wasteincineration

Waste incineration is a treatment process that burns combustible waste at high temperatures to reduce its volume and mass. In a typical waste-to-energy plant, the heat from combustion drives a boiler that generates steam for electricity production or district heating. Incinerators may handle unsorted municipal waste or prepared fuels such as refuse-derived fuel (RDF). Designs range from mass-burn units burning waste as received to specialized systems that feed RDF or other fuels, sometimes including fluidized-bed or rotary-kiln combustion with energy recovery.

Emissions control is a central feature of modern plants. Flue gas is treated by acid-gas scrubbers, fabric filters or electrostatic precipitators for particulates, and selective catalytic or non-catalytic reduction to reduce nitrogen oxides. The process yields solid residues: bottom ash and fly ash, both of which require testing and careful handling. Fly ash often contains hazardous constituents and is disposed of accordingly; bottom ash can sometimes be used as construction aggregate after compliance testing. Dioxins and furans are managed through design, operation, and monitoring.

Energy recovery is a principal motivation, reducing landfill volume and providing local energy. Incineration is usually placed after recycling in the waste-management hierarchy and is not a substitute for reducing and recycling waste. Economic considerations include high capital and operating costs, ongoing maintenance, and the need for a reliable waste stream. Public acceptance varies, and environmental safeguards are the subject of ongoing regulation and monitoring to protect air, water, and soil quality.