Science (086) — AI-generated practice question

No, the argument is not valid.

Even though biodegradable waste does not persist like plastic, its disposal still causes serious environmental problems. When biodegradable waste decomposes in large quantities, it can:

1. Pollute soil and water — excess decomposition releases harmful gases and leachates that contaminate groundwater.
2. Disturb the ecosystem — large amounts of organic waste upset the natural balance of nutrients and can lead to problems like eutrophication in water bodies.
3. Generate greenhouse gases — decomposing waste produces methane, contributing to climate change.

Therefore, the disposal of waste — whether biodegradable or not — has an impact on the environment. Switching to biodegradable packaging reduces some problems but does not eliminate environmental harm.

Source: Our Environment, Chapter 13 — 13.2.2 Managing the Garbage we Produce

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The examiner expects students to directly reject the argument and give two or more valid reasons why biodegradable waste still affects the environment. The key phrase from the textbook is: "The disposal of the waste we generate is causing serious environmental problems" — this applies to all waste, not just non-biodegradable. Avoid writing only about non-biodegradable waste; focus on biodegradable waste's own negative impacts. This aligns with Exercise Q8: "If all the waste we generate is biodegradable, will this have no impact on the environment?"