Biodegradable And Non-Biodegradable Substances
Biodegradable waste includes food, paper, and organic matter that decomposes naturally, while non-biodegradable waste like plastics and metals persists for centuries. Understanding their differences is key to waste management, biogas production, and environmental protection. This topic holds 2–5% weightage in NEET, CBSE, and paramedical exams.
This Story also Contains
- What is Biodegradable Waste?
- Sources Of Biodegradable Waste
- What is Non-biodegradable Waste?
- Management of Non-biodegradable Waste
- Difference between Biodegradable and Non-Biodegradable Waste
- Treatments for the Biodegradable And Non-Biodegradable Substances
- Exam Relevance
- Tips, Tricks, & Mnemonics
- Biodegradable and Non-Biodegradable Waste NEET MCQs
- FAQs on Biodegradable and Non-Biodegradable Waste
- Recommended Video for Biodegradable and Non-Biodegradable Waste
Biodegradable waste are the substances that can decompose naturally. It consists of waste like food scraps and paper .On the other hand non-biodegradable waste is those kinds of waste which cannot be degraded easily. It includes plastic, metals and glass. These non-biodegradable wastes resist themselves and remain in the environment for a longer period and cause soil pollution. It is important to know the difference between the two as it helps to segregate the waste and help save the ecosystem.
What is Biodegradable Waste?
Any organic material in the garbage that may be broken down by microorganisms and other living things through composting, aerobic digestion, anaerobic digestion, or similar processes into carbon dioxide, water, methane, or simple organic molecules is considered biodegradable waste. Some basic points about biodegradable waste are discussed below:
Biodegradable waste helps in the reduction of environmental pollution when they are decomposed properly.
This waste also contributes to the production of compounds which are used to increase soil fertility.
Decomposition of biodegradable waste occurs faster when compared to non-biodegradable waste.
Biodegradable waste is also used to generate biogas which is a renewable source of energy during decomposition.
Biodegradable waste also helps in breaking down the harmful toxins which are present in the environment during the process of decomposition.
They play a very important role in fixing the natural nutrient cycle and enhancing plant growth and development.
Sources Of Biodegradable Waste
Biodegradable waste is collected from different natural and organic sources that are decomposed with time. These are the sources which are also important for restoring the nutrients to the ecosystem and they need to be managed sustainably. Some of the major sources of biodegradable waste are discussed below:
Agriculture waste consists of crop residue animal manure and some of the by-products from farming activities.
Food waste which is normally collected from households and restaurants consists of leftover spoiled food and also some kind of kitchen wastage which works as a natural fertilizer.
Garden waste consists of grass clippings, leaves, branches and other plant materials which can be easily decomposed by microorganisms.
The waste is also collected from would clips and untreated Timber from the construction and carpentry sites.
What is Non-biodegradable Waste?
A chemical that cannot break down or dissolve spontaneously and causes pollution is referred to as non-biodegradable waste. Some of the basic facts about non-biodegradable waste are discussed below:
They may stay on this planet for a very long time without degrading, which would pose a serious threat to the ecology.
The incapacity of nature to break down things that humans generate is one of the negative repercussions of current technological progress.
Nonbiodegradable garbage can persist for hundreds of years and seriously harm the environment.
They may be seen lying around as litter in parks, rivers, or streams.
The ecology has suffered as a result of the accumulation of waste products, including plastic.
As a result, there are now mountains of non-biodegradable rubbish in many parts of large towns.
Management of Non-biodegradable Waste
Proper management of this Non-Biodegradable waste is very important. Some important points are discussed below:
Non-biodegradable garbage destroys the environment and causes harm to people, animals, and plants.
Non-biodegradable garbage must be handled with care by the government and by every individual.
It can only be accomplished by recycling, reusing, and reducing.
Non-biodegradable wastes must be disposed of in a landfill or, if feasible, recycled because they are not eco-friendly.
To create new plastic bags, for instance, old ones can be pelletized.
