Incineration is controlled burning at temperatures typically over
850oC in the presence of air to ensure the destruction of pathogens (e.g. fungi,
bacteria and viruses) and hazardous pollutants (e.g. volatile organics). It is an
effective technology widely used in waste treatment which can reduce the
volume of municipal solid waste (MSW) by some 90% and hence extend the
life of landfills. In some cases, heat generated from waste incineration is
recovered and used as an energy source.