CRP Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield CRP facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. Which federal agency administers the primary solid waste and recycling grant programs under RCRA? → U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
2. What is an important factor in Environmental Regulations & Compliance? → Use best practices in environmental regulations & compliance
3. Which term describes a recycled-content purchasing requirement written into government procurement contracts to stimulate demand for recovered materials? → Buy Recycled policy (or Comprehensive Procurement Guideline)
4. Which factor most affects the cost per ton for recycling collection? → Population density and distance between service stops
5. What does 'residual rate' mean in MRF operations? → The percentage of incoming material that cannot be recycled and must be sent to disposal
6. The term 'China Sword' refers to what major market disruption in recycling? → China's 2018 policy restricting imports of contaminated recyclables
7. Which composting technology uses enclosed, mechanically aerated vessels to control temperature, moisture, and odors? → In-vessel composting
8. Which action best positions a MRF to attract premium-paying domestic end-markets for mixed rigid plastics? → Invest in optical sorters to separate plastics by resin type and color
9. What is a key element of Recycling Operations & Program Management? → Track material collection data
10. What is a major operational challenge commonly encountered in residential curbside organics collection programs? → High contamination rates from non-organic items placed in the organics bin
11. What is a 'revenue-sharing agreement' in the MRF–municipality relationship? → A contract where the MRF pays the municipality a portion of commodity sales revenue
12. Which type of collection vehicle is specifically designed to collect source-separated recyclables in multiple compartments without mixing materials? → Split-body or compartmentalized collection truck
13. What is an important factor in Public Education & Outreach Programs? → Use best practices in public education & outreach programs
14. What are the two primary outputs of anaerobic digestion of organic waste? → Biogas and digestate
15. Which recycled commodity is most susceptible to price volatility driven by overseas export demand, historically affecting US MRF economics? → Mixed paper and cardboard (OCC/ONP)
16. Which EPA regulation under the Clean Water Act establishes standards governing the land application of biosolids used in composting programs? → EPA 40 CFR Part 503
17. What economic concept explains why a recycling program may be justified even when commodity revenues don't cover operating costs? → Avoided disposal cost
18. What is the primary advantage of a single-stream recycling collection system compared to a dual-stream system? → Increased resident participation due to collection convenience
19. Which tool does the EPA provide to help local governments calculate the jobs, wages, and tax revenue generated by recycling and composting activities? → Recycling Economic Information (REI) study and REMI economic modeling tools
20. What is the primary purpose of a 'floor price' clause in a recyclable commodity offtake contract? → To guarantee the seller a minimum price per ton regardless of market conditions
21. A state recycling grant program requires a 25% local match. If a community is awarded $150,000, how much must the community contribute? → $50,000
22. What is an important factor in Waste Reduction Strategies & Material Recovery? → Use best practices in waste reduction strategies & material recovery
23. What is the primary reason HDPE #2 natural (clear/white) is worth more than HDPE #2 colored? → Natural HDPE can be dyed any color during remanufacturing, giving it broader market uses
24. In recycling commodity trading, what does a 'spot market' transaction mean? → A one-time sale of material at the current prevailing market price
25. What is the primary greenhouse gas concern associated with organic waste disposed in landfills? → Methane generated from anaerobic decomposition
26. What is a key element of Recycling Operations & Program Management? → Track material collection data
27. What is an important factor in Public Education & Outreach Programs? → Use best practices in public education & outreach programs
28. What is the primary advantage of single-stream recycling collection over dual-stream? → Higher participation rates due to greater convenience for residents
29. What is an important factor in Public Education & Outreach Programs? → Use best practices in public education & outreach programs
30. What is an important factor in Waste Reduction Strategies & Material Recovery? → Use best practices in waste reduction strategies & material recovery