Garbage In, Garbage Out – Class 6 Science Notes & Questions Answers
Welcome to a clean, student-friendly guide to “Garbage In, Garbage Out” for Class 6 Science. This post is designed for easy learning and exam preparation. You’ll get crisp notes, definitions, and a complete practice set: 7 MCQs, 7 Very Short, 7 Short, and 7 Long questions with answers. Use the jump buttons to read the sections you need right now.
Chapter Notes – Garbage In, Garbage Out (Easy & Exam-Ready)
1) What do we mean by “garbage” and why does it matter?
In our daily life, we create leftover materials such as fruit peels, packets, paper bits, and other used items. These materials, when no longer useful, are called garbage. Managing it well keeps our home, school, and surroundings clean and supports the environment. Good management also helps us save resources through reduce, reuse, and recycle.
2) Types of waste
- Biodegradable: Materials that break down naturally (e.g., food peels, leaves, paper).
- Non‑biodegradable: Materials that do not break down easily (e.g., certain plastics, metal foils, glass).
Segregating them at home into two bins (commonly a green bin for biodegradable and a blue bin for recyclable/non‑biodegradable) makes disposal and recycling easier.
3) Reduce, Reuse, Recycle (The 3Rs)
- Reduce: Bring fewer disposables; choose durable items.
- Reuse: Use jars, boxes, and bags again; repurpose paper and cartons.
- Recycle: Send paper, metal, glass, and some plastics to recycling channels.
Practising the 3Rs at home and school reduces load on landfills and encourages a circular use of materials.
4) Composting and vermicomposting
Composting is the natural process where biodegradable waste (vegetable peels, leaves) turns into compost, a nutrient-rich material used to improve soil. Vermicomposting uses special earthworms to speed up this process. Schools and homes can maintain small compost pits or closed bins to manage kitchen scraps safely and turn them into useful compost for plants.
Basic safe steps: collect segregated kitchen scraps, layer with dry leaves, keep slightly moist (not wet), and mix occasionally. In a few weeks, it turns into dark, crumbly compost that helps plants grow well.
5) Paper recycling and responsible plastic use
Paper can be recycled several times. Keep a separate stack for used sheets, notebooks, and cartons. Clean, dry, and unsoiled paper is easier to recycle. For plastics, prefer sturdy, reusable containers instead of single-use items. Follow local guidelines for segregating plastic wrappers and bottles, and give them to authorized collection points.
6) Landfill and safe handling
A landfill is a designated site where certain kinds of waste are placed safely. By practising the 3Rs and composting at source, the amount that goes to landfills reduces, keeping surroundings cleaner. Follow community rules for collection days and bins so workers can handle materials safely.
7) Segregation at source (Home/School)
- Keep two simple containers: one for biodegradable, one for recyclable/non‑biodegradable.
- Rinse bottles/boxes lightly before putting them in the recycle bin.
- Flatten cartons to save space.
- Place sharp metal lids or broken (wrapped) items carefully in the correct bin so they can be handled safely.
8) Key terms (quick revision)
- Biodegradable: Breaks down naturally.
- Non‑biodegradable: Does not break down easily.
- Compost: Soil-like material formed from biodegradable waste.
- Vermicompost: Compost made with the help of earthworms.
- Landfill: Area set aside for safe placement of certain wastes.
- Recycling: Making new products from used materials.
- Segregation: Sorting waste at the point where it is created.
9) Everyday examples (apply what you learn)
- Use a cloth bag for shopping; keep it ready near the door.
- Convert fruit/vegetable peels into compost for potted plants.
- Reuse jars for spices or craft materials.
- Label two bins clearly at home and in the classroom.
- Keep paper clean and flat to make it easier to recycle.
10) Quick summary (one-minute recall)
- Sort at source → Compost what you can → Recycle what you can → Reduce what you bring home.
- 3Rs and composting protect resources and keep surroundings tidy.
- Following community rules makes collection and handling safer for everyone.
Questions & Answers – Practice Set
I) Multiple Choice Questions (7) – with answers
1. The best way to manage kitchen peels at home is to:
A) Throw them with mixed waste
B) Burn them
C) Compost them in a bin or pit
D) Store them for many days
Answer: C) Compost them in a bin or pit
2. Which one is biodegradable?
A) Glass bottle
B) Apple peel
C) Aluminum foil
D) Steel spoon
Answer: B) Apple peel
3. The 3Rs stand for:
A) Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
B) Repeat, Repair, Replace
C) Restore, Rebuild, Refine
D) Remove, Report, Return
Answer: A) Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
4. Vermicomposting uses:
A) Ants
B) Earthworms
C) Bees
D) Butterflies
Answer: B) Earthworms
5. A landfill is a place where:
A) All waste is openly spread
B) Certain waste is placed safely as per rules
C) Only paper is collected
D) Only garden leaves are kept
Answer: B) Certain waste is placed safely as per rules
6. Which bin is generally used for recyclable/non‑biodegradable materials in many cities?
A) Green bin
B) Blue bin
C) Yellow bin
D) Brown bin
Answer: B) Blue bin
7. Paper recycling works best when paper is:
A) Wet and crumpled
B) Clean and dry
C) Mixed with food peels
D) Tied with plastic wrappers
Answer: B) Clean and dry
II) Very Short Answer Questions (7)
1. Define biodegradable materials.
Answer: Materials that break down naturally by microorganisms, like fruit peels and leaves.
