Biodegradable wastes are those that can be recycled or decomposed by bacteria; therefore do not need dumping sites, and also do not cause pollution. For example- paper, wood, vegetable peels etc. Whereas, non-biodegradable wastes are those that cannot be recycled or decomposed by bacteria (not degradable) and cause pollution in the environment. Non-biodegradable waste when dumped onto large area causes soil pollution due to the poisonous chemicals present in them. For example- plastic

For example- Plastic, DDT and polythene are three such examples of non-biodegradable waste that pollute the environment.