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