Waste Management — Set 4

Correct Answer: C. Polyethylene bag

Polyethylene bags are a major component of plastic pollution in urban areas. They are made from petroleum-based chemicals and persist in the environment for a long time. Many regions have banned thin plastic bags to reduce this waste.

Correct Answer: B. Groundwater contamination

The correct answer is 'Groundwater contamination'. A liner is a layer of clay or synthetic material at the bottom of a landfill. It acts as a barrier to prevent toxic liquids from seeping into the soil and aquifers. This design differentiates a sanitary landfill from an open dump.

Correct Answer: A. Glass bottles

Reusing involves using an item again for the same or a different purpose. Refilling glass bottles is a classic example of reuse that saves significant energy. It is considered more environmentally friendly than recycling because it requires no new manufacturing.

Correct Answer: B. Methane

Methane is a potent greenhouse gas produced by anaerobic bacteria in landfills. Capturing this gas can provide a renewable source of energy. If not captured, it contributes significantly to climate change.

Correct Answer: B. Used battery

The correct answer is 'Used battery'. Batteries contain heavy metals like lead or mercury that can be toxic if released. They should never be thrown in regular trash and require special disposal methods. Proper recycling of batteries recovers valuable metals and prevents pollution.

Correct Answer: B. Urban Mining

Urban mining refers to the recovery of precious metals like gold and copper from discarded electronics. It is often more efficient than traditional mining of ores from the Earth. It also helps in reducing the environmental impact of electronic disposal.

Correct Answer: A. Biogas

Biogas is produced from the breakdown of organic waste and is a sustainable energy source. It can be used for heating, cooking, and generating electricity. Utilizing waste for energy is a key part of green technology.

Correct Answer: B. Waste from hospitals and clinics

Biomedical waste includes items like used syringes, bandages, and laboratory samples. This waste can be infectious and requires careful segregation and treatment. Most biomedical waste is sterilized or incinerated to protect public health.

Correct Answer: B. Plastic

Plastic products can take hundreds of years to break down in the environment. Unlike organic materials, plastic only breaks into smaller pieces called microplastics. Reducing plastic consumption is vital for long-term environmental protection.

Correct Answer: B. To eliminate waste and use resources continually

A circular economy aims to redesign systems so that products are kept in use for as long as possible. It focuses on recycling, repairing, and reusing materials to minimize the need for new resources. This model is the opposite of the traditional 'take-make-dispose' linear economy.