Can be used as an energy source
It is the least favourable of all recycling option such as reuse and recycling (according to EU legislation, is not RECYCLING but DISPOSAL or RECOVERY)
GHG, Air pollution residues, ashes, cooling water discharges

INCINERATION

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Represents the least favourable option of waste treatment (most fibres are not biodegradable and also because of the high energy that has gone into producing textile fibres)
Landfilling of textiles and fibers should be avoided whenever a viable alternative exits

LANDFILL

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WASTE MANAGEMENT EU

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NEWS European Parliament (2021) 87% USED CLOTHES ARE INCINERATED OR LANFILLED

Source: WASTE, a Handbook for management, Chapter 12 Andreas Bartl Academic Press

Comparison of energy required for fibre production and energy recovery (negative values) of incineration (assumption: energetic efficiency of 60 %)

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS: Greenhouse Gases Air Pollution Residues Ashes Cooling Water Discharges

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS: Green House Gases Groundwater Contamination