Careers360 Logo
Biodegradable and Non Biodegradable - Definition, Examples, Difference, FAQs

Biodegradable and Non Biodegradable - Definition, Examples, Difference, FAQs

Edited By Team Careers360 | Updated on Jul 02, 2025 04:44 PM IST

Every day, we produce a lot of waste and throw away or discard the waste in our surroundings. This category includes edible peels and fruits, empty cartons, tea leaves, old clothing and shoes, and many other disposable items. Biological processes can break down materials such as paper, vegetable, and fruit peels by the action of bacteria or other decomposers. Such materials are called as biodegradable because those can be broken down effortlessly by bacteria. On the other hand, there are materials which cannot be decomposed by biological processes called as non-biodegradable materials. Such substances includes plastics, metallic cans, and pesticides.

This Story also Contains
  1. What is the Meaning of Biodegradable?
  2. What is biodegradable waste?
  3. What does non-biodegradable mean?
  4. Difference Between Biodegradable and Non- biodegradable:
  5. Effects of Waste Material on Environment:
  6. Treatment:
Biodegradable and Non Biodegradable - Definition, Examples, Difference, FAQs
Biodegradable and Non Biodegradable - Definition, Examples, Difference, FAQs

Biodegradable and Non- Biodegradable

What is the Meaning of Biodegradable?

Microorganisms (such as bacteria and fungi), temperature, sunlight, and oxygen are all able to degrade waste materials in the natural environment. Biodegradable waste include kitchen wastes, food wastes, biodegradable polymers among others. It is the work of microorganisms and other abiotic elements to break down complex organic substances into simple organic matters that are subsequently consumed by the soil. This entire process is natural and can be slow or fast. Therefore, biodegradable waste have very low risk and low impact on the environment.

Background wave

Also read :

What is biodegradable waste?

An organic waste that can be decomposed by other living organisms, including plants and animals, is termed biodegradable waste. Usually, organic materials are present in municipal solid waste such as green waste, food waste, paper waste, and biodegradable plastic.

What does non-biodegradable mean?

A non-biodegradable material is any material that is incapable of being broken down by natural organisms. Non-biodegradable wastes cannot easily be gotten rid of, unlike biodegradable wastes. Non-biodegradable wastes are those that are incapable of decomposition or degradation by natural agents. Despite thousands of years without degradation or breakdown, they remain on earth. They are also more dangerous, so the threat they cause is also much broader.

Plastics can be spotted in almost every industry to provide an example of biodegradable and non- biodegradable. Better quality plastics can be applied to give these plastics a long-term outcome. It made them more resistant to temperature changes and harder after being used. Metals, cans, metal products, detergents and chemicals for agricultural and industrial uses are also common causes.

Non-biodegradable waste materials are not eco-friendly and should be removed or substituted. Science has contributed many innovative ideas with regards to the development of alternatives, such as biodegradable plastics. The Companies combined biodegradable material with plastic to create a material that degrades rapidly. It is a rather costly procedure. There are biodegradable wastes that can be recycled and reused again, and there are non-biodegradable wastes that are not recyclable and further leads to increase in biological oxygen demand in the water bodies.

NEET Highest Scoring Chapters & Topics
This ebook serves as a valuable study guide for NEET exams, specifically designed to assist students in light of recent changes and the removal of certain topics from the NEET exam.
Download EBook

Difference Between Biodegradable and Non- biodegradable:

S.NO.

Biodegradable

Non-Biodegradable

1.

There is a rapid degradation process for biodegradable waste,

Degradation process in Nonbiodegradable waste is slow

2.

Biodegradable waste is decomposed by microorganisms.

Non-biodegradable waste cannot decay.

3.

Biodegradable waste is not collected but decomposes in a short time

Non-biodegradable waste is usually collected

4.

Biodegradable waste enters biogeochemical cycles and can be recycled promptly

Non-Biodegradable waste cannot enter those cycles, which are slower and are more harmful to the environment.

5.

Making compost and biogas is possible with biodegradable waste

It is possible to recycle non-biodegradable waste, but the process is expensive


Effects of Waste Material on Environment:

Around the world, waste quantities are commonly grown in all countries. There are billions of tons of waste produced each year. Our homes, businesses, and industry generate waste and dispose of it in large amounts, which creates a vast environmental problem. Large-scale pollution of both land and water occurs by agriculture, municipal & industrial solid waste, and biomass deposits on biodegradable and non- biodegradable waste.

