What is a common method used for reducing hazardous waste volume?

Incineration is a common method used for reducing hazardous waste volume because it involves burning the waste at high temperatures, resulting in a significant reduction in its mass and volume. This thermal treatment process effectively destroys many hazardous components, converting them into less harmful substances like ash, gases, and heat. The incineration process not only reduces the physical amount of waste but can also lead to energy recovery, making it a more efficient waste management strategy.

In contrast to incineration, other methods like recycling focus on reprocessing materials rather than reducing their volume. Open dumping is not a recognized method for managing hazardous waste and poses serious environmental and health risks. Landfilling, while a common waste disposal method, does not significantly reduce the volume of hazardous waste; instead, it simply stores it, potentially leading to long-term contamination issues. Incineration, therefore, stands out as an effective method for both volume reduction and the destruction of hazardous components.