Jäätmepõletust

Jäätmepõletust, commonly known as waste incineration, is a thermal process for the disposal of solid waste. It involves burning waste at high temperatures in a controlled environment, typically in specialized facilities called incinerators. The primary goal of jäätmepõletust is to reduce the volume of waste and to recover energy from the combustion process.

The process begins with the delivery and preparation of waste, which may involve sorting and shredding. The waste is then fed into a combustion chamber where it is burned at temperatures ranging from 850 to 1100 degrees Celsius. This high temperature ensures the destruction of most organic compounds and pathogens. The heat generated during combustion can be used to produce steam, which then drives turbines to generate electricity. This is often referred to as waste-to-energy.

Modern jäätmepõletust facilities are equipped with sophisticated pollution control systems to minimize the release of harmful substances into the atmosphere. These systems can include scrubbers to remove acid gases, filters to capture particulate matter, and systems to neutralize toxic compounds. The remaining ash, a solid residue from the combustion process, is typically treated and disposed of in landfills or, in some cases, further processed for use in construction materials.

Jäätmepõletust offers several advantages, including significant waste volume reduction and energy recovery. However, concerns remain regarding air emissions, the management of residual ash, and the potential for dioxin and furan formation if not operated under optimal conditions. It is considered one component of an integrated waste management strategy, often used in conjunction with recycling and composting.