Question

question 17 (5 points)
what is the biggest single component of household trash by weight?
a) paper products
b) yard waste
c) plastics
d) metals

Explanation:

🆕 New Concept Discovered: Municipal Solid Waste Composition
Analyzing what makes up our everyday garbage.

Step 1: Identify the components of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW)

Municipal solid waste (household trash) consists of various materials discarded by households and businesses. According to environmental protection agencies (such as the US EPA), the typical breakdown of MSW by weight before recycling includes:

• Paper and paperboard: ~23% to 25%
• Food waste: ~21% to 22%
• Yard trimmings: ~12% to 13%
• Plastics: ~12% to 13%
• Metals: ~8% to 9%

Step 2: Compare the given options

Looking at the options provided in the question:

• a) paper products: This is the largest single component of municipal solid waste by weight, making up nearly a quarter of all generated trash.
• b) yard waste: Significant, but typically accounts for only about half the weight of paper products.
• c) plastics: Significant and growing, but still less than paper by weight.
• d) metals: Accounts for a much smaller percentage by weight compared to paper.

Answer:

a) paper products