Why Shouldn't We Burn Plastic Containers?

Empty plastic containers take up a lot of room in landfills. That may lead some people to believe that burning the containers would be a better course than throwing them away and might save room in landfills. However, burning plastic is actually even more harmful to the environment than dumping the plastic in landfills.

Fumes

If you place a plastic container in a wood stove or on top of an outdoor fire, it creates toxic fumes. This is due to the chemicals released as the plastic burns. Carbon monoxide, dioxins and furans are just some of the byproducts released from burning plastic. These substances cause cancer and lung problems.

Ash

The heat from an outdoor fire is not hot enough to totally incinerate plastic containers. As a result, toxic ash remains on the ground after the fire and may contaminate the soil.

Safer Alternatives

It is better to recycle plastic containers than to burn them. Recycling cuts down on new containers produced and prevents you from releasing toxins into the environment. If you choose not to recycle, then throw the containers away. The incinerators at solid waste plants reach up to 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit, which is hot enough to completely burn the plastic, leaving no ash behind.

References

• Prince Edward Island: Department of Environment, Energy and Forestry