HS&E Operatives practice question: Waste and environmental responsibilities (2 of 7)
A. Working environment A free question from our original HS&E Operatives practice exam. Try it, then open the answer to see why each option is right or wrong.
Your site has separate skips for different kinds of waste, such as timber, metal, plasterboard and general waste.
Which two are good reasons for keeping waste separate? (Choose two.)
Choose two answers.
AA. Separated waste no longer needs any paperwork
BB. More of the waste can be reused or recycled
CC. Hazardous waste must be kept apart from other waste
DD. Separate skips mean the waste can be burnt on site
Show the answer and explanation
Answers: B, C
A. Wrong: Wrong. All waste leaving the site needs the right paperwork, such as a waste transfer note, whether it is separated or not.
B. Right: Right. Clean, separated waste such as metal or timber can be recycled. Once it is mixed, much of it can only go to landfill.
C. Right: Right. Hazardous waste, such as oily rags or used solvent tins, must not be mixed with other waste. It needs its own storage and its own paperwork.
D. Wrong: Wrong. Waste should not be burnt on site. Burning can cause pollution and fire, and is generally not allowed.
Explanation
Separating waste means more of it can be recycled, and keeps hazardous waste apart so it can be dealt with safely. Put waste in the right skip, and ask if you are not sure which one.