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

You would probably need to spread the compost out over a very large area. It would maybe be possible in very small cities, but big cities generate so much waste that it’s much easier and more efficient to burn it.