CRP Collection Systems & Logistics 2

Question 1

What does 'capture rate' measure in a curbside recycling program?

Accepted Answer

The percentage of recyclable materials generated that are actually collected through the recycling program

Answer

Capture rate compares the amount of a material actually collected for recycling against the total amount of that material generated, showing how effectively the program recovers it.

Question 2

Which factor most significantly increases the cost of collecting recyclables from rural areas compared to urban areas?

Accepted Answer

Lower household density requiring more route miles per ton collected

Answer

Rural areas have fewer households per square mile, so trucks must travel more miles to collect the same tonnage, dramatically increasing the cost per ton.

Question 3

A recycling coordinator is evaluating whether to switch from bi-weekly to weekly curbside collection. Which metric is most important to analyze before making the decision?

Accepted Answer

Change in set-out rate and pounds per household captured under each scenario

Answer

Analyzing how collection frequency affects set-out rate and per-household capture determines whether increased service cost is justified by proportional tonnage gains.

Question 4

What is the purpose of a 'recycling route audit' or 'waste sort' conducted on collected curbside recyclables?

Accepted Answer

To measure contamination rates and identify which materials residents are putting in recycling bins incorrectly

Answer

A waste sort (or composition study) of collected recyclables identifies contamination types and rates, informing targeted outreach to reduce prohibited materials.

Question 5

Which collection model transfers the most financial and operational responsibility for recycling logistics to producers of packaging?

Accepted Answer

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) with producer-run collection networks

Answer

Under EPR frameworks where producers fund and manage collection, the financial and operational burden shifts from municipal taxpayers to packaging producers.

CRP - Certified Recycling Professional Practice Test

CRP - Certified Recycling Professional Practice Test

CRP Collection Systems & Logistics 2