Question 14

Establish a context that helps to explain how high the costs of processing recyclable materials are for MRFs

The author cites an estimate of the average cost of collecting, transporting, and disposing of materials without recycling them to provide a comparison that highlights the higher costs associated with processing recyclable materials at materials recovery facilities (MRFs). This context is essential for understanding the financial challenges faced by the recycling industry.

A) suggest a possible reason why the market prices paid for most materials processed at MRFs are relatively low compared with prices paid for recycled aluminum

While this option considers the comparison between market prices for materials, it does not directly address the author's intent of illustrating the costs involved in recycling. The focus of the passage is on the processing costs rather than market price differences.

B) establish a context that helps to explain how high the costs of processing recyclable materials are for MRFs

This option accurately reflects the purpose of the citation, as it provides a benchmark to illustrate the higher costs incurred by MRFs in processing recyclable materials compared to the disposal of non-recycled materials. This context is crucial for understanding the economic pressures on recycling programs.

C) explain how MRF operators are able to cover their operating costs, despite some of those costs being higher than policy makers had originally anticipated

This option misinterprets the citation's purpose. The passage does not provide information on how MRF operators cover costs; rather, it emphasizes the challenges they face due to high processing costs relative to disposal costs.

D) show why current methods of processing recyclable materials in MRFs need to be replaced with more economical, less wasteful methods

This option suggests a need for change in processing methods, which is not the focus of the passage. The author does not advocate for replacement methods but instead discusses the current cost structure and its implications for recycling.

E) highlight the effect that the cost of collecting, transporting, and processing recyclable materials has on the cost of disposing of materials that are not recycled

Although this option touches on costs, it does not reflect the author's main intent of establishing a context for understanding the high costs of processing recyclables. The passage focuses more on the comparison of costs rather than the effects on disposal costs.

Conclusion

The correct answer, B, is clearly supported by the text, as it provides a necessary context for understanding the high costs of processing recyclable materials at MRFs. All other options fail to accurately capture the author's intent, either misinterpreting the information or not connecting it to the central theme of cost comparison and its implications for the recycling industry.