What about landfill burning? When trash is burned in a pile on the ground, or even in a burn cage or burn box, it burns at low temperatures that produce dangerous air pollu- tion and particles. It tends to smolder and release toxic smoke over long periods, especially when wet. Burn boxes reduce safety risks and hazards from flying embers, but generally do not raise the temperature of burning trash sufficiently to reduce the dioxins emitted into the air. Incinerators are burn units that use fuel to assist the burning and raise temperatures sufficiently to reduce the toxic emissions produced. How- ever, incinerators are expensive and require fuel and trained operators. Incinerators, which subject to federal regulation, typically are not practical for small rural communities. New safer burning technologies are needed to better address the waste problems in rural Alaskan communities. For many villages, the most practical option is to first remove plastics, electronics, batteries, and other such items from the trash to backhaul out of the community for proper disposal. Then, a well-designed and operated burn box can burn the remaining separated trash safely at high enough temperatures to reduce the amount of toxic smoke produced. How can the need for burning trash be limited? Reduce: Find ways to reduce the quantity and vol- ume of goods that are brought into the community that will need to be disposed of in the landfill, such as packaging and plastic bags. Choose long lasting items that will not need to be replaced frequently.
Reuse: Find ways to put used items to other uses or make used items available to others. Choose reusable items rather than disposable ones. Switch to cloth bags rather than plastic bags for groceries. Recycle: Set up recycling and backhaul programs that will keep goods from going to landfills for eventual burning. Compost household food waste. How can health be protected? Separate the trash so that whatever can be recycled or is hazardous to burn, such as plastic, lead acid batteries, used oil, and e-waste, is removed and disposed of more appropriately. Be careful when choosing the location of burn boxes and the site of any burning. Burning should be conducted as far as possible from people, houses and locations where food and water are gathered. Be aware of the wind direction and only burn when the wind is blowing away from the village. Be sure the conditions are best for burning when the smoke will rise high into the air and away from the community. The waste should be dry to burn quickly and reduce smoldering. Use a well designed and sited burn box. Have someone be responsible for ensur- ing the burn box is used and maintained properly.