MYP Design Topic The Circular Economy and Waste…

Question 1

A designer selects a recyclable plastic for several tiny disposable components. Why might these components still be rejected by a materials recovery facility?

A

The pieces may fall through sorting equipment before reaching the correct recovery stream

B

Reducing an object's size removes its resin identification

C

Small pieces automatically change from thermoplastics into thermosets

D

All small plastic objects become biodegradable during collection

Question 2

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True or False: Burning discarded plastic to generate electricity closes its material loop because the plastic remains available for manufacturing.

A

True

B

False

Question 3

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A repair costs more than buying a new appliance, so a household chooses replacement. Which explanation best connects this reasonable buying decision to the wider problem of a linear economy?

A

A lower retail price proves that replacement uses fewer natural resources

B

The buyer pays less for replacement while some waste costs are passed to others

C

The repair quote includes all environmental costs, while the replacement price includes none

D

A cheaper replacement ensures that the discarded appliance will be recovered

Question 4

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An informal recycler burns cable insulation to recover copper for sale. Which principle should guide an evaluation of this practice?

A

Material recovery must also be assessed for its effects on workers and the environment

B

Recovering valuable metal makes any treatment method sustainable

C

Burning insulation is a form of biological recycling

D

Worker exposure matters only when no material is recovered

Question 5

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A country reports less waste going to its landfill sites, but the reduction comes entirely from sending more discarded products abroad. What is the most justified interpretation?

A

The exporting country has eliminated the products' environmental effects.

B

The products have become biological materials by crossing a border.

C

The waste burden has moved elsewhere rather than disappeared.

D

Exporting waste automatically closes the technical cycle.