But water and oxygen in short supply deep in a landfill, so decomposition takes place very slowly. Incinerations are sometimes used to burn solid waste under controlled condition. They reduce the stress on landfills, but they create other environmental problems. The ashes must be disposed of, either at a landfill, or, if they are toxic, at a hazardous waste facility. Burning garbage also produces acid gases, carbon dioxide and toxic chemicals that must be treated with expensive air pollution control equipment to avoid contributing to acid rain, ozone depletion and air pollution.
Recycling is just one way to reduce wastes.
To be really effective, we have to incorporate the 4Rs Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and Recover into our daily routine. Reducing the amount of waste we produce is by far the most effective way to battle the flow of garbage into the landfill. Packaging makes up about half our garbage by volume, one-third by weight. What we cannot Reduce we should try to Reuse. Materials and packaging that cannot be reused should be recycled at home, work and school.