incinerated

Incineration is a waste treatment process that uses high-temperature combustion to reduce the volume of waste and convert materials into ash, flue gases, and energy. In modern facilities, waste is fed into a combustion chamber where it is burned at temperatures typically between 850 and 1100 degrees Celsius, with excess heat captured to generate steam that drives turbines for electricity or district heating. Incineration is used for municipal solid waste, medical waste, and some hazardous waste. A related practice, cremation, is the incineration of human remains and is regulated separately.

Incineration produces bottom ash from the furnace and fly ash from the flue gas; flue gas contains particulates and gaseous pollutants that must be treated prior to release. Common emissions include particulates, oxides of nitrogen and sulfur, heavy metals, and, if combustion conditions or controls are inadequate, dioxins and furans. Modern plants use air pollution control systems such as fabric filters, scrubbers, activated carbon injection, and selective catalytic reduction to meet environmental standards.

Energy recovery and efficiency vary; some plants operate on a waste-to-energy basis, providing heat and electricity, while others are disposal-focused. Life-cycle considerations include reductions in waste volume and potential energy gains balanced against emissions and ash disposal needs. Regulations typically require permits, emission limits, and monitoring; location, community impact, and public acceptance play roles in siting decisions.