Final answer:
Hazardous waste, including dioxin-bearing wastes and other specific toxic chemicals, needs to be disposed of at RCRA-permitted incinerators. The incineration process minimizes environmental contamination when performed correctly. EPA regulations ensure that incineration facilities operate with anti-pollution measures in place.
Step-by-step explanation:
Waste that has to be disposed of at an RCRA-permitted incinerator primarily includes hazardous waste that contains harmful chemicals and compounds. The RCRA, or Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, sets a framework for the proper management of hazardous waste from its creation to disposal, known as the 'cradle-to-grave' system. Hazardous waste generators must identify, manage, and document the handling of their hazardous waste meticulously.
Some specific types of hazardous waste requiring incineration include dioxin-bearing wastes, chlorinated aliphatic hydrocarbons production, wood-preserving wastes, petroleum refinery wastewater treatment sludges, and multisource leachate. The incineration process should break down toxic chemicals into less harmful compounds, particularly at high temperatures exceeding 1000 degrees Celsius. Post-incineration, the residual ashes should be handled carefully to prevent environmental contamination.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates municipal solid waste (MSW) incinerators to ensure anti-pollution devices are installed and that emissions are cleaned of harmful materials. Mixed hazardous and radioactive wastes are also managed under RCRA and the Department of Energy's Atomic Energy Act. Furthermore, every category of waste may not be accepted by all local recycling authorities, so generators must be informed about proper disposal methods.
Incineration is preferred for certain types of waste because landfills pose the risk of groundwater contamination as well as being space-consuming for non-decomposable materials like Styrofoam and plastics. However, if incineration is not done correctly, it can contribute to air pollution and smog from the release of carcinogens.