What are Non-biodegradable materials?
Non-biodegradable materials are substances that do not break down or decompose easily in the
environment. These materials can persist in the environment for many years, causing pollution
and harm to ecosystems.
Some examples of Non Biodegradable Materials include :
● Plastics
● Aluminum cans
● Glass
● Synthetic Fabrics
● Styrofoam
The presence of non-biodegradable waste in soil can lead to nutrient depletion and hinder the
growth of vegetation. When non-biodegradable materials like plastics are improperly disposed
of in landfills or open spaces, they prevent the penetration of water and air into the soil,
disrupting the natural ecosystem.
However, the way in which these items are disposed of can be less impactful on the
environment. The mistake that we often make as humans is practicing improper disposal
techniques. Open dumping is the most common method of waste disposal worldwide
The trash heaps are usually left open to the environment and the elements. These seldom have
a sparse covering which can often attract pests or vermin.
Sometimes, these dumps are subjected to open burning, which can release toxic fumes and
smokes. Sometimes, wastes are illegally dumped into rivers and canals or used to fill land
depressions without proper consultations. These practices cause a lot of problems in the long
run. These can range from the degradation of the soil quality to leaching toxic chemicals into
underground water sources. Therefore, to prevent such scenarios, proper waste disposal
methods should be adopted.
Sanitary landfill is the most inexpensive disposal method known
today. It is especially suitable for rural areas, mountainous areas, or areas which have an air
pollution problem. A properly operated sanitary landfill produces no objectionable odors, vector
problems, or blight, and is especially suited to the reclamation of marginal land. A sanitary
landfill is basic to any other solid waste processing operation, since all produce some material
which must be sanitary [Link] adoption of these principles helps in minimizing the amount
of waste to be disposed of, thus also diminishing the public health and environmental risks
associated with it.
SANITARY LANDFILL versus DUMPS
Dump (Improper) Sanitary Landfill (Proper)
● It is harmful for the environment as ● Wastes are compacted to prevent
well as for humans and other living plastics and papers from blowing
organisms. away
● The solid waste materials which are ● Site is lined with clay, plastic or strong
left in the open give out bad odor. runner to minimize drainage of
● The breeding grounds for mosquitoes, harmful liquids in the soil and into
flies and other harmful bacteria. underground water
● This can cause a variety of diseases. ● Gasses such as methane, carbon
● Sometimes the rain can wash away dioxide, hydrogen sulfide which is
this waste to nearby water bodies like released from materials breaking
rivers, streams, lakes or ponds. These down, is extracted and used for
water bodies get polluted. generating electricity
● If these wastes are absorbed in the ● The site is properly covered so that it
soil, they can easily pollute the does not attract rodents and other
groundwater. vermin
