196 Ecology and Applied Environmental Science
for uncontrolled landfills, contrary to the strong opposition often displayed
against the institutionalization of organized landfills.
10.3.2 Incineration
Incineration or burning, as well as other thermal treatment technologies,
should be considered today only on the condition that they allow energy
recovery (waste to energy). Burning without energy recovery is contrary to
the USW valorization obligation and it is not an aim of their management,
at least in the European Union. Incineration and other thermal treatment
technologies are quite widespread in many developed countries. The cost
of these technologies is usually high both for their construction and for
the operation phase of the facility. Many objections have been voiced for
the environmental impact of USW incineration. It is true that it can cause
serious problems of air pollution since a great variety of gaseous toxic waste
is produced, including dioxins generated from the incineration of plastic
substances that contain chlorine. Modern pollution abatement technology
combined with high-temperature burning can drastically decrease the relevant air pollution. However, the use of suitable technology and systematic
maintenance so that the facility may perform in a satisfactory way significantly increase its construction and operation cost. Other parameters that
are important for the choice of incineration are:
• The long-term commitment to this technological choice, because the
cost of the facility is very high and must be paid fully from the start
• The need for designing the facility for the maximum expected USW
flow, which creates difficulties if USW production displays great fluctuations, e.g. seasonal, as usually happens in tourist areas
• The need for USW to have a significant thermal power so that there
may be energy production without the need for fuel addition, which
entails not only absence of recovery but also a greater operation cost
10.3.3 Sanitary Landfill
Sanitary landfill is a technology that differs from uncontrolled dumping in
landfills. USW is disposed in layers that are then covered with suitable topsoil, while at the base of the sanitary landfill there is proper waterproofing
material for the protection of the water table. The produced liquid waste
(leachates) and gaseous waste (biogas) are collected with the proper pipe
systems. It is a relatively low-budget method when there is cheap land and
if the imposed burying fees are not high. It is considered suitable for regions
where rubbish is characterized by a high content of humidity and a great
seasonal fluctuation of their quantity and where tracts of non-productive
land are available.
for uncontrolled landfills, contrary to the strong opposition often displayed
against the institutionalization of organized landfills.
10.3.2 Incineration
Incineration or burning, as well as other thermal treatment technologies,
should be considered today only on the condition that they allow energy
recovery (waste to energy). Burning without energy recovery is contrary to
the USW valorization obligation and it is not an aim of their management,
at least in the European Union. Incineration and other thermal treatment
technologies are quite widespread in many developed countries. The cost
of these technologies is usually high both for their construction and for
the operation phase of the facility. Many objections have been voiced for
the environmental impact of USW incineration. It is true that it can cause
serious problems of air pollution since a great variety of gaseous toxic waste
is produced, including dioxins generated from the incineration of plastic
substances that contain chlorine. Modern pollution abatement technology
combined with high-temperature burning can drastically decrease the relevant air pollution. However, the use of suitable technology and systematic
maintenance so that the facility may perform in a satisfactory way significantly increase its construction and operation cost. Other parameters that
are important for the choice of incineration are:
• The long-term commitment to this technological choice, because the
cost of the facility is very high and must be paid fully from the start
• The need for designing the facility for the maximum expected USW
flow, which creates difficulties if USW production displays great fluctuations, e.g. seasonal, as usually happens in tourist areas
• The need for USW to have a significant thermal power so that there
may be energy production without the need for fuel addition, which
entails not only absence of recovery but also a greater operation cost
10.3.3 Sanitary Landfill
Sanitary landfill is a technology that differs from uncontrolled dumping in
landfills. USW is disposed in layers that are then covered with suitable topsoil, while at the base of the sanitary landfill there is proper waterproofing
material for the protection of the water table. The produced liquid waste
(leachates) and gaseous waste (biogas) are collected with the proper pipe
systems. It is a relatively low-budget method when there is cheap land and
if the imposed burying fees are not high. It is considered suitable for regions
where rubbish is characterized by a high content of humidity and a great
seasonal fluctuation of their quantity and where tracts of non-productive
land are available.