Mixed Deck — All CRP Topics Flashcards

What does 'SMART goals' mean in recycling grant proposal writing?

Answer: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound objectives for the funded project

SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) give grant reviewers confidence that proposed objectives are realistic and that success can be objectively measured.

In multi-family housing recycling, what is the most effective strategy for increasing diversion?

Answer: Providing convenient, well-labeled collection stations on each floor or in common areas

Convenient, clearly labeled collection points within close proximity to residents in multi-family buildings significantly increase recycling participation rates.

What is the purpose of a 'ballistic separator' in a single-stream MRF?

Answer: To separate 2D flat materials (paper/cardboard) from 3D containers using spinning paddles that throw lighter flat items up and roll heavier containers down

Ballistic separators use rotating elliptical paddles that propel flat 2D materials (like paper) up a screen while 3D containers roll down and off, separating these two major stream components.

What is the primary purpose of tracking 'end-market rejection rates' as a recycling program metric?

Answer: To measure the quality of sorted commodities leaving the MRF and identify whether contamination or processing issues are causing buyers to reject or down-grade loads

End-market rejection rates signal whether the program's commodity quality meets buyer standards — high rejection rates point back to contamination problems in collection or sorting that need correction.

What role do 'competitive grants' play in state recycling programs compared to 'formula grants'?

Answer: Competitive grants are awarded based on merit through a competitive review; formula grants are distributed by formula to all eligible entities

Competitive grants require applications that are reviewed and ranked, with awards going to strongest proposals; formula grants are allocated by statute based on factors like population or waste generation, with no competitive review.

Why is maintaining proper bale weight and density critical for commodity marketing?

Answer: End-markets specify weight and density ranges; non-conforming bales incur freight inefficiencies, price deductions, or outright rejection

Commodity buyers specify acceptable bale weight and density because non-conforming bales increase handling costs, reduce truck load efficiency, and may fall outside the buyer's process specifications.

A recycling program is considering adding food scrap composting. The capital cost is $500,000 and annual net savings (avoided disposal costs minus operating costs) are $80,000. What is the simple payback period?

Answer: 6.25 years

Simple payback period = Capital cost / Annual net savings = $500,000 / $80,000 = 6.25 years.

What does 'per-capita recycling rate' measure, and why is it used for program comparisons?

Answer: Pounds or tons of recyclables collected per person, allowing comparisons between communities of different sizes

Per-capita recycling rates normalize data by population size, making it possible to fairly compare small towns to large cities or track performance over time despite population changes.

What economic concept explains why a recycling program may be justified even when commodity revenues don't cover operating costs?

Answer: Avoided disposal cost

Avoided disposal cost — the tipping fees and landfill airspace costs saved by diverting materials — often makes recycling economically justifiable even when market prices are low.

Which type of collection vehicle is specifically designed to collect source-separated recyclables in multiple compartments without mixing materials?

Answer: Split-body or compartmentalized collection truck

Split-body trucks have multiple separate compartments allowing collection of different material streams (e.g., fiber vs. containers) in one pass without mixing.

Which type of budget document is most appropriate for a multi-year MRF capital equipment upgrade project?

Answer: Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) with annual appropriations and phased project milestones

A Capital Improvement Plan structures multi-year spending plans for infrastructure and equipment, appropriating funds in phases aligned with project milestones across fiscal years.

Which type of recycling collection vehicle is most commonly used in automated curbside programs?

Answer: Side-loader trucks with mechanical arms that lift standardized carts

Automated side-loaders use hydraulic arms to lift and empty standardized carts, reducing labor costs and worker injury risks compared to manual collection.

What is a key element of Recycling Operations & Program Management?

Answer: Track material collection data

Tracking material collection data is a key element of effective recycling operations and program management. This data provides valuable insights into material flow, participation rates, and potential areas for improvement. It allows professionals to measure program success, identify trends, and make informed decisions to optimize efficiency and resource recovery.

What is the advantage of 'near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy' in plastic sorting at a MRF?

Answer: It identifies specific plastic resin types by analyzing the unique spectral signatures of their molecular bonds

NIR sensors detect the unique infrared absorption patterns of different polymer chains, allowing the system to distinguish PET from HDPE from PP without relying on resin codes printed on items.

What does 'cost-effectiveness' mean in the context of recycling grant evaluation?

Answer: The program achieves its goals at a reasonable cost per unit of outcome (e.g., cost per ton diverted)

Grant reviewers evaluate whether proposed spending justifies expected outcomes; a program costing $50/ton diverted may be cost-effective while one costing $500/ton may not be.

What is the role of a 'picking station' or 'sort station' in a manually assisted MRF?

Answer: Ergonomically designed work positions where sorters stand or sit over conveyor belts to manually remove target materials or contaminants

Sort stations are designed for worker safety and efficiency, positioning sorters at the right height and speed to effectively remove items from the belt without injury or fatigue.

What is a 'sub-award' in a recycling grant program?

Answer: Funds passed from a primary grantee to a secondary organization to carry out part of the grant-funded project

Sub-awards (sub-grants) allow primary grantees (like state agencies) to pass funds to sub-grantees (like local governments or nonprofits) who carry out specific components of the funded work.

Lithium-ion batteries in the recycling stream are primarily a concern because they:

Answer: Can cause fires and explosions when crushed or punctured by MRF equipment

Lithium-ion batteries are a leading cause of MRF fires because crushing or puncturing them during compaction can trigger thermal runaway, releasing highly flammable gases and causing explosions.

What is 'diversion rate' and how is it typically calculated?

Answer: The percentage of total waste diverted from landfill; calculated as diverted tons divided by total waste generated

Diversion rate = (tons diverted from disposal) / (tons disposed + tons diverted) × 100%, measuring how much material is kept out of landfills and incinerators.

What is an important factor in Environmental Regulations & Compliance?

Answer: Use best practices in environmental regulations & compliance

Using best practices in environmental regulations and compliance is paramount for any organization to operate legally and responsibly. These practices ensure adherence to all applicable laws, permits, and standards, preventing penalties and fostering a positive environmental impact. It demonstrates a commitment to environmental stewardship and reduces operational risks.