Abstract |
The paper discusses the practice of destroying hazardous waste by incineration and other high temperature processes, the research that has been performed in the area, and the future plans and prospects associated with these activities. The results of the research program to date have indicated that, in general, properly operated, high temperature processes, can attain Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards for destruction and removal of organics contained in the tested hazardous waste (destruction and removal efficiency greater than 99.99%). Effective control (99% removal) of HCl emissions was also attained in facilities handling chlorinated organic waste. The EPA standard for particulates (180 mg/dry m3) was the most difficult to achieve. Several of the tested facilities contained particulates in stak gas at significantly higher concentrations. Current EPA regulatory activities center on prohibition of hazardous wastes from land disposal. The promulgation of these regulations is expected to put increased emphasis on high temperature destruction methods, although the rate of these changes will be highly susceptible to many market factors, public acceptance and the specific regulations themselves. |