CPWM - Certified Professional in Waste Management Hazardous Waste Management Questions and Answers

Question 1

A manufacturing facility generates 1,200 kg of hazardous waste in a calendar month. The waste is stored on-site before being shipped to a treatment facility. According to RCRA regulations, what is the maximum number of days this facility can accumulate this waste on-site without a storage permit?

Accepted Answer

90 days

Answer

Facilities that generate more than 1,000 kg of hazardous waste in a calendar month are classified as Large Quantity Generators (LQGs). Under RCRA, LQGs are permitted to accumulate hazardous waste on-site for up to 90 days in specified containers, tanks, or containment buildings without requiring a storage permit.

Question 2

Which of the following is NOT one of the three main prohibitions of the Land Disposal Restrictions (LDR) program under RCRA?

Accepted Answer

The recycling prohibition

Answer

The Land Disposal Restrictions (LDR) program is built on three core prohibitions: the disposal prohibition (banning land disposal of untreated waste), the dilution prohibition (preventing the addition of soil or water to reduce hazardous concentrations), and the storage prohibition (preventing indefinite storage to avoid treatment). There is no 'recycling prohibition'; in fact, the regulations often encourage recycling.

Question 3

A small engine repair shop needs to dispose of used lead-acid batteries, recalled pesticides, and some mercury-containing thermostats. What is the most appropriate and streamlined regulatory framework for managing these specific items?

Accepted Answer

Managing them under the Universal Waste Rule (40 CFR Part 273).

Answer

The Universal Waste Rule provides a streamlined set of regulations for commonly generated hazardous wastes to encourage proper collection and recycling. Batteries, certain pesticides, and mercury-containing equipment are specifically listed as federal universal wastes, making this the most appropriate management framework.

Question 4

The 'cradle-to-grave' tracking of hazardous waste, from the point of generation to its final destination, is primarily accomplished through which of the following documents?

Accepted Answer

Uniform Hazardous Waste Manifest

Answer

The Uniform Hazardous Waste Manifest is the key legal document required by the EPA and DOT to track hazardous waste from the generator facility to the designated treatment, storage, or disposal facility (TSDF). Each party that handles the waste signs the manifest, ensuring accountability throughout the process.

Question 5

A liquid waste stream is tested and found to have a pH of 1.5. According to RCRA, this waste would be classified as hazardous due to which characteristic?

Accepted Answer

Corrosivity

Answer

The RCRA characteristic of corrosivity applies to aqueous wastes with a pH less than or equal to 2 or greater than or equal to 12.5. Since the waste has a pH of 1.5, it is considered a corrosive hazardous waste (D002).

(CPWM) Certified Professional in Waste Management Practice Test

(CPWM) Certified Professional in Waste Management Practice Test

CPWM - Certified Professional in Waste Management Hazardous Waste Management Questions and Answers