What type of waste management process typically involves high temperatures for waste destruction?

Incineration is the correct answer because it is a waste management process specifically designed to burn waste materials at high temperatures, effectively reducing their volume and converting them into ash, gases, and heat. The high temperatures used in incineration not only help in destroying waste but also minimize the potential for pathogens and harmful substances, which can be prevalent in organic and municipal waste.

This process can also be utilized to generate energy in the form of electricity or steam, making it an effective method for both waste reduction and energy recovery. In incineration facilities, waste is fed into a furnace where it is exposed to temperatures that can exceed 1,500°F (815°C), ensuring complete combustion of the materials.

In contrast, landfilling involves burying waste materials, which does not involve high temperatures, and can lead to issues like leachate and methane production. Composting is the process of decomposing organic waste through microbial activity at lower temperatures, primarily for the purpose of creating nutrient-rich soil. Recycling involves the processing of materials to convert them into new products, which does not involve heat as a primary method of destruction.