Disposal of addition polymers

2 marks · Easy

Explain why burying addition polymers in landfill sites is not a sustainable solution for managing plastic waste.

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Because addition polymers do not biodegrade, they accumulate in landfill and take up space for thousands of years, and this does not solve the problem of ever-increasing waste.

Also accept: Landfill sites will eventually fill up because addition polymers do not break down.; This method just moves the problem rather than dealing with the plastic.

Common mistakes: Only stating that landfill is unsightly.; Mentioning pollution without explanation.

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Marking points

M1 · 1 mark · States that addition polymers do not biodegrade or break down in landfill.

M1 · 1 mark · Explains why this is not sustainable: e.g., continued accumulation, limited space, increasing plastic waste is not addressed.

Worked solution

Burying addition polymers is not sustainable because they are non-biodegradable and stay in landfill for thousands of years. This means landfill sites fill up with plastics that do not disappear, leading to a long-term waste problem.