CRP Collection Systems Design & Logistics 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What does 'set-out rate' measure in a recycling collection program?
- The percentage of eligible households that place recyclables out for collection on any given pickup day (Correct answer)
- The weight of recyclables collected per household
- The number of new recycling carts distributed
- The frequency of collection service
Correct answer: The percentage of eligible households that place recyclables out for collection on any given pickup day
Set-out rate tracks how many eligible households actually participate in a given collection cycle, serving as a key indicator of program engagement.
Question 2: In multi-family housing recycling, what is the most effective strategy for increasing diversion?
- Providing convenient, well-labeled collection stations on each floor or in common areas (Correct answer)
- Issuing individual bins to each apartment unit
- Charging residents a fee for non-participation
- Limiting collection to one material type only
Correct 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.
Question 3: What is the purpose of a 'pilot program' in designing a new curbside recycling collection system?
- To test the program on a small geographic area before full-scale rollout to identify problems and refine operations (Correct answer)
- To train pilots to fly recycling drone deliveries
- To provide free service to low-income neighborhoods
- To satisfy a state grant requirement
Correct answer: To test the program on a small geographic area before full-scale rollout to identify problems and refine operations
Pilot programs allow collection system managers to test logistics, resident response, and operational costs at small scale before committing to system-wide implementation.
Question 4: What does 'collection frequency' refer to and how does it affect program performance?
- How often recyclables are picked up; higher frequency can increase participation but raises costs (Correct answer)
- How quickly materials are processed at the MRF
- The speed of the collection vehicle on routes
- How often collection vehicles are serviced
Correct answer: How often recyclables are picked up; higher frequency can increase participation but raises costs
Collection frequency (weekly vs. bi-weekly) affects resident convenience, bin size requirements, and overall program costs, with more frequent service generally driving higher participation.
Question 5: Which data point is most essential for designing an efficient recycling collection route?
- Number of service stops, their locations, and estimated set-out volumes (Correct answer)
- The age of participating households
- The political district boundaries
- The income levels of residents on the route
Correct answer: Number of service stops, their locations, and estimated set-out volumes
Effective route design requires knowing how many stops exist, where they are geographically, and how much material each generates to balance workloads and minimize empty-truck miles.
Question 6: What is the primary purpose of a 'waste characterization study' in collection system planning?
- To determine the composition and quantity of materials in a waste stream to plan diversion programs (Correct answer)
- To characterize the waste-related attitudes of residents
- To evaluate the physical condition of collection vehicles
- To inspect MRF equipment for wear
Correct answer: To determine the composition and quantity of materials in a waste stream to plan diversion programs
Waste characterization studies sort and weigh waste samples to identify what materials are present and in what proportions, guiding decisions about which materials to target for diversion.
CRP Collection Systems Design & Logistics 2
What does 'set-out rate' measure in a recycling collection program?