NYC Sanitation Exam 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A NYC sanitation worker finds a sealed container leaking an unknown liquid during collection. The correct first action is to:
- Open the container to identify the contents
- Place it in the truck and note it in the log
- Do not touch it and notify a supervisor immediately (Correct answer)
- Pour the liquid into the drain and collect the container
Correct answer: Do not touch it and notify a supervisor immediately
Unknown leaking containers may contain hazardous materials; workers must not touch them and must notify a supervisor.
Question 2: Under NYC sanitation rules, which of the following is the correct way to dispose of used hypodermic needles?
- Wrap in newspaper and place in regular trash
- Place in a puncture-resistant sharps container (Correct answer)
- Drop in the recycling bin
- Flush down the toilet
Correct answer: Place in a puncture-resistant sharps container
Sharps must be placed in an approved puncture-resistant container before disposal to protect sanitation workers.
Question 3: The NYC DSNY uses a 'color-coded' bin system for organics. The correct color for organics/composting bins is:
- Blue
- Green
- Brown (Correct answer)
- Red
Correct answer: Brown
NYC uses brown bins for organics and composting material as part of its curbside composting program.
Question 4: Which of the following is a valid reason for a NYC sanitation crew to skip a scheduled stop?
- The block is too narrow for the truck to pass safely (Correct answer)
- The crew is behind schedule
- It is raining heavily
- The resident has complained in the past
Correct answer: The block is too narrow for the truck to pass safely
Legitimate safety hazards such as a street too narrow for safe truck passage justify skipping a stop.
Question 5: NYC law requires that trash bags be set out at the curb no earlier than how many hours before collection?
- 12 hours
- 8 hours (Correct answer)
- 4 hours
- 2 hours
Correct answer: 8 hours
As of NYC's containerization rules phased in through 2024-2025, bags may not be put out more than 8 hours before collection.
Question 6: Which of the following best describes the role of a NYC Sanitation Enforcement Agent?
- They drive collection trucks on residential routes
- They issue summonses for sanitation code violations (Correct answer)
- They operate the fresh kills landfill
- They manage DSNY vehicle maintenance
Correct answer: They issue summonses for sanitation code violations
Sanitation Enforcement Agents patrol neighborhoods and issue summonses to property owners who violate sanitation codes.
Question 7: When two NYC DSNY workers are assigned to a rear-loading collection truck, who is responsible for directing the driver when backing up?
- The driver alone uses mirrors
- Either worker can direct at their own discretion
- The senior-ranked worker always directs
- The worker not operating the packer guides the driver (Correct answer)
Correct answer: The worker not operating the packer guides the driver
The worker not operating the packer is responsible for spotting and guiding the driver during backing maneuvers.
NYC Sanitation Exam 4
A NYC sanitation worker finds a sealed container leaking an unknown liquid during collection.
The correct first action is to: