Most cigarettes have a primary filtering system attached to the end of the burn tube. The secondary filters are human lungs. Residual toxins are released in ash, exhaled gas, and smoke that never reaches the filters. Environmentally, this is not an efficient system. The combustion of MSW in large-scale incinerators is regulated by governments, and the equipment is designed to filter the concentration of toxins before they can be released into the environment.
Proponents believe incineration is an efficient system, and a safe way to dispose of waste.
MSW incinerators emit gases and particles, including traces of metals and organic chemicals. MOEE officials conducted a study in 1998 to determine the environmental risks of municipal non-hazardous waste in both landfill and incinerator applications. Not surprisingly, this reversal of the policy of previous administrations opened the door for private corporations to expand the markets for incineration technology. The legislation attempted to balance the needs of industry, the economy, the environment, and the waste management demands of municipalities. The building of new incinerators appeared to be one answer, as long as the government held the blueprints.