CPWM Recycling and Resource Recovery 4

Question 1

In the hierarchy of material management strategies, which option ranks highest under the EPA waste management hierarchy?

Accepted Answer

Source reduction and reuse

Answer

Source reduction—preventing waste from being generated in the first place—ranks at the top of the EPA's inverted pyramid, above reuse, recycling, composting, and disposal.

Question 2

A 'feedstock recycling' process such as pyrolysis converts post-consumer plastics into:

Accepted Answer

Fuel oils, waxes, or chemical feedstocks through thermal decomposition

Answer

Pyrolysis uses heat in an oxygen-free environment to break down plastic polymers into oils and gases that serve as chemical feedstocks or fuels, rather than producing recycled resin.

Question 3

Which MRF equipment type uses differences in particle velocity and trajectory to separate flat from three-dimensional materials?

Accepted Answer

Ballistic separator

Answer

Ballistic separators use paddles that impart different trajectories to flat (2D) materials like paper and 3D containers, sorting them into separate streams by their bouncing behavior.

Question 4

When a state mandates a 75% recycling rate by 2030, which metric calculation best tracks progress toward that goal?

Accepted Answer

Tons of material diverted from disposal divided by total MSW generated

Answer

Diversion rate is calculated as tons diverted (recycled, composted, recovered) divided by total MSW generated, expressed as a percentage, which aligns with statutory recycling rate definitions.

Question 5

Which end market quality standard governs recovered paper grades sold domestically in the US?

Accepted Answer

ISRI Scrap Specifications Circular

Answer

The Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI) Scrap Specifications Circular defines the grades and quality standards for recovered paper, metals, plastics, and other secondary commodities traded in the US.

(CPWM) Certified Professional in Waste Management Practice Test

(CPWM) Certified Professional in Waste Management Practice Test

CPWM Recycling and Resource Recovery 4