What is non-biodegradable waste?

Non-biodegradable waste is a type of waste that can not be broken down into its base compounds by micro-organisms, air, moisture or soil in a reasonable amount of time. Non-biodegradable waste is an environmental concern, as it threatens to overwhelm landfills and create disposal problems.

Unlike biodegradable waste, such as food and other organic waste, non-biodegradable waste remains stable indefinitely. It includes items like rubber tires, Styrofoam, plastic, fiberglass and metals. Because non-biodegradable waste cannot be broken down, recycling is the best option for managing it. Many businesses and municipalities have special bins designated specifically for the disposal of non-biodegradable waste.