solid waste incineration

It’s common knowledge that the global accumulation of waste is a long-term environmental threat for 

future generations.  We haven’t found the perfect way to dispose of all of our waste. There are, however,

 existing technologies that allow us to manage our waste more effectively. One of the best examples 

of this is responsible solid waste incineration.

how solid waste incinerators work, and how today’s solid waste incineration processes can turn its 

byproducts into energy.

Solid Waste Incineration Definition

Waste incineration refers to the burning of solid waste at high temperatures in a controlled environment, 

which are incinerators. Incinerators are furnaces designed to handle waste materials. This process significantly 

reduces the volume of the waste (by up to 95%) and also reduces its mass (by 80-85%).

It's a common method of waste treatment used for various solid waste streams including municipal solid waste 

(household trash), medical waste, and some hazardous wastes.

Waste incineration can be a form of waste-to-energy because the heat generated during combustion can be 

used to create electricity.

Benefits of Solid Waste Incineration

Waste incineration offers several advantages. Let's check out some key benefits:

Volume Reduction: Incineration significantly reduces the volume of waste by up to 95%. This is quite beneficial in 

densely populated areas with limited landfill space.

Energy Recovery: Modern incinerator facilities can be equipped to capture the heat generated during combustion. 

This heat can then be used to run turbines and generators that create electric power, providing a form of waste-to-energy 

scheme.

Waste Destruction: Incineration can effectively destroy pathogens and harmful toxins in certain waste streams. 

This helps to reduce the risk of public health risks and environmental contamination.

Landfill Diversion: By diverting waste from landfills, incineration can help conserve landfill space and reduce the 

environmental impact of landfills.

Reduced Reliance on Fossil Fuels: When used for energy generation, waste incineration can partially offset the 

need for fossil fuels, potentially leading to lower greenhouse gas emissions. However, this depends on the efficiency 

of the incineration process.

Disadvantages of Solid Waste Incineration

While waste incineration has its benefits, there are also significant drawbacks. Here are some key disadvantages:

Air Pollution: Burning waste releases various pollutants into the air such as particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, and 

harmful toxins like dioxins. These pollutants can contribute to several health problems.

Ash Disposal: The incineration process does not eliminate waste entirely. It creates ash residue, which can contain 

concentrated heavy metals and other toxins. This ash requires careful management and disposal in special landfills. 

This disposal adds another layer of complexity.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Although incineration can sometimes offset reliance on fossil fuels for energy generation,

 it still releases greenhouse gases during the burning process. This can contribute to climate change, especially if the 

waste stream contains a lot of plastic.

Disincentive for Reduction and Recycling: Some argue that readily available incineration facilities can discourage efforts 

to reduce waste generation and prioritize recycling. If there's a convenient way to burn waste for energy, there might 

be a reduction in the focus on waste minimization or recycling.

High Costs: Building and operating incinerator facilities are expensive. The cost of pollution control equipment and 

proper ash disposal adds to the overall burden. Here's a ballpark range to give you an idea:

Environmental Justice Concerns: Critics point out that incinerators are often sited in low-income communities or 

communities of color, raising concerns about environmental justice and potential disproportionate health impacts on 

these populations.