Toxins Produced by Hazardous Waste Combustion

The combustion of hazardous waste produces potentially harmful byproducts. The gases left over from combustion are composed mostly of carbon dioxide and water. However, the gases may contain carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxide, hydrogen chloride, chlorine, and other toxic gases.

Combustion does not destroy inorganic compounds such as metals. Fly ash particles are made up primarily of carbon and salts, but they may have toxic metals attached to them. Bottom ash, also primarily composed of carbon and salts, may contain toxic compounds as well. These different potential sources of toxicity are each regulated by RCRA. These regulations help prevent the toxins that are released during combustion from causing harm to living organisms and the environment.

To learn more about RCRA safety standards visit our RCRA Refresher Online Training web page.