Ever wonder how long it takes things like cigarette butts, plastic, toothbrushes, or soda can rings to decompose while sitting in the landfill? The chart below tells us–and gives us good reason to avoid their use whenever possible and otherwise find new, creative uses for them,
| Material | Estimated Decomposition |
|---|---|
| Cigarette butts | 5 years |
| Plastic bags | 20 years |
| Plastic-lined coffee cups | 30 years |
| Plastic straws | 200 years |
| Soda can rings | 400 years |
| Plastic bottles | 450 years |
| Toothbrushes | 500 years |
| Disposable diapers | 500 years |
| Styrofoam | 500 years |
| Fishing line | 600 years |
| Glass | Unknown |