Why Incinerate Waste
i) Energy return If a large quantity of waste is available, some of the thermal energy produced in incineration can be beneficially used in other processes (Reynolds, Santoleri & Theodore, 2000). ... One kilogram of waste can keep a 60 watt light globe burning for ten hours (DWPA, 2001). Take the case study of policies of the Dutch Waste Processing Association. The Netherlands has eleven waste incineration plants, which burn about five million tonnes of waste annually. ... Dutch incineration facilities demonstrate a saving in fossil fuel resources, since more than half the waste incinerated consists of organic materials such as wood and paper (DWPA, 2001). ... The reduction in fuel use and associated greenhouse gas emissions was so popular successful that, in 1999, the Dutch waste incinerators agreed to generate more energy to meet the Dutch Government’s target. This target required 10% of total Dutch energy requirements to be met by renewable waste by the year 2020. ... In producing 3000 kWh of electricity annually for The Netherlands, incineration proves an advantageous form of waste disposal when utilised effectively. ii) Reduction in Volume With the ever increasing demand for solid waste disposal sites, the reduction in solid volume brought about by the incineration process is certainly an incentive to its use. ... The incinerator in Canberra for instance, processes sixty tonnes of waste per week, and reduces the volume of this waste by 90% (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, 2000). iii) Destruction of dangerous wastes The material treated by incinerators frequently contains carcinogens, pathologically contaminated waste from medical sites, toxic organic compounds or biologically active materials that would affect sewage treatment plants (Reynolds, Santoleri & Theodore, 2000).