CPWM CPWM Waste Management Planning and Program Economics Questions and Answers

Question 1

What is a 'solid waste management plan' (SWMP) primarily used for by municipalities?

Accepted Answer

Guiding long-term decisions on waste collection, treatment, and disposal infrastructure

Answer

A SWMP provides a comprehensive framework for managing waste streams over a planning horizon, addressing infrastructure, funding, and regulatory compliance.

Question 2

What does 'tipping fee' mean in waste management economics?

Accepted Answer

The charge per ton for disposing of waste at a facility

Answer

A tipping fee (gate fee) is the per-ton charge that waste haulers pay to dispose of waste at a landfill, transfer station, or processing facility.

Question 3

Which financial instrument is commonly used by municipalities to fund large capital projects such as a new materials recovery facility?

Accepted Answer

General obligation or revenue bonds

Answer

Municipalities frequently issue general obligation or revenue bonds to raise capital for large waste management infrastructure projects, repaying bondholders from taxes or facility revenues.

Question 4

A 'pay-as-you-throw' (PAYT) program charges residents based on:

Accepted Answer

The volume or weight of trash they set out for collection

Answer

PAYT programs incentivize waste reduction by charging residents a variable fee tied to the amount of trash they generate, encouraging recycling and source reduction.

Question 5

What is 'lifecycle cost analysis' (LCCA) used for in waste management planning?

Accepted Answer

Evaluating the total costs of a system over its entire operational life

Answer

LCCA compares the total costs (capital, operating, maintenance, closure) of alternative waste management systems over their full lifespans to support sound investment decisions.

(CPWM) Certified Professional in Waste Management Practice Test

(CPWM) Certified Professional in Waste Management Practice Test

CPWM CPWM Waste Management Planning and Program Economics Questions and Answers