This Landfill Is No Dump
1. There are hard sells, and then there are really hard sells. Anyone who has ever tried to build a landfill is probably keenly aware of this. People know that landfills are a disgusting, if necessary, evil and that they spread disease and pestilence throughout populated communities. People want them located as far from their homes and businesses as possible. They do not want trash blowing onto their properties, nor do they want to be downwind of putrid air that ruins their time outdoors.
2. For those in the trash disposal business, trying to open a new landfill site and fighting the legal battles that this often brings are par for the course. However, a trash disposal company south of Austin, Texas, has created a successful model for keeping everyone happy-from rural neighbors to local environmentalists. How did the owners of the company manage this? They chose to take themselves out of the fight. They are so committed to running a model business and being a good neighbor that, over time, opposition to their landfill has gone away completely.
3. Texas Disposal Systems (TDS) is a profitable business that operates a landfill, recycling/resale center, composting operation, conference center, and exotic animal farm in Creedmoor, Texas. Brothers and co-owners Bob and Jim Gregory set high expectations for themselves, and this has been key to their success. Although all solid waste management companies in a state are supposed to adhere to the same regulations, some companies try to get by with the least possible effort. Some companies put on a thin veneer of being good neighbors while they really focus on their own self-interests.
4. The Gregory brothers are different in this regard. For instance, they put their own facilities, notably a pavilion that hosts fund-raisers and dinners, downwind from the landfill's working face. Bob Gregory explains that showing people the reality of the operation is important. The owners would not ask a neighbor to put up with anything that they would not put up with themselves. They have prioritized controlling odors and picking up stray trash so successfully that the more than 10,000 people who visit the site annually are more aware of the pleasant views and clean, fresh air than the landfill nearby.
5. Two of the biggest challenges for waste disposal operations are odors and the trash itself. About 2,000 tons of trash is handled daily at the Creedmoor facility. The facility keeps the working part of the landfill as small as it can and also uses biofilters, recycle sprays, and other treatments to mitigate odors. The owners also built high fences to help prevent trash from blowing away. Furthermore, they have a street crew operating six days a week to patrol the area and catch any stray trash that makes it beyond the fences.
6. Searching for the right fences actually inspired the Gregory brothers to include exotic animals on the land. They did not want to use industrial chain-link fences around the property because they thought that would send the wrong message to the neighbors. The land would look forbidding rather than welcoming. The brothers wanted to find functional, but inviting, fences. As they shopped around, they saw a number of high fences on exotic animal farms and thought that maybe their neighbors would like the idea of animals on the land surrounding the landfill. The neighbors did, indeed, like the animals. Currently, hundreds of acres owned by TDS are home to more than two thousand native and exotic animals of eighty species.
7. TDS also reaches out to the community by allowing various charity groups to host fund-raisers on the pavilion. About 150 groups hold events each year, raising thousands of dollars per event. There are also two beautifully appointed cabins on the property designated for community use. In addition, TDS hosts its own outreach events, like hosting volunteers from Big Brothers Big Sisters on the ranch.
8. Moreover, TDS runs a drop-off center for items like grills, tools, bicycles condition and sells them at a garage sale, TDS also has a retail outlet for Compost products and sells topsoil, mulch, and compost produced an-site.
9. The Gregory brothers provide an example of how to run a profitable business to the needs of the community and is a great neighbor. One bonus of operating so well is that TDS can re-invest money into making improvements rather than fighting opposition in costly legal battles. Ultimately, TDS has shown that it owners mind doing business and are great neighbors, people are willing to welcome and fill in next door
How does paragraph 6 fit into the problem-solution structure of the article?
- A. It introduces the problem of harboring wild animals without endangering neighbors.
- B. It provides a solution for containing debris without offending neighbors.
- C. It extends the solution for disposing of trash without spreading offensive odors.
- D. It reveals the problem of maintaining the landfill without harming the wild animals living there.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B
Paragraph 6 effectively addresses a solution for containing debris, ensuring that it does not offend neighbors. This aligns with the article's problem-solution structure by directly tackling community concerns about waste management. Option A incorrectly suggests that the paragraph introduces a problem rather than a solution. Option C misidentifies the focus, as it relates to trash odors rather than debris containment. Option D also misinterprets the content, as it implies a problem regarding landfills and wildlife, which is not the focus of this paragraph. Thus, B accurately encapsulates the paragraph's role in resolving a specific issue.
Paragraph 6 effectively addresses a solution for containing debris, ensuring that it does not offend neighbors. This aligns with the article's problem-solution structure by directly tackling community concerns about waste management. Option A incorrectly suggests that the paragraph introduces a problem rather than a solution. Option C misidentifies the focus, as it relates to trash odors rather than debris containment. Option D also misinterprets the content, as it implies a problem regarding landfills and wildlife, which is not the focus of this paragraph. Thus, B accurately encapsulates the paragraph's role in resolving a specific issue.
