Garbage In Garbage Out

Garbage In, Garbage Out – Class 6 CBSE Science Notes

Introduction to Garbage and Waste Management

Every household, school, office, and shop generates waste materials daily, commonly known as garbage or rubbish (called 'kooda' in Hindi). Understanding how to manage this waste is crucial for maintaining a clean, healthy environment and preventing disease.

Garbage includes fruit and vegetable peels, leftover cooked food, fallen leaves, packaging materials (plastic bags, cardboard cartons, paper wrappers), waste paper, old plastic objects, metal items, and discarded clothes. Every time we throw something away, we contribute to garbage generation.

Why is proper garbage disposal important?

• Prevents foul smells from rotting waste
• Eliminates breeding grounds for disease-causing organisms (cockroaches, flies, mosquitoes)
• Keeps our surroundings clean and hygienic
• Protects the environment from pollution

Understanding Biodegradable and Non-Biodegradable Waste

Biodegradable Waste

Biodegradable waste refers to materials that can decompose naturally through microbial action, breaking down into harmless substances. This type of waste rots or decomposes when buried in soil.

Examples of biodegradable waste:

• Fruit and vegetable peels
• Leftover food
• Leaves and plant matter
• Paper
• Cotton, wool, silk
• Leather
• Cow dung

Also known as: Organic waste

Non-Biodegradable Waste

Non-biodegradable waste consists of materials that do not decompose naturally. These materials remain in the environment for extended periods, causing pollution.

Examples of non-biodegradable waste:

• Plastics (bags, bottles, containers, toys)
• Glass objects
• Metal articles
• Materials not derived from plant or animal sources

Challenges: Non-biodegradable waste doesn't rot when buried, and burning plastics releases poisonous gases, making disposal problematic.

Methods of Garbage Disposal

1. Composting

Composting is the process of converting plant and animal waste into nutrient-rich manure through natural decomposition.

Compost is rotted organic waste used as natural fertilizer for plants. It contains essential nutrients that promote plant growth without harming the soil.

Benefits of composting:

• Creates natural, cost-effective fertilizer
• Reduces dependency on expensive chemical fertilizers
• Doesn't harm soil quality (unlike synthetic fertilizers)
• Sustainable waste management solution

2. Vermicomposting

Vermicomposting is an advanced composting method that uses redworms (a type of earthworm) to convert kitchen waste into high-quality manure called vermicompost.

Why redworms?

Redworms have a remarkable ability to process organic matter and produce superior quality compost through their digestive process.

How to Make Vermicompost: Step-by-Step Process

1. Prepare the pit: Dig a pit about 30 cm deep (or use a wooden box/metal bin) in a shaded area that doesn't receive direct sunlight

2. Create drainage layer: Spread chicken mesh or 1-2 cm sand layer at the bottom

3. Add organic waste: Place kitchen garbage (fruit/vegetable peels, leftover food, tea leaves) and other plant materials (green leaves, dried stalks, husk, paper, cardboard) over the base layer
   • Avoid: Plastic-coated (laminated) paper
   • Include: Dried cow dung if available

4. Moisten the layer: Sprinkle water to make the garbage wet (not waterlogged). Keep the layer loose for proper air circulation

5. Introduce redworms: Purchase redworms from the market and add them to the pit. Cover loosely with gunny bag, old cloth, or grass layer

6. Add grinding agents: Mix powdered eggshells or sea-shells with waste. These help redworms grind food in their gizzard (the grinding structure in their body)

7. Maintenance: Mix and stir the top layers every few days

8. Wait period: After 3-4 weeks, observe loose, soil-like material – this is vermicompost

9. Harvesting: Place fresh kitchen waste in one corner. Redworms will migrate toward food. Remove vermicompost from the vacated area and dry in sunlight

10. Usage: Use as excellent manure for potted plants, gardens, or fields

Important fact: A redworm can eat food equal to its own weight in one day!

Advantages of vermicomposting:

• Proper disposal of kitchen waste
• Produces very high-quality manure
• Cost-effective and sustainable
• Can be done at home or school
• Better than chemical fertilizers

Limitations: Only organic waste (plant/animal matter) can be processed. Plastics, glass, and metals cannot be converted by redworms.

