Science · Class 6
Garbage In, Garbage Out
Waste segregation, composting, vermicomposting, and recycling.
4 sections15–25 min read6 MCQs · 2 examples
Chapter Overview
Waste management protects health and environment. This chapter distinguishes biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste, composting, vermicomposting, recycling, and reducing waste at source.
Types of Waste
- Biodegradable: decomposed by microbes (vegetable peels, paper)
- Non-biodegradable: persist long (plastic, glass, metals)
- Landfills, open dumping cause pollution and disease
Waste Management
- Composting: aerobic decomposition of organic waste
- Vermicomposting: red worms convert waste to manure
- Recycling: paper, glass, metal reprocessed
- Reduce, Reuse, Recycle (3 R's)
Harmful Waste
- Hospital waste needs special treatment
- Electronic waste contains toxic metals
- Plastic bags block drains and harm animals
Solved Examples
Step-by-step solutions — read each step before checking the final answer.
Classify waste
Classify: plastic bottle, banana peel, glass jar, cotton cloth.
- 1Banana peel, cotton — biodegradable
- 2Plastic bottle, glass — non-biodegradable (but glass recycles)
- 3All should be segregated at source
Answer
Biodegradable: peel, cotton | Non-bio: plastic, glass
Vermicomposting
Why are red worms used in vermicomposting?
- 1Worms eat organic waste
- 2Break it down in gut
- 3Produce nutrient-rich vermicompost
Answer
They speed up decomposition into manure
Key Points to Remember
- ✓ Segregate wet and dry waste at home
- ✓ Burning plastic releases toxic gases
- ✓ Paper can be recycled 5–7 times
Exam Tips
- • Give examples of biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste
- • Explain vermicomposting steps
- • Suggest how to reduce plastic use
Practice MCQs — Garbage In, Garbage Out
Test your understanding with topic-wise multiple choice questions. Explanations appear after each answer.
Question 1 of 6Score: 0/0
Biodegradable waste includes: