CBSE Class 6 Science Exemplar Chapter 16: Garbage in, Garbage Out - NCERT Solutions
This chapter, "Garbage in, Garbage out," for CBSE Class 6 Science, delves into the crucial topic of waste management. The NCERT Solutions provided here offer clear explanations and step-by-step answers to the multiple-choice questions. Students will learn about different methods of waste disposal, including composting and vermicomposting, and understand the importance of segregating waste. The solutions also highlight the harmful effects of non-biodegradable materials like polythene and the consequences of burning waste. By studying these solutions, students will gain a deeper understanding of responsible waste management practices, which is essential for environmental protection. These solutions are designed to aid students in their exam preparation by clarifying concepts and providing accurate answers to practice questions.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 6 |
| Subject | Science Exemplar |
| Session | 2026 |
| Language | English |
| Type | NCERT Solutions |
| Chapter | Chapter 16 |
Chapter summary
Chapter 16, "Garbage in, Garbage out," focuses on understanding waste and its management. The NCERT Solutions cover key concepts such as biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste, composting, vermicomposting, and the environmental impact of improper waste disposal. The exercises emphasize the importance of waste segregation and responsible disposal methods, including recycling and avoiding harmful practices like burning waste. These solutions provide clear explanations for multiple-choice questions, reinforcing learning on environmental responsibility.
Learning outcomes
- Understand the difference between biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste.
- Learn about the process of composting and vermicomposting.
- Identify responsible waste disposal practices.
- Recognize the harmful effects of burning waste and using polythene bags.
- Understand the purpose of waste segregation for recycling and composting.
Topics covered
Paper topics
- Waste Management
- Composting
- Vermicomposting
- Biodegradable Waste
- Non-biodegradable Waste
- Waste Segregation
- Recycling
- Environmental Pollution
- Polythene Bags
- Burning of Waste
Important topics
- Waste Segregation
- Biodegradable vs. Non-biodegradable Waste
- Composting and Vermicomposting
- Environmental Impact of Plastic
- Harmful Effects of Burning Waste
PDF preview
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Questions and Solutions
Multiple Choice Questions: 1
(a) composting
(b) vermicomposting
(c) manuring
(d) decomposing
The correct option is (b) vermicomposting.
Vermicomposting is a specific biological process where earthworms are used to decompose organic waste materials. This process not only breaks down the waste efficiently but also enriches the resulting compost with valuable nutrients, making it an excellent fertilizer for soil improvement.
Multiple Choice Questions: 2
(a) convert into compost
(b) convert into vermicompost
(c) remain as such
(d) remain forever in its dried form.
The correct option is (a) convert into compost.
Kitchen waste, such as vegetable peels and food scraps, is primarily composed of organic matter that is biodegradable. When placed in a pit, microorganisms naturally break down this waste over time, transforming it into compost. Vermicompost is a specific type of compost created with the help of earthworms, which are not necessarily present in a simple pit.
Multiple Choice Questions: 3
(a) Goods carried m paper bags or cloth bags.
(b) Waste collected in polythene bags for disposal.
(c) Waste separated into those that degrade and those that do not.
(d) Making handicrafts with used up notebooks.
The correct option is (b) Waste collected in polythene bags for disposal.
Polythene bags are non-biodegradable, meaning they do not decompose naturally in the environment. They persist for hundreds of years, contributing to land and water pollution, and can harm wildlife. Responsible waste disposal involves using biodegradable bags or other methods that minimize environmental harm, unlike collecting waste in polythene bags.
Multiple Choice Questions: 4
(i) Burning degrades the soil.
(ii) Burning produces harmful gases/fumes.
(iii) Precious raw materials to obtain manure at low cost is lost.
(iv) Lot of heat is generated unnecessarily.
The correct reasons of why we should not burn leaves are
(a) i, ii and iv only
(b) i, ii, iii and iv
(c) ii and iii only
(d) ii, iii and iv only.
The correct option is (b) i, ii, iii and iv.
Burning dried leaves and plant parts has multiple negative consequences. It degrades the soil by destroying organic matter, releases harmful gases and fumes into the atmosphere which contribute to air pollution and health problems, and wastes valuable organic material that could otherwise be converted into nutrient-rich compost. Additionally, the process generates significant heat unnecessarily.
