How long does it take for a plastic bag to decompose? How long does it take for natural and industrial waste to decompose?
Scientists have already proven that plastic bottles and the packages can lie for hundreds, thousands and even millions of years and not decompose.
Here's a list of the things we throw away and how long it takes for that trash to decompose.
2 weeks
Apple cores and other fruit remains.
Even though it takes a relatively short time to decompose, leftover food on the ground can attract unwanted "friends" such as rats.
About 1 month
Paper napkins, paper bags, newspapers, paper towels.
The time it takes for these items to decompose can vary greatly, as it depends on how you disposed of this type of waste.
6 weeks
Cereal boxes, paper bags, banana peel.
Banana peels can take longer to decompose. long term, if the weather is cooler. Since the peel is designed to preserve the freshness of the fruit, it contains a lot of cellulose - the same material that cellophane bags are made from.
Some conservationists warn that the peels of some fruits, including banana peels, can take several months to decompose. Even if a product is natural, this does not mean that it decomposes quickly.
2 to 3 months
Cardboard packaging for milk and juices and other types of cardboard.
The decomposition time of cardboard primarily depends on its thickness. It is worth noting that some cartons may contain chemical materials, which significantly slow down the decomposition process.
6 months
Cotton clothes and paper books.
Of all types of fabrics, cotton decomposes the fastest, as it is natural. If the cotton fabric thrown into the landfill is quite thin, then warm weather it can decompose in as little as a week.
1 year
Woolen clothes (sweaters, socks).
Wool is a natural product and can decompose relatively quickly. Moreover, when wool decomposes, it releases elements beneficial to the soil, such as keratins. This product cannot be called to the fullest garbage, as it does not cause long-term harm to the environment.
2 years
Orange peel, plywood.
Up to 5 years
Heavy wool clothing, such as a coat or overcoat.
Up to 20 years
Plastic bags. But research shows that in some cases plastic bags can take up to 1,000 years to decompose.
Many new plastic bags are designed to break down quickly when exposed to direct sun rays.
Yet most plastic bags are made from high-density polyethylene. Microorganisms in the soil do not perceive the chemicals that make up the bag as food, and therefore they do not participate in its decomposition.
30-40 years
Products containing nylon: tights, windbreakers, carpets, diapers. Some scientists believe that such products can take up to 500 years to decompose, depending on environmental conditions.
Even though diapers are quite convenient, they are also quite toxic, even if you haven't used them yet. They are treated with a variety of chemicals such as toluene, ethylbenzene, xylene and dipentene, as well as a chemical called dioxin, which is a highly toxic carcinogen.
50 years
Cans, car tires, foam glasses, leather.
Leather can be treated chemically (as in the case of elements fashionable clothes) and can take much longer to decompose.
The thick leather used to make shoes can take 80 years to decompose.
From 70 to 80 years
rustling plastic bags(from chips and packaging, for example).
Despite the fact that a person eats the contents of a bag of chips very quickly, the bags themselves take quite a long time to decompose. For example, one US resident found an empty bag of chips on a beach in Devon, dated 1967, but the bag itself looked like it had been thrown away last week.
About 100 years
Products made of polyethylene.
Of course, decomposition time depends on the density and structure of the product. For example, regular plastic bags from the store can take about 100 years to decompose.
Also in the category of things that can decompose for more than a century include plastic bottles and various plastic containers and bowls.
It is worth noting that small polyethylene parts can pose a choking hazard to animals.
About 200 years
Aluminum cans (for beer or soda, for example).
In this case, everything also depends on the density of the material and its structure. IN best case scenario Such objects take 200 years to decompose, but this process can drag on for half a millennium.
It is worth noting that, like plastic products, such items are dangerous for small animals that can climb into an empty jar and get stuck in it.
These cans can be recycled many times and this process requires much less energy than creating a new can. Using the same number energy, you can make 20 recycled cans or 1 new aluminum can.
500 years
Plastic bottles.
In general, petrochemical products such as plastic bottles never completely decompose and the chemical elements simply remain in the ground.
1 to 2 million years
Glass jars and bottles
Products made from glass can even last forever, because glass created in lava flows millions of years ago is still there.
Glass consists mainly of quartz, or more precisely quartz sand (SiO2) - one of the most stable and durable minerals on our planet.
The only problem with glass is that it breaks and the shards become dangerous to animals, who may mistake them for food.
