable form either by transforming it into less hazardous constituents or by reducing its bulk. Although waste is broken down during incineration, the elements contained within it are not destroyed.

The environmental impacts associated with incineration depend largely upon the nature of the waste being disposed of. Gaseous emissions arising from the incineration of waste may include carbon dioxide (the most significant of the greenhouse gases), sulphur dioxide and oxides of nitrogen (both of which contribute to acid rain) as well as traces of highly toxic substances such as heavy metals and hydrocarbons such as dioxins. The ash left after the incineration process will require disposal, normally to landfill. It may contain a number of hazardous materials such as heavy metals, fluorides and phosphorus. Other solid wastes arising from incineration include sludges, dust and filter cake, which will be contaminated with a range of materials. Under certain circumstances liquid waste may also be produced. It is, however, the gaseous emissions from incineration and their potential impact on the environment and human health which results in the greatest opposition to the incineration of waste.

Incineration with energy recovery is considered preferable since the energy produced can be used in place of burning fossil fuels. However, it should be remembered that the environmental impacts of waste to energy incinerators are similar to those described above and that it is only the energy content of the waste material that is recovered.

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Incineration

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