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Compare nearby storage unitsHow long does it take to decompose?
These commonly cited persistence estimates are rough, condition-dependent comparisons—not measured landfill decomposition times. Plastics can fragment into smaller pieces without fully disappearing.
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Disposable diaper
Extreme ImpactCategory: Mixed Materials
450-500 years
Estimated environmental persistence
Contains plastics and gels. One baby uses 5,000+ diapers. Consider cloth diapers to reduce waste.
Diapers (disposable)
Extreme ImpactCategory: Mixed Materials
450-500 years
Estimated environmental persistence
Contains plastics and super-absorbent gels. Consider cloth diapers.
Feminine hygiene products
Extreme ImpactCategory: Mixed Materials
400-500 years
Estimated environmental persistence
Contain plastic and synthetic materials. Consider reusable or biodegradable alternatives.
Plastic straw
Extreme ImpactCategory: Plastic
200-400 years
Estimated environmental persistence
Too small to recycle, often ends up in oceans. Switch to reusable metal, glass, or bamboo straws.
Aluminum can
High ImpactCategory: MetalRecyclable
200-500 years
Estimated environmental persistence
Takes centuries to decompose but recycling aluminum saves 95% of energy. Always recycle cans.
Plastic coat hangers
Extreme ImpactCategory: Plastic
200-400 years
Estimated environmental persistence
Plastic hangers persist for centuries. Choose wood or metal hangers, or return plastic ones to stores.
Carpet (synthetic)
Extreme ImpactCategory: Plastic
200-400 years
Estimated environmental persistence
Most carpets are made from synthetic fibers (nylon, polyester). Takes centuries to break down.
Synthetic clothing (polyester)
Extreme ImpactCategory: Textiles
200-400 years
Estimated environmental persistence
Polyester and other synthetic fabrics are essentially plastic. Choose natural fibers when possible.
Tire
Extreme ImpactCategory: Rubber & SyntheticRecyclable
200-400 years
Estimated environmental persistence
Tires contain steel, chemicals, and synthetic rubber. Can be recycled into new products.
Mattress
Extreme ImpactCategory: Mixed Materials
100-200 years
Estimated environmental persistence
Contains foam, springs, fabric. Very slow to decompose. Many parts are recyclable if separated.
Cotton swabs (plastic stems)
High ImpactCategory: Mixed Materials
100-200 years
Estimated environmental persistence
Plastic stems persist for centuries. Switch to paper or bamboo stem alternatives.
Golf balls
Extreme ImpactCategory: Rubber & Synthetic
100-200 years
Estimated environmental persistence
Contain rubber, plastic, and chemicals. Major pollution source in water bodies.
Rubber boot sole
Extreme ImpactCategory: Rubber & Synthetic
50-100 years
Estimated environmental persistence
Synthetic rubber is extremely durable and takes generations to break down. Repair shoes when possible.
Steel can (tin can)
High ImpactCategory: MetalRecyclable
50-100 years
Estimated environmental persistence
Steel eventually rusts away but recycling is far more efficient. Rinse and recycle all food cans.
Sponges (synthetic)
Extreme ImpactCategory: Plastic
50-100 years
Estimated environmental persistence
Most kitchen sponges are plastic foam that never fully decomposes. Switch to natural alternatives.
Car parts (plastic)
Extreme ImpactCategory: Plastic
50-100 years
Estimated environmental persistence
Plastic automotive parts are very durable. Many can be recycled at auto dismantlers.
Plastic flower pots
Extreme ImpactCategory: Plastic
50-100 years
Estimated environmental persistence
Black plastic pots can't be detected by recycling sorters. Return to nurseries for reuse.
Rope (nylon)
High ImpactCategory: Plastic
30-40 years
Estimated environmental persistence
Synthetic rope is extremely durable and deadly to marine life. Natural fiber ropes decompose faster.
Nylon fabric
High ImpactCategory: Textiles
30-40 years
Estimated environmental persistence
Nylon is very durable and slow to decompose. Used in activewear, bags, and outdoor gear.
