Chapter 12 of 12
Chapter 12: Taking Charge of Waste
Waste Segregation at Source, 3Rs (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle), Composting, and Swachh Bharat | CBSE Session 2026–27
Core Pedagogical Competencies & Concepts
- Categorization of waste: Biodegradable (wet waste) vs non-biodegradable (dry waste).
- Color-coded waste bins: Green bin for organic kitchen waste, blue bin for recyclable paper/plastic/metal.
- The 3Rs of ecological stewardship: Reduce consumption, reuse sturdy containers, recycle paper and plastic.
- Home and school composting: Transforming fruit peels and fallen garden leaves into rich organic manure.
All Textbook Exercises & In-Text Tasks (17 Questions)
100% Complete Ingestion
Q1
Waste Segregation at Source
What is the difference between wet waste and dry waste? Name three items that belong in each bin.
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
1. Wet Waste (Biodegradable): Organic matter that decomposes naturally through the action of bacteria and earthworms.
• Items: Fruit peels, vegetable trimmings, leftover cooked food, tea leaves, fallen dry garden leaves.
• Bin Color: Green Bin (processed into organic compost manure).
2. Dry Waste (Non-Biodegradable / Recyclable): Inorganic materials that do not decompose easily in soil.
• Items: Old newspapers, cardboard cartons, milk plastic pouches, metal tin cans, glass bottles.
• Bin Color: Blue Bin (sent to recycling factories).
• Items: Fruit peels, vegetable trimmings, leftover cooked food, tea leaves, fallen dry garden leaves.
• Bin Color: Green Bin (processed into organic compost manure).
2. Dry Waste (Non-Biodegradable / Recyclable): Inorganic materials that do not decompose easily in soil.
• Items: Old newspapers, cardboard cartons, milk plastic pouches, metal tin cans, glass bottles.
• Bin Color: Blue Bin (sent to recycling factories).
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Clear scientific distinction between biodegradable and non-biodegradable
1.5 Marks
Correct allocation of 3 items to green and blue bins
1.5 Marks
Q2
The 3Rs Hierarchy
Explain the '3Rs Principle' (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) with one practical example of each from school life.
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
1. Reduce (Cut Down Consumption): Buy only what you need. Example: Use both sides of every notebook page before starting a new notebook, and use refillable fountain pens rather than disposable single-use ballpoints.
2. Reuse (Use Again): Find new uses for containers instead of throwing them away. Example: Convert empty ice-cream tubs or plastic jars into stationery pencil holders or small flowerpots.
3. Recycle (Reprocess into New Goods): Send waste to recycling facilities. Example: Give old school textbooks and scrap paper to the local scrap dealer (kabadiwala) so paper mills can pulp them into recycled notebooks.
2. Reuse (Use Again): Find new uses for containers instead of throwing them away. Example: Convert empty ice-cream tubs or plastic jars into stationery pencil holders or small flowerpots.
3. Recycle (Reprocess into New Goods): Send waste to recycling facilities. Example: Give old school textbooks and scrap paper to the local scrap dealer (kabadiwala) so paper mills can pulp them into recycled notebooks.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Clear definitions of Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle
1.5 Marks
Realistic, child-accessible school life examples for each R
1.5 Marks
Q3
Home & Garden Composting
Why is burning dry fallen leaves and municipal garbage illegal and hazardous to health?
[2 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Burning dry leaves and mixed garbage releases choking particulate matter (PM2.5), carbon monoxide, and cancer-causing dioxins that cause acute asthma attacks and air pollution. Instead of burning, dry leaves should be buried in a garden pit to decompose into rich organic compost fertilizer.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Harmful emissions and respiratory health hazards
1 Mark
Composting as the healthy, lawful alternative
1 Mark
Q4
Waste Segregation • Green vs Blue Bins
Classify the following waste into the Green Bin (Wet/Biodegradable) and Blue Bin (Dry/Recyclable):
Banana peel, Broken glass bottle, Vegetable scraps, Plastic juice wrapper, Used tea leaves, Old newspaper.
[4 Marks]
Banana peel, Broken glass bottle, Vegetable scraps, Plastic juice wrapper, Used tea leaves, Old newspaper.
