CAP Waste Management & Recycling 2

Question 1

Which greenhouse gas is primarily produced during the anaerobic decomposition of organic waste in landfills?

Accepted Answer

Methane

Answer

Anaerobic decomposition of organic matter in landfills produces methane (CH4), a potent GHG with a global warming potential 25–28 times that of CO2 over 100 years.

Question 2

Under the GHG Protocol, waste disposal emissions are typically assigned to which scope for the waste-generating organization?

Accepted Answer

Scope 3

Answer

Emissions from waste sent to third-party disposal facilities are indirect value chain emissions classified under Scope 3, Category 5 (Waste Generated in Operations).

Question 3

What is the primary environmental advantage of waste-to-energy (WtE) incineration over landfilling organic waste?

Accepted Answer

It avoids methane generation from landfill decomposition

Answer

WtE incineration combusts waste at high temperatures, preventing the slow anaerobic decomposition that generates methane in landfills.

Question 4

The concept of 'circular economy' in waste management prioritizes which hierarchy of actions?

Accepted Answer

Reduce → Reuse → Recycle → Recover → Dispose

Answer

The waste hierarchy places reduction at the top (most preferred), followed by reuse, recycling, recovery, and disposal as the least preferred option.

Question 5

When calculating Scope 3 Category 5 emissions, which emission factor source is most commonly recommended by the GHG Protocol for US companies?

Accepted Answer

EPA's Waste Reduction Model (WARM)

Answer

The EPA's WARM (Waste Reduction Model) provides material-specific emission factors for different waste management pathways commonly used by US organizations.

(CAP) Certified Carbon Auditing Professional Practice Test

(CAP) Certified Carbon Auditing Professional Practice Test

CAP Waste Management & Recycling 2