Letter: Buried treasure is bad for you
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.sir: I was amazed to read that the Bank of England 'no longer burns' old bank notes, but disposes of seven tons a day to landfill 'to avoid pollution' (25 October).
The Royal Commission on disposal of refuse last year clearly came to the conclusion that incineration, in a modern incinerator with energy recovery, was the least environmentally damaging way to dispose of all combustible material. Modern incineration does not produce air pollution and leaves an inert non-toxic residue.
Landfill was considered the least desirable method. Decomposition of organic material such as papers produces methane (18 times worse than carbon dioxide with regard to global warming). Also, water seeping through the dump leaches chemicals into the ground water - the ink used to print bank notes contains toxic chemicals. Landfill sites produce long-term pollution of both air and water, which will require careful continuous monitoring and treatment well into the next century.
Yours sincerely, MARY JONES Etwall, Derbyshire 26 October
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments