Solid Waste Management Flashcards

Which federal law is the primary statute governing solid waste disposal in the United States?

Answer: Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)

RCRA, enacted in 1976, is the principal federal law governing the disposal of solid and hazardous waste in the US.

What is the primary environmental concern associated with sanitary landfills?

Answer: Leachate contamination of groundwater

Leachate, the liquid that percolates through landfill waste, poses a significant risk of contaminating underlying groundwater supplies.

What does the term 'integrated solid waste management' refer to?

Answer: A hierarchy combining source reduction, recycling, composting, and disposal

Integrated solid waste management combines multiple strategies in a priority hierarchy: source reduction, reuse, recycling/composting, and finally disposal.

Which gas is the primary component of landfill gas generated by decomposing organic waste?

Answer: Methane

Methane (CH4) is typically the predominant component of landfill gas, comprising approximately 50% of total gas generated by anaerobic decomposition.

Under RCRA Subtitle D, which entity is primarily responsible for regulating municipal solid waste landfills?

Answer: State environmental agencies

RCRA Subtitle D establishes minimum federal criteria for municipal solid waste landfills, but state environmental agencies are primarily responsible for their regulation and permitting.

What is the purpose of a liner system in a sanitary landfill?

Answer: To prevent leachate from migrating into the soil and groundwater

Liner systems, typically composed of compacted clay and/or synthetic geomembranes, are engineered barriers designed to prevent leachate from contaminating surrounding soils and groundwater.