RE: Recycling vs Incineration - New Scientist 22/11/97

[Alan Watson <alanwatson@gn.apc.org>]

Dear Amjad

>What is the estimated amount of dioxin released from the incineration of 
>one ton of MSW.  In Pakistan where I live (and in many developing 
>countries) trash burning within residential areas (without any 
>incinerator) is the one of the common disposal method of MSW. Obviuosly 
>temperature is not that high in this type of burning. What could be 
>typical range of other pollutants like HCl, NOx, CO, mercu
>ry etc. in this case per ton of MSW. 

The figures from my post just before yours (Incinerators remain net 
dioxin sources ) are:

Dioxin balance for a 100,000tpy incinerator, gTEQ/y

	                   Optimistic     	Pessimistic   	Neutral

Input waste	                2.1	   0.05	      0.41
Output:
Bottom ash	               0.22	    0.83	     0.62
Air pollution 
control residues	         3.1	     6.9	      5.2
Flue gas	                0.025	    0.61	     0.25
Total output	            3.35	     8.34	     6.07
Net dioxins	             1.25     	8.29	     5.66

It is a straightforward matter to calculate the output per tonne 
assuming, say, 90% availability.  

These data are for modern incinerators and assume steady state emissions 
of between 0.1 and 1 ng/m3 however.  The examples that you give will be 
likely to have far higher emission levels - although depending to some 
extent on the composition of the trash. 

For other emissions it would probably be a fair approximation as a 
starting point to take emission levels that are similar to the unabated 
emissions from an incinerator primary combustion chamber.  I would have 
to dig the figures out but perhaps other list members have them to hand?

Best wishes

Alan

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