RBSE Solutions Class 7 Science Chapter 17 Waste Management

Choose The Most Appropriate Option:

 

Question 1. Which of the following has long disposal period?
(a) Banana Peelings
(b) Piece of wood
(c) Plastic bag
(d) Paper bag
Answer: (c) Plastic bag
In simple words: Plastic bags take a very long time to break down in nature. This means they stay in the environment for many, many years.

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember that non-biodegradable items like plastic remain in the environment for centuries, causing long-term pollution.

 

Question 2. What happens when wastes (garbage) is thrown in open?
(a) Soil Pollution
(b) Water Pollution
(c) Air Pollution
(d) All of the options
Answer: (d) All of the options
In simple words: When garbage is left out in the open, it can make the soil, water, and air dirty. This causes pollution in all these areas.

🎯 Exam Tip: When answering questions about consequences, consider all possible impacts to give a complete answer, such as pollution of different elements.

Fill In The Blanks:

 

Question. Fill in the blanks:
1. Biodegradable wastes with the help of bacteria are....in less time.
2. During our daily routine we throw unusable material. These unused materials are............
3. Waste materials can be divided into solid .............and
4. Unnecessary products made up of plastic do not. for longer period.
Answer:
1. decomposed
2. waste/garbage
3. liquid, gaseous
4. decompose.
In simple words: Bacteria help natural waste break down quickly. We throw away old things called waste. Waste can be solid, liquid, or gas. Plastic items stay for a long time without breaking down.

🎯 Exam Tip: Understand the difference between biodegradable (breaks down naturally) and non-biodegradable (does not break down naturally) to correctly fill in the blanks related to waste management.

Short Answer Type Questions

 

Question 2. Enumerate the harm caused to environment by plastic/polythene etc.
Answer: Polythene and plastics are waste materials that do not break down naturally. They stay in the environment for many years, causing a lot of pollution and making places look bad. Sometimes, animals accidentally eat polythene bags with other waste, which can block their digestion and lead to their death. Additionally, polythene bags can block drains, causing water to overflow and collect in different parts of a city. This standing water becomes a breeding ground for harmful germs and mosquitoes, which can spread diseases and make people sick. It's important to reduce plastic use for a healthier environment.
In simple words: Plastics and polythene do not break down for many years, causing land and water pollution. Animals can eat plastic bags and die. These materials also block drains, leading to waterlogging and the spread of diseases.

🎯 Exam Tip: When describing harm, list specific environmental impacts (pollution, drain blockage) and effects on living beings (animal deaths, disease spread).

 

Question 3. How does garbage affect our health?
Answer: Waste materials can cause many diseases like asthma, dengue fever, malaria, cholera, and various skin problems. This happens because the germs that cause these diseases grow well in waste materials. So, we must always dispose of waste properly to protect our health. Proper waste disposal prevents these harmful germs from spreading. It keeps our surroundings clean and safe.
In simple words: Garbage makes us sick with diseases like asthma, dengue, and malaria because disease-causing germs grow in it. Always throw away waste correctly to stay healthy.

🎯 Exam Tip: Focus on linking garbage to disease-causing agents and specific health issues like infections and skin problems.

 

Question 4. What are benefits of collecting domestic garbage in separate bins?
Answer: Collecting household waste in separate bins helps us sort materials based on whether they can break down naturally (biodegradable) or not (non-biodegradable). This sorting allows for proper disposal. For example, biodegradable waste like fruit and vegetable peels, human waste, animal dung, and plant leaves can be turned into manure. This manure is very useful for farming. This method helps manage waste effectively and turns something useless into a valuable resource. Separating waste makes recycling and composting much easier and more efficient.
In simple words: Separating garbage into different bins helps us sort natural waste from plastic or glass. Natural waste can be turned into useful manure for farms, which is good for the soil.

🎯 Exam Tip: Highlight the key benefit: proper sorting allows for appropriate disposal methods like composting and recycling, which yields useful products and reduces pollution.

 

Question 5. Which type of waste materials can be disposed off by recycle method?
Answer: Waste materials like plastics and glass can be disposed of using the recycling method. These materials are sent to recycling factories to be made into new useful items. During recycling, certain chemicals are often added to help transform the waste. New bags, packing materials, containers, and sacks for storing food are often made from recycled plastics. This process helps save raw materials and reduces the amount of waste sent to landfills. Glass can also be melted down and reshaped into new bottles and jars.
In simple words: Plastic and glass waste can be recycled. This means they are sent to factories to be made into new things like bags and containers, instead of being thrown away.

