Which waste management option effectively reduces waste volume by nine-fold?

Combustion is recognized as an effective waste management option that significantly reduces the volume of waste. When waste is combusted, the high temperatures of the process not only incinerate organic materials but also reduce the overall mass of the waste, often achieving volume reductions of up to nine-fold. This dramatic decrease in volume allows for more efficient disposal and less space required in landfills.

This method also has the added benefit of energy recovery; during combustion, energy can be harnessed to produce electricity or heat, thus contributing to energy production while simultaneously addressing waste volume. Additionally, the remaining ash, which comes from non-combustible materials in the waste, can often be managed separately, further aiding in waste management strategies.

In contrast, composting focuses on organic materials and converts them into nutrient-rich soil amendments, while recycling primarily recovers materials for reuse but does not drastically reduce waste volume. Landfilling, on the other hand, does not significantly decrease the volume of waste, as it entails placing waste in designated sites without any major transformation. Therefore, combustion stands out as the most effective option among these choices for achieving substantial waste volume reduction.