3. Recycling

Recycling means collecting used and discarded materials (paper, plastics, glass, metals) and sending them to industries for reprocessing into new products.

Examples of recycling:

• Paper: Old newspapers, magazines, books, notebooks → sent to paper mills → new paper or cardboard
• Plastics: Broken bags, buckets, cups, toys → plastic factories → melted and remolded → new plastic articles
• Glass: Broken glass items → glass factories → melted → new glass products
• Metals: Old metal objects → foundries → melted → new metal articles

Action: Separate household garbage properly so recyclable materials don't get mixed with waste destined for landfills.

4. Reuse

Reuse means using the same item again for the same or different purposes, extending its useful life.

Examples of reuse:

• Plastic jars (from jams, pickles) → store salt, spices, sugar, tea leaves, pulses
• Paper envelopes → reverse inside out and use again
• Old chart papers → make files or greeting cards
• Old invitation cards → create diaries
• Old clothes → make mats
• Used polythene bags → weave into baskets

Limitation: Items that can be reused are limited.

5. Landfill

Landfill is a low-lying area where garbage that cannot be disposed of by other methods is dumped.

Solid waste from cities is loaded in trucks and deposited in designated landfill sites inside or outside city limits. This method handles waste that cannot be composted, recycled, or reused.

6. Incineration

Incineration involves burning non-useful garbage at high temperatures in special furnaces called incinerators.

Process: Large amounts of garbage → burned in incinerator → reduced to small amounts of ash → ash disposed in landfill

Segregation of Waste: Color-Coded Dustbins

Many municipalities provide separate dustbins with different colors for proper waste segregation:

Dustbin Color	Type of Waste	Purpose
Green	Kitchen waste, plant and animal waste	Can be used to make compost
Blue	Plastics, glass, metal articles	Can be recycled and reused

Why segregate?

Proper separation at source makes recycling more efficient and ensures organic waste can be composted effectively.

Plastics: Boon or Curse?

Plastics as a Boon

Plastics have become indispensable in modern life due to their versatility, durability, and cost-effectiveness.

Common plastic items we use daily:

• Household: Bags, bottles, buckets, mugs, water tanks, pipes
• Personal care: Combs, toothbrushes
• Recreation: Toys, shoes
• Kitchen: Tea strainers, cups, plates
• Furniture: Chairs, tables
• Electrical: Wire insulation, switch covers, plugs, sockets
• Vehicles and appliances: Parts in radios, TVs, refrigerators, cars, buses, trains, aeroplanes

It's difficult to imagine modern life without plastics – making them a genuine boon for society.

Plastics as a Curse

However, excessive plastic use and improper disposal create serious environmental and health problems.

Why plastics are problematic:

• Most plastics cannot be recycled (only some types can)
• Plastics are non-biodegradable (don't decompose naturally)
• Don't rot when buried in soil
• Burning plastics produces extremely harmful, poisonous gases

Harmful Effects of Plastic Waste

1. Drainage and sewer blockage

• Carelessly thrown plastic bags enter drains and sewers
• Block water flow in underground pipes
• Cause dirty drain water to overflow onto roads
• During heavy rains, create flood-like situations in cities

2. Harm to animals

• Stray cattle eat plastic bags mixed with garbage food
• Plastic bags cause serious health problems in animals
• Can lead to death of cattle

3. Health hazards from contaminated bags

• Plastic bags previously containing poisonous substances are sometimes washed and resold
• Using such bags for food storage can harm human health
• Always use new, approved plastic bags for food

4. Toxic fumes from burning

• Burning plastic waste releases extremely harmful gases
• Can cause serious health problems
• May even cause cancer in humans
• Never dispose of plastic waste by burning

Minimizing Plastic Use: Practical Steps

To reduce environmental impact, we must minimize plastic consumption:

1. Reuse plastic carry bags for shopping (when safe to do so)
2. Carry cloth or jute bags when shopping instead of taking new plastic bags
3. Use paper bags wherever possible
4. Reuse plastic containers from packaged foods for kitchen storage
5. Give away old plastic toys to others who can use them
6. Choose products with minimal packaging
7. Prefer cloth bags, jute bags, and paper bags over plastic
8. Recycle plastics wherever possible through proper channels

