débris

Debris refers to scattered fragments or remains from destruction, decay, erosion, or abandonment. It can be natural, such as rock fragments after a landslide, or human-made, such as construction refuse. Debris may accumulate on the ground, in water, or in airspace, and it ranges from small particulates to large wreckage.

The term derives from the French débris, meaning fragments or remains, and was adopted into English in the Middle Ages. In modern usage it covers a broad range of residues across many fields, often distinguished by origin (natural, agricultural, industrial) or by environment.

Natural debris includes soil, rock, sediment, branches, and organic detritus from weathering, erosion, or storms. Construction and demolition debris covers concrete, bricks, wood, metal, and packaging from buildings. Marine and riverine debris, often plastic, accumulates from land-based sources and shipping. Space debris comprises defunct satellites, spent stages, and fragments.

Debris can pose hazards to health, safety, and infrastructure by causing injury, clogging drainage, or damaging equipment. It contributes to environmental pollution, with plastics breaking down into microplastics and heavy metals leaching into soil and water. In space, debris threatens satellites and crewed missions, driving tracking and avoidance measures.

Debris management involves cleaning up, sorting, recycling or reusing materials, and safe disposal in landfills or facilities for hazardous waste. Disaster-response planning, debris monitoring, and recycling programs help minimize impact. In space, international treaties and guidelines aim to reduce debris generation and promote active removal where feasible.