Climate Change Waste Management & Recycling 3

Question 1

What is 'wishcycling' and why is it a problem?

Accepted Answer

Putting non-recyclable items in the recycling bin hoping they will be recycled, which contaminates loads

Answer

Wishcycling contaminates recycling streams with non-recyclable materials, which can cause entire loads to be sent to landfill.

Question 2

Which sector generates the largest share of solid waste in the United States?

Accepted Answer

Construction and demolition

Answer

Construction and demolition (C&D) debris accounts for more than twice the volume of municipal solid waste generated in the US each year.

Question 3

What climate benefit does reducing food waste offer beyond just avoiding landfill methane?

Accepted Answer

It reduces the agricultural land, water, and energy used to produce food that was wasted

Answer

Every unit of food wasted also wastes all the land, water, fertilizer, energy, and transportation embedded in producing and delivering that food.

Question 4

What is anaerobic digestion in the context of waste management?

Accepted Answer

Breaking down organic waste with bacteria in the absence of oxygen to produce biogas and digestate

Answer

Anaerobic digestion uses microorganisms to break down organic matter without oxygen, producing methane-rich biogas that can generate electricity and heat.

Question 5

How does a circular economy differ from a linear economy in managing materials?

Accepted Answer

A linear economy creates, uses, and discards products, while a circular economy keeps materials in use through reuse, repair, and recycling

Answer

A linear 'take-make-dispose' economy generates large waste streams, while a circular economy is designed to keep products and materials in use as long as possible.

Climate Change Practice Test

Climate Change Practice Test

Climate Change Waste Management & Recycling 3