2. What do the 3Rs mean?
Answer: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.
3. Name the process of turning kitchen scraps into soil‑like material.
Answer: Composting.
4. Which organisms help in vermicomposting?
Answer: Special earthworms.
5. What is segregation at source?
Answer: Sorting waste into different categories where it is created (home/school).
6. Give one example of reusable packaging.
Answer: Glass jars used again for storage.
7. Write one benefit of recycling paper.
Answer: Saves trees and reduces resource use.
III) Short Answer Questions (7)
1. Why is it useful to keep two bins at home?
Answer: Two bins help separate biodegradable and recyclable/non‑biodegradable materials. Segregation makes composting and recycling easier, keeps surroundings tidy, and supports safe collection.
2. How do the 3Rs help the environment?
Answer: Reducing lowers the amount of disposables we bring home, reusing gives items a longer life, and recycling turns used materials into new products. Together they reduce the load on landfills and save resources.
3. State two simple steps for starting compost at home.
Answer: Collect kitchen peels separately and layer them with dry leaves in a ventilated bin; keep the mix slightly moist and turn it occasionally until it becomes crumbly compost.
4. Mention two precautions while preparing recyclables.
Answer: Rinse bottles or boxes lightly so they are clean and dry; flatten cartons to save space and tie paper in a neat stack.
5. How can students practise reuse at school?
Answer: Reuse paper on the blank side for rough work, bring a refillable water bottle, and store craft materials in reused containers.
6. What is the role of a landfill in waste management?
Answer: A landfill is a planned site where certain waste is placed safely following rules. By reducing and recycling, less waste reaches landfills, improving overall cleanliness.
7. Why should paper be kept clean and dry for recycling?
Answer: Clean, dry paper is easier to process and gives better recycled products. Food stains or moisture reduce quality.
IV) Long Answer Questions (7)
1. Explain biodegradable and non‑biodegradable waste with examples and their management at home.
Answer: Biodegradable waste includes fruit peels, cooked leftovers, and garden leaves that break down naturally. These can be composted to make nutrient‑rich material for plants. Non‑biodegradable waste includes certain plastic wrappers, metal lids, and glass. These should be kept clean and dry and sent to authorized collection for recycling. Using two bins at home makes this process simple and effective.
2. Describe the 3Rs with one practical example for each from daily life.
Answer: Reduce: Carry a cloth bag to avoid bringing disposable bags. Reuse: Use glass jars to store spices instead of buying new containers. Recycle: Keep a stack of used notebooks and cartons for paper recycling. These actions save resources and reduce the amount sent to landfills.
3. How can a class run a mini compost project safely and neatly?
Answer: Use a lidded bin with air holes. Add a base layer of dry leaves, then biodegradable scraps from tiffins (fruit peels, bread crumbs—no oily or spicy items). Sprinkle a little soil to introduce helpful organisms. Keep it slightly moist and mix weekly. After a few weeks, the mix becomes dark and crumbly; this can be used for potted plants in the school garden.
4. What steps make paper recycling at home and school more effective?
Answer: Keep a separate, clean tray for used sheets; remove pins and tape; keep paper flat and dry; sort heavy cartons and thin sheets. Hand over the bundle to authorized collection. This keeps materials in good condition and improves the quality of the recycled paper.
5. Why is segregation at source considered the first step of good waste management?
Answer: When we sort waste at the moment we create it, compostable items stay clean for composting and recyclables stay uncontaminated. This reduces the effort later, supports safe handling, and increases the chances that materials are reused or recycled instead of going to landfills.
6. Give a detailed note on vermicomposting and how it helps plants.
Answer: Vermicomposting uses selected earthworms to speed up the breakdown of kitchen scraps and garden leaves. The end product is vermicompost, which is soft, dark, and rich in nutrients. When mixed with soil, it improves structure, holds moisture better, and supports healthy plant growth. It is a natural way to return nutrients to the soil.
7. Suggest a weekly “clean surroundings” plan for your family that supports the 3Rs.
Answer: Fix a day to review the two-bin system; rinse and store recyclables; check the compost bin and mix it; make a short shopping list to avoid unnecessary disposables; keep a cloth bag near the door; repair simple items to extend their life. Small steady steps each week build a tidy routine and reduce the amount sent to landfills.
Exam Smart Tips (Read Before You Revise)
- Remember the flow: Segregate → Compost → Recycle → Reduce.
- For one-markers, learn precise definitions: 3Rs, compost, landfill, segregation.
- For long answers, add daily-life examples to score full marks.
- Keep your terms clear: biodegradable vs non‑biodegradable.
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