Biodegradable Time Line

This chart shows the amount of time it takes for an item to biodegrade if in the ocean, Please make sure to use trash and recycle receptacles.

Marine Debris Biodegradable Timeline

 

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Newspaper
6 weeks
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Paper towels
2-4 weeks
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Photodegradable
6-pack ring
35 Days
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Plastic
6-pack ring
400 years
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Microfilament
fishing line
600 years
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Wool glove
1 year
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Waxed
Milk Carton
3 months
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Painted
wooden stick
13 years
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Biodegradable
diaper
1 year
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Disposable diapers
450 years
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Tin can
50 years
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Foam cup
50 years
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Plastic bottle
450 years
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Cotton glove
1-5 months
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Cardboard box
2 weeks
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Styrofoam
buoy
80 years
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Cotton rope
3-14 months
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Glass bottles/jars
undetermined
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Aluminum can
200 years
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Plywood
1-3 years
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Apple core
2 months

Source EPA