Regarding the wording. In German(y) we have two kinds of "Verwertung" (utilization). The material one (recycling) and the energetic one (incineration). Both is viewed as reusing the waste. Sometimes energetic utilization can supply the power and/or heat needed for material utilization.

Burning it doesn’t have to be as bad as burying it.

EDIT: I guess it depends on how it gets burned. The company, my dad worked for, used it to produce steam, for the chemical companies located there, among other things.