CPWM Waste Collection and Transportation Practices 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A commercial hauler collects putrescible waste and medical waste in the same vehicle compartment. This practice is:
- Acceptable if the medical waste is bagged
- Prohibited under most state regulations requiring separate handling of medical waste (Correct answer)
- Allowed only on routes with fewer than 10 stops
- Permitted if a manifest accompanies the load
Correct answer: Prohibited under most state regulations requiring separate handling of medical waste
Medical (regulated) waste must be collected and transported separately from municipal solid waste under state and federal regulations.
Question 2: What is 'deadhead mileage' in the context of waste transportation?
- Miles driven with a full payload at reduced speed
- Miles driven with an empty vehicle not collecting or delivering waste (Correct answer)
- Miles attributed to driver overtime routes
- Distance between transfer stations and landfills
Correct answer: Miles driven with an empty vehicle not collecting or delivering waste
Deadhead mileage refers to non-productive vehicle travel when the truck carries no payload, increasing cost and emissions.
Question 3: Which document must accompany a shipment of hazardous waste from the generator to the disposal facility?
- Bill of lading only
- Uniform Hazardous Waste Manifest (Correct answer)
- Certificate of Destruction
- Waste Characterization Report
Correct answer: Uniform Hazardous Waste Manifest
The Uniform Hazardous Waste Manifest (EPA Form 8700-22) is the required tracking document that follows hazardous waste from cradle to grave.
Question 4: A collection crew notices a container is leaking an unknown liquid. The correct first response is to:
- Add it to the truck and report it upon return to the yard
- Refuse collection, secure the area, and notify the supervisor and potentially emergency responders (Correct answer)
- Cover the container with plastic and collect it last
- Dilute the liquid with water before collecting the container
Correct answer: Refuse collection, secure the area, and notify the supervisor and potentially emergency responders
Unknown leaking liquids may be hazardous; crews must refuse collection, establish a safety perimeter, and contact the supervisor and potentially HAZMAT responders.
Question 5: Transfer stations serve what primary function in the waste management system?
- Final disposal of all waste types
- Temporary consolidation point where waste is transferred from collection vehicles to larger long-haul vehicles (Correct answer)
- On-site treatment of hazardous materials
- Regulatory inspection checkpoints for waste manifests
Correct answer: Temporary consolidation point where waste is transferred from collection vehicles to larger long-haul vehicles
Transfer stations consolidate waste from multiple collection trucks into larger trailers for more economical long-haul transport to disposal facilities.
Question 6: Which of the following best describes a 'swing route' in collection operations?
- A route operated only on holidays
- An on-call route used to cover absent drivers' regular routes or handle overflow (Correct answer)
- A route exclusively for bulky item pickup
- A rotating route where drivers alternate weekly
Correct answer: An on-call route used to cover absent drivers' regular routes or handle overflow
A swing route is a flexible route operated by a swing driver who covers absent regular drivers or handles overflow collection needs.
Question 7: Under the EPA's e-Manifest system, what is the main advantage for waste transporters?
- It eliminates the need for a DOT shipping permit
- It replaces paper manifests with an electronic tracking system, reducing paperwork and improving data accuracy (Correct answer)
- It allows transporters to skip the receiving facility signature
- It grants exemptions from RCRA reporting requirements
Correct answer: It replaces paper manifests with an electronic tracking system, reducing paperwork and improving data accuracy
The e-Manifest system digitizes hazardous waste tracking, reducing administrative burden and improving real-time data visibility for all parties.
CPWM Waste Collection and Transportation Practices 3
A commercial hauler collects putrescible waste and medical waste in the same vehicle compartment.
This practice is: