Abstract
The exhaust gases from incinerators of municipal solid waste (MSW), large amounts of which are generated in many countries, can have an enormous environmental influence. Flue gases contain inorganic pollutants such as nitrogen oxides and organic micropollutants such as dioxins. In Japan, the emission of particulate matter and inorganic gases is controlled by air pollution control laws. The current regulation concerning dioxins in waste gases came into effect in December 2002. In this study, information on the operation and maintenance of incineration facilities was collected from 2001 to 2003. The emission status of dioxins over the period since enforcement of the new regulation is summarized. The discharge status of particulate matter and inorganic gases is also reported.
