In the late 19th century, the lack of appropriate waste collection and disposal systems in Europe along with public health issues – the outbreak of epidemics such as the cholera – raised the question: How can waste volumes be reduced and how can waste be managed more hygienically? This marked the beginning of the age of “technical waste incineration“. The first waste incineration plant known as Destructor was built in Nottingham, England in 1876. Following experience with waste incineration in Manchester, the introduction of this technology was also discussed in Germany.