Question

environmentalists disagree on the relative environmental benefits of recycling versus incineration. which environmental benefit is shared by both methods?

very little waste must go into a landfill.

the demand on nonrenewable sources of energy is reduced.

very little energy is used to process and transport the materials.

the demand for raw materials to produce new products is lowered.

Explanation:

• Option a:
• Recycling reduces waste sent to landfills as materials are reused. Incineration also reduces landfill waste by burning waste (though ash may still go to landfill, the volume is much less compared to non - incinerated waste).
• Option b: Incineration can produce energy (e.g., heat for electricity generation), but recycling generally does not directly reduce demand on non - renewable energy sources in the same energy - production - related way as incineration. Recycling may use some energy in the recycling process.
• Option c: Incineration requires energy for the incineration process (heating the waste to high temperatures) and transporting waste to the incinerator. Recycling also requires energy for collection, sorting, and processing. So, it is not correct that very little energy is used for either.
• Option d: Recycling lowers the demand for raw materials as recycled materials are used instead. Incineration does not lower the demand for raw materials in the same product - manufacturing - related way as recycling (incineration is mainly about waste volume reduction and energy production from waste, not raw material substitution for new products).

Answer:

A. Very little waste must go into a landfill.