The products we use and discard every day are a growing problem—plastic being one of the biggest. Yet, many people don’t fully realise just how severe the issue is or how long it takes for everyday items to decompose.
From a sustainability perspective, understanding decomposition rates is crucial. The assumption that waste in landfill sites starts breaking down immediately is false. In reality, decomposition can take decades, centuries, or, in some cases, never happen at all.
So, how long does it take for different types of waste to decompose in landfills?
Plastic Waste
Plastic is everywhere in modern life. Every year, around 1.6 million barrels of oil are used just to produce plastic water bottles. These products linger for an unimaginable amount of time:
- Plastic bags: 10–1,000 years
- Plastic bottles: 450+ years
Aluminium Cans
Aluminium cans are recyclable, yet millions still end up in landfills. In the U.S. alone, over 120,000 aluminium cans are recycled every minute, but many more are not.
- Aluminium cans: 80–200 years
Glass
Glass is one of the easiest materials to recycle—it can be endlessly melted down and remade. However, if it ends up in a landfill instead of a recycling facility, it could sit there for millions of years.
Disposable Diapers
Disposable nappies are a massive issue. In the U.S. alone, over 18 billion disposable diapers are thrown away annually, and each one takes between 250–500 years to decompose.
Breakdown of Common Waste Decomposition Times
Different sources estimate slightly varying decomposition times, but the numbers are alarming:
- Cigarette butts – 10–12 years
- Monofilament fishing line – 600 years
- Rubber boot sole – 50–80 years
- Foamed plastic cups – 50 years
- Leather shoes – 25–40 years
- Milk cartons – 5 years
- Plywood – 1–3 years
- Painted board – 13 years
- Cotton glove – 3 months
- Cardboard – 2 months
- Styrofoam – Does not biodegrade
- Nylon fabric – 30–40 years
- Tin can – 50 years
- Rope – 3–14 months
- Waxed milk carton – 3 months
- Train tickets – 2 weeks
- Canvas products – 1 year
- Batteries – 100 years
- Lumber – 10–15 years
- Sanitary pads – 500–800 years
- Wool clothing – 1–5 years
- Tinfoil – Does not biodegrade
Looking at these figures, it’s clear that waste accumulation is a growing concern. Fortunately, awareness is increasing, and more sustainable alternatives are being developed.
Steps Towards a More Sustainable Future
Countries worldwide are implementing policies to curb plastic waste and promote biodegradable alternatives.
- Costa Rica aims to be the first country to completely ban plastic. By 2021, the government planned to phase out plastic bags, bottles, cutlery, and other disposable items, offering tax incentives to businesses that switch to sustainable alternatives.
- France has followed suit, banning non-biodegradable plastic cups, cutlery, and dishes as part of its Energy Transition for Green Growth initiative.
On a global scale, major companies—especially in the food packaging industry—are investing in biodegradable and compostable packaging solutions.
At Cafe Brands, we’re playing our part by offering compostable catering disposables and food packaging solutions. By choosing sustainable options, businesses and consumers can help reduce landfill waste and lessen the environmental impact.
Every small change matters. The question is, are we ready to make those changes?
