The EPA requires that toxic waste incinerators achieve a destruction and removal rate of ______ before the material is landfilled.

The correct figure for the destruction and removal rate required by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for toxic waste incinerators is indeed 99.99 percent. This high standard is established to ensure that nearly all toxic constituents are effectively destroyed during the incineration process. Achieving this level of destruction reduces the potential risk associated with hazardous waste and protects public health and the environment by minimizing the amount of toxic residue that could eventually be landfilled.

A rate of 99.99 percent means that the incinerator is required to destroy or remove that substantial portion of harmful substances, significantly decreasing the likelihood of harm from any remaining contaminants. This stringent requirement reflects the critical goal of waste management practices to mitigate threats from hazardous materials, align with public safety standards, and adhere to regulations set forth to protect the environment from toxic pollution.

Lower percentages, such as those indicated in the other options, would not meet the necessary safety margin established by the EPA and could lead to potential risks if the waste were subsequently disposed of in landfills.