In biodegradable, with its root grad, "to step or move", and its prefix de- "downward", we get an adjective describing things that can be broken down into basic substances through normal environmental processes.

What does biodegradable mean? Learn how biodegradable materials break down, how they differ from compostable products, and why the term matters for waste, landfills, and sustainability.

In general, “biodegradable” indicates that something can be broken down by organisms such as bacteria or fungi. The rate of biodegradation depends on factors like temperature, humidity, and the makeup of the item. Biodegradable or compostable bags are a common plastic-substitute item found in stores.

Biodegradable products decompose naturally, preventing pollution in landfills, oceans, and soil. Unlike traditional plastics, which take hundreds of years to break down, biodegradable materials return to the earth without leaving harmful residues.

Biodegradable has a simple definition. It means that an item can be disintegrated into its base elements by microorganisms and the passage of time. This biological process of biodegradation breaks materials down into their various component parts and returns them to nature.

What is the definition of biodegradable? A biodegradable item decomposes naturally within a year with the help of microorganisms and other bio-processes. When biodegradable products are exposed to nature, including oxygen and moisture, they break down relatively efficiently.

Below, we explain the meaning of biodegradable, what materials are biodegradable, and how biodegradation works. You'll also find out why choosing biodegradable products is important for the environment.