What does the term "biodegradable" mean?

The term "biodegradable" refers specifically to the ability of a material to be broken down by biological processes, particularly by bacteria and other living organisms. This decomposition process leads to the natural and safe breakdown of materials into basic elements, which can then be reintroduced into the environment without causing harm.

Biodegradable substances are typically organic materials, like food scraps or certain plastics specifically designed to decompose, meaning that they will not persist in the environment for long periods and will ultimately be transformed into natural components such as carbon dioxide, water, and biomass. This characteristic is crucial in reducing waste and minimizing environmental pollution.

In contrast, the other choices reflect different characteristics but do not accurately define "biodegradable." For example, the recycling process pertains to the recovery of materials to be reused in the production of new items, while the idea of lasting indefinitely suggests durability rather than decomposition. Similarly, reusability without alteration implies that a product can be used multiple times without any change, which again does not relate to its ability to biologically decompose.