Biodegradable waste includes any organic matter in waste which can be broken down into carbon dioxide, water, methane or simple organic molecules by micro-organisms and other living things acting in composting, aerobic digestion or similar processes.   The resulting waste can include organic compounds, such as water and organic molecules, but also more harmful methane, carbon dioxide.

While much of biodegradable waste is derived from animal or plant sources, some synthetic materials, including plastics, can be biodegradable.

Once the waste has been reduced to its constituent parts it can be recycled, composted, or used as a fuel for heating.

Management of such waste includes collection, transportation, sorting, treatment, and disposal. Since the degradation processes can result in adverse effects on the environment, the management of such waste requires careful handling.

The biggest challenge comes with implementing sustainable strategies at a large scale. The technology and infrastructure do not yet exist to enable millions of tons of biodegradable waste to be collected and processed efficiently, safely, and cost-effectively.

Further complications arise because different states and different countries enforce different rules and regulations.

Some further ideas to explore on biodegradable waste:

What waste management systems are required for converting plastics to biodegradable waste?

Identify the most environmentally friendly system for sorting biodegradable wastes?

Why is plastic so difficult to biodegrade?

Sources

Judith Enck, Demystifying Compostable and Biodegradable Plastics – from Beyond Plastics/Bennington College, in the Commentary section of www.irishenvironment.com (Dec 2024).

Laura Ross, “Biodegradable Waste: Definition, Examples, and Management,” Thomas Net bit.ly/4fDLEiG

“Biodegradable vs Compostable – What’s the Differrence?’   Zerowaste  https://bit.ly/4gT4Yte