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 on the chart.

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, 6-pack rings = 450 years, plastic bag = 100 to 800 years, glass bottle = unknown.

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