🎯 Exam Tip: Mention common recyclable materials (plastics, glass) and briefly explain the benefit of recycling in creating new articles, thereby conserving resources.

Long Answer Type Questions

 

Question 2. What is the difference between biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste materials? Explain by example.
Answer:
1. Biodegradable waste: These are waste materials that come from living things and can be broken down by tiny living organisms called microorganisms. When they decompose, they turn into manure. These materials break down quickly and mix with the soil. For example, plant leaves, fruit and vegetable peels, waste paper, clothes, and animal dung are all biodegradable wastes. This natural breakdown helps enrich the soil.
2. Non-Biodegradable wastes: These waste materials are mostly made in factories. Microorganisms cannot break them down. Because they do not break down, they do not mix with the soil and cause environmental pollution everywhere. For example, paints, glass pieces, metal pieces, and plastic materials are non-biodegradable wastes. These items remain in the environment for a very long time.
In simple words: Biodegradable waste comes from living things and can break down quickly with the help of tiny creatures, like old food. Non-biodegradable waste is often man-made and does not break down, like plastic and glass, causing pollution.

🎯 Exam Tip: Clearly define each type of waste, state whether microorganisms can decompose it, and provide at least two common examples for each to score full marks.

 

Question 3. What are the methods of disposal of the non biodegradable wastes? Explain.
Answer: There are three main methods, known as the "three-R methods," for disposing of non-biodegradable wastes:
1. Reduce: This means using fewer unneeded items. For example, instead of throwing away broken tin containers or plastic bottles, we can reuse them at home to grow plants. This simple act reduces the amount of waste we produce. Choosing items with less packaging also helps in reduction.
2. Reuse: This means using items again and again. We should separate materials from our household waste that can be used multiple times. For instance, batteries, metal utensils, iron rods, broken containers, and glass bottles can all be reused in different ways. Giving old items a new purpose prevents them from becoming trash too soon.
3. Recycle: This means making new useful things from old waste materials. After separating different types of non-biodegradable waste, they are sent to factories. There, they are processed and transformed into new products. This process helps conserve natural resources and reduces the amount of waste that ends up in landfills. Recycling plastic bottles into new plastic products is a good example.
In simple words: We can get rid of non-biodegradable waste using three main ways: Reduce (use less of it), Reuse (use things many times instead of throwing them away), and Recycle (turn old waste into new useful items in factories).

🎯 Exam Tip: Always list and explain each of the "3 R's" (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) for non-biodegradable waste, providing a simple example for each method.

 

Question 4. What are the methods of disposal of biodegradable waste? Explain.
Answer: The methods for disposing of biodegradable wastes are described below:
1. Composting: In this method, manure is made by letting biodegradable materials like fruit and vegetable peels, animal waste, plant leaves, grasses, and other organic matter decompose. This material is put into a pit dug in a shady spot, covered with soil, and kept moist so that air can reach it. Over time, tiny organisms break down this material into nutrient-rich manure, which can be used in fields to help plants grow. For instance, cattle dung is used in biogas plants, producing both manure and gas for cooking and lighting.
2. Vermicomposting: This is a special way to dispose of biodegradable waste where red earthworms are used. These worms eat the organic waste and turn it into high-quality manure. This process, where earthworms help create compost, is called vermicomposting. The worms speed up the decomposition process and produce very fertile soil.
3. Land filling: In this method, solid biodegradable wastes are filled into large pits dug outside towns. These pits are then covered with layers of soil. After some time, these wastes break down naturally under the soil. This is a common way to manage large amounts of waste. However, proper management is crucial to prevent environmental issues.
In simple words: Biodegradable waste can be handled in three ways: Composting (making manure from natural waste in a pit), Vermicomposting (using earthworms to make manure), and Landfilling (burying solid waste in big pits outside towns to let it break down slowly).

🎯 Exam Tip: Describe each method (composting, vermicomposting, landfilling) clearly, mentioning the key agents or processes involved (microorganisms, earthworms, burial) and the final product or outcome.

Activity

 

Question 1. Prepare a research project on the impact of plastic bags on animal health.
Answer: These days, polythene bags are used a lot and are causing serious harm to the environment and animals. Polythene is not biodegradable, meaning tiny organisms do not break it down, so it stays in nature for a very long time. Animals sometimes eat polythene bags along with other waste. These bags then get stuck in their digestive system because animal enzymes cannot break down polythene. This often leads to animals dying too soon. Students can work with their teacher to research how polythene affects animal health by conducting a detailed survey and investigation to find facts and draw conclusions. This research can highlight the severe health risks plastics pose to wildlife.
In simple words: Plastic bags harm animals because they cannot break down. Animals often eat these bags by mistake, which then blocks their digestion and can cause them to die. A project can study this problem.

🎯 Exam Tip: When discussing environmental impacts, explain the cause (non-biodegradability), the mechanism of harm (ingestion, blockage), and the consequence (untimely death of animals).

InText Questions

(Page 176)

 

Question 1. What happens when plants wither?
Answer: When plants wither, some of their dry parts fall on the ground. Microorganisms in the soil then break these parts down and turn them into humus. Humus makes the soil fertile and helps new plants grow. Additionally, some dry plant parts are used by people as fuel for cooking or heating at home. This shows how nature recycles its own resources. Humus also helps the soil hold water better.
In simple words: When plants dry up, their parts fall to the ground and are broken down by tiny germs in the soil, making rich soil called humus. Sometimes, dry plant parts are used as home fuel.

🎯 Exam Tip: Explain the process of decomposition by microorganisms, the formation of humus, and its benefit to soil fertility, along with any other uses of the withered plant parts.

 

Question 2. Where does the sewage of your home go?
Answer: The dirty water, or sewage, from our homes goes into ponds, drainage systems, and later into rivers through small drains. This water carries waste and pollutants, which can harm these natural water bodies. Proper treatment of sewage is essential before it is released into the environment to prevent water pollution. Untreated sewage can severely impact aquatic life and human health.
In simple words: Dirty water from our homes flows through small drains into ponds, bigger drains, and eventually rivers, carrying waste.

🎯 Exam Tip: Trace the path of domestic sewage from homes to natural water bodies, recognizing the potential for environmental impact if untreated.

 

Question 3. What happens to the plastic materials that we throw out?
Answer: Plastic materials are non-biodegradable, which means they do not break down into simpler, less harmful forms by microorganisms. Because of this, when we throw out plastic materials, they remain in the environment for a very long time. This causes a serious environmental pollution problem. Plastics can accumulate in landfills, oceans, and natural habitats, harming wildlife and ecosystems. They can take hundreds of years to break down, if at all. This long-lasting presence of plastic creates ongoing environmental challenges.
In simple words: Plastic materials we throw away do not break down naturally. They stay in the environment for a very long time, causing bad pollution problems everywhere.

🎯 Exam Tip: Emphasize that plastics are non-biodegradable, meaning they do not decompose, and consequently lead to persistent environmental pollution.

 

Question 4. Dustbins are placed by municipal council, Zilla Parishads. Where is this waste carried and what is done of this waste?
Answer: The waste materials collected from dustbins placed by the municipal council or Zilla Parishads are taken to a special waste disposal spot. At this spot, the waste is managed and disposed of in an organized and careful way. This often involves sorting, recycling, or sending to landfills. The goal is to reduce environmental harm and, if possible, recover valuable resources. Proper waste management helps keep cities clean and healthy.
In simple words: Garbage from dustbins is collected by local authorities and taken to special places. There, it is managed properly, like sorting for recycling or safe disposal.

🎯 Exam Tip: State the authorities responsible, the destination of the waste (disposal spot), and the general goal of systematic disposal (reducing harm, resource recovery).

(Page-178)

 

Question 2. What is the harm of open defecation?
Answer: Open defecation causes a lot of environmental pollution. When people go to the bathroom outside, it spreads dirt and bad smells. This pollution can lead to many infectious diseases in humans. It also makes the environment unhealthy for everyone living there. Contaminated soil and water can spread germs and cause serious illnesses. Building and using toilets helps prevent this widespread pollution and protects public health. Open defecation contaminates water sources, posing a risk to drinking water.
In simple words: Open defecation pollutes the environment and spreads diseases. It causes dirt and bad smells, making people sick with various infections.

🎯 Exam Tip: Focus on the direct consequences: environmental pollution (dirt, foul smell) and health risks (infectious diseases).

 

Question 3. You might have seen people defecating in open near railway stations, bus stands, and fields. Open defecation causes dirt and foul smell to spread which poll uses the environment with swarms of flies and mosquitoes. What are the adverse effects on the health of living beings living there?
Answer: When people defecate in the open, places like railway stations, bus stands, and fields become very dirty and smelly. This makes the area unpleasant and unhealthy to live in. Swarms of flies and mosquitoes gather in these contaminated spots. These insects then carry disease-causing germs from the waste to people and animals, spreading illnesses like cholera, dysentery, and malaria. This severely affects the health of both humans and animals living nearby. The foul smell also reduces the quality of life in the area. Students should discuss these effects with their teachers to understand the health implications better.
In simple words: Open defecation makes places dirty and smelly, attracting flies and mosquitoes. These insects spread diseases to both people and animals, making everyone living near such areas sick.

🎯 Exam Tip: Connect open defecation to the breeding of vectors (flies, mosquitoes) and explain how these vectors then transmit diseases to humans and animals, impacting overall public health.

Activity 1: (Page-172)

 

Question 1. What is waste?
Answer: Waste refers to the unwanted and unusable materials that we throw away from our homes and daily activities. These things are no longer useful to us and are discarded. Waste can include many different types of items, from food scraps to old packaging, and needs to be managed properly. Anything that is no longer needed or useful becomes waste.
In simple words: Waste is anything unwanted or useless that we throw away after using it in our daily lives.

🎯 Exam Tip: Define waste simply as unwanted or unuseful materials generated from daily activities.

Activity 2: (Page-173)

 

Question 1. What are the main components of waste of Public Places?
Answer: The main components of waste found in public places are plastics and polythene. These items are commonly discarded in parks, streets, and other public areas. They are a significant problem because they do not break down easily and contribute to pollution. Other common items include food wrappers, paper, and small debris, but plastics are especially prevalent and problematic. These materials often come from food packaging and other single-use items.
In simple words: The main types of trash found in public places are plastics and polythene bags.

🎯 Exam Tip: Identify the most common and problematic items in public waste, focusing on materials that are frequently discarded and cause environmental issues.

Activity 3: (Page-175)

 

Question 1. Who is responsible for various types of water increasing on the earth?
Answer: We, human beings, are undoubtedly responsible for the increasing amount of waste on Earth. Our daily activities, consumption patterns, and disposal habits directly contribute to the growing volume and variety of waste. Lack of proper waste management, excessive use of resources, and a throwaway culture exacerbate the problem. Every individual's choices collectively impact the global waste crisis. Therefore, conscious efforts to reduce, reuse, and recycle are crucial.
In simple words: We humans are definitely responsible for the increasing types of waste on Earth because of our actions and how we throw things away.

🎯 Exam Tip: Directly state human activity as the primary cause, linking it to consumption and disposal patterns.

 

Question 2. Why is man polluting his own environment?
Answer: Humans are polluting their own environment because they have lost a lot of their care and love for nature. Instead of using things that come from nature, people are now using many man-made items. These man-made things are often thrown away carelessly into the open, which causes pollution. A lack of understanding and respect for nature has led us to harm our surroundings. This shift from natural to artificial products, combined with improper disposal, is the root cause of environmental damage. This disconnect from nature results in irresponsible behavior. We often prioritize convenience over sustainability.
In simple words: People are polluting the environment because they care less about nature and use many man-made things. They throw these items out carelessly, showing a lack of wisdom and love for their surroundings.

🎯 Exam Tip: Explain that reduced love for nature, increased use of man-made items, and improper disposal are the key reasons for human-caused pollution.

Activity 4: (Page-177)

 

Question 1. Go to the shop of a kabadi (Ragman) and observe carefully, What Kabadies do of those useless things?
Answer: When you visit a kabadi (ragman) shop, you will see that kabadies carefully sort through many seemingly useless items. They separate different types of materials that people have thrown away. For example, they will sort out iron, copper, aluminum, various types of paper, cardboards, notebooks, electronic wires, and plastic materials. After sorting, they store these different items separately. This organized collection is the first step in the recycling process. Kabadies act as important intermediaries in the waste management chain.
In simple words: Kabadies (ragmen) carefully separate different kinds of trash like iron, paper, and plastic. They sort these items and keep them apart for later use or recycling.

🎯 Exam Tip: Describe the ragman's role in sorting various waste materials, mentioning specific examples of what they separate.

 

Question 2. Where or to whoem Kabadei or Junk dealers, sell these items?
Answer: After sorting different types of unuseful materials, kabadies (junk dealers or ragmen) sell them to specific factories for recycling. These factories then transform the old, unuseful materials into new products through the recycling process. Kabadies receive good money for the materials they supply, which encourages them to continue their work. This system helps keep waste out of landfills and gives materials a new life. This is a crucial step in promoting a circular economy. The factories specialize in processing different materials like plastic, metal, and paper.
In simple words: Kabadies (junk dealers) sell the sorted waste materials to factories that recycle them. These factories turn the old items into new products, and the kabadies earn money for their efforts.

