C1.34 Problems with polymers

C1.34 Problems with polymers

1. Biodegradability

   • Many minerals that we throw away are biodegradable
   • They eventually rot away as microbes feed on them and break them down
   • Most polymers aren't biodegradable
     • Which is useful as they last a long time
     • When they are thrown away they don't rot so they stay in the ground forever

2. Disposing of polymers

   • Burning
     • Many polymers release toxic gasses when they are released
   • Biodegradable polymers
     • they are being developed
     • They will rot away
   • Recycling
     • Melting or breaking the polymers to make new objects
   • Landfill sites
     • Polymers aren't biodegradable
     • They last for many years
     • We are runnin out of landfill sites