CPWM Waste Collection & Transportation Practices

Question 1

Which routing objective is MOST important for municipal solid waste collection operations?

Accepted Answer

Minimize fuel consumption while completing all scheduled stops.

Answer

Minimize collection crew overtime.

Answer

Maximize vehicle speed above posted limits.

Answer

Collect recyclables only on alternate weeks.

Question 2

What is the PRIMARY purpose of a transfer station in the waste collection system?

Accepted Answer

Consolidate waste into larger vehicles for long‑distance transport.

Answer

Provide a location for residents to pay disposal fees.

Answer

Serve as a final disposal site for municipal solid waste.

Answer

Store hazardous waste indefinitely.

Question 3

According to OSHA guidance, collectors may ride on the rear step of a collection vehicle only when the vehicle is traveling at or below:

Accepted Answer

10 mph

Answer

5 mph

Answer

15 mph

Answer

Any speed on residential routes

Question 4

Which container design is BEST suited for automated side‑loader collection equipment?

Accepted Answer

96‑gallon wheeled cart with ANSI lift bar

Answer

Open‑top metal dumpster

Answer

Paper yard‑waste bags

Answer

Unlined cardboard boxes

Question 5

To PREVENT leachate spills during transport, collection vehicles should:

Accepted Answer

Equip sealed tailgate gaskets and perform regular hopper cleaning.

Answer

Increase vehicle speed to shorten route time.

Answer

Leave tailgates slightly open for ventilation.

Answer

Mix waste with absorbent sand.

Question 6

Transporting household hazardous waste collected at special events requires compliance with which federal regulation?

Accepted Answer

RCRA Subtitle C manifest requirements

Answer

Clean Water Act

Answer

National Historic Preservation Act

Answer

Endangered Species Act

Question 7

Overloading a front‑loader collection truck MOST likely results in:

Accepted Answer

Accelerated wear on suspension and longer stopping distance.

Answer

Reduced braking distance.

Answer

Improved fuel efficiency.

Answer

Lower tire pressure requirements.

Question 8

What is the BEST safety practice when a collection vehicle must back into a narrow alley?

Accepted Answer

Use a spotter wearing high‑visibility clothing to guide the driver.

Answer

Rely solely on the vehicle’s backup camera.

Answer

Sound the horn continuously while reversing.

Answer

Back up quickly to clear the alley faster.

Question 9

Which metric is MOST commonly used to measure collection route efficiency?

Accepted Answer

Stops per vehicle‑day.

Answer

Waste density in landfill.

Answer

Average daily temperature.

Answer

Employee absentee rate.