Solid Waste Management Flashcards

Which solid waste management strategy is ranked highest in the EPA's solid waste management hierarchy?

Answer: Source reduction and reuse

Source reduction and reuse are ranked highest in the EPA hierarchy because preventing waste generation is more effective than managing waste after it is created.

What is the minimum daily cover requirement for active sanitary landfill working faces under federal criteria?

Answer: 6 inches of soil or approved alternative

Federal criteria under 40 CFR Part 258 require a minimum of 6 inches of earthen material or approved alternative as daily cover to control vectors, fires, odors, and litter.

Which type of waste is classified as 'universal waste' under RCRA regulations?

Answer: Batteries, pesticides, mercury-containing equipment

Universal wastes include batteries, pesticides, mercury-containing equipment (such as thermostats and lamps), and aerosol cans, managed under streamlined RCRA universal waste rules.

What is the primary purpose of the groundwater monitoring program required at municipal solid waste landfills?

Answer: To detect landfill leachate releases that may contaminate groundwater

Groundwater monitoring programs at MSW landfills are designed to detect the release of leachate constituents that may indicate contamination of underlying groundwater resources.

What does 'postclosure care' require for a closed municipal solid waste landfill?

Answer: At least 30 years of monitoring, maintenance, and control

Federal regulations require at least 30 years of postclosure care, including groundwater monitoring, leachate collection system maintenance, and landfill gas system operation.

What is the primary advantage of waste-to-energy (WTE) incineration over landfilling?

Answer: It reduces waste volume by up to 90% and generates electricity

WTE incineration can reduce the volume of municipal solid waste by up to 90% while simultaneously generating electricity from the combustion heat.