Transforming New York's Fresh Kills Landfill

Which should play a greater role in reducing the waste we generate—personal choices by consumers or government regulation?

• Personal choices by consumers should play a greater role in reducing the waste we generate.

• Government regulation should play a greater role in reducing the waste we generate.

Municipal solid waste is from _______.

• homes and businesses

• industrial facilities

• agricultural lands

• construction sites

What is industrial waste? Industrial waste results from _______.

• manufacturing, agriculture, and mining

• recreational activities

• domestic chores

• educational institutions

Hazardous waste is toxic, reactive, _______.

• flammable, and corrosive

• harmless and safe

• edible and nutritious

• soft and gentle

What is wastewater? Wastewater includes used, discarded water and _______.

• runoff

• sewage

• rainwater

• drinking water

What is the primary purpose of burying waste in the ground or piling it into mounds in sanitary landfills?

• To prevent groundwater contamination

• To minimize soil pollution

• To minimize air pollution

• To promote recycling

Regulations require that landfills be at least ___ meters above the water table.

• 6

• 3

• 10

• 15

The components of a sanitary landfill as shown in the diagram are:

• Liner system, leachate collection system, gas collection system, and cover system

• Liner system, waste collection system, recycling system, and cover system

• Liner system, leachate collection system, composting system, and cover system

• Liner system, waste collection system, gas collection system, and cover system

What is one benefit of landfill decomposition?

• It yields methane, which can be used like natural gas.

• It produces clean water.

• It reduces air pollution.

• It creates more space for waste.

What happens when landfills are full?

• They are left open.

• They are capped and the land can be used for recreation.

• They are burned.

• They are flooded.