🎯 Exam Tip: Explain that kabadies sell sorted materials to recycling factories, emphasizing the transformation into new products and the economic benefit for the kabadies.

 

Question 3. What is Re-cycling?
Answer: Recycling is a method used for disposing of solid wastes where waste materials are processed and made into new products. Instead of throwing things away, recycling helps to give them a new life. This process reduces the need for new raw materials, saves energy, and decreases pollution. It is an important part of sustainable waste management. For example, old paper can be recycled into new paper products. This is done by collecting, processing, and manufacturing new items from used materials.
In simple words: Recycling is a way to handle solid waste by making new things from old or used materials, instead of throwing them away.

🎯 Exam Tip: Define recycling as a method of processing solid waste to create new products from old materials.

Other Important Questions

Multiple Choice Questions

 

Question 1. Biodegradable waste is:
(a) Leaves of plants
(b) Peels of fruits and vegetables
(c) Excreta-Dung
(d) All of the options
Answer: (d) All of the options
In simple words: All the listed items like plant leaves, fruit peels, and animal waste can naturally break down over time.

🎯 Exam Tip: Biodegradable waste includes any organic matter that can be decomposed by microorganisms naturally.

 

Question 2. Non biodegradable waste is:
(a) Paint
(b) Glass
(c) Metal pieces
(d) All of the options
Answer: (d) All of the options
In simple words: Paint, glass, and metal pieces are all materials that do not break down naturally in the environment.

🎯 Exam Tip: Non-biodegradable waste consists of materials that do not decompose naturally and persist in the environment for long periods.

 

Question 3. Waste released from Industries are:
(a) Solid wastes
(b) Liquid of wastes
(c) Gaseous wastes
(d) All of the options
Answer: (d) All of the options
In simple words: Industries release waste in all three forms: solid (like trash), liquid (like polluted water), and gaseous (like smoke from chimneys).

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember that industrial waste can manifest in all three physical states: solid, liquid, and gas, each requiring specific disposal methods.

 

Question 4. Lend filling
(a) Recycling
Answer: (a) Recycling
In simple words: The question text for this MCQ is incomplete in the source. Assuming it relates to a method for managing specific waste, recycling is a key waste disposal technique.

🎯 Exam Tip: When evaluating disposal methods, differentiate between traditional landfilling and sustainable practices like recycling, which convert waste into new resources.

 

Question 5. Recycling is not possible for:
(a) Paper
(b) Plastic
(c) Wood
(d) Metals
Answer: (c) Wood
In simple words: While paper, plastic, and metals can usually be recycled, wood is typically not recycled in the same way for common household waste. It's often composted or used for fuel.

🎯 Exam Tip: Be aware that while many materials are recyclable, some, like certain forms of wood, are typically managed through different methods such as composting or burning, rather than traditional recycling.

Fill In The Blanks:

 

Question. Fill in the blanks:
1. Waste is the result of humans ........ and social activities.
2. Plastic and polythene are ........ wastes.
3. Biodegradable wastes are converted into ........ after decomposition.
4. Systematic or organised disposal of wastes is called ........
Answer:
1. natural
2. non biodegradable
3. humus
4. waste management
In simple words: Waste comes from human and natural activities. Plastic and polythene are non-biodegradable waste. Biodegradable waste turns into humus after it breaks down. Organizing how we get rid of waste is called waste management.

🎯 Exam Tip: Review key terms: the origin of waste (natural/human), types of waste (biodegradable/non-biodegradable), the product of decomposition (humus), and the overall process (waste management).

Very Short Answer Type Question

 

Question 1. What is waste?
Answer: Waste refers to the many unwanted and unuseful things that we throw out as part of our daily activities. These discarded items are no longer needed. Waste can be anything from old food to broken objects. Effective disposal of waste is crucial for keeping our environment clean. These materials are considered useless and are meant to be removed from our surroundings.
In simple words: Waste is all the unwanted and useless things we throw away every day.

🎯 Exam Tip: Define waste clearly as unwanted or unuseful materials resulting from daily human activities.

 

Question 3. Write the names of any four biodegradable wastes.
Answer: Four examples of biodegradable wastes are:
1. Plant Leaves
2. Peels of fruits and vegetables
3. Waste paper
4. Clothes etc.
These materials can break down naturally with the help of microorganisms.
In simple words: Four types of natural waste that can break down are plant leaves, fruit peels, waste paper, and old clothes.

