**1. Introduction**

A biodegradable material can be decomposed by natural microorganisms, while nonbiodegradable material cannot be decomposed by natural microorganisms. The former will not be adding to pollution as it will be slowly broken down, but the latter acts as a source of pollution as it will remain as such in the environment for a very long time.


#### **Table 1.**

*Difference between biodegradable and nonbiodegradable waste.*

Biodegradable waste typically originates from some kind of organic materials from plant or animal sources and is commonly found as green waste, food waste, paper waste, and other biodegradable materials, like human waste, manure, sewage, slaughterhouse waste, etc.

Nonbiodegradable wastes are not decomposed or dissolved by natural biological processes. Most of the inorganic waste is nonbiodegradable. The major drawback of technological advancements in the creation of materials that nature cannot decompose, i.e. nonbiodegradable. Prominent examples of nonbiodegradable wastes are polyethylene and plastics, which are commonly used materials in almost every field, including the healthcare system. Now a day's improved, temperature resistant and more durable plastics are being produced making them even more long-lasting pollutants. Cans, metals, and chemicals form other chunks of nonbiodegradable waste.

It remains on earth for thousands of years unchanged and the threat caused is more significant. It not only causes air, water, and soil pollution but also act as a measure health hazard causing diseases like cancer (**Table 1**).
