open burning on the floor results in the incomplete combustion of waste and the discharge of various
Means of decreasing the
quantity of waste that has to finally be disposed . Generally,
Figure 1 — Open Burning on the Ground
Burn Boxes
There are two standard kinds of burn boxes. The enclosed burn box is constructed using heavy sheets of steel or other metal while the open burn box has been constructed using expanded metal grating. The latter type is commonly referred to as a burn cage. These devices are not commercially-available in Nunavut, but can be constructed using locally available materials. For example, the enclosed metal burn box shown in Figure 2 is created from a dump truck bed and steel plating. Combustion air is provided passively using a pure draft making electricity unnecessary. Burn boxes are only chambered units. Waste is elevated off the bottom of the box by placing it on grates within the unit. Unburned bottom ash falls through the grate through burning making removal easier once a sufficient amount has collected. Combustion air in enclosed burn boxes is typically provided by cutting holes near the base of the box allowing for better mixing with all the burning waste.
Open burn boxes, or burn off cages, are still an improvement over enclosed burn boxes as the waste is subjected to natural drafts through the metal grating on all surfaces such as the bottom. This permits air to better mix with burning waste and promotes more efficient combustion during the burning period.
Evenly spaced vents or holes cut above the base of the barrel supply combustion air. These features provide for increased passive under-fire ventilation and encourage better contact between the waste being burned and incoming atmosphere. The basket insert is topped with a hinged lid and a chimney port for attachment of an exhaust pipe or stack. The lid helps to increase heat retention and holding time within the barrel while also allowing for easier mixing and loading of the waste. The removable mesh basket enables access to this unburned bottom ash.
Modified burn barrels could be built using commonly available materials. They could either be pre-built independently or hauled to the site for meeting. Detailed construction programs are given in Appendix 2.
Although modified burn barrels are intended to create an edge over open burning on the floor, burn boxes and unmodified burn barrels through reaching higher burn temperatures and enhanced turbulence and holding time, stopping combustion of waste and the discharge of pollutants to the atmosphere continue to be possible. In fact, emissions testing by Environment Canada on a modified burn in April 2011 imply that these devices don’t provide any improvement over open burning on the floor concerning
Figure 4 — Modified Burn Barrel
emissions caliber, particularly if wet food waste is added to the waste mix. Other common problems include easily overfilling the unit and loading waste which should not be burned (refer to section 3.2). Wet or frozen masses of waste are particularly difficult to burn along with the consequent partly burned food waste could still attract critters. The proper operation of modified burn barrels is essential to achieving the most efficient burn possible. Basic operating instructions are offered in section 4.1.
Burn barrels are capable of burning only tiny quantities of waste. Like burn boxes, they reduce the danger of fire spreading to plant and tundra by comprising the burning waste to a certain site.
The unmodified burn barrel is generally a 45 gallon, or 205 litre, metal fuel or oil drum with the top removed. These devices typically operate in a very low temperature resulting in incomplete combustion of the waste and production of large quantities of smoke and fly ash.
A modified burn is a 45 gallon metal fuel or oil drum that’s been affixed with apparatus or features which lead to greater burn temperatures, better mixing of the atmosphere and a longer holding time.
The burning and incineration procedure used is a major element in determining what type of waste could be safely and efficiently disposed of. The methods widely used in Nunavut contain open burning on the floor, unmodified burn barrels and assorted mechanical incineration systems. Other helpful methods include using burn boxes and modified burn barrels. Each procedure is discussed individually in the subsequent sections.
2.1.1 Open Burning
Open burning means that the burning of waste in which limited or no control over the combustion process can be exercised from the operator. This method includes burning solid waste directly on the open floor or in burn boxes or burn barrels and often does not achieve the temperatures or holding time required for complete combustion of the waste to happen. This results in the creation of potentially hazardous pollutants and ash, which are likely to affect nearby water and land. Food waste that is not entirely burnt through open burning can also be a powerful attractant for creatures.
The many open burning methods can also present a danger of uncontrolled plant and tundra fires through the discharge of hot sparks or embers. The level of fire hazard depends on the sort of open burning used, its place, the skill of the operator and the environmental conditions which exist in the time (i.e. dryness of the surrounding vegetation, wind).
The open burning of solid waste remains a common practice in Nunavut. It’s the policy of this Department of Environment to remove or decrease open burning of mixed solid waste to the extent practicable and to promote more acceptable methods of disposal and incineration.
Open Burning on the Ground
Open burning the floor involves burning solid waste that’s been piled directly on the surface of the floor or placed in a tiny open pit. Many large and small communities and camp operators in Nunavut continue to practice open burning on the floor as a
Assembled with hinged tops to enable easier loading and cleaning.
Unlike open burning on the floor, burn boxes help to contain the burning waste within a specific place reducing the possibility of fire spreading to other disposal areas or surrounding tundra, while enabling moderate levels of waste to be burned.
Burn Barrels
There are two standard kinds of burn barrels — that the unmodified burn barrel and modified burn barrel.
Figure 3 — Open Metal Burn Box
emissions quality, particularly if wet food waste is added to the waste mixture. Other common problems include easily overfilling the unit and loading waste that should not be burned (refer to section 3.2). Wet or frozen masses of waste are particularly difficult to burn and the resulting partly burned food waste may still attract animals. The proper operation of modified burn barrels is critical to achieving the most efficient burn possible. Basic operating instructions are provided in section 4.1.
Burn barrels are capable of burning only small volumes of solid waste. Like burn boxes, they reduce the risk of fire spreading to vegetation and tundra by containing the burning waste to a specific location.
