Biodegradable waste is any organic matter in waste that can be broken down into carbon dioxide, water, methane, compost, humus, and simple organic molecules by micro-organisms and other living things by composting, aerobic digestion, or anaerobic digestion. Biodegradable waste can be found in municipal solid waste, green waste, food waste, paper waste, and biodegradable plastics. Other biodegradable wastes include human waste, manure, sewage, sewage sludge, and slaughterhouse waste. Biodegradable waste can be used for composting or as a resource for heat, electricity, and fuel by means of incineration or anaerobic digestion.
In contrast, non-biodegradable waste is any type of substance that is a cause of pollution and cannot be degraded by living things. Examples of non-biodegradable waste include plastic, glass, metal, and electronic waste. Non-biodegradable waste cannot be handled as easily as biodegradable waste and can create pollution if not disposed of properly.
