As discussed in a previous GreenLiving blog post, littering is an opponent of a green lifestyle. Litter can harm or injure plants and animals and destroy animal habitats. But how long does litter last when improperly disposed at the beach or in the local park?
Below are five examples of common pieces litter found outdoors and the amount of time it takes these items to fully decompose:
1) Aluminum cans: Aluminum cans take up to 200 years to fully decompose when left outside. Cans, and other aluminum products, are often recyclable materials and can be re-purposed and reused.
2) Batteries: Batteries take up to 100 years to decompose if improperly disposed. Though some batteries cannot be recycled, others can- remember to always do research to learn how to best dispose of batteries.
3) Plastic bags: Plastic Bags, and other plastic products, can take between 10 and 1000 years to fully decompose on land or in waterways. Plastic bags cannot be recycled, but they can be "upcycled" and turned into materials for craft and DIY projects.
4) Milk cartons: Milk cartons take up to five years to decompose.
5) Foam cups: Foam cups take up to 50 years to fully decompose when improperly disposed of.
The facts about decomposition times were found in the article "How Long Does It Take Garbage to Decompose" posted on February 28, 2017 on The Balance.
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