8.9 - Solid Waste Disposal

MSW stands for:

• Managed Soil Waste

• Municipal Solid Waste

• Material Stream Waste

• Manufactured Synthetic Waste

About how much of municipal solid waste (MSW) is composed of paper?

• 10%

• 25%

• 33%

• 50%

What is the purpose of the clay or plastic liner at the bottom of sanitary landfills?

• To trap methane gas

• To prevent pollutants from leaking into groundwater

• To speed up decomposition

• To attract decomposing organisms

What does a leachate collection system in a landfill do?

• Catches methane to burn for electricity

• Pumps out contaminated water for treatment

• Removes recyclables from trash

• Adds nutrients to soil around the landfill

What is produced from anaerobic decomposition in landfills?

• Oxygen

• Methane

• Sulfur dioxide

• Nitrogen gas

Approximately how long does fishing line take to decompose in a landfill?

• 10 years

• 50 years

• 100 years

• 600 years

Why are old tires considered an environmental issue in landfills?

• They release toxic gases

• They absorb valuable nutrients

• They collect water and become mosquito breeding grounds

• They compost too quickly

Which of the following is a major drawback of waste incineration?

• It increases landfill size

• It releases air pollutants

• It prevents energy production

• It decreases recycling rates