I like the paper towel idea for both stated reasons.  Lots of things I dehydrate (OK, to be honest most of my dehydrating is tomato stew of various kinds like spag sauce & chili) end up with pointy bits that poke tiny holes in the zip-locks.

I'm a little split on burning garbage.  Mostly I don't want to deal with someone else's garbage.  Foil bits, that sock that got too dry, etc...  If the wind is right & the fire is HOT I may start burning.  Usually it accumulates for a couple days.