More than 2 million years
Batteries
Despite the fact that the thin metal shell of batteries decomposes relatively quickly, toxic chemical substances contained inside (zinc chloride, lead, mercury, cadmium) are absorbed into the ground.
Therefore, batteries should not just be thrown away, but recycled.
Why biodegradable bags do not dissolve in nature, and why paper is not a worthy alternative to plastic, and how to choose the least of the “packaging” evils.
A responsible consumer is constantly in search of the least dangerous environment alternatives, especially for disposable goods. Let's figure out whether the biodegradable bags that we are offered in the store are such.
Photos from open sources
What is biodegradation?
Biodegradation is the process of breaking down organic materials into environmentally friendly substances through bacteria or other biological processes. Organic material can break down aerobically (with oxygen) or anaerobically (without oxygen). On this moment There is no clear definition of the term "biodegradable" when applied to a product as a whole, as there are testing standards only for individual components.
What plastics biodegrade?
Biodegradable plastics – this is not some certain type plastic, and big family various polymers. These polymers are made from plant materials and decompose into carbon dioxide and water. The raw materials for this plastic are corn, wheat, sugar cane and other plants. Biodegradable plastics also include polymers chemically synthesized from plant-derived monomers, such as polylactide (PLA). A number of plastics biodegrade natural conditions(e.g. starch-based plastics). Other plastics, such as polylactide, require elevated temperature and humidity. The necessary conditions achieved through industrial composting, in natural conditions such plastic can also decompose in a compost heap.
Photos from open sources
Biodegradable plastics include the so-called oxo-degradable ones. Oxo-degradable plastics are polyethylene with the addition of transition metal salts: cobalt, nickel, iron. The decomposition of such plastics in natural conditions occurs in two stages. At the first stage, under the influence of light and oxygen, the plastic product decomposes into small fragments of polyethylene and metal salts. The further fate of this plastic cannot be traced, although manufacturers claim that these fragments are broken down under the influence of microorganisms. At the same time, an independent study conducted in accordance with international standards, showed that within 350 days, only 15 percent of oxo-degradable polyethylene decomposes into carbon dioxide in the soil.
This means that a plastic bag that should have disappeared naturally has become a large number of small plastic pieces and granules, which can exacerbate the problem of environmental pollution. It turns out that plastic actually decomposes, but it is unsafe for nature. In Belarusian stores, we are almost always offered exactly these oxo-degradable bags, which can hardly be called truly degradable.
How to find bioplastic?
Biodegradable plastics can often be identified by special labeling.
On the bag you can find the inscription “Compostable” / “Compostable”. This means that such plastic decomposes under special composting conditions (industrial or home).
The label “Biodegradable” means that the bag can biodegrade in nature, but it is not always known whether it is safe to degrade. At the moment, this label may also hide oxoplastic, which turns into microplastic.
Biodegradable plastics can be labeled with the number 7 in a triangle. The nuance is that the number 7 can indicate all new and little-studied plastics. That is, if you see 7 in a triangle, you may have either biodegradable plastic or some other plastic, including non-recyclable plastic. In order to get more detailed information about the type of plastic, you should carefully study the packaging.
Why is bioplastic not eco-friendly?
Raw materials for the production of biodegradable plastics are usually plant crops that we use as food (corn, wheat, sugar cane). That is, plastic production competes for raw materials with food production. As arable land shrinks and water resources this question may become decisive when making decisions about the further production of biodegradable plastics.
Photos from open sources
When purchasing products made from “dissolvable” plastics, it is important to understand what their further fate in our conditions.
Thus, biodegradable plastic only decomposes under certain conditions, which, as a rule, do not exist in our landfills. For proper disposal biodegradable bags must be composted. Since there are no enterprises in Belarus that deal industrial composting, then this can only be organized at your site. “Pseudo-degradable” oxoplastics naturally break down into smaller pieces of plastic, which leads to additional problems. Oxoplastics are also not recyclable, as they contain additives that reduce the mechanical strength of polyethylene. Therefore, the only way to dispose of such plastics is to throw them away along with other non-recyclable waste in a landfill.
Another important disadvantage of biodegradable bags is that their production requires a lot of energy and water, the use of valuable organic crops, which leads to higher production costs. However, they still do not decompose in landfills.
Why is paper packaging not the solution?
Paper bags are also a poor alternative to disposable packaging. Paper production uses virgin wood and, although it is a renewable resource, it is irrational to waste it on bags. Such production also requires large amounts of electricity and water. And most importantly: paper production produces large amounts of toxic wastewater.
