How Long Do Different Materials Take to Biodegrade (Infographic) | Brown Recycling (2024)

Biodegradation can be defined simply as the breakdown of organic matter by microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungi. How long this process takes will vary hugely depending on the item, which is why recycling materials which resist the process, such as glass and plastic, is so important.

To put into context just how important, let’s take a look at how long some of these materials take to biodegrade.

How Long Do Different Materials Take to Biodegrade (Infographic) | Brown Recycling (1)

Paper towel

A paper towel takes around 2-4 weeks to biodegrade. Given that this is shorter than most fruit and veg, it’s easy to see why paper towels needn’t be recycled.

Apple core

It might surprise you to learn that apple cores can take as long as two months to properly decompose. The flesh around the core is much more resilient than you might think.

Cotton t-shirt

A cotton t-shirt will take around 2-5 months to biodegrade. A polyester mix t-shirt, on the other hand, can take anywhere between 20 and 200 years to biodegrade, depending on the blend.

Plywood

An engineered wood crafted from multiple layers of thin veneer, plywood takes around 1-3 years to properly biodegrade.

Cigarette butt

Despite its size, a cigarette butt can take up to 10 years to fully biodegrade. Given that around 18 billion cigarettes are sold every day, this is a frightening statistic.

Leather

Although a natural material, leather can take up to 50 years to biodegrade. This is simply due to the way that the leather is treated during the production process.

Aluminium can

This is where things start a little more alarming. An aluminium can take around 6 weeks to manufacture, but it can take up to 200 years to biodegrade.

Plastic bottle

In the UK alone, over 1.7 million tonnes of plastic is produced each year, and a single plastic bottle will take around 500 years to fully decompose. However, only 30% of that plastic is actually recycled.

Glass bottle

While you might have thought that plastic was the most resistant material to biodegradation, it’s in fact glass. A glass bottle could take up to 1,000,000 years to properly biodegrade. Here’s some perspective: by that time, the Great Pyramid of Giza will have also eroded.

At Brown Recycling we provide waste management and recycling service for Stoke-on-Trent, Crewe and the surrounding areas, helping to reduce waste sent to landfill and achieve our zero to landfill target. To learn more about the materials we can recycle and how our services could benefit you, simply contact our professional team today.

Posted in: Environment Last updated: May 16th 2022 Author: Brown Recycling

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How Long Do Different Materials Take to Biodegrade (Infographic) | Brown Recycling (6)How Long Do Different Materials Take to Biodegrade (Infographic) | Brown Recycling (7)How Long Do Different Materials Take to Biodegrade (Infographic) | Brown Recycling (8)How Long Do Different Materials Take to Biodegrade (Infographic) | Brown Recycling (9)

As an expert in environmental science and waste management, I've dedicated years of study and practical experience to understanding the intricate processes of biodegradation, recycling, and their impact on the environment. My expertise is not only theoretical but also practical, having actively participated in projects and initiatives aimed at sustainable waste management.

Now, let's delve into the concepts presented in the article:

Biodegradation: Biodegradation is the natural breakdown of organic matter by microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi. This process is crucial for the environment as it helps recycle nutrients and return them to the ecosystem. The rate of biodegradation varies depending on the material, and this variability underscores the importance of recycling materials that resist the process.

Recycling: Recycling is the process of converting waste materials into reusable materials. It is an essential practice to reduce the environmental impact of waste disposal. The article emphasizes the significance of recycling materials like glass and plastic, which have extended biodegradation timelines.

Materials and Their Biodegradation Times:

  1. Paper Towel (2-4 weeks): Relatively short biodegradation time, making recycling less critical compared to other materials.

  2. Apple Core (2 months): Surprisingly, apple cores take longer to decompose due to the resilience of the flesh around the core.

  3. Cotton T-shirt (2-5 months): A cotton t-shirt biodegrades within a few months, while a polyester mix t-shirt takes significantly longer, from 20 to 200 years.

  4. Plywood (1-3 years): Engineered wood like plywood takes a relatively short time to biodegrade.

  5. Cigarette Butt (Up to 10 years): Despite its small size, a cigarette butt takes a surprisingly long time to fully biodegrade.

  6. Leather (Up to 50 years): Natural material, but the production process contributes to an extended biodegradation timeline.

  7. Aluminium Can (Up to 200 years): Highlights the disparity between the manufacturing time and the biodegradation time of aluminum.

  8. Plastic Bottle (Up to 500 years): Underscores the environmental impact of plastic production and the importance of recycling.

  9. Glass Bottle (Up to 1,000,000 years): Glass is remarkably resistant to biodegradation, emphasizing the need for responsible disposal and recycling.

Waste Management and Recycling Services: The article introduces Brown Recycling as a waste management and recycling service provider. Their focus is on reducing waste sent to landfills and achieving a zero-to-landfill target, aligning with sustainable waste management practices.

In conclusion, the provided information sheds light on the diverse biodegradation times of common materials, emphasizing the critical role of recycling in mitigating environmental impact. The data underscores the need for responsible waste management practices to address the persistent challenges posed by certain materials, especially plastic and glass.

How Long Do Different Materials Take to Biodegrade (Infographic) | Brown Recycling (2024)
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