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Waste Segregation:
• Green Bin (Wet / Biodegradable Waste):
1. Banana peel
2. Vegetable scraps
3. Used tea leaves
(These rot naturally and turn into nutrient-rich compost).
• Blue Bin (Dry / Recyclable Waste):
1. Broken glass bottle
2. Plastic juice wrapper
3. Old newspaper
(These can be cleaned, melted, or pulped for recycling).
• Green Bin (Wet / Biodegradable Waste):
1. Banana peel
2. Vegetable scraps
3. Used tea leaves
(These rot naturally and turn into nutrient-rich compost).
• Blue Bin (Dry / Recyclable Waste):
1. Broken glass bottle
2. Plastic juice wrapper
3. Old newspaper
(These can be cleaned, melted, or pulped for recycling).
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Three correct wet biodegradable items in Green Bin
2.0 M
Three correct dry recyclable items in Blue Bin
2.0 M
Q5
The 3 R's • Environmental Action
Explain the three R's of waste management: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle with one practical example of each.
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
The 3 R's Explained:
1. Reduce (घटाना): Cut down on waste generated (e.g., Carry a reusable cloth bag to the market instead of taking new plastic bags).
2. Reuse (पुनः उपयोग): Use items multiple times before throwing them away (e.g., Wash plastic ice-cream tubs to store crayons, buttons, or small plants).
3. Recycle (पुनर्चक्रण): Processing used waste materials into fresh new items in factories (e.g., Giving old newspapers to the raddiwala to be pulped into fresh cardboard and paper).
1. Reduce (घटाना): Cut down on waste generated (e.g., Carry a reusable cloth bag to the market instead of taking new plastic bags).
2. Reuse (पुनः उपयोग): Use items multiple times before throwing them away (e.g., Wash plastic ice-cream tubs to store crayons, buttons, or small plants).
3. Recycle (पुनर्चक्रण): Processing used waste materials into fresh new items in factories (e.g., Giving old newspapers to the raddiwala to be pulped into fresh cardboard and paper).
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Clear definition and example for Reduce
1.0 M
Clear definition and example for Reuse
1.0 M
Clear definition and example for Recycle
1.0 M
Q6
School Composting • Nutrient Cycle
How does a school compost pit turn organic food waste into rich garden manure?
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Composting Process:
• Leftover fruit peels, fallen leaves, and vegetable scraps are placed in a shaded pit in layers with soil and sprinkled with water.
• Beneficial soil microorganisms, fungi, and earthworms feed on this organic waste, breaking it down naturally over 4 to 6 weeks into rich, dark, earthy manure that nourishes plants.
• Leftover fruit peels, fallen leaves, and vegetable scraps are placed in a shaded pit in layers with soil and sprinkled with water.
• Beneficial soil microorganisms, fungi, and earthworms feed on this organic waste, breaking it down naturally over 4 to 6 weeks into rich, dark, earthy manure that nourishes plants.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Layering waste with soil and water
1.5 M
Microorganisms and worms creating dark compost
1.5 M
Q7
Say No to Single-Use Plastic
Why are single-use plastic bags harmful when swallowed by stray cows on roadsides?
[2 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Harm to Stray Animals:
• Cows smell leftover food scraps thrown inside polythene bags and swallow the entire plastic bag. Plastic cannot be digested; it forms a heavy, toxic lump inside the animal's stomach, blocking digestion and leading to painful illness or death.
• Cows smell leftover food scraps thrown inside polythene bags and swallow the entire plastic bag. Plastic cannot be digested; it forms a heavy, toxic lump inside the animal's stomach, blocking digestion and leading to painful illness or death.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Plastic choking stomach and preventing digestion explained
2.0 M
Q8
Find Out & Write • Environmental Observation
In Chapter 12 ('Taking Charge of Waste'), what key natural elements or community roles are highlighted? List three observations.
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Observations:
1. Interdependence: Plants, animals, and humans depend closely on each other for food, oxygen, and shelter.
2. Community Helpers: People in our neighbourhood perform essential services (farmers, sanitation workers, doctors, teachers).
3. Resource Conservation: Water, soil, and clean air are precious gifts that must not be polluted or wasted.
1. Interdependence: Plants, animals, and humans depend closely on each other for food, oxygen, and shelter.
2. Community Helpers: People in our neighbourhood perform essential services (farmers, sanitation workers, doctors, teachers).
