Recycling is the process of reusing materials instead of throwing them away. Commonly recycled materials include metals, glass, and paper. Waste reduction is the process of producing less waste. For example, people can reduce waste by buying items that last longer or have less packaging. See Recycling .
Incineration is the process of burning waste products.
Some large cities use incinerators because they do not have suitable areas nearby for land disposal sites. In the United States, Canada, and many European countries, incinerators are required to limit the amount of pollution they release. Ash produced by incineration must be handled properly and monitored to ensure that it will not harm the environment. Most incineration plants use the heat from burning waste to produce steam, which can drive electric power generators or provide heat for buildings or industrial processes. Land disposal involves hauling garbage to an area owned by a community or a private firm.