Real-Life Math
A waste reduction coordinator deals with math on a daily basis.
The math involved may be as simple as counting the number of recycling bins
in stock.
Math may become more involved as a waste reduction coordinator
prepares reports. They may show percentages for reducing the overall waste
stream in the community.
Alec Cooley is a solid waste reduction manager.
"Periodically we do waste audits, where we sort and weigh trash
according to material type," he says.
"We use this to do a statistical
analysis of the waste stream as a whole."
Such audits help waste reduction
coordinators determine how well their efforts to reduce waste are working
and in which areas to work for better control.
Evaluating programs
helps them plan new recycling projects.
You are a waste reduction coordinator.
The community where you are employed conducts a waste stream audit quarterly.
The
most recent audit separated 1 ton of trash from the regular garbage collection
into the following types of waste. Each type of trash was then weighed.
Determine
the percentage of the total for each item. (Hint: 1 ton = 2,000 lbs.)
Paper products | 240 lbs. |
Newspapers | 400 lbs. |
Glass | 300 lbs. |
Cardboard | 40 lbs. |
Disposable diapers | 60 lbs. |
Aluminum and cans | 160 lbs. |
Plastic | 60 lbs. |
Kitchen scraps | 600 lbs. |
Misc. (cat litter, yard waste) | 140 lbs. |