NCERT Summary: Garbage In, Garbage Out | NCERT Video Summary: Class 6 to Class 12 (English) - UPSC PDF Download

Introduction

• Garbage is an undesired and unwanted material.
• It is also referred to as rubbish, junk or trash.
• Proper disposal of garbage is necessary for maintaining cleanliness in surroundings.

Sources of waste

• Domestic wastes: Vegetable peels, paper, food leftover and plastics are domestic waste.
• Industrial waste: Wastes which produced from industries like plastic, glass, fly ash, smoke etc.
• Commercial wastes: These wastes come from generated from commercial establishment such as hotels, malls, auto-repair shops, medical facilities.
• Agricultural wastes These wastes are rice husk, dried stems and weeds and cattle waste.

Types of waste

According to mode of decomposition, there are three types of wastes:

• Biodegradable wastes
• Non-biodegradable wastes
• Plastics

1. Biodegradable wastes

• Wastes which broken down into simple constituents by the action of microorganisms.
• Examples: animal wastes, organic wastes, domestic refuse etc.

2. Non-biodegradable wastes

• Wastes which cannot be disintegrated by action of microorganisms and remain unaffected from decomposition.
• Examples: glass, scraps, metal etc.

3. Plastics

• It cannot converted into less harmful substances by composting.
• Examples: bottles, pipes, shoes, bags etc.

Separation of garbage at landfill

Useful components

• The part of garbage which can be re-used is known as useful component.
• This components are then re-treated with some process to make it non-toxic.

Non-useful components

• The part of garbage which cannot be used is known as non-useful components.
• This components are then separated and spread on the land and put sand layer on it.

Ill effect of plastics

• Plastic bags choke sewer system.
• Burning emits poisonous gases cause health problems.
• Food stored in bad quality plastic may harmful for body
• Food eaten by animals from plastic bags which may lead to death.

Management of plastics

• Do not burn plastic bags or other plastic items
• Do not throw plastic here and there after use
• Use paper bags or cloth bags instead of plastic bags
• Educate family members and friends about the proper disposal of plastics.

Vermicomposting

• It is a method of preparing compost with the help of red worms is known as vermicomposting.
• Excreta of the worms make the compost very rich in nutrients.
• Vericompost is organic fertilizer, nutrient-rich and soil conditioner.

How to reduce garbage?

Reduce

• We have to reduce our consumption.
• We should use an item when it is necessary to use.

Reuse

• We can reuse substances many items.
• For example: newspaper into book cover or as a bag.

Recycle

• It is a process in which used materials converts into new products in order to prevent the waste of potentially useful materials.