Environment-23: Estimated Decomposition Rates of Common Marine Debris Items

HOW LONG UNTIL IT IS GONE?

Estimated Decomposition Rates of 

Common Marine Debris Items

Apple Core:  2 months

Waxed Carton: 3 months

Foamed Buoy : 50 years

Newspaper: 6 weeks

Plastic Grocery Bag: 10 to 20 years

Cardboard Box : 2 months

Plywood: 1 to 3 years

Disposable Diaper: 450 years

Cigarette Butt: 1 to 5 years

Paper Towel: 2 to 4 weeks

Aluminium Can: 200 years

Cotton Shirt: 2 to 5 months

Glass Bottle: undetermined

Plastic Bottle: 450 years

Plastic Beverage Holder: 6 months

Photo-degradable Beverages Holder: 6 months

Tin can: 50 years

Fishing Line: 600 years

Styrofoam Cup: 50 years

Wool Socks: 1 to 5 years

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