Difference between Biodegradable and Non-Biodegradable Waste
Major differences between Biodegradable and non- biodegradable waste are discussed below in the table:
Biodegradable waste | Non-biodegradable waste |
It consists of organic materials like food paper and plant materials | It consists of synthetic materials like plastic metal and glass |
It can easily be broken down by microorganisms present for decomposition | The decomposition takes a very long time. It cannot be broken down by microorganisms. |
It possesses no harmful impact on the environment and also increases soil fertility when composed properly. | It has a very bad impact on the environment and leads to pollution and damage to the ecosystem. |
Biodegradable waste also helps in producing biogas during decomposition which is a renewable source of energy. | It cannot be converted into a renewable source of energy directly. |
Biodegradable waste can be decomposed or used as an organic fertilizer for farming or agriculture. | Non-biodegradable waste requires recycling or disposal in the landfills. |
Treatments for the Biodegradable And Non-Biodegradable Substances
Whether biodegradable or not, they endanger human life, injure other living things, and degrade the environment. Therefore, garbage must be properly treated. Everybody, including the government, must do this.
The three R—Recycle, Reuse, and Reduce—are the most straightforward actions that anyone can take to contribute. Energy and other resources can both be saved in this way. The separation of non-biodegradable from biodegradable at home and separate disposal of each is a further step.
Exam Relevance
During exam preparation, different types of questions about Biodegradable and Non-Biodegradable waste are asked. The table below contains the different patterns of questions asked in different exams.
Exam Type | Types of Questions Asked |
| |
| |
Paramedical |
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Tips, Tricks, & Mnemonics
It takes effort to remember everything in a single go. We made the entire problem easy. Some of the tricks regarding Biodegradable and Non-Biodegradable waste are given below which you can use to memorise the important points.
Biodegradable Waste
"CODER: Compost, Organic, Decompose, Energy, Recycle"
C: Composting (converting organic waste into nutrient-rich compost)
O: Organic (biodegradable materials are organic)
D: Decompose (biodegradable waste breaks down naturally by microorganisms)
E: Energy (biodegradable waste can generate renewable energy, like biogas)
R: Recycle (biodegradable materials can be recycled through composting)
Non-Biodegradable Waste
"PLANT: Persistent, Landfill, Accumulate, Non-decomposable, Toxic"
P: Persistent (non-biodegradable waste does not break down easily)
L: Landfills (non-biodegradable waste often ends up in landfills)
A: Accumulate (non-biodegradable waste builds up in the environment)
N: Non-decomposable (cannot be broken down by microorganisms)
T: Toxic (some non-biodegradable materials release harmful toxins)
Waste Management
"RED: Reduce, Reuse, Dispose"
R: Reduce (minimizing waste generation)
E: Reuse (finding new ways to use materials instead of discarding them)
D: Dispose (proper disposal methods like recycling or safe landfill management)
Biodegradable and Non-Biodegradable Waste NEET MCQs
Q1. Polyblend, a fine powder of recycled modified plastic, has proved to be a good material for:
Making plastic sacks
Use as a fertilizer
Construction of roads
Making tubes and pipes
Correct answer: 3) Construction of roads
Explanation:
Road construction has found success with Polyblend, a fine powder made from recycled modified plastic.
It is used to enhance the quality of road surfaces by combining it with bitumen. By recovering plastic trash, Polyblend improves the roads' resilience to water damage and durability while also lessening their environmental impact. This creative technique improves the durability and strength of roadways while making use of plastic garbage.
Hence, the correct answer is option 3)Construction of roads.
Q2. Read the given statements and select the correct option.
Statement 1: Open landfilling refers to throwing waste on an uncovered area, which is periodically burnt or compressed.
Statement 2: In sanitary landfilling, the waste is compacted and covered by a layer of dirt.
Both statements 1 and 2 are correct.
Statement 1 is correct but statement 2 is incorrect
Statement 1 is incorrect but statement 2 is correct
Both statements 1 and 2 are incorrect.
Correct answer: 1) Both statements 1 and 2 are correct
Explanation:
Statement 1: Open landfilling is a primitive waste management practice where waste is merely dumped on an open terrain, which may undergo occasional burning or compaction.
