01/31 Waste Generation and Disposal Quiz

What is the primary characteristic of municipal solid waste?

• Waste generated from industrial processes

• Waste generated from households and businesses

• Waste that is hazardous to health

• Waste that can be recycled

Answer explanation

The primary characteristic of municipal solid waste is that it is waste generated from households and businesses, distinguishing it from industrial waste and hazardous materials.

Which of the following is an example of biodegradable waste?

• Plastic bottles

• Food scraps

• Glass containers

• Metal cans

Answer explanation

Food scraps are organic materials that can decompose naturally, making them biodegradable. In contrast, plastic bottles, glass containers, and metal cans do not break down easily in the environment.

What is the main purpose of a sanitary landfill?

• To incinerate waste

• To safely contain waste and prevent pollution

• To recycle materials

• To compost organic waste

Answer explanation

The main purpose of a sanitary landfill is to safely contain waste and prevent pollution. This method ensures that waste is managed in a way that minimizes environmental impact, unlike incineration, recycling, or composting.

Which waste disposal method involves burning waste at high temperatures?

• Landfilling

• Composting

• Incineration

• Recycling

Answer explanation

The waste disposal method that involves burning waste at high temperatures is called incineration. This process reduces waste volume and can generate energy, distinguishing it from other methods like landfilling and recycling.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ETS1-1

What are the 3 R's in waste management?

• Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

• Recycle, Reprocess, Restore

• Reduce, Recycle, Recover

• Reuse, Reduce, Restore

Answer explanation

The 3 R's in waste management are Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. These principles aim to minimize waste and promote sustainability by encouraging less consumption, repurposing items, and processing materials for new use.

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS2-7

Which process can turn organic waste into nutrient-rich soil?

• Incineration

• Landfilling

• Composting

• Recycling

Answer explanation

Composting is the process that transforms organic waste into nutrient-rich soil through natural decomposition, making it an effective method for recycling organic materials, unlike incineration, landfilling, or recycling.

What is a key strategy for shrinking the waste stream?

• Increasing waste generation

• Encouraging recycling and composting

• Using more single-use plastics

• Building more landfills

Answer explanation

Encouraging recycling and composting helps reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills, thus shrinking the waste stream. This strategy promotes the reuse of materials and organic waste, leading to a more sustainable waste management approach.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-3

Which 'R' is considered more efficient than recycling?

• Reduce

• Reuse

• Recycle

• Recover

Answer explanation

Reuse is considered more efficient than recycling because it extends the life of products without the energy and resources needed for recycling processes. By reusing items, we reduce waste and conserve resources more effectively.

How many metric tons of classified hazardous waste does the EPA estimate is generated annually?

• 10 million

• 20 million

• 35 million

• 50 million

Answer explanation

The EPA estimates that 35 million metric tons of classified hazardous waste are generated annually, making it the correct choice among the options provided.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-3

NGSS.MS-ESS3-4

What does RCRA stand for?

• Resource Conservation and Recovery Act

• Recycling and Composting Regulation Act

• Recycling Control and Reduction Act

• Resource Control and Recovery Act

Answer explanation

RCRA stands for Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, which is the correct choice. It is a federal law in the United States that governs the disposal of solid and hazardous waste.