5. Conclusion

Before and after processing, household waste brings with it mineral and organic pollutants, which are found in landfill rejects, composting and methanization products and rejects, as well as in incineration residues and fumes.

For all facilities designed (or modified) in compliance with regulations, the direct toxic risks to public health are low. However, caution is called for when it comes to assessing the impact of bioaccumulative pollutants (mercury, cadmium, dioxins and other organochlorine compounds), whose diffuse emissions, generated in part by household waste treatment and disposal facilities, can lead to direct exposure of humans to significant concentrations in their food over the long term.

Factors associated with stress (odors, noise, the very presence of the facility and the traffic generated) have not been included in the...