Correct. In the context of waste disposal, open landfilling denotes the unsophisticated method of discarding waste on an exposed area, typically followed by periodic compression and, at times, burning. This archaic approach lacks effective containment systems, resulting in significant environmental degradation and health risks due to the emission of harmful gases.
Statement 2: Sanitary landfilling is an improved waste disposal technique that involves systematic compaction of waste and subsequent daily covering with soil.
Correct. Sanitary landfilling represents a more regulated method for waste management, where the waste is not only compressed to diminish its size but is also capped with a soil layer each day. This practice aims to mitigate air exposure, odor release, and the potential for pest breeding, thereby lessening the environmental impact and associated health concerns.
Hence, the correct answer is option 1) Both statements 1 and 2 are correct.
Q3. The e-wastes
Represents municipal solids
Is produced in developing countries and exported to developed countries
Are buried in land fills or incinerated
Does not involve recycling
Correct answer: 4) Are buried in land fills or incinerated
Explanation:
Hazardous Waste & E-waste -
Irreparable computers and other electronic goods are known as electronic wastes (e-waste). E-waste is buried in landfills or incinerated. Hazardous waste includes substances that are toxic, flammable, corrosive, or reactive, posing a threat to health and the environment. E-waste, a type of hazardous waste, contains materials like heavy metals (lead, mercury, and cadmium) and plastics. Improper disposal of e-waste can lead to soil, water, and air pollution. Recycling e-waste helps recover valuable components like gold, silver, and copper while minimizing environmental damage. Safe handling and strict regulations are essential for effective e-waste management.
Hence, the correct answer is an option (3) Are buried in landfills or incinerated.
Also Read:
FAQs on Biodegradable and Non-Biodegradable Waste
What is biodegradable waste?
Biodegradable waste is the type of waste that can be broken down naturally by microorganisms like bacteria, fungi, and decomposers into simpler, harmless substances. They support the environment in a number of ways. They easily dissolve when exposed to natural elements like fire, water, earth, and air and are good for the ecosystem's equilibrium.
What is non-biodegradable waste?
Non-biodegradable waste refers to substances that cannot be easily decomposed by natural agents. These materials can persist in the environment for hundreds or even thousands of years.They may also cause pollution and ecological imbalance.
What are the examples of biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste?
Biodegradable waste: Food scraps, paper, vegetable peels, wood, cotton, sewage, dead plants and animals.
Non-biodegradable waste: Plastic, glass, metals, synthetic fibres, polythene bags, electronic waste, pesticides.
What is the difference between biodegradable and non-biodegradable substances?
Biodegradable substances can be decomposed by natural processes, while non-biodegradable substances resist breakdown and persist in the environment for long periods.
Biodegradable items integrate back into nature, while non-biodegradable ones accumulate as waste.
Biodegradable waste takes a shorter time to compose while non biodegradable takes longer to decompose.
Recommended Video for Biodegradable and Non-Biodegradable Waste
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Biodegradableerials are kind to the environment. They support the environment in a number of ways. They easily dissolve when exposed to natural elements like fire, water, earth, and air and are good for the ecosystem's equilibrium. Biodegradable materials are capable of being used in more cost-effective and beneficial ways because of the efficient process that breaks down their structure in a microbe. Food, plants, animals, paper, wood, vegetables, fruits, and many other things are examples of biodegradable materials. These materials support the ecosystem's natural cycle, are simple to recycle, and don't harm the environment.
Microbial processes do not break down non-biodegradable materials. The environment may be harmed by their disposal in the soil, burning, or dumping into bodies of water. Recycling them from landfills and marine depositions is therefore the best way to reduce their deposition. In other words, without subjecting them to any chemical or physical processes, we can repurpose them. Useful alternatives include using cloth carry bags and avoiding the disposal of non-biodegradable materials.
One of the greatest ways to understand how biodegradable garbage works is through the example of paper. When you throw a bunch of paper in a deserted area with soil and grass and then return to the area later, you won't be able to find the papers you placed there weeks before. You consequently discover soil or muck. Biodegradable trash includes paper. Decomposing describes the process through which the earth takes up the trash.