🎯 Exam Tip: List common organic materials that decompose naturally, such as plant matter, food scraps, and natural fabrics.

 

Question 4. Write the names of any four Non- biodegradable wastes.
Answer: Four examples of non-biodegradable wastes are:
1. Paint
2. Glass
3. Metal pieces
4. Plastic and polythene
These materials do not break down naturally and can persist in the environment for a very long time. They require special disposal or recycling methods.
In simple words: Four kinds of waste that do not break down are paint, glass, metal pieces, and plastic.

🎯 Exam Tip: List common man-made materials that do not decompose naturally, like plastics, metals, glass, and chemicals.

 

Question 5. Into how many groups, can wastes be classified on the basis of their physical state?
Answer: Wastes can be classified into three groups based on their physical state:
1. Solid wastes
2. Liquid wastes
3. Gaseous waste.
This classification helps in determining the appropriate collection and disposal methods for each type. Each state requires different handling.
In simple words: Waste can be sorted into three types based on how it looks: solid, liquid, and gas.

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember the three basic states of matter to classify waste: solid, liquid, and gaseous.

 

Question 6. Give example of some solid wastes.
Answer: Two examples of solid wastes are:
1. Plastic
2. Pieces of glass
Solid wastes are typically items that can be handled physically and retain their shape. Many everyday discarded items fall into this category, requiring proper collection and disposal to prevent environmental pollution. Other examples include paper, food scraps, and metals.
In simple words: Examples of solid waste include plastic and glass pieces.

🎯 Exam Tip: Provide common, easily recognizable examples of solid waste items found in daily life.

 

Question 8. What are gaseous wastes?
Answer: Gaseous wastes are harmful gases that are released into the air from various sources. Smoke released from vehicles, industries, and factories is a common example of gaseous waste. These gases can pollute the air and harm human health and the environment. Controlling gaseous waste emissions is important for air quality. They are often invisible but can have significant impacts. These include carbon monoxide and sulfur dioxide.
In simple words: Gaseous wastes are harmful smoke and gases that come out of vehicles, factories, and industries, polluting the air.

🎯 Exam Tip: Define gaseous wastes as harmful gases in the air and provide common sources like vehicles and industries.

 

Question 9. How do polythene affect animals?
Answer: Polythene bags seriously harm animals. Animals often mistakenly eat polythene bags along with other waste materials. These bags get stuck in their digestive systems because animals cannot break down polythene. This blockage prevents them from digesting food properly and can cause severe health problems or even lead to their untimely death. This is why proper disposal of plastic is vital to protect wildlife. Many animals, especially cattle, are vulnerable to this danger.
In simple words: Polythene bags harm animals because they eat them by mistake. The bags get stuck inside them, stopping digestion and often causing the animals to die early.

🎯 Exam Tip: Explain the mechanism of harm: ingestion of polythene bags, blockage of the digestive system, and the resulting fatal consequences for animals.

 

Question 10. What is waste Management?
Answer: Waste management is the systematic process of organizing the disposal of wastes. This includes collecting, transporting, treating, and disposing of waste materials in a way that minimizes their negative impact on the environment and human health. The goal is to reduce waste, reuse materials, recycle, and safely get rid of anything that cannot be reused or recycled. It ensures that waste is handled responsibly from its creation to its final destination. This also includes monitoring and regulating waste materials.
In simple words: Waste management is the planned way of collecting, treating, and disposing of waste to protect the environment and people's health.

🎯 Exam Tip: Define waste management as the organized process of waste disposal, emphasizing its goal of minimizing environmental and health impacts.

Short Answer Type Questions

 

Question 1. On what basis, waste is classified?
Answer: Waste materials are classified based on their physical and chemical properties. This helps determine how they should be managed. Some waste materials can be reused or recycled, while others cannot. Based on these characteristics, wastes are broadly classified into two main categories: biodegradable waste and non-biodegradable waste. Understanding these classifications is crucial for effective waste disposal strategies. For example, materials that rot quickly are separated from those that last a long time.
In simple words: Waste is classified based on what it is made of and how it behaves. This helps us sort it into two main groups: waste that can break down naturally (biodegradable) and waste that cannot (non-biodegradable).

🎯 Exam Tip: State that classification is based on physical and chemical properties, leading to the two main categories: biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste.

