How long does it take for one discarted cigarette butt to biodegrade?

Answer 1

32 years

Answer 2

Whereas it takes a non-filtered cigarette a few weeks to a month to decompose, it takes the filter 18 months - 10 years. The filters contain plastics that, just like other plastics, cause a real problem to the environment.

Answer 3

All fibrous cigarette butts are biodegradable, with the typical breakdown period being 4 to 9 months. The butts are made of cellulose acetate. Wood pulp is combined with acetic acid and acetic anhydride in the presence of sulfuric acid. Then, through partial hydrolysis, the sulfates are removed. An extrusion process then occurs with acetone. The result is the fiber used to make the filter. 100% biodegradable, photodegradable, and chemically degradable.

However, there are a number of poisonous chemicals in smoked filters, some degradable, some not. And, there are several trillion smoked filters generated each year. These chemicals will cause issues in areas where to many butts are degrading in the same area.

Like any litter, biodegradable or not, if they build up too quickly, they can contaminate an area, both aesthetically and chemically.

Answer 4

According to some studies it takes more than 100 years for a cigarette butt to biodegrade

Answer 5

15 to 20 years after it goes in your butt.

Answer 6

personally with my god given knoledge .it never really does but lets say it becomes less visable to the eye after 12 yrs

Answer 7

In a warm wet place, just a few days, but not the plastic filter tip.

Answer 8

32 years

Answer 9

18 month