What is a common type of non-biodegradable material?

Plastic is a common type of non-biodegradable material due to its chemical structure, which is designed to be durable and resistant to degradation. Plastics can take hundreds to thousands of years to decompose in the environment, posing a significant challenge for waste management and contributing to pollution in landfills and oceans. Unlike biodegradable materials, which break down naturally and return nutrients to the ecosystem, plastics persist and can harm wildlife and ecosystems. This makes it critical for sanitation workers to properly manage plastic waste through recycling and proper disposal methods to mitigate its environmental impact.

In contrast, materials like cardboard, food scraps, and yard waste are biodegradable. These items can decompose naturally into organic matter, enriching the soil over time, and are often composted or processed in a way that returns nutrients to the earth, reducing landfill volume and promoting sustainability efforts.