American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Practice Exam

What type of program can help cities avoid landfill expenses?

1. Public solid waste service discontinuation.

2. Private waste management contracts.

3. Exhumation and re-packing programs.

4. Recycling initiatives.

The correct answer is: Recycling initiatives.

Recycling initiatives play a vital role in helping cities avoid landfill expenses by reducing the overall volume of waste that needs to be disposed of. By implementing effective recycling programs, municipalities can divert significant amounts of recyclable materials from landfills. This not only extends the lifespan of existing landfills, mitigating the need for costly expansions or new landfill sites but also reduces the associated tipping fees charged by landfill operators. When citizens actively participate in recycling, valuable materials such as glass, paper, metals, and certain plastics are recovered and repurposed, creating a circular economy. This approach not only supports environmental sustainability but can also lead to cost savings for the city, as managing recyclables typically incurs lower costs compared to waste disposal in landfills. In contrast, other options like public solid waste service discontinuation could lead to increased waste accumulation, while private waste management contracts may not necessarily prioritize recycling. Exhumation and re-packing programs, which are more niche and not commonly implemented, would not address the root issue of waste reduction and may present logistical challenges. Thus, recycling initiatives stand out as an effective strategy for cities to minimize landfill costs while promoting environmental stewardship.