Which method of waste disposal involves high-temperature burning?

Incineration is the process of waste disposal that involves the high-temperature burning of waste materials. This method effectively reduces the volume of waste significantly by converting it into ash, gases, and heat. The high temperatures achieved during incineration allow for the breakdown of organic materials, as well as the destruction of potentially harmful pathogens and toxins that may be present in the waste. The resulting ash can then be disposed of or sometimes reused, depending on its composition.

In addition to volume reduction, incineration can also be employed to generate energy, as the heat produced during the combustion process can be harnessed to produce steam and drive turbines for electricity generation. This dual benefit—reducing waste volume and generating energy—makes incineration a valuable waste management strategy in many urban areas.

Other methods mentioned, such as composting, sanitary landfilling, and anaerobic digestion, do not involve high-temperature burning. Composting relies on microbial activity to decompose organic matter in a controlled environment, sanitary landfills involve the deposit of waste in a designated area with minimal environmental impact, and anaerobic digestion processes organic waste in the absence of oxygen to produce biogas and digestate.