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module51REVIEW

In this module, we have seen that creating waste that is unusable by other organisms is a uniquely human characteristic. The refuse we dispose of is called municipal solid waste. The generation of MSW, both total and on a per capita basis, has increased steadily in the last 45 years although in recent years it has leveled off and decreased slightly. Paper, food waste, and yard waste make up 58 percent of MSW. A fraction of each is reused, recycled, or composted. Of the 227 million metric tons of MSW that could be disposed of, a little more than one-third ends up being diverted from the landfill for reuse, recycling, or composting. E-waste is a relatively small component of MSW but because of the toxicity of the metals it often contains, its disposal is a significant problem. In the next module, we will examine diversion from the landfill more closely.

Module 51 AP® Review Questions

Question 1

1. Which played an important role in the development of the “throw-away” society?

  1. The increased use of glass and metals

  2. Objects made of many materials

  3. Attitude changes after World War I

  4. The shift in manufacturing to developing nations

  5. The rejection of planned obsolescence

Question 2

2. On average, how much municipal solid waste is generated per person each day in the United States?

  1. 0.1 kg

  2. 0.5 kg

  3. 1 kg

  4. 2 kg

  5. 4 kg

Question 3

3. The material that makes up the highest proportion of MSW is

  1. plastic.

  2. rubber, leather, and textiles.

  3. paper and paperboard.

  4. food.

  5. metals.

Question 4

4. Electronic waste

  1. accounts for over 10 percent of the waste stream.

  2. is almost always recycled.

  3. is only a problem in developed nations.

  4. contains few toxic components.

  5. is more expensive to recycle than to put in a landfill.

Question 5

5. Approximately how much MSW is recovered before it enters a landfill or incinerator?

  1. 15 percent

  2. 20 percent

  3. 35 percent

  4. 45 percent

  5. 60 percent

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