Leather shoes
High ImpactCategory: Textiles
25-40 years
Estimated environmental persistence
Genuine leather is treated with chemicals that slow decomposition. Repair or donate instead.
Tennis balls
High ImpactCategory: Rubber & Synthetic
25-40 years
Estimated environmental persistence
Made from rubber and synthetic felt. Very durable but eventually break down.
Painted/treated wood
High ImpactCategory: Wood
13-15 years
Estimated environmental persistence
Paint and chemical treatments slow decomposition. Can leach toxins into soil.
Plastic bag
Extreme ImpactCategory: PlasticRecyclable
10-20 years
Estimated environmental persistence
Breaks into microplastics but never disappears. Use reusable bags instead. Return to store collection bins.
Lumber (untreated)
Medium ImpactCategory: Wood
10-20 years
Estimated environmental persistence
Natural wood decomposes faster but still takes years. Reuse or repurpose whenever possible.
Denim jeans
Medium ImpactCategory: Textiles
10-20 years
Estimated environmental persistence
Heavy cotton fabric treated with dyes and chemicals. Takes longer than regular cotton to decompose.
Balloons (latex)
High ImpactCategory: Rubber & Synthetic
5-10 years
Estimated environmental persistence
Even 'latex' balloons can take years to decompose and are deadly to wildlife. Avoid balloon releases.
Tea bags (with plastic)
Medium ImpactCategory: Mixed Materials
5-10 years
Estimated environmental persistence
Many tea bags are sealed with plastic that doesn't decompose. Look for plastic-free brands.
Bamboo
Low ImpactCategory: Wood
3-5 years
Estimated environmental persistence
Bamboo decomposes faster than hardwood. Sustainable alternative for many wood products.
Wool sock
Medium ImpactCategory: Textiles
1-5 years
Estimated environmental persistence
Natural wool breaks down slower than cotton but is still biodegradable. Donate or textile recycle first.
Cigarette butt
High ImpactCategory: Mixed Materials
1-10 years
Estimated environmental persistence
Contains plastic fibers and toxic chemicals that leach into soil. One of the most common litter items worldwide.
Plywood
Medium ImpactCategory: Wood
1-3 years
Estimated environmental persistence
Glues and chemicals slow decomposition compared to natural wood. Better to reuse or repurpose.
Particle board
Medium ImpactCategory: Wood
1-3 years
Estimated environmental persistence
Compressed wood chips and glue. Decomposes faster than solid wood but contains adhesives.
Carpet (wool)
Medium ImpactCategory: Textiles
1-5 years
Estimated environmental persistence
Natural wool carpets decompose much faster than synthetic.
Orange peel
Low ImpactCategory: Food & Organic
6 months - 2 years
Estimated environmental persistence
Citrus oils slow decomposition. Still relatively fast compared to plastics. Excellent for composting.
Newspaper
Low ImpactCategory: Paper ProductsRecyclable
6-12 months
Estimated environmental persistence
In landfills with limited oxygen, newspapers can remain readable for decades. Recycle or compost instead.
Cotton t-shirt
Medium ImpactCategory: Textiles
5-6 months
Estimated environmental persistence
Pure cotton decomposes relatively quickly. However, synthetic blends can take years longer.
Cotton rope
Low ImpactCategory: Textiles
5-12 months
Estimated environmental persistence
Natural cotton rope decomposes relatively quickly, especially in moist conditions.
Tea bags (paper)
Low ImpactCategory: Food & Organic
3-6 months
Estimated environmental persistence
Paper tea bags decompose relatively quickly. However, many contain plastic sealants - check packaging.
Cardboard box
Low ImpactCategory: Paper ProductsRecyclable
2-3 months
Estimated environmental persistence
Corrugated cardboard breaks down in 2-3 months, but recycling saves trees and energy.
