Topics / Environment

Waste Management

Asked 6 times in UPSC Prelims · first asked 2013 · last asked 2025

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Consider the following statements: Statement I: Circular economy reduces the emissions of greenhouse gases. Statement II: Circular economy reduces the use of raw materials as inputs. Statement III: Circular economy reduces wastage in the production process. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

2025Environment

ABoth Statement II and Statement III are correct and both of them explain Statement I

BBoth Statement II and Statement III are correct but only one of them explains Statement I

COnly one of the Statements II and III is correct and that explains Statement I

DNeither Statement II nor Statement III is correct

Explanation

Circular economy aims to reduce the consumption of raw materials and minimize waste generation by promoting reuse, repair, and recycling. By doing so, it helps in reducing greenhouse gas emissions associated with the extraction, processing, and transportation of raw materials, thereby contributing to mitigating climate change. Hence, both Statement II and Statement III are correct and support Statement I in the context of circular economy principles.

'Membrane Bioreactors' are often discussed in the context of:

2024Environment

AAssisted reproductive technologies

BDrug delivery nanotechnologies

CVaccine production technologies

DWastewater treatment technologies

Explanation

Membrane bioreactors are commonly used in wastewater treatment technologies to treat and purify wastewater. These systems combine biological treatment processes with membrane filtration to effectively remove contaminants and produce high-quality treated water. This technology is efficient in removing organic matter, suspended solids, and pathogens from wastewater, making it a crucial component in modern wastewater treatment plants.

'R2 Code of Practices' constitutes a tool available for promoting the adoption of

2021Environment

Aenvironmentally responsible practices in electronics recycling industry

Becological management of 'Wetlands of International Importance' under the Ramsar Convention

Csustainable practices in the cultivation of agricultural crops in degraded lands

D'Environmental Impact Assessment' in the exploitation of natural resources

Explanation

The 'R2 Code of Practices' serves as a tool to encourage the adoption of environmentally responsible practices in the electronics recycling industry. This code focuses on promoting safe and sustainable methods for managing electronic waste, ensuring proper disposal, recycling, and minimizing environmental impact. It aims to enhance transparency, accountability, and compliance within the industry to address the challenges associated with electronic waste management.

As per the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016 in India, which one of the following statements is correct?

2019Environment

AWaste generator has to segregate waste into 5 categories.

BThe Rules are applicable to notified urban local bodies, notified towns and all industrial township only.

CThe Rules provide for exact and elaborate criteria for the identification of sites for landfills and waste processing facilities.

DIt is mandatory on the part of waste generator that the waste generated in one district cannot be moved to another district.

Explanation

According to the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016 in India, waste generators are required to separate their waste into three categories: biodegradable, non-biodegradable, and domestic hazardous wastes. The rules also outline criteria for selecting sites for waste disposal and processing facilities.

With reference to bio-toilets used by the Indian Railways, consider the following statements: 1. The decomposition of human waste in the bio-toilets is initiated by a fungal inoculum. 2. Ammonia and water vapour are the only end products in this decomposition which are released into the atmosphere. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

2015Environment

A1 only

B2 only

CBoth 1 and 2

DNeither 1 nor 2

Explanation

The bio-toilets found under the train lavatories use a specific type of bacteria to break down human waste, creating CO2, CH4, and non-corrosive water as byproducts. This process differs from the decomposition initiated by a fungal inoculum mentioned in the first statement. The end products released into the atmosphere are not just ammonia and water vapor, as stated in the second statement. Therefore, neither of the given statements is correct.

Due to improper/indiscriminate disposal of old and used computers or their parts, which of the following are released into the environment as e-waste? 1. Beryllium 2. Cadmium 3. Chromium 4. Heptachlor 5. Mercury 6. Lead 7. Plutonium Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

2013Environment

A1, 3, 4, 6 and 7 only

B1, 2, 3, 5 and 6 only

C2, 4, 5 and 7 only

D1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7

Explanation

When old computers or their parts are disposed of improperly, certain harmful substances are released into the environment as electronic waste (e-waste). These substances include beryllium, cadmium, chromium, heptachlor, mercury, lead, and plutonium. The correct answer is option (b) which includes elements 1, 2, 3, 5, and 6. The presence of harmful elements like lead, mercury, arsenic, cadmium, selenium, and hexavalent chromium in electronic waste categorizes it as hazardous waste.