Appliance Recycler Recycling & Waste Management Flashcards

What is the function of a shredder 'eddy current separator' in appliance recycling?

Answer: Separates non-ferrous metals from shredder residue using induced electrical currents

An eddy current separator uses a rapidly rotating magnetic field to induce currents in non-ferrous metals, repelling them away from non-metallic shredder residue.

Which organization administers the Responsible Appliance Disposal (RAD) program in the United States?

Answer: Environmental Protection Agency

The EPA administers the RAD program, which encourages utilities and retailers to retire old appliances using environmentally responsible recycling practices.

What is the significance of the 'ENERGY STAR Most Efficient' designation for appliance recyclers accepting trade-ins?

Answer: Retiring working non-efficient models and replacing with efficient ones reduces energy consumption

Retiring inefficient appliances through trade-in programs and replacing them with ENERGY STAR models reduces household energy consumption and associated carbon emissions.

Under RCRA, what condition makes a recycling facility subject to hazardous waste storage permit requirements?

Answer: Accumulating hazardous waste on-site beyond allowed time limits or quantities

RCRA requires hazardous waste storage permits when generators accumulate hazardous waste beyond the time and quantity thresholds for their generator category.

What is 'freon banking' as it relates to legacy appliance refrigerants?

Answer: Storing collected refrigerants for future resale or reuse

Freon banking refers to the collection and storage of recovered CFCs and HCFCs for potential resale, reuse, or destruction, preventing their release into the atmosphere.

Which demanufacturing step must occur BEFORE a refrigerator compressor is crushed or shredded?

Answer: Draining the compressor oil

Compressor oil must be drained before crushing or shredding because the oil can contaminate shredder residue and cause it to fail hazardous waste testing.

What does 'material balance' tracking require in a certified appliance recycling operation?

Answer: Accounting for all incoming material weight against all outgoing commodity and waste streams

Material balance tracking requires that the total weight of all output streams (commodities, hazardous waste, residue) accounts for the total weight of appliances received.