NYC Hazardous Waste Identification and Handling 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which of the following items is classified as household hazardous waste (HHW) in NYC?
- Empty cardboard boxes
- Latex paint (dried)
- Motor oil (Correct answer)
- Plastic water bottles
Correct answer: Motor oil
Motor oil is classified as household hazardous waste because it contains toxic compounds that can contaminate soil and water if improperly disposed of.
Question 2: When a NYC sanitation worker encounters a leaking container suspected of containing hazardous material, what is the FIRST action to take?
- Attempt to seal the container with tape
- Step back and contact a supervisor immediately (Correct answer)
- Pick up the container and place it in the truck
- Pour the contents into a drain
Correct answer: Step back and contact a supervisor immediately
The first action is always to step back from potential hazard and notify a supervisor so proper hazmat protocols can be initiated.
Question 3: Which NYC program allows residents to drop off household hazardous waste at designated facilities?
- NYC HHW Drop-Off Program
- SAFE Disposal Events (Correct answer)
- NYC CleanUp Initiative
- GreenWaste Program
Correct answer: SAFE Disposal Events
NYC DSNY operates SAFE (Solvents, Automotive, Flammables, Electronics) Disposal Events where residents can drop off HHW at no charge.
Question 4: Which symbol on a container indicates that its contents are flammable?
- A skull and crossbones
- A flame icon (Correct answer)
- An exclamation point
- A tree with a dead fish
Correct answer: A flame icon
The flame icon (GHS02 pictogram) is the internationally recognized symbol for flammable materials under the Globally Harmonized System of Classification.
Question 5: In NYC, used syringes and sharps discarded on the street are considered what type of waste?
- General solid waste
- Recyclable material
- Regulated medical waste (Correct answer)
- Electronic waste
Correct answer: Regulated medical waste
Used syringes and sharps are classified as regulated medical waste due to the risk of bloodborne pathogens and puncture injuries to sanitation workers.
Question 6: What does the acronym SDS stand for in the context of hazardous materials?
- Sanitation Data Sheet
- Safety Data Sheet (Correct answer)
- Substance Disposal Summary
- Solid Disposal Standard
Correct answer: Safety Data Sheet
SDS stands for Safety Data Sheet, which provides detailed information on a chemical's hazards, safe handling, and emergency response procedures.
Question 7: Which color coding is used to identify compressed gas cylinders containing oxygen in hazardous material contexts?
- Red
- Yellow
- Green (Correct answer)
- Blue
Correct answer: Green
In the United States, compressed oxygen cylinders are traditionally color-coded green, helping workers quickly identify the contents.
NYC Hazardous Waste Identification and Handling 1
Which of the following items is classified as household hazardous waste (HHW) in NYC?