Cardboard pizza box (clean)
Low ImpactCategory: Paper ProductsRecyclable
2-3 months
Estimated environmental persistence
Clean cardboard decomposes quickly. Greasy boxes take longer and may not be compostable.
Paper bag
Low ImpactCategory: Paper ProductsRecyclable
1-3 months
Estimated environmental persistence
Breaks down relatively quickly, especially when exposed to moisture. Much better than plastic bags.
Sponges (natural)
Low ImpactCategory: Organic
1-3 months
Estimated environmental persistence
Natural cellulose or sea sponges decompose quickly.
Apple core
Low ImpactCategory: Food & Organic
2-8 weeks
Estimated environmental persistence
Decomposes quickly in nature but takes longer in oxygen-deprived landfills. Best composted at home.
Banana peel
Low ImpactCategory: Food & Organic
2-8 weeks
Estimated environmental persistence
Rich in nutrients, decomposes rapidly when composted. Takes longer in landfills where conditions are poor.
Paper towel
Low ImpactCategory: Paper Products
2-6 weeks
Estimated environmental persistence
Decomposes quickly but better to use reusable cloths. Compostable if not contaminated with chemicals.
Cotton swabs (paper stems)
Low ImpactCategory: Paper Products
2 weeks - 3 months
Estimated environmental persistence
Paper stem cotton swabs decompose quickly.
Packing peanuts (biodegradable)
Low ImpactCategory: Organic
1 week - 1 month
Estimated environmental persistence
Made from cornstarch, these dissolve in water. Works as packing material.
Glass bottle
Medium ImpactCategory: GlassRecyclable
1,000+ years (possibly never)
Estimated environmental persistence
Glass is essentially forever but is infinitely recyclable without quality loss. Always recycle glass.
These are rough, commonly cited estimates. Conditions vary; plastics can fragment into microplastics without fully disappearing.
Fishing line
Extreme ImpactCategory: Plastic
600+ years
Estimated environmental persistence
Monofilament line is extremely persistent and deadly to wildlife. Dispose at fishing line recycling stations.
These are rough, commonly cited estimates. Conditions vary; plastics can fragment into microplastics without fully disappearing.
Styrofoam cup
Extreme ImpactCategory: Plastic
500+ years (possibly never)
Estimated environmental persistence
Polystyrene foam may never fully decompose. Breaks into tiny pieces that harm wildlife. Avoid entirely.
These are rough, commonly cited estimates. Conditions vary; plastics can fragment into microplastics without fully disappearing.
Plastic toys
Extreme ImpactCategory: Plastic
500+ years
Estimated environmental persistence
Most toys are made from a mix of plastics and chemicals. Takes centuries to break down.
These are rough, commonly cited estimates. Conditions vary; plastics can fragment into microplastics without fully disappearing.
Balloons (mylar)
Extreme ImpactCategory: Mixed Materials
500+ years (possibly never)
Estimated environmental persistence
Metallic balloons are made of plastic with metal coating. Extremely persistent in environment.
These are rough, commonly cited estimates. Conditions vary; plastics can fragment into microplastics without fully disappearing.
Vinyl flooring
Extreme ImpactCategory: Plastic
500+ years (possibly never)
Estimated environmental persistence
PVC flooring is extremely persistent and can release toxins. Consider natural alternatives.
These are rough, commonly cited estimates. Conditions vary; plastics can fragment into microplastics without fully disappearing.
Packing peanuts (styrofoam)
Extreme ImpactCategory: Plastic
500+ years (possibly never)
Estimated environmental persistence
Polystyrene packing peanuts may never decompose. Use biodegradable peanuts or paper alternatives.
These are rough, commonly cited estimates. Conditions vary; plastics can fragment into microplastics without fully disappearing.
Plastic bottle (PET)
Extreme ImpactCategory: PlasticRecyclable
450+ years
Estimated environmental persistence
One of the most common litter items. Takes centuries to break down into microplastics. Always recycle.
These are rough, commonly cited estimates. Conditions vary; plastics can fragment into microplastics without fully disappearing.
