Definition of Non-Biodegradable Substances

PLASTIC: Plastic made of petro chemical which is Non-Biodegradable.

Those materials which cannot be broken down or decomposed into the soil by natural agents are labelled as non-biodegradable. These substances consist of plastic materials, metal scraps, aluminium cans and bottles, hazardous chemicals etc. These things are practically immune to the natural processes and thus cannot be fed upon or broken down even after thousands of years. Therefore, these waste rather than returning back, contribute to solid waste which is very hazardous for the environment. The ever increasing load of non-biodegradable trash is a growing concern all over the world and several countries are therefore, looking for eco-friendly alternatives that can minimize the threat on several land and aquatic life forms.

Definition of Biodegradable Substances

The term ‘Biodegradable’ is used for those things that can be easily decomposed by natural agents like water, oxygen, ultraviolet rays of the sun, acid rains, micro-organisms, etc.

One can notice that when a dead leaf or a banana peel is thrown outside, it is acted upon by several micro-organisms like bacteria, fungi or small insects in a time period. The natural elements like oxygen, water,

The natural elements like oxygen, water, moisture, and heat facilitate the decomposition thereby breaking the complex organic forms to simpler units. The decomposed matter eventually mixes or returns back to the soil and thus the soil is once again nourished with various nutrients and minerals.

Biodegradable refers to the ability of materials to break down and return to nature. In order for packaging products or materials to qualify as biodegradable, they must completely break down and decompose into natural elements within a short time after disposal – typically a year or less. The ability to biodegrade within landfills helps to reduce the build-up of waste, contributing to a safer, cleaner and healthier environment. Materials that are biodegradable include corrugated cardboard and even some plastics. Most plastics, however, are not biodegradable – meaning they cannot break down easily after disposal and can remain on the planet as waste for decades.

Definition of Compostable Substances

Compostable materials are similar to biodegradable materials, as they are both intended to return to the earth safely. However, compostable materials go one step further by providing the earth with nutrients once the material has completely broken down. How its work:

After use and disposal, it is broke down by micro-organism and produces humus. Hence, it disposes within environment without leaving any residues. Compostable also depend on upon on environment condition, such as, (Because the presence of bacteria & water), means Bio plastic that undergo degradation by biological   process during composting to yield CO2,water,inorganic compounds and biomass at a rate consistent with other known compostable materials, excluding conventional petro-based plastic, and does not leave visible, distinguishable or toxic residue.