Waste in Our World

How do worms break down waste?

• worms do not break down waste

• worms eat waste

• Worms break down waste by eating organic matter and breaking it down into nutrient-rich soil called castings

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

Methods of Waste Disposal

• organic waste

  food

  liquids

• Compost

• paper

  glass

  cans

• Landfill

• solid waste

  furniture

• Recycling

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-5

Advantages and Disadvantages of Landfill, Recycling and Composting

• Disadvantage: may attract pests

• Advantage: Recycling stations help conserve resources and reduce the need for raw materials

• Disadvantage: can produce harmful gases

• Advantage: Composting reduces the amount of waste going to landfills and produces nutrient- rich soil

• Disadvantage: energy-intensive

• Advantage: Landfills provide a safe and controlled way to dispose of waste.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-5

Sort these items as Biodegradable or Nonbiodegradable

Groups:

(a) Biodegradable

,

(b) Nonbiodegradable

• animals

• dead bugs

• wooden sticks

• plants

• styrofoam packaging

• fruit and vegtables

• tin cans

How can reducing the amount of waste you use help the environment?

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-3

Give 5 examples of hazardous items

Where can we take hazardous items so they are safely handled?

• Special Recycling and Waste Center

• Landfill

• Compost

• Don't throw it away, keep it forever

Based on your life, what can you do to minimize the amount of waste you create? Give at least 2 ways and explain how these changes will help the planet.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-3

NGSS.MS-LS2-5

What has been recycled to make this?

a

b

paper

metal

cardboard

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-3

What was this made from

b

a

plastic

metal

paper