Sobering facts around waste decomposition
Ever wondered how long things take to decompose? Well, apparently it depends largely on whether they’re decomposing in a viable compost heap filled with hungry organisms, or in a landfill that gets little air, water or sunlight. But here’s a rough guideline:
Paper towel 2 – 4 weeks
Banana peel 3 – 4 weeks
Paper bag 1 month
Newspaper 1 ½ months
Apple core 2 months
Cardboard 2 months
Cotton glove 3 months
Orange peels 6 months
Plywood 1 – 3 years
Woolen sock 1 – 5 years
Milk cartons 5 years
Cigarette butts 10 – 12 years
Leather shoes 25 – 40 years
Tinned can 50 years
Polystyrene cups 50 years
Plastic containers 50 – 80 years
Aluminium can 200 – 500 years
Plastic bottles 450 years
Disposable nappies 550 years
Plastic bags 200 – 1000 years
Sobering, isn’t it?
Info courtesy of www.goumbook.com and www.slate.com.
This is why Liz at Lancaster Guesthouse recycles with Whole Earth Recycling.