 

Question 2. Can, degradation (decomposition) of all kind of waste materials be in same time periods?
Answer: No, the degradation or decomposition of all kinds of waste materials does not happen in the same time periods. Biodegradable wastes, like food scraps and plant leaves, decompose relatively quickly, usually within weeks or months. Non-biodegradable wastes, such as plastics, glass, and metals, take a very long time to break down, sometimes hundreds or even thousands of years. This difference in decomposition rates is why sorting waste is so important for environmental management. For instance, an apple core will disappear much faster than a plastic bottle.
In simple words: No, different types of waste break down at different speeds. Natural waste decomposes quickly, but plastics and glass take a very long time, sometimes hundreds of years.

🎯 Exam Tip: Clearly state "No" and then explain the difference in decomposition times for biodegradable (fast) versus non-biodegradable (slow) waste, with examples.

 

Question 3. What is the cause of Environmental pollution?
Answer: Environmental pollution is mainly caused by the significant reduction in our love and care for nature in modern times. People have increasingly relied on man-made products instead of natural ones. As a result, the natural beauty of the environment has been damaged by pollution. Careless disposal of waste, industrial activities, vehicle emissions, and deforestation all contribute to this problem. Our actions and consumption habits directly impact the health of our planet. This disregard for ecological balance is a primary driver of environmental degradation.
In simple words: Environmental pollution happens because people care less about nature and use too many man-made things. This leads to throwing away trash carelessly and harming the environment's beauty.

🎯 Exam Tip: Connect environmental pollution to human activities, specifically mentioning decreased care for nature, reliance on artificial products, and their careless disposal.

 

Question 4. What is compost? How is it prepared?
Answer: Compost is a rich manure made from biodegradable substances such as fruit and vegetable peels, human waste, cattle dung, plant leaves, grasses, and other dead and decomposed organic materials. It is prepared by placing these biodegradable substances in a pit dug in a shady area. Over time, microorganisms break down this organic matter, converting it into dark, nutrient-rich compost. This natural process helps recycle nutrients back into the soil, making it more fertile. The pit needs proper aeration and moisture for efficient decomposition. The compost produced is excellent for enriching garden soil.
In simple words: Compost is a nutrient-rich soil made from decomposed natural waste like fruit peels and animal dung. It is prepared by burying these wastes in a shady pit and letting tiny germs break them down.

🎯 Exam Tip: Define compost as manure from biodegradable substances and explain the simple process: placing organic waste in a shady pit for decomposition by microorganisms.

 

Question 5. What is vermi compost?
Answer: Vermicompost is a very high-quality manure (khad) produced when red earthworms consume organic matter mixed with other biodegradable substances. The earthworms break down the waste and release excreta, which is rich in nutrients. This entire process, where earthworms help create compost, is known as vermicomposting. It is an efficient and natural way to convert organic waste into valuable soil amendments, improving soil structure and fertility. These earthworms act as natural recyclers. Vermicompost is known to significantly boost plant growth due to its concentrated nutrients.
In simple words: Vermicompost is a rich fertilizer made by red earthworms. The worms eat natural waste and their droppings become high-quality manure, and this process is called vermicomposting.

🎯 Exam Tip: Define vermicompost as high-quality manure and clearly state that it is produced by red earthworms consuming organic matter, outlining the process as vermicomposting.

 

Question 6. What is 3R in waste disposal?
Answer: The methods of waste disposal known as "3R" stand for:
1. Reduce: This means using a smaller amount of things or only using them when necessary. It's about consuming less to create less waste.
2. Reuse: This means using things again and again instead of throwing them away after one use. It extends the life of a product.
3. Recycle: This means making new and useful items from waste materials. This involves processing old products into new ones.
These three principles are fundamental to sustainable waste management, aiming to minimize environmental impact. Following these steps helps in conserving resources and reducing landfill waste.
In simple words: The "3R" in waste disposal means: Reduce (use less), Reuse (use things multiple times), and Recycle (make new items from old ones).

🎯 Exam Tip: Clearly list and define each of the "3Rs" (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) in the context of waste disposal, explaining their individual meanings.

 

Question 7. What is the Aim of Swachh Bharat Abhiyan?
Answer: The main aim of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (Clean India Mission) is to make Bharat (India) clean and neat. A key focus is on ending open defecation by ensuring access to toilets and promoting their use. The mission also aims to improve solid waste management, cleanliness in public spaces, and general hygiene across the country. It promotes behavioral changes towards sanitation and cleanliness among citizens. The initiative strives for a clean and open-defecation-free India. This helps improve public health and the overall quality of life.
In simple words: The goal of Swachh Bharat Abhiyan is to make India completely clean and neat. It also aims to stop open defecation by providing and encouraging the use of toilets.

