Chapter 16: Garbage In, Garbage Out

The sixteenth and final chapter of Class 6 Science, Garbage In, Garbage Out, creates awareness about waste management and the need to keep our environment clean. It teaches students the importance of reducing, reusing, and recycling waste to protect nature and human health.

The chapter begins by explaining the types of waste. Biodegradable waste, such as food scraps, paper, and leaves, can be broken down by microorganisms into useful compost. Non-biodegradable waste, like plastics, glass, and metals, cannot decompose easily and therefore cause pollution if not managed properly. Students also learn about the hazards of overflowing garbage dumps, which spread diseases and pollute air, water, and soil. Another focus of the chapter is methods of waste disposal. It discusses composting, landfill, recycling, and vermicomposting with the help of earthworms. The harmful effects of burning waste are also explained, along with the importance of separating dry and wet waste at home for easier disposal. The chapter highlights the role of citizens, schools, and local authorities in managing garbage. Simple practices like carrying cloth bags, avoiding plastics, and segregating waste at source are encouraged. The idea of “Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle” is emphasized as a sustainable approach to waste management.

With NCERT Solutions for Class 6 Science, students can revise questions about biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste, composting, and the harmful effects of plastics. The NCERT Exemplar for Class 6 Science Solutions provides higher-order questions, such as why segregation of waste is important or how vermicomposting benefits farmers.

Important points of the chapter include: