Waste Management Quiz

What is another term for solid waste?

• Compost

• Trash

• Recycle

• Refuse

Answer explanation

Another term for solid waste is 'trash'. While 'compost' refers to organic waste and 'recycle' involves processing materials, 'refuse' is a broader term that can also mean trash, but 'trash' is the most common synonym.

What type of waste is discarded from industry, agriculture, mining, oil, and gas production?

• Municipal solid waste

• Non-municipal solid waste

• Biodegradable waste

• Hazardous waste

Answer explanation

Non-municipal solid waste refers to waste generated from industrial, agricultural, mining, oil, and gas activities, distinguishing it from municipal solid waste, which comes from households and businesses.

What is municipal solid waste primarily made up of?

• Industrial waste

• Agricultural waste

• Discarded solid materials from residences

• Hazardous chemicals

Answer explanation

Municipal solid waste primarily consists of discarded solid materials from residences, including household items, food waste, and packaging, rather than industrial, agricultural, or hazardous waste.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-3

What type of waste can be broken down by microbes?

• Nondegradable waste

• Biodegradable waste

• Hazardous waste

• Refuse-derived fuel

Answer explanation

Biodegradable waste can be broken down by microbes through natural processes, making it distinct from nondegradable and hazardous waste, which cannot be easily decomposed.

What is the easiest method of disposing of waste?

• Incineration

• Composting

• Open dumps

• Recycling

Answer explanation

Open dumps are the easiest method of disposing of waste as they require minimal effort and infrastructure. However, they pose significant environmental and health risks compared to other methods like recycling or composting.

Where is 50% of municipal solid waste discarded?

• Open dumps

• Sanitary landfills

• Compost sites

• Brownfields

Answer explanation

Sanitary landfills are designed to safely contain municipal solid waste, making them the primary disposal method for about 50% of such waste. Open dumps and compost sites do not handle this volume, while brownfields are not waste disposal sites.

What process involves burning trash to reduce volume and generate electricity?

• Recycling

• Composting

• Incineration

• Source reduction

Answer explanation

Incineration is the process of burning trash to significantly reduce its volume and can also generate electricity through the heat produced. This distinguishes it from recycling, composting, and source reduction.

What does source reduction aim to minimize?

• The amount of generated waste

• The use of compost

• The number of landfills

• The amount of recycling

Answer explanation

Source reduction aims to minimize the amount of generated waste by reducing the volume and toxicity of waste before it is created, making it the most effective way to manage waste.

What does the term "refuse" mean in waste management?

• To recycle products

• To decline products that harm the environment

• To compost organic material

• To incinerate waste

Answer explanation

In waste management, "refuse" refers to the act of declining products that are harmful to the environment, promoting a more sustainable approach. This choice emphasizes prevention over disposal.

What does "reduce" refer to in environmental science?

• Using products multiple times

• Choosing products with lower ecological footprint

• Returning used items to be processed

• Burning trash

Answer explanation

In environmental science, "reduce" means choosing products with a lower ecological footprint to minimize resource use and waste. This option directly addresses the goal of reducing environmental impact.