Thermal treatment refers to processes that use heat to alter the properties of materials, often for purposes like sterilization, waste management, or material recovery. This method can effectively destroy harmful pathogens in waste or improve the quality of recyclable materials by breaking them down. Common applications of thermal treatment include incineration of waste, where high temperatures reduce waste volume and generate energy, and pyrolysis, which converts organic materials into useful products like oil and gas. These processes are essential in managing waste and recovering valuable resources while minimizing environmental impact.