NYC Recycling, Composting, and Zero Waste Programs 2

Question 1

What contamination problem most commonly reduces the value and recyclability of NYC's collected paper recycling stream?

Accepted Answer

Food contamination — wet or food-soiled paper cannot be recycled

Answer

Too much cardboard mixed with newspaper

Answer

Paper that is folded too tightly

Answer

Paper with color ink printing

Question 2

NYC collects metal, glass, and plastic in a combined stream. What term is used for this type of recycling collection?

Accepted Answer

Commingled recycling

Answer

Dual-stream recycling

Answer

Single-stream recycling

Answer

Source-separated recycling

Question 3

Which NYC initiative specifically focuses on reducing plastic bag waste in the city?

Accepted Answer

NYC Plastic Bag Fee Law (5-cent fee on single-use bags) enacted in 2020

Answer

A voluntary opt-out program only

Answer

A ban on all plastic products

Answer

Only a public awareness campaign with no enforcement

Question 4

What is anaerobic digestion and why is it relevant to NYC's organics program?

Accepted Answer

A process that breaks down organic material without oxygen to produce biogas and nutrient-rich digestate

Answer

A type of outdoor composting requiring sunlight

Answer

A chemical treatment to make plastics biodegradable

Answer

A DSNY vehicle fuel type

Question 5

Under NYC's commercial recycling rules, what must a business do with its cardboard packaging?

Accepted Answer

Flatten and separate it from refuse for recycling collection or contracted removal

Answer

Mix it with regular refuse

Answer

Shred it and place in regular bags

Answer

Store it until the annual DSNY cardboard pickup event

Question 6

NYC's 'Organics Local Law' expanded mandatory organics separation to which category of businesses first?

Accepted Answer

Large food establishments (restaurants, cafeterias, food manufacturers) generating significant food waste

Answer

Small bodegas and delis

Answer

Food trucks only

Answer

Grocery stores under 5,000 sq ft