Introduction
The rate of biodegradability of plastic differs based on environmental conditions. These conditions include soil, aquatic, marine, and compost environment. While the production of plastic has increased, environmentalists warn of the devastating effects of waste plastics due to their non-biodegradability. The high concentration of plastics in the soil affects both plant and animal species and poses a real danger to most ecosystems.
Main body
Disposal of plastic often involves burning, which emits greenhouse gas effects. Consequently, stakeholders have advocated for the adoption of recycling as the best alternative to the current menace. Nevertheless, recycling plastic material still produces substantial greenhouse gas emissions. For this reason, environmentalists propose the use of composite disposal to reduce these harmful side effects of burning (Emadian et al., 2017). The composite process converts the organic matter into CO2 and a soil-like material. The composite process provided the possibility of degrading plastic through a biological process yielding carbon dioxide, water, biomass, inorganics, and compounds.
While solving the concerns of plastic is gearing towards composite as the possible solution, there are degradable and non-degradable plastics, which in general have devastating effects on the environment. Most plastic material has some biodegradable component, but a significant proportion of these plastics is not biodegradable. Therefore, this process should entail the classification of these plastics into separate components based on the material used and the potential for biodegradation. Non-biodegradable materials should be recycled, while biodegradable materials should be composted.
Summary
In summary, burning plastics should be avoided to minimize greenhouse gas emissions. All non-biodegradable materials should be recycled, while biodegradable materials should be composted. This approach would ensure longer usage life for non-biodegradable plastic and safe disposal of biodegradable materials.
Reference
Emadian, S. M., Onay, T. T., & Demirel, B. (2017). Biodegradation of bioplastics in natural environments. Waste Management, 59, 526-536. Web.