The reason we can't throwing trash into the volcano
Saturday 29 April 2022So far, waste is often burned, either conventionally or using an incinerator, which is a closed waste burning device. We may often ask, why not take advantage of volcanic craters to burn waste without residue? Isn't a volcano like a giant incinerator provided by nature?
A volcanologist from the United States, Dr. Robin Andrew, stated that it is true, basically lava in volcanic craters is capable of melting many objects because it is so hot.
Humans created so many powerful things that they couldn't just be burned by lava. If we throw it away, what happens is it doesn't burn, it just floats on the surface. In addition, according to Dr Andrew, the lava lakes in these craters are actually not very deep.
All the rest of the melted garbage in the end must still be thrown away somewhere. Indeed, some will dissipate in a plume of smoke or vapor [which is very dangerous if inhaled] many other remains intact, and end up piling up lava lakes.
Lava lakes of course have a limited volume, often moving up and down. This means, the remnants of this waste will sometimes overflow into the surrounding landscape, which then pollutes the soil. Not to mention, if a volcano erupts, then the remnants of garbage will scatter in all directions.
Lava flowing into the valley would be not only very hot, but also poisonous. In addition, lava lakes are often very unstable. If we tear the surface of a hot lava lake, especially with wet compounds, it can set off a chain reaction that results in an explosion due to high pressure and acidic vapors.
Every burning, of course, at least produces smoke. The same thing will certainly happen if the garbage is 'burned' in the crater of the mountain. The smoke will directly enter the atmosphere, causing a lot of air pollution.
Around the world, waste incinerators are regulated by regulations that ensure the smoke from burning waste does not enter our air, so that major pollutants such as ozone, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide and others are filtered out.
And of course, logistical reasons must be considered. Even if there is a plan to 'throw and burn' the trash in the crater, of course it is necessary to think about how to transport it to the top, and throw it away.
Volcanoes that a garbage truck might be able to climb are shield volcanoes, which unfortunately don't exist in Indonesia, mostly conical stratovolcanos.
Also, the locations of active volcanoes are often difficult to reach. Transporting tons of trash there would cost a lot of fuel, manpower and enormous costs. Not to mention the dangers that always lurk, from hot steam, poison from the crater, sudden explosions, and so on.
We have little choice to manage waste other than reduce, reuse and recycle.
