Plastic waste is one of the most persistent environmental problems today, taking anywhere from 20 to 1,000 years to break down. Unlike organic materials, plastic doesn’t decompose completely—it only breaks into smaller pieces, turning into microplastics that pollute ecosystems for centuries.

A plastic bag can take 10 to 20 years to degrade, while plastic straws last up to 200 years. Plastic bottles, one of the most common waste items, take around 450 years, and fishing lines—which threaten marine life—can persist for up to 600 years.

The decomposition process is slowed because plastics are made from synthetic polymers that resist natural breakdown. Sunlight, heat, and moisture contribute to their degradation, but they don’t disappear entirely; they just fragment into microplastics, which enter the food chain and even human bodies.

Recycling and proper disposal help reduce plastic waste, but reducing single-use plastics is the most effective solution. By choosing reusable alternatives and supporting eco-friendly materials, we can curb plastic pollution and lessen its lasting impact on the environment.

📩 Would you like to know more about recycling and how your business can contribute to waste management?  Contact us now! <link to contact form>

📌 Sources: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Ellen MacArthur Foundation