The Boards Are Coming

The date for the scavenger hunt event is approaching, and it will soon enter the practical component stage. Considering the common garbage produced in our neighborhood because of the surrounding shopping malls, I design the question based on real cases. The question is expected to be around 30 questions, which are designed base on not only the most common few kinds of the garbage but also those which are usually miscategorized.

1. If you ask for a home delivery, which kind of garbage is the plastic container?

Answer: Dry Waste

Common misconception: Some think it is recyclable. However, when used and contaminated by oil or other kitchen wastes, it is no longer recyclable. It is an actually dry waste.

2. Which kind of waste is writing paper (not tissue paper, which is an obviously dry waste)

Answer: Recyclable

Common misconception: Both tissue paper and writing paper are dry wastes because they are both papers. It is not valid. Writing a paper does have ink and other writing substance on it. Still, it is erasable, and disposable compare to tissue paper (which may have been contaminated by wet substances such as saliva). Thus, it is recyclable, different from tissue paper.

3. What is the distinction between dry waste and wet waste?

Answer: The dry waste can last longer than wet waste, meaning that wet waste decay quickly.

Misconception: Dry waste is dry because the liquid content in it is low. Wet waste has much water in it, so it is wet waste. This is not true neither. The distinction between dry waste and wet waste is not explained only in a literal way. It is actually talking about the decay rate of the substance.

4. Which kind of garbage is glass, pot, and wire?

Answer: Recyclable.

Misconception: The two are dry wastes. It is not valid. Those products composed of steel and glass can actually be recycled and reused in many fields. It is recyclable.

The questions are being designed and will be readied soon. However, it does not represent the final version because the question should be revised base on the surveys that will be hand out to residents at the beginning of the practical component.