Title: Burning Plastic: Incineration Causes Air Pollution, Dioxin Emissions, Cost Overruns. - Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives
Headings: Burning Plastic: Incineration Causes Air Pollution, Dioxin Emissions, Cost Overruns.
Burning Plastic: Incineration Causes Air Pollution, Dioxin Emissions, Cost Overruns.
Plastic Pollution Solutions:
Zero Waste + Redesign

Content: Indeed, the vast majority of plastics are not recycled at the end of their useful life, ensuring that this multiplication in production results in multiplication of harmful waste. From raw material extraction through to plastic polluting the ocean, plastics represent the failure of a predominantly fossil fuel based, linear economic system. A problem this complex and embedded in our societies and economies requires solutions that address the cross-sector nature of the problem and are built upon sustainable and environmentally just frameworks that deliver permanent solutions and the deep changes we need. For those new to waste issues, incineration, gasification, pyrolysis, and plasma arc may appear appealing. But our network’s experiences in countries around the world have shown that these approaches are at best a distraction from real solutions, and at worst a source of serious climate and toxic pollution. As part of the Break Free From Plastics movement, we know that this isn’t just about managing the problem. It’s about preventing it in the first place. Incineration — including gasification, pyrolysis, and plasma arc — is not a viable solution for plastic pollution, and is harmful. Dangerous for marine life and human health. Burning plastic and other wastes releases dangerous substances such as heavy metals, Persistent Organic Pollutants, and other toxics into the air and ash waste residues.