We need more plasma converters. Plasma converters use extreme heat to break down the waste. It's not a garbage burner, it breaks down the substances - it's hotter than burning, the molecules disassociate rather than making new combinations. Burning plastics isn't a good idea because it leaves a lot of toxic chemicals, but plasma gassification breaks it down into a burnable gas that can be used as a fuel. The heavier elements form a slag which can be processed further. Although it uses a lot of energy to break down the substances, it is a net producer of energy. There are are 9 plamsa converter plants in operation with 5 more planned. It's better than garbage burners and better than landfills.
Here's a link to the article on Plasma Converters
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plasma_gasification