New landfills are limited by regulations, public concern and lack of suitable sites. Trash disposal is an ever-growing concern with few easy answers. The best solution, and the one advocated by the EPA, is called source reduction, or reducing both the toxicity and amount of waste as close to its generation point as possible. Incineration is sometimes considered a relatively easy answer to the growing volume of waste. Unfortunately, the process of incineration generates dioxin, a known and powerful cause of cancer.
Incineration also emits many heavy metals and chemical compounds that can pose health hazards.
Much of this material ends up in ash leftover from incineration and must be placed in a sealed landfill. As a waste disposal solution, incinerators clearly are not the answer. Waste also involves close personal health risks. Paint Cleaners and solvents Garden fertilizers and pesticides Durable goods , such as refrigerators and televisions Hazardous wastes are defined as, but not limited to, materials that are explosive, radioactive, ignitable corrosive , toxic , or reactive . If improperly used and disposed of, hazardous waste can create health risks for ourselves, and severely damage the environment.