Question

Which of these methods of waste management is most likely to release heavy metals and other toxins into the air?

1) compacting and converting to a park
2) composting in a compost center
3) burial in a sanitary landfill
4) burning in an incinerator

Answer 1

Burning waste in an incinerator is most likely to release heavy metals and other toxins into the air, despite regulations and high-temperature processes that mitigate some risks.

Step-by-step explanation:

Among the listed methods of waste management, burning in an incinerator is most likely to release heavy metals and other toxins into the air. Incineration can lead to the emission of carcinogens and contribute to air pollution and smog. Although waste-to-energy processes that involve burning municipal solid waste are gaining interest for their potential to simultaneously dispose of waste and produce energy, they come with environmental impacts similar to those of coal plants. The U.S. EPA strictly regulates these plants to ensure harmful materials are cleaned from the gases, and high-temperature incineration may break down toxic chemicals into less harmful compounds. However, the ash produced may still contain high concentrations of various metals.