What is the approximate amount of residue left after incineration?

Prepare for the NEHA Registered Environmental Health Specialist/Registered Sanitarian Exam. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question includes hints and explanations. Excel in your exam!

The correct answer reflects that the typical amount of residue left after incineration is around 10 to 15 percent of the original volume of waste. When waste is incinerated, the extreme heat reduces most materials to ash and gases, with combustion effectively vaporizing organic components and combustibles. The resulting residue primarily consists of inorganic materials, such as metals and non-combustible substances.

The range of 10 to 15 percent is generally accepted in the field of waste management and environmental health, as it accounts for the mass loss during incineration due to the transformation of organic matter into gases, which are released into the atmosphere. Understanding this percentage is essential for environmental health specialists as it impacts landfill needs, air quality management, and resource recovery planning.

The other options propose higher percentages, which do not align with typical incineration outcomes and thus would not accurately reflect the effectiveness of waste reduction through incineration processes.

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