1.
Could you put aluminum foil in the recycle bin?
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
Aluminum foil cannot be put in the recycle bin because it is often contaminated with food residue, making it difficult to recycle. Additionally, aluminum foil is often too thin and may not meet the recycling facility's requirements for recyclable materials. Therefore, it is important to dispose of aluminum foil in the regular trash bin.
2.
Could you recycle all metal?
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
Not all metals can be recycled. Some metals, like aluminum and steel, can be recycled indefinitely without losing their properties. However, certain metals, such as mercury and lead, cannot be recycled in the traditional sense and require specialized processes. Additionally, some metal items may contain non-recyclable components, such as plastic or rubber, which would prevent them from being fully recycled. Therefore, it is not possible to recycle all types of metal.
3.
Which type of plastic is generally considered the most widely accepted and easily recyclable?
Correct Answer
C. Polyethylene TerepHthalate (PET)
Explanation
PET is a commonly used plastic for packaging, such as water bottles and food containers. It's widely accepted and easily recyclable because it has well-established recycling processes and can be turned into various products like polyester fibers for clothing or new PET containers.
4.
Which country recycles the highest proportion of its household waste?
Correct Answer
C. Austria
Explanation
Austria recycles the highest proportion of its household waste compared to Australia, United Kingdom, and United States. This means that a larger percentage of the waste generated by households in Austria is recycled, rather than being disposed of in landfills or incinerated. This indicates that Austria has effective waste management and recycling systems in place, which contribute to reducing environmental impact and promoting sustainability.
5.
Which one of these items was NOT in the top 10 number of pieces of rubbish collected in the 2010 Clean Up Australia Day?
Correct Answer
A. Plastic bags
Explanation
Plastic bags were not in the top 10 number of pieces of rubbish collected in the 2010 Clean Up Australia Day. This suggests that while plastic bags are often considered a major source of pollution, they were not as prevalent or significant in terms of quantity compared to other items such as metal bottle caps, cigarette butts, and glass pieces.
6.
Why is polystyrene counted separately from other plastic in annual Clean Up surveys?
Correct Answer
B. It is toxic and shreds into tiny particles
Explanation
Polystyrene is counted separately from other plastics in annual Clean Up surveys because it is toxic and shreds into tiny particles. Unlike other plastics, polystyrene breaks down into smaller pieces over time, which can be harmful to marine life if ingested. Additionally, its toxicity poses a threat to the environment. Therefore, it is important to track and address the specific impact of polystyrene in order to develop effective strategies for its management and reduction.
7.
Which of these items shouldn’t go in the compost heap?
Correct Answer
D. Meat scraps
Explanation
Meat scraps should not go in the compost heap because they can attract pests and rodents, create foul odors, and take a long time to decompose. Composting is a process that requires a balanced mix of organic materials, such as fruits, vegetables, leaves, and coffee grounds, to break down effectively. However, meat scraps contain high amounts of protein and fat, which can disrupt the balance and slow down the composting process. It is best to dispose of meat scraps in a different manner, such as through proper waste management or by using them for other purposes like making broth.
8.
You can recycle most plastic bottles, but should you also recycle the plastic bottle tops?
Correct Answer
A. No
Explanation
The correct answer is No because plastic bottle tops are often made from a different type of plastic than the bottle itself, which can cause issues during the recycling process. Additionally, the small size of bottle tops can get stuck in recycling machinery and cause damage. Therefore, it is generally recommended to remove the bottle tops before recycling the plastic bottles.
9.
How many times can glass be recycled?
Correct Answer
B. Indefinitely
Explanation
Glass can be recycled indefinitely because it does not degrade or lose its quality during the recycling process. Unlike other materials, such as paper or plastic, glass can be recycled over and over again without any loss in its properties. This is because glass is made from natural materials like sand, soda ash, and limestone, which can be melted down and reshaped repeatedly. Therefore, there is no limit to the number of times glass can be recycled, making it a sustainable and environmentally friendly material.
10.
How long does it take (approximately) to recycle an aluminum can?
Correct Answer
C. Two months
Explanation
Recycling an aluminum can typically takes approximately two months. During the recycling process, the can is collected, sorted, and cleaned. It is then shredded into small pieces and melted down to remove any impurities. The molten aluminum is then shaped into new cans or other aluminum products. This entire process usually takes around two months to complete, allowing for the necessary steps of collection, sorting, cleaning, and melting.