How long does it take for various everyday items to degrade?

Answer 1

How long items last in landfill:

* banana -- 3 to 4 weeks * paper bag -- 1 month * cotton rag -- 5 months * wool sock -- 1 year * cigarette butt -- 2 to 5 years * leather boot -- 40 to 50 years * rubber sole (of the boot) -- 50 to 80 years * tin can (soup or vegetable can) -- 80 to 100 years * aluminum can (soda pop can) -- 200 to 500 years * plastic 6-pack rings -- 450 years * plastic jug -- 1 million years * Styrofoam cup -- unknown? forever? * glass bottle -- unknown? forever? See the related link for more information. Note: The data above was gathered from sources such as the Bureau of Land Management and the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality.