Total combustion converts waste to inert bottom ash with nominal creation of smoke, fly ash and hazardous
gases. Several factors influence this process including the heating value, wetness and chemical makeup of the
waste itself, operating conditions in the burn chamber (i.e. temperature, holding time and turbulence) and
operator skill.
The method used is important in deciding what could safely be burned. Certain wastes can only be incinerated
utilizing equipment that’s been specifically equipped and designed with adequate air pollution controls and that
achieve specific air emission standards. For instance, waste containing chlorinated compounds (i.e. chlorinated
plastics and plastics, PVC piping, wood treated with pentachlorophenol or PCB-amended paint, marine driftwood)
must be separated from other waste as their burning will lead to the de novo creation and emission of various
dioxin and furan compounds. Waste containing mercury (i.e. batteries, thermostats and fluorescent light bulbs) and
other heavy metals (i.e. lead acid batteries, timber treated with lead paint) should not be burned as the mercury
and heavy metals won’t be destroyed. Other waste which should not be burned unless utilizing specially designed
incinerations include used lubricating oil, hydrocarbon contaminated dirt, biomedical waste, sewage sludge or some other
other waste specifically prohibited by the Department of Environment.
Table 2 provides a list of common wastes which may be burned and those that require special consideration and
therapy. Note that open burning and incineration are recognized as separate columns in the table and that
different limitations apply depending upon which system is utilized. Generally, more restrictions apply to the
various procedures of open burning because of the incomplete combustion achieved. Fewer limitations apply to
incineration because of the operator’s ability to control the combustion process.
Non-combustible materials like metal and glass do not burn and will rob heat from waste which could be
destroyed by burning. Combustible waste should always be separated from non-combustible waste before being loaded
to the burn room.