Municipal Solid Waste Concept Questions

1. List the components of MSW.

2. What are the major costs and limitations of using landfills as disposal for MSW?

3. Why are landfills not a sustainable option for solid waste disposal?

4. What are the advantages and disadvantages of landfills?

5. What are the advantages and disadvantages of incineration?

6. List some ways in which the volume of MSW can be reduced.

7. Define primary and secondary recycling.

8. What is the difference between the terms “recycled” and “post consumer”?

9. Discuss the characteristics of a successful recycling program.

10. List the advantages and disadvantages of recycling paper, plastic, and metal (including cans) and for composting.

11. Which types of MSW can be composted?

12. Think about the plastic items you threw away this week. How could you reduce these items?

13. How could you contribute to the recycling program in this school?

14. What obstacles exist to increasing recycling?