Waste production damages materials and energy and raises environmental costs for society due to the collection, treatment, and disposal of waste. Due to greenhouse gas emissions (methane and carbon dioxide) and transboundary movements of organic micropollutants (dioxins and furans) and heavy metals, landfills and incinerators have a significant impact, Humans have struggled with waste since the dawn of time.

They found that waste is a source of illnesses, diseases, and infections, so they dumped their waste, which was entirely biological, all the way out to sea. Municipal dumps were first conceived in 500 BC outside ancient Greece, where regulations required waste to be dumped for at least a mile outside the city limits. Before the industrial revolution, most wastes Was organic, meaning it could decompose or degrade naturally. Due to industrialization, urbanization, and the growth of society, the amount of waste increased significantly.

Treatment:

A non-biodegradable or one which is biodegradable can be harmful to humans and the environment. So, it is necessary to treat wastes correctly. To reduce waste, we have to work together as a society. We all have a role to play. Each of us can take simple steps to combat the three "Rs"- Recycle, Reuse, and Reduce. As well as saving energy, this can also protect other resources. Another step is to separate biodegradable and non- biodegradable garbage at home and dispose of it separately.

Also check-

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is meant by biodegradable?

A biodegradable material or object can be decomposed by organisms found in nature, such as bacteria. 

2. What are examples for biodegradable and nonbiodegradable?
The examples for biodegradable materials are human faeces, manure, sludge etc. and non-biodegradable materials are glass, plastic, metals, pesticides.

3. What is meant by non-biodegradable?

Non-biodegradables are materials or substances that cannot fully decompose through biological processes. Plastic and artificial waste are also among the non-biodegradable materials. 

4. 4.How does non-biodegradable waste adversely affect the environment?

In the process of accumulation, biodegradable and non- biodegradable waste poses a significant threat to the environment. Among the adverse effects of non-biodegradable waste are clogged drains, destruction and contamination of water bodies, soil erosion, Climate change, Death of cattle because of ingestion of the plastics, also nutrition deficient crops, and ecological imbalance.

5. 5. What are the examples of biodegradable waste?
Is garbage biodegradable?


