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CraftExam
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Non-Biodegradable

Non-biodegradable substances are materials that microorganisms cannot break down easily or quickly.

In one line: If microbes cannot finish the job, the waste stays for a long time.

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Understand it

Materials like plastic, glass, and many synthetic chemicals stay in the environment for a long time. Because they do not decompose rapidly, they can accumulate in soil, water, and landfills. This makes their careful use and disposal very important.

Example

A plastic bottle left in a landfill may remain there for many years without natural decomposition.

Rule to remember

Non-biodegradable = not broken down quickly by microorganisms; it remains for a long time.

See it worked out

Follow the example line by line, then use the same method on new questions.

Worked example

  1. 1If a plastic carry bag is thrown on open ground, it may break into smaller pieces, but it does not turn into simple natural substances quickly.
  2. 2So it is non-biodegradable.

Method you can reuse

  1. 1Check whether microbes can decompose it.
  2. 2If not, classify it as non-biodegradable.
  3. 3Mention long persistence.
  4. 4Add an environmental effect.

Sketch it in your answer

Draw a landfill or waste pile showing plastic, glass, and other persistent waste remaining in the environment.

Check yourself

Answer the question in your head before opening the answer.

Try it yourself

Why is a plastic bottle called non-biodegradable?

Think first, then show answer
A plastic bottle is called non-biodegradable because microorganisms cannot break it down easily. It remains in the environment for a long time and can build up as waste.

Common wrong answer

A common wrong answer is to say paper and plastic are both non-biodegradable because both are waste.

Why it loses marks: Paper is biodegradable.

Don't mix this up

Students sometimes think non-biodegradable means completely invisible or magically everlasting. The correct idea is that it persists for a very long time and accumulates.

Exam tip

In exam answers, mention accumulation and long persistence, not just that the material is harmful.

Write it in the exam

Each point is worth about one mark. Write point 1 for a 1-mark question and keep adding points as the marks go up.

How CBSE asks it

Classify waste, explain why some materials persist, or discuss environmental problems caused by persistent waste.
  1. 1

    Enough for 1 mark

    Non-biodegradable substances are materials that microorganisms cannot break down easily or quickly.

  2. 2

    Add for 2 marks

    Example: A plastic bottle left in a landfill may remain there for many years without natural decomposition.

  3. 3

    Add for 3 marks

    Materials like plastic, glass, and many synthetic chemicals stay in the environment for a long time.

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