1. Which of the following best describes the term "biodegradable waste"?
a) Waste that can be recycled into new products.
b) Waste that can be decomposed by natural processes.
c) Waste that emits harmful gases into the environment.
d) Waste that is non-toxic and safe for disposal in landfills.
Answer: b) Biodegradable waste refers to waste materials that can be broken down and decomposed by natural processes, such as the action of microorganisms like bacteria and fungi. This decomposition process helps turn the waste into simpler substances and contributes to the recycling of nutrients back into the environment.
2. In an experiment, organic waste is placed in a compost bin and regularly turned. Which of the following is the most likely outcome of the experiment?
a) The waste will decompose and turn into nutrient-rich compost
b) The waste will remain unchanged
c) The waste will emit harmful gases
d) The waste will evaporate
Answer: a) When organic waste is placed in a compost bin and regularly turned, it creates an environment suitable for the growth of beneficial microorganisms. These microorganisms break down the waste through the process of decomposition, resulting in the formation of nutrient-rich compost that can be used as a natural fertiliser for plants.
3. How can you contribute to waste reduction in your school or community?
a) Initiating a recycling program
b) Using disposable items instead of reusable ones
c) Increasing the use of single-use plastic bags
d) Throwing away all food leftovers
Answer: a) Initiating a recycling program is an effective way to contribute to waste reduction in schools or communities. Recycling resources by converting used materials into new products. Using disposable items instead of reusable ones, increasing the use of single-use plastic bags, or throwing away all food leftovers contribute to waste generation rather than waste reduction.
4. Match the waste management method with its description.
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Column I
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Column II
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1. Landfills
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A) Process of converting biodegradable waste into nutrient-rich compost using red worms
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2. Composting
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B) Large areas used for the disposal of solid waste, covered with soil after filling
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3. Vermicomposting
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C) Process of converting biodegradable waste into compost through decomposition by microorganisms
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4. Recycling
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D) Transforming waste materials into new products through collection and processing
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a) 1:B, 2:A, 3:C, 4:D
b) 1:D, 2:C, 3:A, 4:A
c) 1:B, 2:C, 3:A, 4:D
d) 1:D, 2:A, 3:C, 4:B
Answer: c) Landfills are large areas used for the disposal of solid waste, covered with soil after filling.
Composting is the process of converting biodegradable waste into compost through decomposition by microorganisms.
Vermicomposting is the process of converting biodegradable waste into nutrient-rich compost using red worms.
Recycling involves transforming waste materials into new products through collection and processing.
5. Sarah wants to investigate the process of composting. Which of the following materials should she use in her experiment?
a) Plastic bottles
b) Metal cans
c) Glass jars
d) Food scraps and yard trimmings
Answer: d) Sarah should use food scraps and yard trimmings in her composting experiment. These organic materials provide the necessary carbon and nitrogen sources for the decomposition process. Plastic bottles, metal cans, and glass jars are not suitable for composting as they do not decompose naturally and can contaminate the compost pile.
