Waste Management Quiz

What is the largest landfill in the world?

• Fresh Kills

• Dumpsite 42

In what year did Fresh Kills landfill close?

• 2001

• 1995

What type of waste is generated from homes and businesses?

• Hazardous waste

• Municipal solid waste

What is a major benefit of sanitary landfills?

• They produce toxic ash.

• They prevent groundwater contamination.

What is a cost associated with landfills?

• Leachate may contaminate groundwater.

• They yield methane for energy.

What is a benefit of incineration?

• It reduces waste volume by up to 90%.

• It creates dioxins.

What is composting?

• Burning waste for energy.

• Conversion of organic waste into mulch.

What percentage of U.S. waste is organic material that could be composted?

• 20%

• 40%

What is a characteristic of hazardous waste?

• Can be ignitable, corrosive, or toxic.

• Safe to dispose of in regular landfills.

What is the average amount of hazardous waste in an American home?

• 150 pounds

• 100 pounds