How to Reduce Garbage Generation

Individual responsibility is crucial for effective waste management. Here are practical ways to reduce garbage:

At Home and School

1. Dispose of kitchen garbage through vermicomposting to create useful manure (never put in polythene bags)
2. Don't throw plastic bags carelessly – reuse where possible, never burn them
3. Use both sides of paper in notebooks to maximize usage
4. Use slates for rough work to save paper
5. Send used newspapers, magazines, notebooks for recycling
6. Donate old clothes and books to those who can use them
7. Use cloth handkerchiefs instead of paper tissues
8. Choose products with least packaging
9. Use reusable shopping bags (cloth, jute, paper) instead of plastic
10. Recycle glass and metal objects instead of discarding them

Remember

Garbage disposal is everyone's responsibility – not just the government's. We must:

• Take steps to reduce garbage generation
• Not throw garbage randomly
• Use proper dustbins for waste collection
• Help keep surroundings clean

Summary Points for Garbage In Garbage Out

1. Garbage (rubbish) is waste material produced by households, shops, offices, and schools daily
2. Regular garbage removal prevents foul smells, disease, and pest breeding
3. Garbage has useful components (can be converted, recycled, reused) and useless components (cannot be used)
4. Biodegradable waste rots naturally (organic matter from plants/animals); non-biodegradable waste doesn't decompose (plastics, glass, metals)
5. Main disposal methods: composting, vermicomposting, recycling, reuse, landfill, incineration
6. Composting converts organic waste into natural fertilizer through decomposition
7. Vermicomposting uses redworms to create high-quality compost from kitchen waste
8. Redworms have a gizzard that helps grind food; they can eat their body weight in food daily
9. Vermicompost takes 3-4 weeks to form and is superior to chemical fertilizers
10. Recycling involves reprocessing used materials (paper, plastic, glass, metal) into new products
11. Reuse extends the life of items by using them again
12. Landfills are low-lying areas for dumping waste that cannot be disposed otherwise
13. Color-coded dustbins: Green for biodegradable waste (compost), Blue for recyclable waste
14. Plastics are both boon and curse: useful in daily life but cause environmental problems
15. Plastics are non-biodegradable and burning them releases poisonous gases
16. Harmful effects of plastic waste: drain blockage, animal deaths, health hazards, toxic fumes
17. Minimize plastic use by reusing bags, carrying cloth/jute bags, using paper alternatives
18. Individual responsibility is essential – reduce, reuse, recycle; use proper dustbins
19. Laminated (plastic-coated) paper should not be used in vermicomposting
20. Garbage management requires collective effort from government and citizens

Important Definitions

Term	Definition
Garbage (Rubbish)	Waste materials, especially household wastes; called 'kooda' in Hindi
Biodegradable	Waste that can rot or decompose naturally to form harmless substances (e.g., food waste, leaves, paper, natural fibers)
Non-Biodegradable	Waste that does not rot or decompose naturally (e.g., plastics, glass, metals)
Organic Waste	Another term for biodegradable garbage derived from plants and animals
Composting	The process of converting plant and animal waste into manure through natural decomposition
Compost	Rotted plant and animal waste used as natural fertilizer for plants
Vermicomposting	Method of making compost from kitchen waste using redworms
Vermicompost	Very high-quality manure produced by redworms from organic waste
Redworms	A type of earthworm with remarkable ability to convert organic matter into high-quality compost
Gizzard	Structure in redworms' bodies that helps grind the food they eat
Recycling	Collecting and reprocessing used materials (paper, plastic, glass, metal) into new products
Reuse	Using the same item again for the same or different purposes
Landfill	Low-lying area where garbage that cannot be disposed by other methods is dumped
Incineration	Burning non-useful garbage at high temperature in special furnaces (incinerators)
Incinerator	Special furnace for burning garbage at high temperatures, reducing it to ash
Ragpickers	People who separate useful components from garbage at dump sites
Sewers	Underground pipes for dirty water
Laminated Paper	Plastic-coated paper that should not be used in composting
Green Dustbin	For collecting kitchen waste and biodegradable materials that can be composted
Blue Dustbin	For collecting recyclable materials (plastics, glass, metals)

Short Questions and Answers

Q1: What is garbage?

