Here are some common objects that end up in landfills or on the side of the road and the estimated time they take to break down. Remember, these are estimates of time and vary depending upon the conditions they are in when they are breaking down, so some of the times may be higher or lower than what is indicated.

How long before it breaks down?

Traffic ticket = 2 to 4 weeks

Rope = 3 to 14 months

Cigarette butt = 2 to 5 years

Painted wooden stake = 13 years

Boot sole = 50 to 80 years

Tin can = 80 to 100 years

Aluminum can = 200 to 500 years

Plastic bag = 100 to 800 years

Glass bottle = unknown.

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