Photo Recyclemag.ru
In addition, as practice shows, a paper bag can only be used once - it is fragile.
Perhaps the only advantage is that the paper is recycled and can rot in natural conditions without harm. However, here too it is important to remember that paper bags with inserts of other materials (for example, with plastic elements, metal eyelets, decorative elements), laminated, corrugated and do not have this advantage.
Many consumers are specifically looking for bags made from biodegradable materials in an effort to reduce their environmental impact. However, retail stores often sell oxo-degradable bags under the guise of being biodegradable. Over time, such bags crumble into dust, the further fate of which is unknown, however, it is also unknown how dangerous this plastic dust is for humans and the environment. The only truly eco-friendly alternative is a reusable cloth bag: it will last you a long time, and after ending up in a landfill, it will not cause as much harm to the environment as a plastic bag. If you have hopeless situation and had to buy a plastic bag, try to use it for as long as possible.
about the author
Maria Suma, employee of the environmentally friendly lifestyle program of the Center for Environmental Solutions
Ecologist. Engaged in the development of the Green Map project (Greenmap.by). Promotes the “zero waste” concept in Belarus: advocates for the prevention of waste generation and the use of harmless waste management practices.
Every day we see abandoned bottles, leftover food, plastic bags, paper and plastic glasses and other garbage that was simply left on the street.
Sometimes it seems to us that in another day it will be removed and it will begin to decompose in a landfill. But, firstly, not everywhere garbage is removed in a timely manner, and secondly, some garbage can take thousands of years to decompose.
How long does it take for garbage to decompose?
Scientists have already proven that plastic bottles and bags can last hundreds, thousands and even millions of years without decomposing.
Here's a list of the things we throw away and how long it takes for that trash to decompose.
Paper and food waste
2 weeks
Apple cores and other fruit remains.
![](https://i1.wp.com/colors.life/upload/blogs/54/68/5468292afe5f3208ac89cbf3ab73671a_RSZ_690.jpg)
Even though it takes a relatively short time to decompose, leftover food on the ground can attract unwanted "friends" such as rats.
About 1 month
Paper napkins, paper bags, newspapers, paper towels.
![](https://i2.wp.com/colors.life/upload/blogs/86/fd/86fdb0d0b95ed6ab8798cb68d2af7820_RSZ_690.jpg)
The time it takes for these items to decompose can vary greatly, as it depends on how you disposed of this type of waste.
6 weeks
Cereal boxes, paper bags, banana peels.
![](https://i2.wp.com/colors.life/upload/blogs/7c/38/7c38f464b2406c5cc5e18f86a56e2372_RSZ_690.jpg)
Banana peels may take longer to decompose if the weather is cooler. Since the peel is designed to preserve the freshness of the fruit, it contains a lot of cellulose - the same material that cellophane bags are made from.
![](https://i1.wp.com/colors.life/upload/blogs/38/bb/38bbb5fcbef4dc352ae4990d9f99f7b5_RSZ_690.jpg)
Some conservationists warn that the peels of some fruits, including banana peels, can take several months to decompose. Even if a product is natural, this does not mean that it decomposes quickly.
2 to 3 months
Cardboard packaging for milk and juices and other types of cardboard.
![](https://i0.wp.com/colors.life/upload/blogs/04/8f/048f7b5608a97e7bffbb060214a73765_RSZ_690.jpg)
The decomposition time of cardboard primarily depends on its thickness. It is worth noting that some cardboard packaging may contain chemicals that significantly slow down the decomposition process.
6 months
Cotton clothes and paper books.
![](https://i2.wp.com/colors.life/upload/blogs/ee/19/ee19bb3385fb042c97050078df8c36ae_RSZ_690.jpg)
Of all types of fabrics, cotton decomposes the fastest, as it is natural. If the cotton fabric thrown into the landfill is quite thin, then in warm weather it can decompose in as little as a week.
1 year
Woolen clothes (sweaters, socks).
![](https://i2.wp.com/colors.life/upload/blogs/12/35/123507aaf0454361b9cc188de1f2bfae_RSZ_690.jpg)
Wool is a natural product and can decompose relatively quickly. Moreover, when wool decomposes, it releases elements beneficial to the soil, such as keratins. This product cannot be completely considered garbage, as it does not cause long-term harm to the environment.
2 years
Orange peels, plywood, cigarette butts (although some studies indicate that cigarette butts can take more than 10 years to decompose).
