How Long It Takes for Trash to Decompose

Maps + Infographics
by Ana Bulnes Jun 1, 2017

We toss something in the trash, we forget about it. All those things may disappear from our lives the moment we take take out the trash, but that doesn’t mean they magically disintegrate and disappear from the planet. Far from it — some of those things might actually outlive us. Sure, items like paper towel or a banana peel will ‘only’ last for a few weeks, but what about those plastic bags? 10 to 20 years. And aluminium cans? 80 to 200 years. And what about the disposable diapers you wore as a baby? As you can see in this infographic put together by SaveOnEnergy, they’re still around and will be for generations.

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