Garbage: Glossary

A

accumulation

a collection, gathering or buildup

B

bacteria

microscopic living thing

biodegradable

anything that will decompose

C

charities

groups that collect food, clothing or other to give to the needy

chemicals

a substance with a specific molecular structure - used in chemistry

compost

decomposing plant-life used for fertilizer

D

decade

10 years

decay

to decompose or rot

decomposers

animals or other organisms which aid the decay process

degrade

to wear down

density

matter that is packed tightly is said to have greater density than matter that is loosely structured

dismantle

take apart

F

fungus

mold, mushrooms, and yeast are types of fungus

H

hazardous waste

garbage that may be harmful to the environment

humus

soil

I

insecticide

poison used to kill insects

L

landfill

place where garbage is buried under the surface of the soil - also called sanitary landfill

M

medication

drugs used to treat or cure disease

minerals

basic raw materials of the earth; rocks

N

non-biodegradable

won't decompose or will take thousands of years to do so

O

organism

anything living

P

poisonous

toxic; able to kill organisms

R

receptacles

containers

recycle

reuse or remake into new

repurposing

use for a purpose other than the original design

S

saliva

another word for spit

sewage treatment plant

a facility where raw sewage is made into usable product and harmful components are removed or neutralized