Motor oil bottle (plastic)
Extreme ImpactCategory: PlasticRecyclable
450+ years
Estimated environmental persistence
HDPE plastic bottles persist for centuries. Must be completely empty and clean to recycle.
These are rough, commonly cited estimates. Conditions vary; plastics can fragment into microplastics without fully disappearing.
Plastic utensils
Extreme ImpactCategory: Plastic
400+ years
Estimated environmental persistence
Single-use plastics are a major pollution source. Keep reusable utensils in your bag or car.
These are rough, commonly cited estimates. Conditions vary; plastics can fragment into microplastics without fully disappearing.
Six-pack plastic rings
Extreme ImpactCategory: Plastic
400+ years
Estimated environmental persistence
Infamous for harming marine life. Cut them up before disposal. Better yet, buy cans in cardboard boxes.
These are rough, commonly cited estimates. Conditions vary; plastics can fragment into microplastics without fully disappearing.
Aluminum foil
High ImpactCategory: MetalRecyclable
400+ years
Estimated environmental persistence
Very thin aluminum still lasts centuries. Clean foil can be recycled - ball it up to golf-ball size.
These are rough, commonly cited estimates. Conditions vary; plastics can fragment into microplastics without fully disappearing.
Toothbrush
Extreme ImpactCategory: Plastic
400+ years
Estimated environmental persistence
Billion+ toothbrushes discarded annually. Switch to bamboo brushes with replaceable heads.
These are rough, commonly cited estimates. Conditions vary; plastics can fragment into microplastics without fully disappearing.
Disposable razor
Extreme ImpactCategory: Mixed Materials
200+ years
Estimated environmental persistence
Mixed plastic and metal makes decomposition slow. Consider safety razors with replaceable blades.
These are rough, commonly cited estimates. Conditions vary; plastics can fragment into microplastics without fully disappearing.
Batteries
Extreme ImpactCategory: HazardousRecyclable
100+ years
Estimated environmental persistence
Contains toxic heavy metals that leach into soil. Never trash batteries - take to collection centers.
These are rough, commonly cited estimates. Conditions vary; plastics can fragment into microplastics without fully disappearing.
Wet wipes
Extreme ImpactCategory: Mixed Materials
100+ years
Estimated environmental persistence
Most contain plastic fibers despite 'flushable' claims. Cause major sewer blockages.
These are rough, commonly cited estimates. Conditions vary; plastics can fragment into microplastics without fully disappearing.
Milk carton
High ImpactCategory: Mixed MaterialsRecyclable
5+ years
Estimated environmental persistence
Lined with plastic and foil, making decomposition very slow. Many facilities now recycle them - check locally.
These are rough, commonly cited estimates. Conditions vary; plastics can fragment into microplastics without fully disappearing.
Chewing gum
High ImpactCategory: Rubber & Synthetic
5+ years (possibly never)
Estimated environmental persistence
Made from synthetic rubber polymers. Modern gum may never fully decompose. Wrap in paper and trash it.
These are rough, commonly cited estimates. Conditions vary; plastics can fragment into microplastics without fully disappearing.
Cardboard milk cartons (waxed)
High ImpactCategory: Mixed MaterialsRecyclable
5+ years
Estimated environmental persistence
Wax or plastic coating prevents normal paper decomposition. Modern cartons are often recyclable.
These are rough, commonly cited estimates. Conditions vary; plastics can fragment into microplastics without fully disappearing.
Tetra Pak cartons
High ImpactCategory: Mixed MaterialsRecyclable
5+ years
Estimated environmental persistence
Multi-layer packaging (paper, plastic, aluminum) makes decomposition slow. Can be recycled at some facilities.
These are rough, commonly cited estimates. Conditions vary; plastics can fragment into microplastics without fully disappearing.