Multiple Choice Questions: 5
Items:
(i) Plastic bags
(ii) Newspaper and journals
(iii) Screw and nuts
(iv) Vegetable peels
(v) Metal chips
(vi) Egg shells
Which item was transferred to which bin?
GREEN
BLUE RED (i) and (iv)
(ii) and (iii)
(v) and (vi) (a) (i) and (iii)
(ii) and (v) (b) (iv) and (vi)
(i), (iii) and (v)
(ii) only (c) (iv) and (vi) (d) (i) and (v)
(ii) and (iv)
(iii) only
The correct option is (c).
Let's break down the segregation:
- GREEN Bin (Composting Pit): This bin is for biodegradable waste that can decompose. Items (iv) Vegetable peels and (vi) Egg shells are organic and suitable for composting.
- BLUE Bin (Recycling Unit): This bin is for materials that can be recycled. Item (ii) Newspaper and journals are paper products that can be recycled.
- RED Bin (Landfill): This bin is for non-biodegradable waste that cannot be easily composted or recycled, or for items that might be hazardous. Items (i) Plastic bags, (iii) Screw and nuts, and (v) Metal chips fall into this category. Plastic is non-biodegradable, and while metal and screws can be recycled, the question implies a specific segregation where these might go to landfill if not specifically designated for recycling in this context, or if the recycling unit is for specific items like paper. Given the options, this is the most logical placement for these items.
Therefore, the correct assignment is: GREEN - (iv) and (vi); BLUE - (ii) only; RED - (i), (iii), and (v).
Common mistakes
- Confusing composting with vermicomposting.
- Not understanding the difference between biodegradable and non-biodegradable materials.
- Failing to recognize the environmental harm caused by polythene bags.
- Not considering the loss of valuable compost material when burning leaves.
Revision tips
- Review the definitions of composting and vermicomposting.
- Focus on the reasons why waste segregation is important.
- Understand the environmental impact of non-biodegradable waste like plastic.
- Practice identifying which waste items are biodegradable and which are not.
Practice MCQs
Q1. The method of preparing compost with the help of earthworms is specifically called:
Explanation: Vermicomposting is the process of creating compost using specific types of earthworms, which enrich the compost with nutrients.
Q2. When kitchen waste is dumped in a pit, what is the most likely outcome after some time?
Explanation: Kitchen waste is biodegradable and naturally decomposes into compost over time. Vermicompost requires the introduction of earthworms.
Q3. Which of the following actions demonstrates irresponsible behavior regarding waste disposal?
Explanation: Polythene bags are non-biodegradable and harmful to the environment, making their use for waste collection an irresponsible practice.
Q4. Burning dried leaves and plant parts is discouraged for several reasons. Which of the following are valid reasons?
Explanation: Burning leaves degrades soil, releases harmful gases and heat, and destroys organic matter that could be converted into nutrient-rich compost.
Q5. In a waste segregation system, which items are typically placed in the 'Green' bin for composting?
Explanation: Vegetable peels and egg shells are biodegradable organic materials that are suitable for composting and would be placed in the green bin.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main topic of CBSE Class 6 Science Exemplar Chapter 16?
Chapter 16, 'Garbage in, Garbage out,' focuses on understanding different types of waste, methods of waste management like composting and vermicomposting, and the importance of responsible waste disposal for environmental protection.
What is the difference between composting and vermicomposting?
Composting is the general process of decomposing organic waste into nutrient-rich manure. Vermicomposting is a specific type of composting that uses earthworms to speed up the decomposition process and enhance the quality of the compost.
Why is it important to segregate waste?
Waste segregation is crucial for effective waste management. It allows biodegradable waste to be composted, non-biodegradable waste to be recycled or disposed of safely, and prevents harmful materials from polluting the environment.
Are polythene bags biodegradable?
No, polythene bags are non-biodegradable. They persist in the environment for a very long time, causing pollution and harming wildlife, which is why their use in waste disposal is discouraged.
How do these NCERT Solutions help Class 6 students?
These solutions provide clear, step-by-step answers to the chapter's questions, helping students understand concepts like waste management, composting, and the environmental impact of different waste materials, aiding in exam preparation.
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