Biodegradable materials have the following characteristics in common:

• They can be broken down by natural processes, such as bacteria, fungi, or worms, into harmless substances, such as water, carbon dioxide, or organic matter.
• They are generally organic materials such as plant and animal matter and other substances originating from living organisms.
• They can be degraded aerobically, with oxygen, or anaerobically, without oxygen.
• They tend to degrade in the natural surrounding.
• They are utilized in items that are common in use but dont get used very long, such as napkins, fast food bags, and grocery bags.

On the other hand, non-biodegradable materials cannot be broken down by natural organisms and act as a source of pollution. Examples of non-biodegradable materials include steel, plastic, and rubber.