Almost everything that we use degenerates and loses its utility over a period of time. Many things become unusable after we use them only once. We then throw them away. Everything that we discard after it loses its usability is known as solid waste or garbage. There are different sources from where solid waste or garbage is generated everyday from individual households (domestic waste), and from industries and commercial establishments. However, all such wastes are not uniform in nature. Broadly speaking, solid wastes can be divided into two distinct categories biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste.
Biodegradable and Non-biodegradable Waste
Let us understand how biodegradable wastes are different from non-biodegradable wastes by conducting the following activity.
We define biodegradable materials as those substances made of organic matter, such as plant and animal matter, that can be easily broken down by nature. For example, vegetable peels and other kitchen waste, vegetables, fruits, tea leaves, paper, wood, etc.
Non-biodegradable materials are those materials, which cannot be broken down easily, and retain their form for a long period of time. For example, metals, tin, glass, plastics etc.
