The term biodegradable is used to describe materials that decompose through the actions of bacteria, fungi, and other living organisms. Temperature and sunlight may also play roles in the decomposition of biodegradable materials. If such materials are not biodegradable, they remain in the environment for a long time, and, if these substances are toxic, they may pollute the soil and water.
Common everyday substances like food refuse, tree leaves, and grass clippings are important resources of biodegradable materials. Many communities now encourage people to compost these biodegradable materials and use them as an organic-rich material in soil for gardening. Because plant biodegradable materials, composting is one way to reduce solid waste disposed in landfills. In fact, the public is ultimately the driving force behind the development of biodegradable material.
