degradable
Able to break down
Degradable describes something capable of being broken down, especially by natural biological or chemical processes.
Most often applied to materials: biodegradable packaging, degradable plastics.
The term implies the material won't persist indefinitely in the environment.
Something non-degradable resists such breakdown.
Organic breakdown process
- decomposeBreak into simpler parts
- putrefyDecompose with stench
- spoilDamage or overindulge
- deteriorateGrow worse over time
disintegrate · perish · fester · molder · wither · crumble · ferment · sour
Break into simpler parts
- breakdownFailure or decomposition
- microorganismsMicroscopic living entities
- bacteriaNucleus-free single-celled organisms
- fungiSpore-reproducing decomposers
enzymes · organic · natural · disintegration · metabolize · digestion · soil · non-toxic
Large repeated-unit molecule
- photodegradableBroken down by light
- plasticCapable of being molded
- oxidizableAble to combine with oxygen
- corrosionChemical wearing away
erosion · wear · fragmentation · soluble · dissolvable · hydrolysis · leaching · brittleness
Environmental harm from waste
- contaminationIntroduction of impurities
- ecosystemInterconnected organisms and surroundings
- microplasticsSub-5mm synthetic environmental particles
- landfillWaste burial ground
ocean · marine · wildlife · bioaccumulation · leachate · toxicity · persistence · half-life
Decayed organic soil matter
- compostDecayed organic fertilizer
- wormsLimbless burrowing invertebrates
- mulchProtective plant bedding
- vermicompostingDecomposition using earthworms
backyard · garden · browns · greens · manure · leaves · straw · sawdust
Treat used material again
- reuseEmploy something again
- reclaimTake back possession
- repurposeAdapt for new use
- upcycleCreatively reuse discarded materials
disassemble · salvage · recondition · refurbish · rework · remold · reconstitute · circular
rot
Organic breakdown process
deteriorate · disintegrate · perish · fester · molder · wither · crumble · ferment · sour · rancid
decompose
Break into simpler parts
- breakdownFailure or decomposition
- microorganismsMicroscopic living entities
- bacteriaNucleus-free single-celled organisms
fungi · enzymes · organic · natural · disintegration · metabolize · digestion · soil · non-toxic · perishable
polymer
Large repeated-unit molecule
- photodegradableBroken down by light
- plasticCapable of being molded
- oxidizableAble to combine with oxygen
corrosion · erosion · wear · fragmentation · soluble · dissolvable · hydrolysis · leaching · brittleness · cracking
pollution
Environmental harm from waste
- contaminationIntroduction of impurities
- ecosystemInterconnected organisms and surroundings
- microplasticsSub-5mm synthetic environmental particles
landfill · ocean · marine · wildlife · bioaccumulation · leachate · toxicity · persistence · half-life · single-use
humus
Decayed organic soil matter
vermicomposting · backyard · garden · browns · greens · manure · leaves · straw · sawdust · heap
reprocess
Treat used material again
upcycle · disassemble · salvage · recondition · refurbish · rework · remold · reconstitute · circular · closed-loop
degradableundegradable
Cannot be broken down
indestructible · imperishable · permanent · non-biodegradable · stable
degradablenon-biodegradable
Resists natural decomposition
persistent · permanent · synthetic · accumulative · everlasting