Chapter 17 - Incineration

Incineration is probably the most biologically safe method of disposal. It creates only a small amount of benign waste (ash) that can be easily disposed of and does not attract rodents or pests. It may be the method of choice in areas having poor drainage and rocky soils. It does not have the potential to pollute groundwater and surface water. There are, however, concerns about odors, particulate emissions, and slow through-put. An incinerator is also costly to buy and operate. The cost of running an incinerator depends on its operating efficiency and the number and size of the birds to be disposed of. According to one report, an incinerator uses 0.083 gallons of propane per pound of dead bird. There has been some revival of interest in this method because of design improvements that have lowered fuel costs by more than half.