What is Biodegradable and Non Biodegradable Waste?

Waste generation is a part of our daily routine. From everything we use and eat, we produce waste. This includes substances like kitchen waste from fruits and vegetables. Other wastes include papers, cardboard, tea bags, plastic and plastic bags, wood, metal cans, newspapers, old clothes, and even footwear.

Most of the materials like vegetables, fruits, and papers can easily get decomposed by bacteria. Such materials are termed biodegradable materials. Other materials like plastic and metals that cannot be broken down by bacteria are termed as non-biodegradable substances.

Generically, anything that is of no use, we term it as waste. This waste can be segregated into two types. Biodegradable and non-biodegradable. Both are different and include different types of materials.

What is Biodegradable Waste?

By definition, biodegradable waste refers to the type of waste that is decomposable naturally. This waste can break down due to the action of microorganisms and bacteria into harmless natural elements. Biodegradable waste is usually present in municipal solid waste. This majorly includes food waste, paper waste, green materials, and biodegradable plastics.

Other types of biodegradable wastes are human and animal wastes, and slaughterhouse remains. Biodegradable wastes are usually recyclable. They can be separated from other types of wastes and then processed to composed further things. They can be turned into useful materials such as compost and fertilizers, through a long process of decomposition.

Effects of Biodegradable waste

Biodegradable wastes upon decomposition, generate harmful and toxic gases. These gases include methane which is highly toxic and contributes to the increase in global warming through greenhouse gases. Another false effect of biodegradable waste is that it provides a breeding ground for mosquitoes, rats, house fly and spread various transferable diseases.

What is Non-Biodegradable Waste?

Non-biodegradable waste refers to the type of waste that cannot be consumed or broken naturally. Any material that cannot be organically decomposed is termed as non-biodegradable. Such wastes are not easy to handle. They remain on the earth for several years without being deformed or decomposed and cause harm to the environment. A few examples of non-biodegradable or inorganic wastes include metals, electronics, medical waste, glassware, plastics, and plastic bags, chemicals, and batteries, etc.

Non-Biodegradable materials usually cost low. Hence, they are often used in more substances. However, after use, they only land in solid wastes piles or landfills which cannot be further decomposed or broken down. Such wastes are harmful to the environment hence they are termed toxic wastes.

Effects of Non-Biodegradable Wastes

Non-biodegradable wastes in landfills or under the soil make it more acidic or alkaline. Affecting the fertility of the soil. Toxic materials such as D.D.T is produced when non-biodegradable wastes lie under the soil. They get into the food chain and gradually reach the human body causing adverse effects. Such materials get washed away from open fields with water, causing harmful effects to the aquatic and marine life.

It is important to effectively manage any type of waste to keep safe and keep the environment clean. To effectively manage your household waste. Search for a Domestic skip hire near me and get a skip to collect all your waste. Using segregated bins can also be a better idea.


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Written by George Warren

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