Why Are We Against Incineration?
Incineration Does Not Eliminate the Need for Landfills
Incinerators do not eliminate the need for landfills. Incinerators expel between 10% and 30% in waste materials that cannot be incinerated, commonly known as "bottom ash". This ash is then deposited in local landfills or is used as a landfill cover. Some states have begun using this ash in asphalt or concrete construction. However, several studies indicate that without proper filtering and environmental controls this ash can still leak contaminants into water or potentially produce shoddy material.
A report commissioned by King County concluded that incinerators need more landfill space than regular landfill disposal, due to distances needed in between ashfill cells. King County is now a model for maximum recycling.
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