Certified in Public Health (CPH) Practice Exam

Which waste management approach is preferred under the Federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act?

1. Treatment of biohazards before disposal

2. Waste minimization through reuse and recycling

3. Waste disposal in sanitary landfills

4. Storage of waste in impervious geological formations

The correct answer is: Waste minimization through reuse and recycling

The preferred waste management approach under the Federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) is waste minimization through reuse and recycling. This preference aligns with the core principles of the RCRA, which aims to promote environmental protection and reduce the amount of waste generated. By prioritizing waste minimization, the act encourages practices that reduce the generation of waste at the source, thus decreasing the overall environmental footprint. Promoting reuse and recycling minimizes the need for new raw materials, conserves energy, and decreases pollution associated with the production and disposal of waste. This proactive approach reflects a shift from merely managing waste to preventing its generation in the first place. Other waste management strategies, such as treatment of biohazards or disposal in sanitary landfills, while important, do not embody the overarching goal of the RCRA to minimize waste generation. Storage of waste in impervious geological formations does not align with the focus on reducing waste but rather on containment, which is considered a less favorable approach compared to prevention and reduction.