![](https://i2.wp.com/colors.life/upload/blogs/bd/65/bd650cc722a927cda9a43efb6a3b4f5c_RSZ_690.jpg)
Up to 5 years
Heavy wool clothing, such as a coat or overcoat.
![](https://i1.wp.com/colors.life/upload/blogs/ba/0e/ba0edbd5a0c523163d5306e36b510981_RSZ_690.jpg)
Plastic trash
Up to 20 years
Plastic bags. But research shows that in some cases plastic bags can take up to 1,000 years to decompose.
![](https://i2.wp.com/colors.life/upload/blogs/57/a7/57a77b7ceb1e7ec6328cc876518de7ba_RSZ_690.jpg)
Many new plastic bags are designed to degrade quickly when exposed to direct sunlight.
Yet most plastic bags are made from high-density polyethylene. Microorganisms in the soil do not perceive the chemicals that make up the bag as food, and therefore they do not participate in its decomposition.
30-40 years
Products containing nylon: tights, windbreakers, carpets, diapers. Some scientists believe that such products can take up to 500 years to decompose, depending on environmental conditions.
![](https://i2.wp.com/colors.life/upload/blogs/a5/74/a5743bc310318b24b96741c0a7f3a090_RSZ_690.jpg)
Even though diapers are quite convenient, they are also quite toxic, even if you haven't used them yet. They are treated with a variety of chemicals such as toluene, ethylbenzene, xylene and dipentene, as well as a chemical called dioxin, which is a highly toxic carcinogen.
Metal debris, rubber, leather
50 years
Tin cans, car tires, Styrofoam cups, leather.
![](https://i2.wp.com/colors.life/upload/blogs/75/96/759672f8182e8faa07bb33dd747b0043_RSZ_690.jpg)
Leather can be chemically treated (as is the case with fashion items) and can take much longer to decompose.
The thick leather used to make shoes can take 80 years to decompose.
Decomposition of polyethylene
From 70 to 80 years
Rustling plastic bags (from chips and packaging, for example).
![](https://i2.wp.com/colors.life/upload/blogs/2d/d9/2dd94d065065b1d10275c79462c35010_RSZ_690.jpg)
Despite the fact that a person eats the contents of a bag of chips very quickly, the bags themselves take quite a long time to decompose. For example, one US resident found an empty bag of chips on a beach in Devon, dated 1967, but the bag itself looked like it had been thrown away last week.
About 100 years
Products made of polyethylene.
![](https://i1.wp.com/colors.life/upload/blogs/23/c3/23c374c283cfea5edb21788755a02b23_RSZ_690.jpg)
Of course, decomposition time depends on the density and structure of the product. For example, regular plastic bags from the store can take about 100 years to decompose.
Also in the category of things that can decompose for more than a century include plastic bottles and various plastic containers and bowls.
It is worth noting that small polyethylene parts can pose a choking hazard to animals.
![](https://i2.wp.com/colors.life/upload/blogs/2e/e9/2ee979ea79d6eb23ffdb99b5c7ccf2fd_RSZ_690.jpg)
Aluminum decomposition
About 200 years
Aluminum cans (for beer or soda, for example).
![](https://i0.wp.com/colors.life/upload/blogs/22/54/2254ce2a6a306991c6b79bb69dc10507_RSZ_690.jpg)
In this case, everything also depends on the density of the material and its structure. In the best case, such objects take 200 years to decompose, but this process can drag on for half a millennium.
It is worth noting that, like plastic products, such items are dangerous for small animals that can climb into an empty jar and get stuck in it.
These cans can be recycled many times and this process requires much less energy than creating a new can. Using the same amount of energy, you can make 20 recycled cans or 1 new aluminum can.
Recycling aluminum cans
![](https://i1.wp.com/img.youtube.com/vi/AOpGhAdQFEY/0.jpg)
Plastic decomposition
If you accidentally drop a bottle of water at your feet, you will breathe a sigh of relief, thinking “how good it is that scientists have invented such a practical material as plastic.” After all, if it weren’t for him, the floor would have been filled with liquid, and you risked stepping on sharp fragments.
Imagine that you went on a hike and, of course, took with you mineral water in a plastic bottle. After a few hours, all the water is used up and the unnecessary plastic can be thrown away. But here’s the problem - there’s not a single trash can around, and the thought creeps into my head: “should I throw this bottle somewhere here - sooner or later the plastic will decompose.” But a responsible and sensible person would never do that. Organic materials such as wood, when buried in soil, are quickly decomposed and turned into compost by bacteria. But when it comes to plastic, bacteria won't help with its decomposition.
