If volcanoes are so hot they can turn anything into ash, why don't we use them to get rid of trash?

Question

I have often pondered this.

Answer 1

I don't know if that is a good idea because before scientists learned about the dangers of burning trash industrially, it was commonly burned at homes and landfills. Because of the smoke, air pollution, and odor many local governments prohibited residential trash burning. Trash burning is especially harmful because it releases chemicals that are persistent in the environment, and end up polluting our air, food, lakes and streams. People who are exposed to these air pollutants can experience eye and nose irritation, breathing difficulty, coughing, headaches and other more serious problems. People with heart disease, asthma, emphysema, or other respiratory diseases are especially sensitive to air pollutants. The toxic chemicals released during burning include nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, volatile organic chemicals, and polycyclic organic matter. Burning plastic and treated wood also releases heavy metals and toxic chemicals such as dioxin.

Answer 2

Well its is almost impossible to collect all the trash to the volcano also if we were to collect it all how are we going to dump it in the area. You can't use planes because its too dangerous.
Another thig is that if we were to accomplish dumping the trash in there and it burns it will release CO2, and that will cause an even bigger hole in our ozone.
So its sounds like it would be a good idea but really wouldn't work

Answer 3

Volcanoes are one of the biggest producers of CO2. They can be blamed for the Permian extinction(286-248 million years ago).
Placing trash in them wont make matters any better.

Answer 4

It's not economically or practically feasible.

Volcanoes aren't everywhere, are very tempermental, and quite dangerous, and the sheer cost of moving trash to incinerate it is far more expensive than just dumping it on an island.

Answer 5

I never thought about it but maybe b/c the ashes from the trash may hurt the wildlife? good question! know you got me thinking about it :o)

Answer 6

because 1) It's so hard to get to the lava, and 2) they're only active for a short time.

Answer 7

that is a great idea ,but the smoke would be terrible ,and polute the sky for miles

but still it sounds like a great idea

Answer 8

Beacuse the vapors generated could be very toxic.

Answer 9

the smoke is a grean-house gas, it would increase global warming.

Answer 10

thats a really good idea.