Biodegradation by Comparison

Biodegradation occurs when it is decomposed by enzymes produced by organism. We all know that is is difficult for plastics to biodegrade, but how difficult?

Below is a list of rate of biodegradation by comparison:

• Banana peel, 2 – 10 days
• Orange peels, 1 month
• Sugarcane Pulp Products, 1 - 2 months
• Cotton rags, 1 – 5 months
• Paper, 2 – 5 months



• Rope, 3 – 14 months
• Wool socks, 1 – 5 years
• Cigarette filters, 1 – 12 years
• Tetrapaks (plastic composite milk cartons), 5 years
• Plastic bags, 10 – 20 years
• Diapers 200 – 500 years
• Leather shoes, 25 – 40 years
• Nylon fabric, 30 – 40 years
• Tin cans 50 - 100 years
• Aluminum cans 200 - 500 years
• Plastic Bottles 70 - 450 years
• Plastic six-pack holder rings, 450 years
• XPS Foam cup, non-biodegradeable
• Biodegradable Plastic Bags, 75 days
• Biodegradable Paper Cups, 75 days
• Sugarcane Bagasse Products, Within 180 Days
Now that you know how long each type of materials last, so be wise when choosing which daily items to buy.