Science Projects About Garbage

Science projects about garbage can educate people about recycling, waste disposal and eco-friendly, "green" living. These types of projects teach students how much garbage affects their lives and how it can destroy the environment if not handled and disposed of properly. Science projects about garbage can go beyond the classroom, and can encourage changes in lifestyles and attitudes about waste management.

Which Trash Bag Is Really Eco-Friendly?

This science experiment tests which trash bag will break down fastest. You will need four types of bags: a paper grocery bag, a plastic grocery bag, a regular plastic trash bag, and a trash bag that is eco-friendly. Fill the bags with garbage such as stale bread, used coffee grounds, eggshells and table scraps. Put the same kinds and amounts of foods into each of the bags. Bury the bags in a trench with the same amount of dirt on top of each. Every four weeks for three months, dig up the garbage and record what you see and what you smell. Make sure to wear rubber gloves. For a display, you can take a picture of the decay.

Gas from Garbage

This science project examines whether gas is emitted during the decomposition of garbage. Gather four plastic freezer bags and some dried beans. Place five beans into each bag and cover the beans with water. Force all the air out and seal the bag. Place two of the bags in a sunny spot outside. Put the other two bags in a dark closet or drawer with no light. After about a week, look at the bags and record the data. There will be a difference between the bags. Observe the difference and explain it. Display both bags with your data.

Recycled Notebook Paper vs. Regular Notebook Paper

You can complete this simple science project in one month. The project needs only one sheet of recycled paper and one sheet of regular paper of the same size. Bury the paper outside in the dirt in two different places, and make sure the depth of the holes is the same for both pieces of paper. A couple of inches of dirt on top of each should do. Mark the place where you buried each sheet of paper. Come back a month later and dig up the two sheets of paper. Which has more decomposition? Why? Put both pieces of paper into clear plastic bags for your display.

Biomass

This science project measures biomass from garbage. The project calls for three 1-liter plastic soda bottles, three balloons, cow manure, vegetable peelings and a smashed banana. Put on rubber gloves. Place 10 gm. of cow manure into each bottle. Place 10 gm. of vegetable peelings in one bottle and 10 gm. of smashed banana in the other. Place the rubber balloons on top of the bottles, making sure there is a tight seal. Gas will fill the balloons as the garbage decomposes. Once a week, measure the circumference of the balloons to see which kind of garbage emits the most gas.

References

• Science Buddies: "From Trash to Gas -- Biomass Energy"; Kristin Strong; 2009
• The Need Project: Recycled or New -- Experiment
• Education: "Energy from Garbage"; The Need Project; 2011
• Fact Monster: "What Kind of Trash Bag Breaks Down Fastest?" Nancy O'Leary; 2003