Glossary

Michigan Environmental Education Curriculum
Where Does Our Garbage Go?

Biodegradable

A material that nature breaks down into small pieces and basic elements by rotting and bacterial action.

Composting

A process of breaking down food and plant materials (yard wastes) into soil.

Decomposition

A process of breaking down materials into small pieces and basic elements by rotting and bacterial action.

Dump (Unregulated)

Disposing of trash on the surface of the ground without adequate safeguards for health, safety, and impact on the environment.

Garbage

All of the materials that are thrown away. Also called: trash, wastes, etc.

Incinerator

A place where wastes are burned to reduce the amount that goes to the landfill. The heat produced by burning is used to heat buildings or produce electricity.

Landfill

A carefully planned, engineered location where garbage is disposed of in a plastic-lined hole in the ground and covered with soil to protect health, safety, and the environment.

Leachate

Water that has been contaminated by passing through a dump or landfill. New landfills are designed to prevent water leakage.

Materials Recycling Facility

A place where materials being recycled are sorted and shipped to where they can be made into new items.

Packaging

A covering for an item that is not a useful part of the item and is thrown away after opening.

Recyclable Materials

Materials that can be reprocessed and used to make new products.

Recycled Materials

Products made from recycled materials, may be partially or completely made from recycled materials.

Recycling

Taking an item that has already been used once, and using it to make either that same item again, or another item.

Reduce

Using less of an item, using an item with less packaging, or using a more durable item that won't become garbage as quickly so that less waste is produced.

Reuse

Using an item more than once, rather than using a brand new item.

Solid Waste

All of the garbage that is produced.

Tipping Fee

The fee that one must pay to leave wastes at a landfill.

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