CPWM Waste Characterization and Classification 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which analytical method is most commonly used to determine total metals content in solid waste samples?
- SW-846 Method 8260 (GC/MS volatiles)
- SW-846 Method 6010 (ICP-OES) (Correct answer)
- SW-846 Method 9040 (pH measurement)
- SW-846 Method 1311 (TCLP extraction)
Correct answer: SW-846 Method 6010 (ICP-OES)
EPA SW-846 Method 6010 uses Inductively Coupled Plasma – Optical Emission Spectrometry to quantify total metals in solid and liquid waste matrices.
Question 2: Municipal solid waste (MSW) composition studies typically use which methodology to characterize waste streams by material category?
- TCLP analysis
- Sort and weigh (waste sort) methodology (Correct answer)
- Ignitability flash point testing
- Toxicological bioassay
Correct answer: Sort and weigh (waste sort) methodology
Waste sort (sort and weigh) studies physically separate and weigh material categories such as paper, food, plastics, and metals to characterize MSW composition.
Question 3: Under DOT regulations, what document is required to accompany a hazardous waste shipment during transport?
- Waste analysis plan
- Uniform Hazardous Waste Manifest (Correct answer)
- Land Disposal Restriction form
- Biennial report
Correct answer: Uniform Hazardous Waste Manifest
The Uniform Hazardous Waste Manifest (EPA Form 8700-22) must accompany every off-site shipment of RCRA hazardous waste from generation through final disposal.
Question 4: Which of the following wastes is specifically excluded from RCRA Subtitle C hazardous waste regulations?
- Listed spent solvents
- Household hazardous waste (Correct answer)
- Characteristic reactive waste
- Mixed radioactive-hazardous waste
Correct answer: Household hazardous waste
Household hazardous waste (HHW) is explicitly excluded from RCRA Subtitle C under 40 CFR 261.4(b)(1), even though it may contain hazardous materials.
Question 5: What is the key difference between 'solid waste' and 'hazardous waste' under RCRA?
- Solid waste must be in solid physical form
- Hazardous waste is a subset of solid waste that meets listing or characteristic criteria (Correct answer)
- Hazardous waste is regulated only by states
- Solid waste includes only municipal refuse
Correct answer: Hazardous waste is a subset of solid waste that meets listing or characteristic criteria
RCRA defines 'solid waste' broadly (including liquids and gases) and hazardous waste is a subset of solid waste that either appears on EPA lists or exhibits ignitability, corrosivity, reactivity, or toxicity.
Question 6: Which waste classification system uses United Nations (UN) numbers to identify hazardous materials during transportation?
- RCRA listing system
- DOT Hazardous Materials Regulations (49 CFR) (Correct answer)
- EPA generator category system
- OSHA HAZWOPER standard
Correct answer: DOT Hazardous Materials Regulations (49 CFR)
The DOT Hazardous Materials Regulations (49 CFR Parts 171-180) require UN identification numbers on shipping papers and packages for hazardous materials in transport.
Question 7: A facility generates wastewater treatment sludge from electroplating operations. Under RCRA, this waste is most likely classified as:
- F006 listed hazardous waste (Correct answer)
- U-listed commercial chemical product waste
- VSQG conditionally exempt waste
- Bevill Amendment exempt waste
Correct answer: F006 listed hazardous waste
Sludge from wastewater treatment of electroplating operations is listed as F006 (40 CFR 261.31) regardless of constituent concentrations.
CPWM Waste Characterization and Classification 3
Which analytical method is most commonly used to determine total metals content in solid waste samples?