§ Mr. KidneyTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what waste products are produced when plastic products are disposed of by(a) incineration and (b) burial in landfill sites. [70258]
§ Mr. MeacherPlastics products comprise a wide range of polymerised organic compounds mixed with additives to enhance particular properties. By-products produced on disposal will depend on the type of plastic. When incinerated, plastics will mostly form carbon dioxide and water. Chlorinated plastics, such as PVC, will produce hydrochloric acid. In general they will not degrade to any great extent in landfill and will make little contribution to the production of leachate and landfill gas.