Consider the following statements about the disposal of plastics: 1. Burning plastics is a safe method if done in open areas. 2. Plastics thrown on roads can choke drains. 3. Animals eating from plastic bags may die. Which of the statements given above are correct?

The correct option is (c). Explanation Plastic waste management is a critical environmental challenge. Improper disposal methods, such as open burning or littering, result in severe ecological damage, health hazards, and threats to biodiversity. Statement-wise Analysis: - Statement 1 is Incorrect: Burning plastics in open areas is highly hazardous. It releases toxic gases and carcinogenic fumes, such as dioxins, furans, and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), into the atmosphere, contributing significantly to air pollution and respiratory health issues. - Statement 2 is Correct: Plastic waste is non-biodegradable. When thrown indiscriminately on roads, it often accumulates in drainage systems, choking drains. This leads to waterlogging, urban flooding, and the creation of unhygienic conditions that breed disease vectors. - Statement 3 is Correct: Stray animals, particularly cattle, often forage for food in garbage dumps. They frequently ingest plastic bags containing food scraps. Since plastic is indigestible, it accumulates in their stomach or blocks their respiratory and digestive tracts, often resulting in a painful death. Key Takeaway: Improper disposal of plastics causes multi-dimensional harm, including air pollution from burning, infrastructure failure (clogged drains), and fatal health risks to terrestrial animals.

NCERT Class 6 Environment & Ecology — Chapter 3: Garbage in, garbage out

mcqeasy

Consider the following statements about the disposal of plastics:

Burning plastics is a safe method if done in open areas.
Plastics thrown on roads can choke drains.
Animals eating from plastic bags may die.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A1 and 2 only
B2 only
C2 and 3 only
D1, 2 and 3

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is (c).

Explanation

Plastic waste management is a critical environmental challenge. Improper disposal methods, such as open burning or littering, result in severe ecological damage, health hazards, and threats to biodiversity.

Statement-wise Analysis:

Statement 1 is Incorrect: Burning plastics in open areas is highly hazardous. It releases toxic gases and carcinogenic fumes, such as dioxins, furans, and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), into the atmosphere, contributing significantly to air pollution and respiratory health issues.
Statement 2 is Correct: Plastic waste is non-biodegradable. When thrown indiscriminately on roads, it often accumulates in drainage systems, choking drains. This leads to waterlogging, urban flooding, and the creation of unhygienic conditions that breed disease vectors.
Statement 3 is Correct: Stray animals, particularly cattle, often forage for food in garbage dumps. They frequently ingest plastic bags containing food scraps. Since plastic is indigestible, it accumulates in their stomach or blocks their respiratory and digestive tracts, often resulting in a painful death.

Key Takeaway:

Improper disposal of plastics causes multi-dimensional harm, including air pollution from burning, infrastructure failure (clogged drains), and fatal health risks to terrestrial animals.

Your note

More from Chapter 3: Garbage in, garbage out

With reference to the disposal of garbage in landfills, consider the following statements: 1. A landfill is an open low-lying area used to dump both useful and non-useful components of garbage without separation. 2. Once full, a landfill is immediately used for agricultural purposes. 3. Landfill sites are often converted into parks or playgrounds after closure. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

medium

Consider the following statements regarding the burning of agricultural waste: 1. Burning dried leaves releases oxygen into the atmosphere. 2. Composting converts these wastes into useful manure. 3. These wastes can be converted into useful compost instead of being burnt. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

medium

With reference to 'Vermicomposting', consider the following statements: 1. It is a method of preparing compost with the help of redworms. 2. Redworms are a type of chemical agent used to decompose waste. 3. This method requires the addition of chemical fertilizers to accelerate decomposition. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

easy

Which environmental conditions are most conducive to the survival of redworms in a vermicomposting pit?

medium

Consider the following materials: 1. Vegetable peels 2. Coffee and tea remains 3. Pickles and vinegar 4. Milk preparations Which of the materials given above should NOT be added as food for redworms in a vermicomposting pit?

medium

Keep practising Chapter 3: Garbage in, garbage out

Work through every question from this NCERT chapter.

Browse all NCERT Class 6 Environment & Ecology chapters

The correct option is (c).

Explanation

Statement-wise Analysis:

Statement 1 is Incorrect: Burning plastics in open areas is highly hazardous. It releases toxic gases and carcinogenic fumes, such as dioxins, furans, and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), into the atmosphere, contributing significantly to air pollution and respiratory health issues.
Statement 2 is Correct: Plastic waste is non-biodegradable. When thrown indiscriminately on roads, it often accumulates in drainage systems, choking drains. This leads to waterlogging, urban flooding, and the creation of unhygienic conditions that breed disease vectors.
Statement 3 is Correct: Stray animals, particularly cattle, often forage for food in garbage dumps. They frequently ingest plastic bags containing food scraps. Since plastic is indigestible, it accumulates in their stomach or blocks their respiratory and digestive tracts, often resulting in a painful death.

Key Takeaway:

Improper disposal of plastics causes multi-dimensional harm, including air pollution from burning, infrastructure failure (clogged drains), and fatal health risks to terrestrial animals.