Did You Know?

Our Landfills - Decomposition Rates

Much of what goes into our landfills could be recycled. The chart below shows how long certain materials take to decompose. Study it. Then consider your buying habits and begin recycling.

Item
Time to Decompose
Paper 2-5 Months
Orange Peels 6 Months
Milk Cartons 5 Years
Filter-tip Cigarettes 10-12 Years
Plastic Bags 10-20 Years
Leather Shoes 24-40 Years
Plastic Containers 50-80 Years
Disposable Diapers 75 Years
Tin Cans 100 Years
Aluminum Cans 200-500 Years
Styrofoam Never