How an Incinerator Works

An incinerator is a furnace that burns wastes at extremely high temperatures. It is made of insulated materials designed to keep the heat inside, which allows the wastes to burn completely.

Purpose

• Incineration is a method of disposing of waste materials by either destroying them or reducing their volume through combustion. Burning waste keeps it out of landfills, where it can cause pollution and affect the health of humans.

Function

• Incinerators consist of an enclosed container connected through pipes to air pollution control equipment. Waste is placed inside the container where it is heated. Workers use gauges to control the amount of heat and air. As the waste burns, toxic gases flow through the pipes into the air pollution control equipment, which collects the small particulates, acids and metals. After these harmful substances are removed, the remaining steam and carbon dioxide are released through a smokestack. The remaining waste in the container is burned to ashes, which are collected and taken to a landfill. The other toxic substances are removed from the incinerator and properly disposed of.

Types

• Types of incinerators include rotary kiln, fluidized bed, liquid injection and hearths. These incinerators are designed to dispose of different types of wastes, including medical, sewage, hazardous and municipal wastes. Each type of waste must be put in the proper incinerator.

Warning

• Putting the wrong type of waste in an incinerator can be dangerous. For example, a retail worker throwing a spray can or pool chemicals into an incinerator can cause an explosion or fire. Incinerating the wrong type of waste can also lead to the emission of harmful substances.