Examination Practice Questions And

Illinois Recycling Specialist Certification Examination Practice Questions And Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf

• What is the primary goal of municipal recycling programs?
• Increase landfill use
• Reduce waste, conserve resources, and protect the environment
• Eliminate composting programs
• Increase municipal taxes

B

Rationale: Municipal recycling programs aim to reduce waste, conserve

natural resources, and minimize environmental impacts.

• Which material is most commonly recycled in Illinois?
• Glass 1 / 4

• Aluminum
• Paper
• Plastic

C

Rationale: Paper is the most frequently recycled material due to its

widespread use and high recovery rate.

• What is the definition of a “recyclable material”?
• Material that cannot be reused
• Material that can be collected, processed, and manufactured into new

products

• Material only compostable
• Material banned from disposal

B

Rationale: Recyclable materials are those that can be collected, processed,

and remanufactured into new products.

• Which Illinois agency oversees recycling programs?
• Illinois Department of Transportation
• Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA)
• Illinois Department of Commerce
• Illinois Department of Health

B

Rationale: The Illinois EPA regulates and promotes recycling programs

throughout the state. 2 / 4

• What does “source separation” mean in recycling?
• Separating recyclables from non-recyclables at the processing facility
• Separating recyclable materials at the point of disposal
• Composting all organic waste
• Mixing all waste together

B

Rationale: Source separation involves separating recyclables at the point

of disposal to improve the quality of materials collected.

• What is the main environmental benefit of recycling aluminum?
• Decreases plastic use
• Reduces greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption
• Increases landfill volume
• Reduces water pollution only

B

Rationale: Recycling aluminum saves up to 95% of the energy required to

produce new aluminum and reduces greenhouse gas emissions.

• Which of the following plastics is typically accepted in curbside recycling

programs?

• #1 PETE and #2 HDPE
• #3 PVC and #6 PS
• #7 Mixed plastics only
• Biodegradable plastics

A 3 / 4

Rationale: #1 PETE and #2 HDPE are widely accepted due to their high

market demand and ease of processing.

• What is a “MRF” in recycling?
• Municipal Reuse Facility
• Material Recovery Facility
• Mechanical Recycling Factory
• Mixed Reuse Facility

B

Rationale: A Material Recovery Facility (MRF) is where recyclables are

sorted, cleaned, and prepared for manufacturing into new products.

• Which of the following is NOT considered a common contaminant in

single-stream recycling?

• Food waste
• Plastic bags
• Aluminum cans
• Styrofoam

C

Rationale: Aluminum cans are a recyclable material; the others are

considered contaminants that can interfere with processing.

• What is “composting”?
• The chemical treatment of plastics
• The controlled biological decomposition of organic materials into

nutrient-rich soil

• / 4