Certified Energy Auditor Practice Exam

Which siding material cannot be recycled?

1. Wood

2. Aluminum

3. Vinyl

4. Fiberglass

The correct answer is: Vinyl

Vinyl siding is generally not recyclable because the process for recycling it is not widely available and can be complex. Unlike materials such as aluminum and wood, which can be easily processed and reused, vinyl is a type of plastic (polyvinyl chloride, or PVC) that doesn't break down into useful materials without significant difficulty. The infrastructure for recycling PVC is limited, and many recycling facilities do not accept it due to the contaminants and additives that may be present in the material. In contrast, wood, aluminum, and fiberglass are often recyclable. Wood can be repurposed into other wood products or used for biomass energy. Aluminum is highly recyclable, with a well-established market that allows it to be remade into new products with minimal loss in quality. Fiberglass can be recycled as well, though the facilities equipped to handle it are less common than those for metals. Thus, vinyl stands out as a material that presents challenges for recycling, making it the correct choice in this question.