In some cases, a mechanized collection system is used, where a driver uses a machine to automatically grab and place refuse into the compacting truck. Collection activities can be done either by public or private collection methods. In Franklin County and many area municipalities, private companies are responsible for trash collection. In Columbus, this responsibility falls to the Division of Refuse Collection. An intermediate step in waste management is processing .
Processing involves some manipulation of the waste stream prior to ultimate disposal.
This manipulation is usually concerned with reducing material volume and conserving landfill space. One significant processing step is incineration . Here, non-burnables are removed from the waste stream, which is then burned in specially designed plants. In some cases, burning refuse is used as a fuel to produce electrical energy. These include high cost of plant construction and operation, and the production of dioxin, heavy metals and other pollutants released as by-products of refuse incineration.