Answer: Garbage is waste material or rubbish produced by households, schools, shops, and offices. It includes fruit and vegetable peels, leftover food, packaging materials, waste paper, old plastic objects, metal items, and discarded clothes.

Q2: Why should garbage be removed regularly?

Answer: Regular garbage removal prevents foul smells from rotting waste, eliminates breeding grounds for disease-causing organisms like flies, mosquitoes, and cockroaches, and keeps our surroundings clean and hygienic.

Q3: What is the difference between biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste?

Answer: Biodegradable waste can rot or decompose naturally (e.g., food waste, leaves, paper), while non-biodegradable waste does not decompose naturally (e.g., plastics, glass, metals).

Q4: What type of worms are used for vermicomposting?

Answer: Redworms, a type of earthworm, are used for vermicomposting.

Q5: What is the gizzard in redworms?

Answer: The gizzard is a structure in redworms' bodies that helps them grind the food they eat, since they don't have teeth.

Q6: What type of garbage is collected in green and blue dustbins?

Answer: Green dustbins collect kitchen waste and biodegradable materials that can be composted. Blue dustbins collect recyclable materials like plastics, glass, and metal articles.

Q7: What type of garbage cannot be converted into compost by redworms?

Answer: Garbage containing plastics, glass, and metal objects cannot be converted into compost by redworms because they cannot eat these materials.

Q8: Why is compost better than chemical fertilizers?

Answer: Compost is cheaper than expensive chemical fertilizers and is a natural manure that doesn't harm soil quality, while chemical fertilizers may damage soil in the long run.

Q9: Can we add plastic-coated (laminated) paper in the vermicomposting pit?

Answer: No, plastic-coated paper should not be added because the plastic coating prevents decomposition and redworms cannot process it.

Q10: What is recycling?

Answer: Recycling is collecting used materials like paper, plastics, glass, and metals, and sending them to industries to be reprocessed into new products.

Q11: What are some examples of reuse?

Answer: Plastic jars can be reused for storage, paper envelopes can be reversed and used again, old chart papers can make files, old clothes can become mats, and invitation cards can be made into diaries.

Q12: What is a landfill?

Answer: A landfill is a low-lying area where garbage that cannot be disposed of by other methods is dumped.

Q13: Why are plastics considered both a boon and a curse?

Answer: Plastics are a boon because they're useful in countless daily applications. They become a curse when used excessively and disposed improperly, as they're non-biodegradable, pollute the environment, and burning them releases toxic gases.

Q14: What harmful effects do plastic bags have?

Answer: Plastic bags block drains and sewers causing floods, harm and kill cattle that eat them, may contaminate food when reused unsafely, and release poisonous gases when burned.

Q15: How can we minimize plastic use?

Answer: By reusing plastic bags, carrying cloth or jute bags for shopping, using paper bags, reusing plastic containers, choosing products with minimal packaging, and recycling plastics properly.

Q16: How long does vermicompost take to form?

Answer: Vermicompost takes approximately 3 to 4 weeks to form.

Q17: How much food can a redworm eat in a day?

Answer: A redworm can eat food equal to its own body weight in one day.

Q18: What is incineration?

Answer: Incineration is burning non-useful garbage at high temperatures in special furnaces called incinerators, reducing it to a small amount of ash for landfill disposal.

Q19: What materials can be recycled?

Answer: Paper, some types of plastics, glass, and metal objects can be recycled.

Q20: Why is garbage disposal everyone's responsibility?

Answer: Because effective waste management requires individual action in reducing garbage generation, proper disposal in dustbins, and keeping surroundings clean – not just government efforts.

One-Page Revision Sheet: Garbage In, Garbage Out

Key Concepts at a Glance

What is Garbage?

