What is the Difference Between Biodegradable and Non-Biodegradable Waste

Q. What is the difference between biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste?

• Biodegradable waste materials are those waste materials that can be decomposed into various chemicals or simple organic molecules like carbon dioxide, water, and methane

• the decomposition of biodegradable waste materials is initiated by the action of microorganisms through processes such as composting, aerobic and anaerobic digestion

• Apart from organic waste materials, inorganic waste materials can also be decomposed into smaller molecules

• Some examples of biodegradable waste materials include vegetable peels, paper, cotton, rug, rope, woolen clothes, leather shoes, nylon fabric and glass bottles

• Non-biodegradable wastes are not broken down into simpler forms by the action of microorganisms and they continue to remain on the earth’s surface for many years

• These wastes act as a source of pollution for the environment 

• A few examples of non-biodegradable waste materials are glass, plastic, metals, pesticides, fibers, e-waste, artificial rubber and artificial polymers

• The non-biodegradable waste materials pose a serious threat to the environment. They poison the soil where they are thrown or buried. The ph. value and the fertility get altered

• If these wastes are thrown into the rivers, the aquatic plants and animals are adversely affected