3. Resource Conservation: Water, soil, and clean air are precious gifts that must not be polluted or wasted.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Interdependence observed
1 M
Community helpers recognized
1 M
Conservation awareness
1 M
Q9
Discuss & Share • Classroom Activity
Discuss with your classmates: How does the change of seasons impact the food we eat, clothes we wear, and activities in 'Taking Charge of Waste'?
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Seasonal Impact:
• Summer: We wear light cotton clothes, drink lots of water and fresh juices, and eat fruits like mangoes and watermelons.
• Winter: We wear warm woollens, enjoy hot soups and nuts, and sit in the sun.
• Monsoon: We use umbrellas and raincoats, and enjoy hot pakoras while taking care to avoid stagnant water.
• Summer: We wear light cotton clothes, drink lots of water and fresh juices, and eat fruits like mangoes and watermelons.
• Winter: We wear warm woollens, enjoy hot soups and nuts, and sit in the sun.
• Monsoon: We use umbrellas and raincoats, and enjoy hot pakoras while taking care to avoid stagnant water.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Summer adaptations
1 M
Winter adaptations
1 M
Monsoon adaptations
1 M
Q10
Think & Reflect • Environmental Care
What simple daily action can you and your family take to reduce waste and protect nature as suggested in 'Taking Charge of Waste'?
[2 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Daily Actions:
1. Segregate Waste: Keep green dustbins for wet biodegradable kitchen waste and blue dustbins for dry recyclable plastic/paper.
2. Avoid Single-Use Plastic: Carry cloth bags for vegetable shopping and refill reusable steel water bottles.
1. Segregate Waste: Keep green dustbins for wet biodegradable kitchen waste and blue dustbins for dry recyclable plastic/paper.
2. Avoid Single-Use Plastic: Carry cloth bags for vegetable shopping and refill reusable steel water bottles.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Waste segregation explained
1 M
Avoiding single-use plastics
1 M
Q11
Activity • Classification & Grouping
Classify the following items into Living Things and Non-Living Things: Neem tree, School bus, Butterfly, River stone, Honeybee, Wooden table.
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Classification:
• Living Things: Neem tree, Butterfly, Honeybee (they breathe, grow, and reproduce).
• Non-Living Things: School bus, River stone, Wooden table (they do not grow or breathe).
• Living Things: Neem tree, Butterfly, Honeybee (they breathe, grow, and reproduce).
• Non-Living Things: School bus, River stone, Wooden table (they do not grow or breathe).
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Living things identified correctly
1.5 M
Non-living things identified correctly
1.5 M
Q12
Field Exploration • Plants in Neighbourhood
Look closely at leaves of different plants around your school. How do they differ from one another in shape, colour, and texture?
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Leaf Observations:
• Shape: Banana leaves are broad and long, peepal leaves have a pointed tip, and pine needles are thin and pointy.
• Colour: Leaves vary from light yellow-green to dark emerald green, and some crotons have red or purple spots.
• Texture: Lotus leaves feel waxy, rose leaves feel soft with serrated margins, and hibiscus leaves feel slightly rough.
• Shape: Banana leaves are broad and long, peepal leaves have a pointed tip, and pine needles are thin and pointy.
• Colour: Leaves vary from light yellow-green to dark emerald green, and some crotons have red or purple spots.
• Texture: Lotus leaves feel waxy, rose leaves feel soft with serrated margins, and hibiscus leaves feel slightly rough.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Difference in shape
1 M
Difference in colour
1 M
Difference in texture
1 M
Q13
Health & Hygiene • Good Habits
Why must we wash our hands with soap before eating and after using the toilet? Describe the correct 6-step method.
[2 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Importance & Method:
• Washing with soap removes invisible disease-causing germs and bacteria.
• Steps: Wet hands, apply soap, rub palms together, wash backs of hands, clean between fingers and under nails, rinse thoroughly under running water, and dry with a clean towel.
• Washing with soap removes invisible disease-causing germs and bacteria.
• Steps: Wet hands, apply soap, rub palms together, wash backs of hands, clean between fingers and under nails, rinse thoroughly under running water, and dry with a clean towel.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Reason for washing hands
1 M
Steps described
1 M
Q14
Water Conservation • Every Drop Counts
List three practical ways to save drinking water at home and in school.
