How long does it take for garbage to decompose?

As of 2023, at least 61 million metric tons of waste are being generated daily in the Philippines. A huge chunk of it is plastic waste, which continues to be a pervasive problem in the country. With that, let’s look at how long it takes for different types of garbage that we use frequently to decompose. 

Whether it’s for wiping our tables, grabbing a pizza off a box, or hygiene purposes, it usually takes a month for tissue paper to decompose. While this is faster as compared to other items on the list, this does not translate to you using as much tissue paper as you can just because it decomposes faster.  

We already know that cigarettes aren’t good for our health. But the fact that it takes five years for cigarette butts to decompose is another reason to avoid smoking altogether.

There’s a reason why we are highly encouraged to bring tote bags or eco-bags every time we shop or do groceries. It’s because plastic bags take 20 years before they decompose. Now imagine the number of plastic bags sold and used daily. 

Just like with eco-bags in replacement of plastic bags, major coffee shops in the country give incentives and discounts to people bringing tumblers when they order. Part of it is because styrofoam cups take 50 years to decompose.

Yes, plastic bottles are some of the longest to decompose. As a matter of fact, we won’t be alive by the time the plastic bottle we’ve used to drink gets decomposed.  

These details serve as a reminder to use alternatives the next time we use them, not only for practical reasons but for sustainability as well!