degradables
Things that decompose
Degradables are materials capable of breaking down through natural processes—biological, chemical, or physical.
The term usually appears in environmental contexts discussing waste management: We separate degradables from plastics.
Biodegradables break down through living organisms; photodegradables through sunlight.
The word often contrasts with materials that persist indefinitely in landfills.
Gradual organic breakdown
- rotOrganic breakdown process
- bacteriaNucleus-free single-celled organisms
- fungiSpore-reproducing decomposers
- enzymesReaction-speeding proteins
mold · putrefaction · breakdown · oxidation · disintegration · fragmentation · deterioration · spoilage
Decayed organic fertilizer
- humusDecayed organic soil matter
- vermicompostingDecomposition using earthworms
- wormsLimbless burrowing invertebrates
- kitchen scrapsDiscarded cooking byproducts
yard waste · greens · browns · nitrogen · carbon · thermophilic · pile · bin
Plant-derived synthetic materials
- cellulosePlant wall polysaccharide
- paperPressed pulp for writing
- cardboardRigid paper for containers
- plant fiberCellulose from vegetation
bamboo · hemp · wood pulp · cotton · jute · bagasse · mycelium · palm leaf
Capable of being remade
- renewableCapable of restoration
- eco-friendlyNot harming the environment
- zero wasteEliminating discarded materials entirely
- circular economyRegenerative resource management model
sustainable materials · eco-design · life cycle · carbon footprint · closed-loop · cradle-to-cradle · eco-labels · certification
Waste burial ground
- pollutionEnvironmental harm from waste
- waste managementRefuse collection and disposal
- microplasticsSub-5mm synthetic environmental particles
- ocean dumpingDepositing waste in seas
incineration · environmental impact · leaching · soil contamination · groundwater · marine debris · litter · disposal
decay
Gradual organic breakdown
- rotOrganic breakdown process
- bacteriaNucleus-free single-celled organisms
- fungiSpore-reproducing decomposers
enzymes · mold · putrefaction · breakdown · oxidation · disintegration · fragmentation · deterioration · spoilage · weathering
compost
Decayed organic fertilizer
- humusDecayed organic soil matter
- vermicompostingDecomposition using earthworms
- wormsLimbless burrowing invertebrates
kitchen scraps · yard waste · greens · browns · nitrogen · carbon · thermophilic · pile · bin · tumbler
bioplastics
Plant-derived synthetic materials
plant fiber · bamboo · hemp · wood pulp · cotton · jute · bagasse · mycelium · palm leaf · banana leaf
recyclable
Capable of being remade
- renewableCapable of restoration
- eco-friendlyNot harming the environment
- zero wasteEliminating discarded materials entirely
circular economy · sustainable materials · eco-design · life cycle · carbon footprint · closed-loop · cradle-to-cradle · eco-labels · certification · end-of-life
landfill
Waste burial ground
- pollutionEnvironmental harm from waste
- waste managementRefuse collection and disposal
- microplasticsSub-5mm synthetic environmental particles
ocean dumping · incineration · environmental impact · leaching · soil contamination · groundwater · marine debris · litter · disposal · persistence
degradablesplastics
Moldable petroleum-based materials
forever chemicals · microplastics · synthetics · PFAS · styrofoam
degradablesimperishables
Things that don't decay
durables · stainless steel · glass · ceramics
degradablesenvironmental pollutants
Substances degrading ecosystems
toxic materials · PFAS · disposables · single-use plastics · nuclear waste