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Know Waste

Waste Types & Degradation Time

Decomposition depends on weather and site conditions: warm, wet conditions enhance decomposition, as does exposure to sunlight and oxygen.  Material sheltered from weather and sunlight requires increased time to decompose.

    Average or Approximate Degradation Time   
Waste Type Buried in Soil / Landfill  Open Air / Elements  Water / Sea 
Aluminum Can (soda cans, etc) 150-200 years + 80-200 years 500 years +
Cardboard Box 2 months to 5 years 1-2 months 4-6 weeks
Chewing Gum 5 years 3 years 5 years
Cigarette Filter / Butt 12-50 years 1-50 years 2-5 years
Cotton or Woolen Garment 1-5 years 1-3 years 8-10 months
Disposable Diaper > 400 years 200-400 years 200-450 years
Fruits & Vegetables / Organic Waste 6 months to 2 years 1-2 weeks 2 years
Glass Bottle > 1000 years > 1000 years > 1000 years
Leather 30 -50 years 25-45 years 50 years
Matches 6 months 6 months 6 months
Milk / Juice Waxed Carton 1 year 6 months 3 months
Newspapers / Magazines 6 months - >10 years 6 months 2 months
Nylon Fabric > 50 years > 40 years 30-40 years
Paper / Paper Products Up to 3 months 14-30 days 14-30 days
Plastic Bottle / Bag / 6-pk rings, etc 100-1000 years + 20-100 years 450-1000 years +
Plastic Dishes / Cutlery / Containers 100-1000 years + > 50 years > 30 years
Plywood > 3 years 1-3 years 1-3 years
Polystyrene Case 1000 years + 100-1000 years + 100-1000 years +
Rubber Sole of Boot / Flip-flops 50-80 years > 40 years 50-80 years
Styrofoam Cup / Container > 100 years > 100 years > 50 years
Telephone Top-Up Cards > 100 years 20-40 years 1000 years
Tin Can > 50 years 40-50 years 50 years
Tyres > 1000 years > 500 years > 1000 years
Wood > 15 years 10-15 years > 10 years

Waste decomposition is very dependent on the environment where the material is decomposing.  For instance:

  • Warm temperature, light, water and oxygen are necessary to achieve biodegradation or waste decomposition.
  • Waste decomposition is faster in a tropical climate than it is in temperate climates.
  • Dry air slows down decomposition generally, while a humid or damp environment accelerates the rate of decomposition.
  • Waste exposed to the air and the elements decomposes at a different rate to waste buried in a landfill – on average, the latter is slower.

 

 

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