AP Environmental Science Flashcards: Waste Reduction Methods
Written by AP Content Team, Verified for 2026 AP Exams, Last updated: May 2026
Review key ideas with interactive flashcards. This set includes 14 cards to help you master important concepts.
What are two common drawbacks associated with composting?
The drawbacks of composting can include the generation of unpleasant odors and the potential to attract rodents.
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What are two common drawbacks associated with composting?
The drawbacks of composting can include the generation of unpleasant odors and the potential to attract rodents.
If an old computer is disposed of in a standard landfill, what specific environmental risk does it pose to water resources?
Hazardous chemicals, such as lead and mercury, from the e-waste can leach from the landfill and contaminate groundwater supplies.
What is a primary benefit of recycling in relation to natural resources?
Recycling reduces the current global demand on minerals by processing existing materials instead of extracting new ones.
Describe a landfill mitigation strategy that can also serve as a source of energy.
One landfill mitigation strategy is burning waste to generate electricity or heat, a process often referred to as waste-to-energy.
A community garden is having trouble with poor soil quality. Which waste reduction method could provide them with a natural fertilizer?
Composting organic matter from the community would be an effective method, as the final product can be used as a nutrient-rich fertilizer to improve soil quality.
Why is the proper disposal of e-waste a significant environmental concern?
E-waste contains hazardous chemicals like lead and mercury, which can leach from landfills and contaminate groundwater if not disposed of properly.
What is the overarching goal of changing current practices to reduce waste?
The overall goal is to reduce the total amount of generated waste that needs to be disposed of, thereby lessening the environmental impact of landfills and resource extraction.
How can a former landfill be repurposed after it is closed?
A former landfill can be repurposed by restoring the habitat on top of it, allowing the land to be used as a park or other recreational green space.
Define recycling.
Recycling is a process by which certain solid waste materials are processed and converted into new products.
Identify two major drawbacks of the recycling process.
The process of recycling is often energy-intensive and can be costly to implement and operate.
What are landfill mitigation strategies?
Landfill mitigation strategies are methods used to reduce the negative impacts of landfills, ranging from burning waste for energy to restoring the land for other uses.
Define composting.
Composting is the process where organic matter, such as food scraps and yard waste, decomposes to create a product that can be used as fertilizer.
What are two primary methods for reducing the amount of e-waste?
The amount of e-waste can be reduced through the recycling of its components and the reuse of electronic devices.
A city wants to divert its food scraps and yard trimmings from landfills to create a useful soil amendment. What waste reduction method should it implement?
The city should implement composting, which is the process of organic matter decomposing to create a product that can be used as fertilizer.