eli5: How is burning waste less harmful than letting nature decompose of it?

Question

I understand that certain substances such as sodium hydroxide, acetone, batterys, plastic and even aluminum are harmful but trash is already being separated quite well in first world countries. So how is burning biological waste more effective? Or is it just easier?

I seek an actual explanation, not yes/no.

Thanks for your knowledge in advance.

In: 5

Answer 1

Burning in a controlled manner at least allows the energy it contains to be recovered for other uses. That means that a certain amount of fossil fuel doesn’t have to be used.

In addition, decay can turn some of the carbon content to methane instead of carbon dioxide. That is s more potent greenhouse gas.