All Hands DS Trivia

What is the name of North America's largest environmental service provider?

• Waste Management

• William & Mary

• US Waste

• WM

Answer explanation

In 2022, we officially shortened our name to WM. Removing the “waste management” was an intentional decision to highlight our focus on sustainability and our renewed commitments to care for our people, the communities we live and serve and our environment. WM currently operates in all 50 United States as well as throughout Canada. Additionally, although we do not have facilities outside of North America, we do have many team members located in India.

What are WM’s colors?

• Blue and White

• Green and Yellow

• Red and Purple

• Brown and White

Answer explanation

The green color of our fleet runs much deeper than the paint on the trucks. Our green and yellow color palette is a reflection of our identity and the things we care about the most – nature and ecology.

The WM Phoenix Open (aka “the Greenest Show on Grass”) is what type of zero waste sporting event?

• Horse Racing

• Golf

• Soccer

• Tennis

Answer explanation

Each year WM partners with The Thunderbirds to host the US Professional Golfers Association (PGA) Phoenix Open in Scottsdale, Arizona. In 2023 over 700,000 fans attended the event and did not see a single trash can. For a bit of fun, check out the Green Gopher on social media – he isn’t just a cute mascot, he’s also a recycling ambassador! 

Which of the following is not one of the rules for Recycle Right?

• Recycle bottles, cans, paper, and cardboard

• Ensure materials are clean and dry (no liquid or food)

• Place anything with the recycling logo in your bin

• Do not bag materials for recycling or put plastic bags in your bin

Answer explanation

Most people don’t understand what the three chasing arrows forming a triangle on the bottom of plastic containers means. This is the universal plastic resin symbol, and that symbol along with the number inside is an indicator for the type of plastic used to create the container. Some of these materials while technically recyclable are difficult and need to go to specific facilities. to recycle and require complex machinery. Make sure to check for the number of the materials that can be recycled before placing them in the bin or just remember to recycle by the shape – bottles, jars, jugs and tubs!

How should you dispose of Lithium-ion batteries – rechargeable household batteries and those found in cellphones and laptops?

• Put them in your curbside recycling bin

• Throw them in the trash

• Take them to a certified recycler

• Put them in a box under your bed

Answer explanation

It seems that lithium-ion batteries are everywhere, and they truly power our world! Unfortunately, when the cases become cracked or damaged, they are no longer safe to use or even to keep. Mixing them with other materials in the trash or your recycling bin can cause them to catch on fire or even explode. Many people aren’t aware of this risk because it doesn’t happen immediately, but for WM it is a safety risk for our employees if it happens while in a truck or at one of our facilities. Because of these risks, not all companies will accept lithium-ion batteries, so make sure you ask. As for regular batteries – we suggest that you recycle those as well – many hardware store chains will accept regular batteries for recycling.

Approximately how many tons of material did WM recover in 2023?

• 1.5 Million Ton

• 6.6 Million Tons

• 10.2 Million Tons

• 14.8 Million Tons

Answer explanation

Last year WM’s 97 recycling facilities and 41 organics recycling facilities combined to recover 14,831,559 tons of material – that’s the equivalent of 3 and 1/3 fully fueled space shuttles. WM has set an aggressive goal to increase this number to 25 million tons of material per year by 2030!

How many Wildlife Habitat Council certified sites does WM have?

• 1 Bazillion

• 74

• 52

• 27

Answer explanation

WM has collaborated with the Wildlife Habitat Council for over 30 years to not just preserve wildlife, but also biodiversity, employee engagement and community environmental education. WM has partnered on over 300 separate projects including ongoing tree planning, creation of pollinator gardens, and creating micro forests.

Which of the following is not a next best use for a plastic shopping bag?

• Place them in your curbside recycling bin

• Use them to clean up after your pets

• Return them to your local grocery store

• Donate them to a local small business or non-profit store

Answer explanation

Even though plastic bags can be recycled at your local grocery store, they cannot be placed into your curbside recycling bin. These bags can cause serious damage to recycling facility sorting equipment in addition to creating additional work for employees. Additionally, you should not place materials to be recycled in a bag inside of your bin. When these bags arrive at the sorting facility, they are often immediately discarded because it is both difficult and unsafe for employees to open the bags.

Where is WM’s Corporate Headquarters located?

• Dallas, Texas

• Houston, Texas

• Bannockburn, Illinois

• Green Bay, Wisconsin

Answer explanation

WM’s headquarters are located at 800 Capitol Street in Houston, Texas. However, WM’s nearly 50,000 employees are spread throughout all 50 states, Canada and India.

What percentage of WM Trucks use alternative fuel?

• 10%

• 30%

• 60%

• 99%

Answer explanation

Currently 60% of WM’s fleet - over 11,000 trucks - run on natural gas. WM is adding more natural gas trucks each day with a goal to reach 70% by 2025. Not only do these trucks reduce greenhouse gas emissions, but they are much quieter.

WM is currently testing electric equipment in our transfer station and landfill facilities. Unfortunately, WM hasn’t found an electric truck that can complete the 12-hour shifts that our Drivers work. So until the technology advances farther, we’ll keep the electric vehicles closer to a facility where they can be close to a charger.