CRP Program Evaluation, Data Reporting & Performance Metrics 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is a 'baseline measurement' and why is it essential before launching a recycling program change?
- A pre-change measurement of current performance metrics that allows you to objectively measure the impact of the change (Correct answer)
- A minimum required performance level set by a state regulator
- A survey measuring residents' baseline recycling knowledge
- A calibration standard for MRF weighing equipment
Correct answer: A pre-change measurement of current performance metrics that allows you to objectively measure the impact of the change
Without a baseline, you cannot demonstrate whether a program change (like adding a new material or running an education campaign) actually improved performance.
Question 2: What does 'cost per ton' measure in recycling program economics?
- The total program cost divided by tons diverted, expressing how much it costs to divert one ton of material from disposal (Correct answer)
- The price per ton paid for commodity materials
- The disposal cost per ton at a landfill
- The transport cost per ton from collection to MRF
Correct answer: The total program cost divided by tons diverted, expressing how much it costs to divert one ton of material from disposal
Cost per ton diverted is the standard metric for comparing recycling program efficiency; it includes all program costs (collection, processing, administration) minus commodity revenues, divided by tons diverted.
Question 3: What is 'net cost per ton' as distinguished from 'gross cost per ton' in recycling finance?
- Net cost subtracts commodity revenues from total costs; gross cost includes all program expenses before commodity revenue offsets (Correct answer)
- Net cost excludes capital costs; gross cost includes all expenses
- Net cost covers only collection; gross cost includes processing
- Net cost is the MRF's cost; gross cost is the municipality's cost
Correct answer: Net cost subtracts commodity revenues from total costs; gross cost includes all program expenses before commodity revenue offsets
Net cost per ton reflects what a program actually spends after commodity sales revenues are applied, while gross cost reflects total spending before revenue offsets are considered.
Question 4: What is a 'residential capture rate' in recycling program measurement?
- The percentage of a target material in the residential waste stream that is actually captured in the recycling program (Correct answer)
- The number of new households added to the program per year
- The rate at which recycling carts are returned when residents move
- The percentage of residents who have signed up for recycling service
Correct answer: The percentage of a target material in the residential waste stream that is actually captured in the recycling program
Capture rate measures how well the program is recovering available materials; a 40% capture rate for glass means 60% of glass available to recycle ends up in the trash.
Question 5: What is the purpose of a 'contamination study' in MRF operations and program management?
- To measure the types and quantities of non-target materials in the recycling stream to identify sources and guide education efforts (Correct answer)
- To test materials for chemical contamination before selling to end markets
- To audit MRF workers for compliance with safety procedures
- To assess air quality contamination inside the MRF facility
Correct answer: To measure the types and quantities of non-target materials in the recycling stream to identify sources and guide education efforts
Contamination studies identify which materials are being incorrectly placed in recycling and in what quantities, allowing targeted education to reduce specific contaminants at their source.
Question 6: What is the difference between 'outputs' and 'outcomes' in recycling program evaluation?
- Outputs are direct, measurable program products (tons collected, events held); outcomes are the broader changes achieved (reduced landfill, behavior change) (Correct answer)
- Outputs are financial results; outcomes are environmental results
- Outputs are measured monthly; outcomes are measured annually
- Outputs describe activities; outcomes describe employee performance
Correct answer: Outputs are direct, measurable program products (tons collected, events held); outcomes are the broader changes achieved (reduced landfill, behavior change)
Outputs measure what the program directly produces (tons diverted, households served), while outcomes measure the intended changes those outputs create (reduced GHG emissions, increased participation).
CRP Program Evaluation, Data Reporting & Performance Metrics 2
What is a 'baseline measurement' and why is it essential before launching a recycling program change?