Question

Why should biodegradable and non-biodegradable wastes be discarded in two separate dust bins?

Answer 1

Waste is any unwanted substance that must be properly disposed of, to reduce the risk of environmental pollution. Based on its degradation ability, waste can be classified as biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste.

Complete answer:
Biodegradable and non-biodegradable wastes should be discarded in two separate bins because of their effective treatment and disposal. The separation of these wastes must be done at the source only. This will help in preventing environmental pollution. As biodegradable wastes can be degraded by natural means i.e., composting, they can be used to produce manure, biogas, etc. which will further serve the purpose of providing energy and thereby reducing pollution. Non-biodegradable wastes, on the other hand, cannot be degraded by natural means. Therefore, these wastes must be sent for safer disposal or to the recycling units to recycle them into useful products, thereby reducing the risk of environmental pollution.

Additional information:
Biodegradable wastes are those wastes that can be degraded by the action of sunlight, microbes, water, and more which are known for converting them into organic manure. Thus, these wastes are non-toxic to the environment and are composed of natural materials only. These wastes include municipal waste, human waste, sewage sludge, slaughterhouse waste. Non- biodegradable wastes can’t be degraded easily and accumulate in the environment thereby causing harm to the environment. These wastes include plastics, rubber, chemicals, batteries, metals, and paints.

Note: To reduce the risk of environmental pollution, wastes must be segregated into biodegradable and non-biodegradable wastes in two separate dustbins for its effective treatment and disposal.