Environmental Impact Guide:
Low Impact: Biodegradable, decomposes relatively quickly
Medium Impact: Takes years but eventually biodegrades
High Impact: Takes decades to centuries, avoid when possible
Extreme Impact: May never fully decompose, creates lasting pollution
The Landfill Reality
Landfill conditions differ from exposure to sunlight, weather, or managed composting. Buried waste has limited light and may have limited oxygen and moisture, so outdoor persistence estimates should not be presented as measured landfill lifetimes. Compostable products also need the right conditions and an accepting composting program.
Even "biodegradable" items may not decompose in landfills. Newspapers from the 1960s have been found still readable. The solution? Reduce consumption, reuse when possible, and recycle properly to keep items out of landfills entirely.
What You Can Do
- •Choose reusables: Invest in reusable water bottles, bags, and containers
- •Recycle properly: Most items on this list are recyclable when cleaned and sorted correctly
- •Compost organic waste: Food and yard waste decompose in weeks when composted, not years
- •Buy less packaging: Choose products with minimal or recyclable packaging
- •Repair before replacing: Extend the life of items to reduce waste generation
Related Resources
Plastic Recycling Guide
Learn which plastics can be recycled and how to prep them properly.
Waste Diversion Calculator
Measure how much waste you keep out of the landfill each year.
Materials Database
See how to recycle every type of material instead of letting it sit in a landfill.
Carbon Footprint Calculator
See the CO2 savings your recycling habits create.
Decomposition times: frequently asked questions
How long does it take for plastic to decompose?
A PET plastic bottle is commonly estimated at 450 years or more, a plastic bag at 10 to 20 years, and styrofoam at 500 years or effectively never. Nobody has watched a plastic bottle all the way through, because mass-produced plastic is younger than the timescales involved. These numbers are projections from how fast plastic breaks down under sunlight and weathering, not observations.
Do plastics actually decompose at all?
Not in the way an apple core does. Food waste is broken down by microbes into water, carbon dioxide, and soil. Most plastic instead photodegrades: sunlight makes it brittle and it fragments into ever smaller pieces, ending up as microplastics that are still plastic. So a plastic bottle does not disappear after 450 years, it stops being visible as a bottle. That is why the numbers on this page are better read as how long something stays in the environment than as how long until it is gone.
Does anything decompose faster in a landfill?
Usually the opposite. A modern landfill is lined, compacted, and capped, which deliberately limits the oxygen, moisture, and sunlight that decomposition needs, mainly to stop contaminants from leaching into groundwater. Landfill excavations have turned up newspapers still readable and food waste still recognizable after decades. Most figures you see, including the ones here, describe open-air conditions, so buried waste often lasts considerably longer.
How long does glass take to decompose?
Glass is usually listed at 1,000 years or more, and in practice it is closer to indefinitely. Glass is chemically inert silica: it physically wears down into smaller and smaller fragments, which is what sea glass is, but it does not break down into anything else. This is also why glass is worth recycling repeatedly, since it can be remelted without losing quality.
Why do aluminum cans take so long if aluminum is recyclable?
The two facts are unrelated. Left in the environment an aluminum can takes roughly 200 to 500 years to corrode away, because the oxide layer that forms on the surface protects the metal underneath. Recycling bypasses that entirely: a can put in a bin is remelted into new aluminum with about 95% less energy than making it from raw bauxite, and it can come back as a new can within weeks.
Does biodegradable mean the same thing as compostable?
No. A broad 'biodegradable' claim does not tell you where or how quickly an item breaks down; the FTC says unqualified claims need evidence that the whole product returns to nature within a reasonably short period (one year for items normally sent to solid waste). Compostable claims also need evidence and may require a commercial facility. Check whether your local compost program accepts the specific item; compostable plastic does not belong in conventional recycling.
Which everyday items last longest?
Among common litter, fishing line is among the worst at roughly 600 years, followed by styrofoam and disposable diapers at 450 to 500 years, plastic bottles at 450 years or more, and tires at 200 to 400 years. Cigarette butt filters are cellulose acetate, a plastic, so they take 1 to 10 years rather than the weeks most smokers assume, and they are one of the most littered items in the world.