Recycling, Composting, and Zero Waste Programs Flashcards

What does 'diversion rate' mean in the context of NYC's waste management performance?

Answer: The proportion of collected material diverted from disposal (landfill/incineration) to recycling or composting

Diversion rate measures how much of the total waste stream is redirected from landfills into recycling, composting, or other beneficial uses.

Which material accepted in NYC's curbside recycling program must be empty, clean, and dry before being placed in the recycling bin?

Answer: All of the above

All recyclables — glass, metal, and paper — must be empty, clean, and dry to prevent contamination and maintain recycling quality.

What role does NYC's 'GrowNYC' organization play in the city's recycling and composting ecosystem?

Answer: It runs community composting and recycling education programs, including Greenmarket food scrap drop-offs

GrowNYC is a nonprofit that partners with the city to run community compost drop-offs at Greenmarkets and provide recycling education.

Under NYC's extended producer responsibility (EPR) framework, which industry was targeted by Local Law 142 of 2010 to take back its products?

Answer: Electronics manufacturers — requiring them to fund and operate take-back programs

Local Law 142 created NYC's electronics take-back law, requiring electronics manufacturers to fund free collection of their products from NYC residents.

What is the NYC DSNY 'Textile Drop-Off' program designed to accomplish?

Answer: Divert used clothing, shoes, and textiles from landfills by providing dedicated drop-off locations across the five boroughs

DSNY's textile program diverts wearable and non-wearable clothing from landfills through drop-off bins city-wide, regardless of condition.

NYC's waste reduction hierarchy prioritizes actions in what order from most to least preferred?

Answer: Reduce → Reuse → Recycle → Dispose

The waste hierarchy prioritizes source reduction first, then reuse, then recycling, with disposal as the last resort.