Other Related Questions
In paragraph 5 the author states that opponents of wave technology 'claim that deploying ocean wave devices could also disrupt the relationships that people have with the oceans...' To what extent is this claim supported?
- A. It is unsupported because the author follows the claim with subjective information.
- B. It is unsupported because the author follows the claim with a counterexample that disproves it.
- C. It is well supported because the author follows it with facts and objective evidence.
- D. It is well supported because the author follows it with scientific data that furthers the claim.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A
The claim about ocean wave devices disrupting relationships is unsupported, as the author follows it with subjective information rather than objective evidence. Option B is incorrect; there is no counterexample provided that disproves the claim. Option C is also wrong, as the author does not present factual or objective evidence to bolster the assertion. Option D misinterprets the text by suggesting that scientific data supports the claim, while in reality, the subsequent information lacks the necessary objectivity to substantiate it effectively.
The claim about ocean wave devices disrupting relationships is unsupported, as the author follows it with subjective information rather than objective evidence. Option B is incorrect; there is no counterexample provided that disproves the claim. Option C is also wrong, as the author does not present factual or objective evidence to bolster the assertion. Option D misinterprets the text by suggesting that scientific data supports the claim, while in reality, the subsequent information lacks the necessary objectivity to substantiate it effectively.
You have up to 45 minutes for reading, planning, writing, and editing your response.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer:
**Correct answer:** Allocate time wisely among reading, planning, writing, and editing to maximize the quality of your response. **Rationale:** Efficient time management is crucial for producing a well-structured response. Reading thoroughly ensures comprehension of the prompt, while planning helps organize thoughts logically. Writing is where ideas come to life, and dedicating time to editing enhances clarity and correctness. Other options may suggest focusing too heavily on one aspect, such as writing without sufficient planning or editing. This can lead to incomplete or unclear responses that fail to meet the task's requirements. Balancing all phases is essential for success.
**Correct answer:** Allocate time wisely among reading, planning, writing, and editing to maximize the quality of your response. **Rationale:** Efficient time management is crucial for producing a well-structured response. Reading thoroughly ensures comprehension of the prompt, while planning helps organize thoughts logically. Writing is where ideas come to life, and dedicating time to editing enhances clarity and correctness. Other options may suggest focusing too heavily on one aspect, such as writing without sufficient planning or editing. This can lead to incomplete or unclear responses that fail to meet the task's requirements. Balancing all phases is essential for success.
How does the use of the phrase 'put on a thin veneer' in paragraph 3 shape the author's argument in the article?
- A. The phrase implies that other companies are misunderstood, while the Gregory brothers are given too much praise.
- B. The phrase indicates that other companies ignore community concerns, while the Gregory brothers do not.
- C. The phrase suggests that other companies pretend to be conscientious, while the Gregory brothers are sincere.
- D. The phrase helps explain how other companies fight their legal battles, while the Gregory brothers do not.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C
The phrase "put on a thin veneer" suggests superficiality, indicating that other companies may feign concern for community issues without genuine commitment. This contrasts with the Gregory brothers, who are portrayed as sincere in their efforts. Option A misinterprets the phrase, as it does not suggest misunderstanding or excessive praise. Option B inaccurately implies that the focus is solely on community concerns, neglecting the theme of authenticity. Option D incorrectly connects the phrase to legal battles, diverting from the core idea of sincerity versus pretense.
The phrase "put on a thin veneer" suggests superficiality, indicating that other companies may feign concern for community issues without genuine commitment. This contrasts with the Gregory brothers, who are portrayed as sincere in their efforts. Option A misinterprets the phrase, as it does not suggest misunderstanding or excessive praise. Option B inaccurately implies that the focus is solely on community concerns, neglecting the theme of authenticity. Option D incorrectly connects the phrase to legal battles, diverting from the core idea of sincerity versus pretense.
What is one theme of this excerpt?
- A. Wealth is not always determined by money.
- B. Early music education builds character.
- C. Personal appearances do not always indicate worth.
- D. Early memories are enduring.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: D
The theme of enduring early memories highlights how formative experiences shape our identities and perceptions throughout life. This notion resonates with many, as childhood memories often leave lasting impressions. Option A, while insightful, suggests a focus on wealth, which is not the primary theme. Option B addresses music education, which may be relevant but does not capture the essence of memory. Option C discusses appearances and worth, diverging from the central idea of memory's lasting impact. Thus, the emphasis on early memories aligns most closely with the excerpt’s theme.
The theme of enduring early memories highlights how formative experiences shape our identities and perceptions throughout life. This notion resonates with many, as childhood memories often leave lasting impressions. Option A, while insightful, suggests a focus on wealth, which is not the primary theme. Option B addresses music education, which may be relevant but does not capture the essence of memory. Option C discusses appearances and worth, diverging from the central idea of memory's lasting impact. Thus, the emphasis on early memories aligns most closely with the excerpt’s theme.