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Decomposition rates of marine debris items

Average estimated decomposition times of typical marine debris items. Plastic items are shown in blue.

0 years100 years200 years300 years400 years500 years600 yearsFishing line600 yearsDisposable diaper450 yearsPlastic bottle450 yearsPlastic beverage holder (six-rings)400 yearsAluminimum can200 yearsTin can50 yearsFoamed buoy50 yearsSyrofoam cup50 yearsPlastic bag20 yearsCigarette butt5 yearsPhotodegradable beverage holder0.5 yearsWaxed milk carton0.25 years

Source: U.S. National Park Service; Mote Marine Lab; National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Marine Debris Program

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