Biodegradable waste can be found in municipal solid waste (sometimes called biodegradable municipal waste, or as green waste, food waste, paper waste and biodegradable plastics). Other biodegradable wastes include human waste, manure, sewage, sewage sludge and slaughterhouse waste.
6. How do non-biodegradable materials differ from biodegradable ones?
Non-biodegradable materials cannot be broken down by natural processes or living organisms. They persist in the environment for long periods, often hundreds or thousands of years, without significant degradation. This persistence can lead to accumulation in ecosystems and potential environmental harm.
7. Why are some plastics considered non-biodegradable?
Many plastics are non-biodegradable because their molecular structures are not recognized by the enzymes of decomposing organisms. These plastics are often made from synthetic polymers derived from petroleum, which microorganisms have not evolved to break down efficiently.
8. Can all natural materials be considered biodegradable?
While most natural materials are biodegradable, not all are. Some natural substances, like certain types of rubber or lignin in wood, can take an extremely long time to decompose. The rate of biodegradation depends on the material's chemical structure and environmental conditions.
9. How does the chemical structure of a material affect its biodegradability?
The chemical structure determines how easily enzymes from decomposing organisms can break down the material. Simple, naturally occurring structures like those in food waste are easily biodegraded. Complex or synthetic structures, like those in many plastics, are often resistant to enzymatic breakdown, making them non-biodegradable.
10. What is the difference between biodegradable and compostable materials?
While all compostable materials are biodegradable, not all biodegradable materials are compostable. Compostable materials break down into nutrient-rich organic matter (compost) under specific conditions, usually in a composting facility. Biodegradable materials may break down in various environments but don't necessarily produce beneficial compost.
11. How do microplastics relate to the concept of biodegradability?
Microplastics are tiny plastic particles less than 5mm in size. They often result from the breakdown of larger plastic items. While this fragmentation might seem like degradation, it's not true biodegradation. Microplastics are still non-biodegradable and can persist in the environment, potentially causing harm to ecosystems and entering food chains.
12. What are oxo-degradable plastics, and are they truly biodegradable?
Oxo-degradable plastics are conventional plastics with additives that cause them to fragment into small pieces when exposed to heat and light. While they break apart more quickly than regular plastics, they're not truly biodegradable. The resulting microplastics can persist in the environment and potentially cause harm. Many environmental experts discourage their use as an eco-friendly alternative.
13. How do additives in plastics affect their biodegradability?
Additives in plastics can have various effects on biodegradability:
14. What is the relationship between biodegradability and recycling?
Biodegradability and recycling are two different approaches to waste management:
15. What are some innovative biodegradable alternatives to traditional plastics?
Several innovative biodegradable alternatives are being developed:
16. How do environmental factors influence the rate of biodegradation?
Environmental factors such as temperature, moisture, pH, and the presence of microorganisms significantly affect biodegradation rates. Warmer temperatures, adequate moisture, neutral pH, and a diverse microbial community generally accelerate the process. Extreme conditions can slow or halt biodegradation.
17. What role does oxygen play in biodegradation?
Oxygen is crucial for aerobic biodegradation, where microorganisms use oxygen to break down organic matter. In the presence of oxygen, biodegradation is typically faster and more complete. However, some biodegradation can occur anaerobically (without oxygen), though it's usually slower and may produce different byproducts.
18. Can biodegradable materials solve the plastic pollution problem?
Biodegradable materials can help reduce plastic pollution, but they're not a complete solution. They still require proper disposal and specific conditions to degrade effectively. Moreover, some "biodegradable" plastics may not break down as quickly or completely as claimed, especially in natural environments like oceans.
19. How long does it take for common biodegradable items to decompose?
Decomposition times vary widely based on the material and environmental conditions. For example:
20. What chemical processes occur during biodegradation?
Biodegradation involves several chemical processes:
21. What are some examples of non-biodegradable materials?
Common non-biodegradable materials include:
22. How does the concept of biodegradability apply to composite materials?
Biodegradability of composites depends on their components:
23. Can non-biodegradable materials ever break down?
While non-biodegradable materials don't break down through biological processes, they can degrade through other means:
24. How does cross-linking in polymers affect biodegradability?
Cross-linking in polymers generally reduces biodegradability because:
25. What is the relationship between a material's crystallinity and its biodegradability?
Crystallinity generally reduces biodegradability because:
26. How does the concept of half-life apply to biodegradable materials?
The half-life of a biodegradable material is the time it takes for half of the material to decompose. This concept helps quantify biodegradation rates. Materials with shorter half-lives are more readily biodegradable. However, unlike radioactive decay, biodegradation rates can vary based on environmental conditions, making half-life estimates less precise.
27. How do enzymes facilitate biodegradation?
Enzymes are biological catalysts that speed up chemical reactions in living organisms. In biodegradation, microorganisms produce specific enzymes that:
28. What is the role of microorganisms in biodegradation, and how do they differ in various environments?
Microorganisms are the primary agents of biodegradation. They secrete enzymes that break down organic materials. Different environments host different microbial communities:
29. How does the chemical composition of soil affect biodegradation?
Soil composition significantly influences biodegradation:
30. What is the role of biofilms in biodegradation?
Biofilms are communities of microorganisms that adhere to surfaces. They play a significant role in biodegradation by:
31. What does biodegradable mean?
Biodegradable refers to materials that can be broken down naturally by living organisms, such as bacteria and fungi, into simpler substances. This process typically occurs within a relatively short period, usually months to a few years, and results in the material being reintegrated into the environment without causing harm.
32. What is the difference between primary and ultimate biodegradation?
Primary biodegradation refers to the initial breakdown of a material, resulting in a change in its chemical structure or loss of specific properties. Ultimate biodegradation, also called mineralization, is the complete breakdown of a material into simple inorganic compounds like CO2, water, and minerals. Ultimate biodegradation is the goal for truly biodegradable materials.
33. What is the role of abiotic factors in the initial stages of biodegradation?
Abiotic factors play a crucial role in initiating biodegradation:
34. How does the molecular weight of a polymer affect its biodegradability?
Generally, polymers with lower molecular weights are more biodegradable. This is because:
35. How does the surface area-to-volume ratio of a material affect its biodegradation rate?
The surface area-to-volume ratio significantly influences biodegradation rates:
36. What are the environmental implications of incomplete biodegradation?
Incomplete biodegradation can lead to several issues:
37. How do biodegradation testing methods differ, and what are their limitations?
Common biodegradation testing methods include:
38. What are the challenges in developing biodegradable electronics?
Developing biodegradable electronics faces several challenges:
39. How does the presence of heavy metals affect the biodegradability of materials?
Heavy metals can significantly impact biodegradation:
40. How does the biodegradability of materials change in marine environments compared to terrestrial ones?
Biodegradation in marine environments differs from terrestrial settings:
41. What are the potential risks of using biodegradable materials in long-term applications?
Using biodegradable materials for long-term applications poses several risks:

Articles

Back to top