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

Most organic waste decomposes and ferments.

Meaning it releases larga amounts of methane, which is a worst greenhouse gas then CO2.

So its better to produce CO2 by burning it directly then let it leak Methane which is worst for the envirenment in the long run.

Then again, the best solution would be to separate all the organics and put them in bioreators with bacteria to have controlled production of methane and methanol which can later be used as fuels, the same can be done with sceptic tanks, basically turning human waste to fuel. the resulting solid mass post reaction is quite a decent fertelizer for crops.