Compositions, devices, and methods for destroying chemical warfare agents, independent of their chemical make-up, include (i) at least one reactive metal; (ii) at least one oxidizer; and (iii) a binder. In one embodiment, the self-sustaining reactive composition includes magnesium powder, iron oxide powder, potassium perchlorate powder, and silicone gel. In another embodiment, the self-sustaining reactive composition includes manganese powder, lithium perchlorate powder, lithium peroxide powder, and silicone gel. The reactive metal(s), oxidizer(s), binder, and their respective amounts, are selected such that, following ignition of the composition, the composition is capable of producing a solid mass of ash (wicking composition) that increases the surface area of the chemical agent material and provides a site for combustion and/or thermal degradation of the chemical agent to occur.