12 Everyday Items That Take the Longest to Decompose
This post may contain affiliate links.
Have you ever wondered what happens to the stuff we throw away? Spoiler alert—some of it sticks around for a long, long time. While we might toss an item in the trash and never think about it again, the truth is that it can take centuries to decompose.
Intrigued? Good! Let’s break down (pun intended) the everyday items that are in no rush to return to nature.
Plastic Bottles
First up, the notorious plastic bottle. These handy containers are great for convenience but terrible for the environment. It takes about 450 years for a single plastic bottle to decompose. That’s right, the water bottle you drank from today could still be around in the year 2474.
This staggering timeframe is due to the plastic’s resistance to breaking down. Instead of decomposing, plastic bottles photodegrade, breaking into smaller pieces that continue to pollute ecosystems.
Aluminum Cans
Aluminum cans are another everyday item that lasts far longer than expected. On average, they take about 80-200 years to decompose fully. Although aluminum is highly recyclable, many cans still end up in landfills, where they sit for centuries.
Despite their long decomposition time, aluminum cans are one of the most recyclable materials. Recycling just one can save enough energy to run a TV for three hours!
Glass Bottles
Glass bottles are the epitome of longevity. In perfect conditions, decomposing can take up to 1 million years. Yes, you read that correctly—a million years! Unlike plastic and aluminum, glass doesn’t degrade into harmful chemicals; it just takes forever to break down.
The good news? Glass is infinitely recyclable. If recycled properly, it can be turned into new bottles, jars, and even fiberglass, reducing its environmental impact.
Disposable Diapers
Parents take note! Those disposable diapers are convenient, but they come at a cost. A single diaper can take up to 500 years to decompose. Multiply that by the thousands of diapers a child uses, and you’ve got a significant environmental issue.
Disposable diapers contain plastic, wood pulp, and super-absorbent polymers, which are slow to break down. Switching to cloth diapers might be a more eco-friendly option.
Styrofoam Cups
Next time you grab a coffee-to-go in a Styrofoam cup, think twice. According to Washington University, these cups take 500 years to decompose. Styrofoam, or expanded polystyrene, is notorious for resisting breakdown processes, making it a significant environmental pollutant.
While some cities have banned Styrofoam products, they are still widely used. Alternatives like paper or reusable cups can make a big difference.
Plastic Bags
Light, convenient, and incredibly slow to decompose—plastic bags have it all. Depending on environmental conditions, they can take 10-1,000 years to decompose. In the meantime, they break into microplastics, which harm wildlife and ecosystems.
Many places are moving towards banning single-use plastic bags and encouraging reusable ones. It’s a small change that can have a huge impact.
Cigarette Butts
Cigarette butts might seem small and insignificant, but they’re a big problem. Each butt can take up to 10 years to decompose, contributing to massive environmental pollution. Billions of butts are discarded annually, many ending up in oceans and harming marine life.
The filters in cigarette butts contain cellulose acetate, a type of plastic that is slow to degrade. Proper disposal and quitting smoking can help reduce this persistent problem.
Tin Foil
Tin foil, often used for cooking and preserving food, can take about 400 years to decompose. Made from aluminum, it is similar to aluminum cans in terms of longevity and recyclability.
Recycling tin foil can mitigate its environmental impact, but many people don’t realize it’s even recyclable. Always clean your foil before recycling to ensure it’s processed correctly.
Nylon Fabric
Nylon is a synthetic fabric commonly used in clothing and accessories. Unfortunately, it can take 30-40 years to decompose, during which time it often releases toxic chemicals into the environment.
Opting for natural fabrics like cotton, wool, or hemp can reduce your environmental footprint and encourage sustainable fashion practices.
Batteries
Batteries, especially disposable ones, are hazardous and slow to decompose. They can take over 100 years to break down, all while leaking harmful chemicals into the soil and water.
Proper battery disposal and recycling are crucial. Many stores and recycling centers offer battery recycling programs, so take advantage of them to keep these pollutants out of landfills.
Shoe Soles
Modern shoes, especially those with rubber soles, can take 50-80 years to decompose. The rubber is durable and resistant to breakdown, contributing to long-lasting environmental waste.
Consider donating gently used shoes or opting for footwear made from biodegradable materials to reduce your impact.
Toothbrushes
Finally, the humble toothbrush. Most toothbrushes are made of plastic and can take around 500 years to decompose. The environmental impact is substantial, given that we’re encouraged to replace them every three months.
Switching to bamboo or other eco-friendly toothbrushes can significantly reduce the amount of plastic waste we produce.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
10 Unexpected Reasons Your House Smells Musty
Do you ever walk into your home and notice a musty, stale odor? It can be unpleasant and embarrassing if you have guests over. But the good news is that there are several potential causes for this musty smell in your house – some of which may surprise you.
10 Unexpected Reasons Your House Smells Musty
Bring Nature Indoors with These DIY Terrarium Ideas
The list includes a variety of different styles of terrariums. Some use simple supplies you may have around the house or can get locally, and some get a little more creative.
Bring Nature Indoors with These DIY Terrarium Ideas
15 Common Mistakes That Unknowingly Make Your Home Look Bad
A home should be a sanctuary, reflecting personal style and comfort. However, minor oversights and everyday habits can inadvertently detract from its appeal. Understanding these common mistakes is crucial for maintaining an inviting and well-kept home. Here, we’ll uncover 15 mistakes that might subtly diminish the aesthetic charm of your living space.
15 Common Mistakes That Unknowingly Make Your Home Look Bad
How to Make Wood Block Wall Art
In this post, I’ll show you how to make wood block wall art for only a couple of dollars. This tutorial will demonstrate an abstract scribble art design, and I’ll also give you six more easy-to-make ideas!
