Businesses generate a large amount of many types of waste, much of which can be processed through incinerators. Some types of solid waste do not go through incineration because of noxious gases that pollute the environment. On the other hand, some waste generators, such as hospitals, require incineration to dispose of waste to contain contagious diseases.

Incineration involves converting solid wastes into ash, gas, particulates and heat by burning. This method reduces the amount of solid waste that goes into a landfill. Incinerators also save businesses money by reduced disposal costs. Depending on the size of the incinerator and the amount of waste, the heat created from burning can generate electricity.

Before installing or using incineration services:

1. Explore the benefits of incinerators vs. solid waste disposal.

2. Determine whether incineration services are available in your area.

3. Decide if installing your own incinerator equipment would be cost effective.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Compare waste incinerators and incineration systems

Businesses can use waste incinerators to save costs and landfill space. Not all businesses have access to the service. Look at your options for disposing locally or shipping to another location.

I recommend: Veolia Environmental Services offers high-temperature incineration specifically designed for destruction of hazardous organic compounds. Synagro Technologies Inc. burns waste water sludges. Heritage Environmental Services provides incineration services for bulk solids, hazardous waste and liquid waste.

Look at the pros and cons of incinerators

Burning your solid waste rather than disposing of it can provide several benefits to your business. Some benefits relate to cost savings, while others involve environmental consciousness. Due to population growth, finding ways to cut down on the space needed for garbage disposal becomes a necessity. Although some environmentalists look at incinerators as another culprit that causes air quality polution.

I recommend: Bonaventure Chemicals provides benefits of using agricultural incinerators. CTB lists benefits of small-scale and farm incinerators. Tornado Tech describes the benefits of using their incinerators for disposing of waste generated by the oil and gas industries.

Consider installing incineration systems on-site

Large businesses can install their own on-site incinerator. Several types of incinerators exist for burning ordinary and hazardous wastes. Once installed, the businesses could offer a secondary service to its local community.

I recommend: Incinerator International Incorporated builds incinerators that can handle from 25 to 2,500 pounds of waste per hour. This company serves schools, hospitals, restaurants, manufacturers and many other types of businesses. Pennram Diversified Manufacturing Corporation designs incinerators for medical and industrial uses, as well as incinerators for funeral homes. Kirk Enterprises designs and builds the National Incinerator brand machine for uses in the animal and poultry, medical and industrial fields.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Some communities oppose building incinerators in their midst, primarily because of concerns about atmospheric releases and about the 'ugliness' of the building. Make sure you have community support before considering an incineration project.
• •  Although incineration is highly touted as a way to reduce waste in our landfills, some organizations oppose their use. Be certain to verify the legality of installing waste incinerators for your business.