It may seem like an abandoned plastic bottle will take forever to decompose, but of course this is not the case. Where bacteria won't help, it will help sunlight. Ultraviolet rays destroy the molecular structure of plastic, gradually turning the plastic bottle into a pile of small plastic shards. This process is especially noticeable in those parts of the ocean where currents plastic trash going to huge islands from plastic bottles and plastic bags. Ecologists have noticed that if the “island” is not joined new trash, over time it begins to decrease. It has been established that when exposed to direct sunlight, an ordinary plastic bottle breaks down in about a year.
Can you breathe a sigh of relief - has the problem of plastic decomposition been solved? Not at all. The harmful substances contained in plastic are not going away. Decomposed on the surface of the ocean plastic box highlights toxic substances(for example bisphenol A, which causes oncological diseases), which, sinking to the bottom, poison sea creatures, settling in their gills.
No plastic bottles or bags modern civilization can no longer imagine his life, but the problem of environmental pollution with plastic must be solved in as soon as possible. Most promising idea seems to be used natural products for production plastic containers. Advantages this method are obvious: a plastic bag made, for example, from corn starch will decompose in just half a month.
In the meantime, new technologies are on the way, each of us can contribute to the preservation surrounding nature. To do this, you just need to throw the plastic bottle or bag into the designated place, and not throw it away anywhere.
If you find an error, please highlight a piece of text and click Ctrl+Enter.
Do you know how many years it takes for plastic, paper, food waste or diapers to decompose, without which it is difficult for a young mother to imagine life today? Look at these waste decomposition times and you'll see why we need to not only learn how to eat, but also reduce our consumption of products that produce waste.
Let's take a look at how long it takes different types of waste to decompose. Of course, it should also be taken into account that the time it takes for waste to decompose may depend on the conditions at landfills.
Let us also recall the shocking photo project American photographer Greg Segal, which can be viewed here to see how much waste one family produces in a week.
How long does it take for plastic to decompose?
Plastic products are very common in our modern life. It is estimated that every year we use about 1.6 million barrels of oil just to produce plastic water bottles. Plastic waste are one of the many types of waste that take too long to decompose.
As a rule, the decomposition time of plastic products can reach 1 thousand years. At the same time, plastic bags, which we often use in our daily lives, can decompose from 100 to 1 thousand years, and plastic bottles - from 450 years or more.
How long does it take for diapers to decompose?
How long does it take for an aluminum can to decompose?
Every minute, every day, more than 120 thousand aluminum cans are recycled in America alone.
But at the same time, in three months so many aluminum cans are thrown out there that it would be enough to rebuild the entire American air fleet.
Aluminum cans will take 80-200 years to decompose.
How long does it take for glass to decompose?
Glass is generally very easy to recycle, mainly because it is made from natural material- from sand. By melting glass products, we can produce new glass.
But the shocking fact is that if glass is thrown into landfills, it will take a million years to decompose. And according to other data, glass does not decompose in nature at all.
How long does it take for paper to decompose?
As a rule, the time it takes for paper to decompose is 2-6 weeks. But if we recycle waste paper, we not only save a lot of space in landfills, but also save trees from being cut down.
How long does it take for food waste to decompose?
By weight, food waste is the largest waste item in American landfills. Time required for decomposition food waste, depends on the type of food.
For example, orange peels take 6 months to decompose, but apple peels or banana peels will take about one month to decompose. This is why it is so important to sort waste.
How long does it take to decompose other types of waste?
Different sources give different information about how long it takes to settle different types garbage. But the numbers are not much different. We present them below:
- Cigarette butts - 10-12 years;
- Plastic cup - 50 years;
- Leather shoes - 25-40 years;
- Cardboard packaging from milk - 5 years;
- Plywood - 1-3 years;
- Painted boards - 13 years;
- Cotton gloves - 3 months;
- Cardboard - 2 months;
- Polystyrene foam - does not decompose;
- Nylon fabric - 30-40 years;
- Tin can - 50 years;
- Rope - 3-14 months;
- Batteries - 100 years;
- Sanitary pads - 500-800 years (they can be replaced);
- Woolen clothes 1-5 years.
The increase in waste is a serious problem for humanity. The best way To combat this problem, avoid using products that produce waste and take more than a year to decompose.
Based on materials from thebalance.com