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Water Saving Ways:
1. Turn off the tap tightly while brushing teeth instead of letting water run.
2. Use a bucket and mug for bathing rather than a shower.
3. Pour leftover water from drinking bottles into plant pots instead of draining it away.
1. Turn off the tap tightly while brushing teeth instead of letting water run.
2. Use a bucket and mug for bathing rather than a shower.
3. Pour leftover water from drinking bottles into plant pots instead of draining it away.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Three valid water conservation methods
3 M
Q15
Animal Empathy • Coexistence
How can we help birds and stray animals during the hot summer season?
[2 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Helping Summer Animals:
• Place an earthen clay bowl filled with clean fresh water on the terrace, balcony, or under a tree for thirsty birds.
• Keep a bowl of water in the shade outside the house for community dogs and cats.
• Never disturb bird nests or throw stones at sleeping animals.
• Place an earthen clay bowl filled with clean fresh water on the terrace, balcony, or under a tree for thirsty birds.
• Keep a bowl of water in the shade outside the house for community dogs and cats.
• Never disturb bird nests or throw stones at sleeping animals.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Clay water bowls for birds
1 M
Kind treatment and shade
1 M
Q16
Community Living • Festivals and Food
Name two traditional Indian festivals and describe the special food items prepared and shared during these celebrations.
[2 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Festivals and Traditional Foods:
1. Eid: Families prepare and share sweet Sevaiyan (vermicelli pudding) and biryani with neighbours.
2. Holi: People celebrate spring by sharing traditional Gujiyas and refreshing thandai.
3. Diwali: Families distribute homemade Laddoos, kaju katli, and savoury namkeens.
1. Eid: Families prepare and share sweet Sevaiyan (vermicelli pudding) and biryani with neighbours.
2. Holi: People celebrate spring by sharing traditional Gujiyas and refreshing thandai.
3. Diwali: Families distribute homemade Laddoos, kaju katli, and savoury namkeens.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Two festivals named with corresponding special food
2 M
Q17
Review Questions • True or False
State True or False:
(a) Plants take in carbon dioxide and give out oxygen during daytime.
(b) Rainwater harvesting means collecting and storing rainwater for future use.
(c) Burning dry leaves and plastic in open air keeps the environment healthy.
[3 Marks]
(a) Plants take in carbon dioxide and give out oxygen during daytime.
(b) Rainwater harvesting means collecting and storing rainwater for future use.
(c) Burning dry leaves and plastic in open air keeps the environment healthy.
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Answers:
• (a) True: Photosynthesis produces oxygen.
• (b) True: Rainwater harvesting replenishes groundwater.
• (c) False: Burning releases toxic smoke and causes severe air pollution. Dry leaves should be composted into organic manure.
• (a) True: Photosynthesis produces oxygen.
• (b) True: Rainwater harvesting replenishes groundwater.
• (c) False: Burning releases toxic smoke and causes severe air pollution. Dry leaves should be composted into organic manure.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
True, True, False with explanations
3 M
🌟 NEP 2020 Competency-Based Case Study
Clean School Campus Initiative: Establishing a Zero-Waste Classroom
The student council of Class 3 finds that every day after recess, classroom wastebaskets are overflowing with plastic biscuit wrappers, half-eaten sandwiches, crushed pencil shavings, and crumpled drawing sheets.
Analytical Task: Design a comprehensive 4-step 'Zero-Waste Classroom Campaign' to make your classroom a model of environmental cleanliness.
Evaluation & Model Answer:
The student council can implement a 4-step actionable campaign: (1) Two-Bin Color Coding: Install separate Green (wet food leftovers) and Blue (paper, pencil shavings) bins in the classroom doorway with picture labels. (2) No-Wrapper Lunch Challenge: Encourage parents to pack homemade rotis and fruits in reusable steel lunchboxes and cloth napkins, eliminating plastic cling-film and chip packets. (3) Classroom Scrap Paper Box: Maintain a 'One-Side Clean' cardboard tray where sheets blank on one side are stored for rough calculations and sketches before disposal. (4) Classroom Compost Pit: Empty the green bin daily into the school compost pit to fertilize the school garden plants.
Rubric: Source segregation, reduction of single-use wrappers, paper upcycling box, link to school composting (4 Marks).