• Waste materials from homes, schools, shops, offices
• Includes: food waste, packaging, paper, plastics, metals, old clothes
• Must be removed regularly to prevent diseases and odors

Two Types of Waste

Biodegradable (Organic Waste)

• Rots naturally
• Examples: food waste, leaves, paper, cotton, wool, silk, leather
• Can be composted

Non-Biodegradable

• Doesn't decompose
• Examples: plastics, glass, metals
• Disposal is problematic

Garbage Disposal Methods

1. COMPOSTING

• Natural decomposition of organic waste → manure
• Provides plant nutrients
• Better than chemical fertilizers (cheaper, doesn't harm soil)

2. VERMICOMPOSTING

• Uses redworms to make high-quality compost
• Process: Pit (30 cm) → organic waste → redworms → 3-4 weeks → vermicompost
• Redworms have gizzard for grinding food
• Can eat their weight in food daily
• Cannot process plastics, glass, metals

3. RECYCLING

• Paper → paper mills → new paper/cardboard
• Plastic → factories → melted → new products
• Glass, metals → similar reprocessing

4. REUSE

• Use items again (jars for storage, envelopes reversed, old clothes as mats)

5. LANDFILL

• Low-lying dumping ground for non-disposable waste

6. INCINERATION

• High-temperature burning → ash → landfill

Color-Coded Dustbins

• GREEN: Biodegradable waste (composting)
• BLUE: Recyclable waste (plastics, glass, metals)

Plastics: The Dual Nature

Boon: Used in countless products (bags, bottles, furniture, vehicles, appliances)

Curse:

• Non-biodegradable
• Blocks drains → flooding
• Harms/kills animals
• Burning → toxic gases → cancer risk
• Difficult to recycle completely

How to Reduce Garbage

The 3 Rs:

1. REDUCE - Minimize waste generation
2. REUSE - Use items multiple times
3. RECYCLE - Send materials for reprocessing

Practical Actions:

• Vermicompost kitchen waste
• Use both sides of paper
• Carry cloth/jute bags
• Donate old clothes/books
• Choose minimal packaging
• Never burn plastics
• Use proper dustbins

Remember

Garbage management = Everyone's responsibility Compost > Chemical fertilizers Separate waste properly Never use laminated paper in composting Redworms are composting champions!

10 Multiple Choice Questions with Answers

Q1: Which of the following materials can be recycled?

• A. Glass
• B. Paper
• C. Stone
• D. Wood

Answer: (a) A and B

Q2: Which of the following cannot be recycled?

• (a) book
• (b) wooden stool
• (c) mirror
• (d) tin can

Answer: (b) wooden stool

Q3: After recycling, newspaper can be made into:

• (a) bricks
• (b) wooden plank
• (c) cardboard
• (d) cloth

Answer: (c) cardboard

Q4: Which of the following are used for vermicomposting?

• (a) earthworms
• (b) redworms
• (c) blueworms
• (d) roundworms

Answer: (b) redworms

Q5: Which of the following wastes cannot be added in the process of making vermicompost?

• (a) laminated paper
• (b) newspaper
• (c) cardboard
• (d) cow dung

Answer: (a) laminated paper

Q6: The structure present in redworms which helps them grind food is known as:

• (a) blizzard
• (b) lizard
• (c) gizzard
• (d) trigger

Answer: (c) gizzard

Q7: The color of dustbins in which biodegradable garbage is collected is:

• (a) red
• (b) blue
• (c) orange
• (d) green

Answer: (d) green

Q8: What is the color of dustbins used for collecting non-biodegradable garbage?

• (a) yellow
• (b) green
• (c) blue
• (d) black

Answer: (c) blue

Q9: The component of garbage which cannot rot when buried in ground is:

• (a) paper bag
• (b) polythene bag
• (c) jute bag
• (d) cotton cloth bag

Answer: (b) polythene bag

Q10: We should keep refuse (garbage) in plastic bags for disposal. This is to:

• A. avoid unpleasant smell
• B. make the refuse collector's job easier
• C. prevent refuse collectors from breaking bins
• D. prevent mosquitoes from laying eggs

Answer: (b) A and B

 

Conclusion

Understanding garbage management is crucial for environmental sustainability and public health. The "Garbage In, Garbage Out" principle teaches us that the quality of our environment depends on how we handle waste. By adopting the 3Rs Reduce, Reuse, Recycle along with composting methods like vermicomposting, we can significantly minimize our environmental footprint.

Remember, waste management is not solely the government's responsibility. Every individual must contribute by properly segregating waste, using color-coded dustbins, minimizing plastic consumption, and adopting sustainable practices. Together, we can create a cleaner, healthier environment for present and future generations.