Q3
1 markVery Short AnswerSection A

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

Our Environment
Biodegradable and Non-biodegradable Wastes
Official Answer

Biodegradable and non-biodegradable wastes should be discarded in separate dustbins because they require entirely different disposal and treatment methods:


  1. Biodegradable wastes (like kitchen waste, fruit peels, and paper) can be broken down by microorganisms like bacteria and fungi into simple inorganic substances. These can be converted into useful compost to replenish the soil.
  2. Non-biodegradable wastes (like plastics, glass, and metal strips) cannot be broken down by biological processes. They persist in the environment for a long time and can harm ecosystem members. Separating them allows these materials to be sent directly for recycling or safe engineering disposal without contaminating organic waste.
biodegradablenon-biodegradabledecomposerspersistrecyclingcomposting

Marking Scheme

  • 10.5 marks
  • 20.5 marks

Hint

Think about which type of waste can be decomposed naturally by microbes and which type persists forever and needs recycling.

Quick Oral Answer

We separate them because biodegradable wastes can be decomposed naturally by bacteria and fungi to make compost, while non-biodegradable wastes like plastic do not decompose and must be sent for recycling so they do not pollute the soil.

Analysis & Explanation

According to the NCERT text, substances that are broken down by biological processes are biodegradable, whereas those that are not broken down in this manner are non-biodegradable. Non-biodegradable substances are inert and persist in the environment for a long time. If mixed together, non-biodegradable items contaminate organic waste, making composting difficult and hazardous, while also hindering the recovery and recycling of recyclable materials.

Common Mistakes

  1. 1Giving a generic answer like 'to keep the surroundings clean' without explaining the biological difference in decomposition between the two types of waste.

Interesting Facts

Some modern 'biodegradable plastics' require very specific industrial composting conditions (high temperature and pressure) to break down and do not decompose easily in normal backyard compost piles.

Spotted a mistake or something unclear?

Tell us — we fix reported answers fast.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many marks does this question carry in CBSE Class 10 Science 2013?

This question carries 1 mark in the CBSE Class 10 Science 2013 examination.

Which chapter does this question come from in Science?

This question is from the chapter "Our Environment" in the CBSE Class 10 Science syllabus.

What topic does this question cover in Science?

This question covers the topic "Biodegradable and Non-biodegradable Wastes" from CBSE Class 10 Science.

What type of question is this in the CBSE Class 10 Science 2013 paper?

This is a Very Short Answer question from Section A in the CBSE Class 10 Science 2013 paper.