NCERT 6th Class (CBSE) Science: Garbage In, Garbage Out

Question: What do we do to the useful components (biodegradable) of the garbage?

Answer: Generally, useful components of the garbage are used to make compost. Compost are usually developed near the landfill.

1.  For preparing compost, waste materials like fruit and vegetable peel, egg shells, used tea leaves, waste food, dry leaves, newspapers etc. should be dumped in a pit.
2.  The pit is covered with soil.
3.  After 20-25 days, observe the garbage. If the garbage is rot, turned black in colour and no foul smell is emitted, it means rotting of garbage is complete and compost is ready to use.

Question: What do you mean by composting?

Answer: The garbage containing plant and animal wastes, waste food, when left as such in pits or heaps is acted upon by bacteria, fungus-like organisms causing rotting. Rotting leads to the formation of manure. It is conversion of complex molecules into simple molecules which can be used by plants for growth and development. Thus, rotting and conversion of some organic materials into manure is called composting.

Question: Why should we not bum dried plant leaves and husk? What is the best way to get rid of them?

Answer: Burning of dried leaves, husk and other plant parts produces smoke and gases that are harmful to our health.Dried leaves, husk and other plant parts can be used for preparing compost.

Question: List waste products produced from an industry.

Ans: The waste products produced from an industry are:

1. Chemicals
2. Smoke
3. Ash
4. Empty containers such as glass bottles, plastic articles, wrappers.
5. Plastic bags
6. Broken things, iron or other metals

Question: What will happen if garbage is left open in bin?

Answer:

1.  Garbage will rot and bad smell will spread all around the surroundings.
2.  Garbage will become breeding spot for flies, mosquitoes and other disease- causing small organisms.
3.  Due to flies, mosquitoes and other organisms many diseases will spread in the community.
4.  Rotting garbage may cause air pollution and spread of respiratory disease such as breathing problems.

Question: Waste may contain the following things:

Answer:

1. Empty bottles
2. Syringe
3. Needles
4. Ampute
5. Used cotton
6. Injection bottles
7. Used bandages
8. Pieces of plaster
9. Tablet wrapper
10. Empty paper boxes
11. Polythene bags
12. Left over food items
13. Peels of fruits and vegetables.

Question: What is papier-mache? How does it help us?

Answer: Papier-mache is a paste made from pulp of waste papers and clay used for moulding into boxes, trays, etc. This helps in recycling of paper.