51. One variety of partially biodegradable plastic beverage container is manufactured from small bits of plastic
bound together by a degradable bonding agent such as cornstarch. Since only the bonding agent degrades,
leaving the small bits of plastic, no less plastic refuse per container is produced when such containers are
discarded than when comparable nonbiodegradable containers are discarded.
Which of the following, if true, most strengthens the argument above?
(A) Both partially biodegradable and nonbiodegradable plastic beverage containers can be crushed
completely flat by refuse compactors.
(B) The partially biodegradable plastic beverage containers are made with more plastic than comparable
nonbiodegradable ones in order to compensate for the weakening effect of the bonding agents.
(C) Many consumers are ecology-minded and prefer to buy a product sold in the partially biodegradable
plastic beverage containers rather than in nonbiodegradable containers, even if the price is higher.
(D) The manufacturing process for the partially biodegradable plastic beverage containers results in less
plastic waste than the manufacturing process for nonbiodegradable plastic beverage containers.
(E) Technological problems with recycling currently prevent the reuse as food or beverage containers of the
plastic from either type of plastic beverage container.