🎯 Exam Tip: State the core aim (clean India) and a major component (ending open defecation) to fully answer this question.

 

Question 8. Depict, Polythene generated problems' through flow chart.
Answer:
Polythene causes many problems for our environment and living things. It leads to environmental pollution, can cause animals to die if they eat it, and reduces the soil's ability to grow crops. It also blocks drainage systems and stops rainwater from soaking into the ground. These are all serious impacts that affect the health of the planet and its inhabitants. Understanding these effects helps highlight the importance of proper plastic disposal.
In simple words: Polythene causes many problems like polluting the environment, killing animals, making soil less fertile, blocking drains, and stopping rain from reaching the soil.

🎯 Exam Tip: When asked to depict issues through a flowchart, use clear, concise labels and ensure the flow logically illustrates the chain of problems stemming from the initial cause.

 

Question 9. What measures should we adopt in our every day life for waste disposal?
Answer: To manage waste effectively in our daily lives, we should adopt the following measures:
1. We should try to use useful things from waste again and again. This reduces the amount of new waste created.
2. Wastes should always be dumped into dustbins, not thrown carelessly in open spaces. This prevents litter and keeps areas clean.
3. If any person does not put waste into collecting bins, we should try to explain the importance of doing so. Educating others helps build a community-wide habit of proper waste disposal. This collective effort is crucial for a cleaner environment. Using reusable bags and containers is a simple step to reduce waste.
In simple words: In daily life, we should reuse useful items, always put trash in dustbins, and encourage others to do the same to dispose of waste properly.

🎯 Exam Tip: Focus on practical, daily actions: reuse, proper use of dustbins, and community education on waste disposal habits.

Long Answer Type Questions

 

Question 1. What is waste? In how many groups, wastes are classified? Write different methods of waste disposal.
Answer:
Waste: Waste refers to the many unwanted and unuseful things that we throw out as a result of our daily activities. These discarded items are no longer needed and are considered trash.

Types of wastes: Wastes are classified into two main groups based on their ability to decompose:
(i) Biodegradable waste materials: These are waste materials that can be broken down naturally by microorganisms. When they decompose, they form manure (khad). For example, leaves of plants, vegetable and fruit peels, waste paper, cloth, animal waste (excreta and dung), etc., are all biodegradable.
(ii) Non-biodegradable waste materials: These are waste materials that microorganisms cannot break down naturally. They remain in the environment for a very long time, causing pollution. For example, plastics, glass, metal pieces, paints, and certain chemicals are non-biodegradable.

Methods of disposal of biodegradable waste material:

• Composting
• Vermicompost
• Land filling

Methods of disposal of non-biodegradable waste materials:

• Reduce: use when necessary or use, less and judiciously.
• Reuse: Use again and again
• Recycle: Make new things again from old matter.

Each disposal method is chosen based on the type of waste to minimize environmental harm and maximize resource recovery. This comprehensive approach ensures responsible waste management.
In simple words: Waste is unwanted things we throw away. It is sorted into two groups: biodegradable (breaks down naturally, like food scraps) and non-biodegradable (does not break down, like plastic). Biodegradable waste can be composted, vermicomposted, or landfilled. Non-biodegradable waste can be Reduced, Reused, or Recycled.

🎯 Exam Tip: For this comprehensive question, provide a clear definition of waste, identify the two main classifications with examples, and then list the appropriate disposal methods for each type of waste.

1. Methods Of Disposal Of Biodegradable Waste Material:

• Composting
• Vermicompost
• Land filling

2. Methods Of Disposal Of Non-Biodegradable Waste Materials:

• Reduce: use when necessary or use, less and judiciously.
• Reuse: Use/again and again
• Recycle: Make new things again from old matter.

 

Question 2. What is sewage? why is it harmful to discharge untreated sewage into rivers or ocean?
Answer: Sewage is used water that comes from homes, factories, and hospitals. It contains things like human waste, dirt from streets, and rainwater from roofs. This dirty water has many harmful things mixed in it, like tiny bits of solid waste, chemicals, and germs that cause diseases. Proper treatment of sewage is crucial to protect aquatic ecosystems and public health. Because of these harmful things, letting untreated sewage into rivers or oceans makes the water very dirty and dangerous for living beings.
In simple words: Sewage is dirty water from homes and other places that contains many harmful things and germs. Putting untreated sewage into rivers or oceans causes serious pollution and makes the water unsafe for all living things.

🎯 Exam Tip: When explaining sewage, always mention its source, what it contains, and the specific harms caused by its untreated discharge into water bodies.