Question

1. what types of things are in our municipal solid waste that could be recycled? how much does each contribute to the percentage of waste?

1. choose one of the following hyperlinks and read about the process of recycling that particular material. you and your partner should each choose something different.

• paper http://www.epa.gov/wastes/conserve/materials/paper/
• food scraps and yard trimmings

http://www.epa.gov/wastes/conserve/rrr/composting/index.htm

• aluminum http://www.epa.gov/wastes/conserve/materials/alum.htm#process
• glass http://www.epa.gov/wastes/conserve/materials/glass.htm
• plastics http://www.epa.gov/wastes/conserve/materials/plastics.htm
• general list of other materials http://www.epa.gov/wastes/conserve/materials/index.htm

a. which material did you select to research?

Explanation:

For Question 2:

Common recyclable municipal solid waste items and their typical U.S. EPA-contributed percentages (2021 data) are based on standard waste composition studies.

For Question 3a:

This is a subjective selection from the provided material options.

Answer:

Question 2:

1. Paper and paperboard: Makes up ~23.1% of municipal solid waste, the largest recyclable portion.
2. Food scraps: Accounts for ~24.1% (compostable/recyclable via organics programs).
3. Plastics: Contributes ~12.2% of waste, with certain types recyclable.
4. Aluminum: Makes up ~0.6% of waste, highly recyclable.
5. Glass: Accounts for ~4.6% of municipal solid waste.
6. Yard trimmings: Contributes ~12.1% (compostable/recyclable).

Question 3a:

(Example selection) Paper
(Note: This can be replaced with any of the listed materials: Food Scraps and Yard Trimmings, Aluminum, Glass, Plastics, or a material from the general other materials list)