Bury it or Burn it? An Environmental Dilemma The incredible
amount of waste modern civilization produces needs to go
somewhere. But where? In some parts of the world, garbage is
incinerated, especially in Europe. In other parts, it goes to
landfills. Both methods attract criticism. Why Files has an in-
depth article on the ‘bury it or burn it?’ debate. Supporters of
incineration say it decreases waste and produces heat and
electricity at the same time. Fewer landfills are needed as well
as fewer trucks powered with diesel traveling to take trash to
remote locations. Detractors say incinerators create global
warming gases because they release toxins and divert attention
from recycling, possibly fostering a culture of excess since
trash can then become a source of energy. Americans don’t like
incinerators, the article says, because no one wants an
incinerator in their backyard. Besides, the country does have
space, unlike Europe where limited space is a pressing issue. In
Denmark, 54 per cent of residential wast