Plastic bags, which pose a significant threat for ocean wildlife, need approximately 20 years to decompose, depending on the conditions in which they are disposed of.
Plastic toothbrushes, which are typically made from polypropylene, can take up to an estimated 500 years to degrade/decompose.
Lifecycle of selected plastic products
(in years to decomposition)
Most figures are estimated since plastics have not existed long enough to observe actual decomposition of these materials. Decomposition rates also depend on factors such as exposure to heat and oxygen.
Profit from the additional features of your individual account
Currently, you are using a shared account. To use individual functions (e.g., mark statistics as favourites, set
statistic alerts) please log in with your personal account.
If you are an admin, please authenticate by logging in again.
Learn more about how Statista can support your business.
WWF. (July 1, 2021). Lifecycle of selected plastic products (in years to decomposition) [Graph]. In Statista. Retrieved October 11, 2024, from https://www.statista.com/statistics/1192549/lifecycle-selected-plastic-product/
WWF. "Lifecycle of selected plastic products (in years to decomposition)." Chart. July 1, 2021. Statista. Accessed October 11, 2024. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1192549/lifecycle-selected-plastic-product/
WWF. (2021). Lifecycle of selected plastic products (in years to decomposition). Statista. Statista Inc.. Accessed: October 11, 2024. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1192549/lifecycle-selected-plastic-product/
WWF. "Lifecycle of Selected Plastic Products (in Years to Decomposition)." Statista, Statista Inc., 1 Jul 2021, https://www.statista.com/statistics/1192549/lifecycle-selected-plastic-product/
WWF, Lifecycle of selected plastic products (in years to decomposition) Statista, https://www.statista.com/statistics/1192549/lifecycle-selected-plastic-product/ (last visited October 11, 2024)
Lifecycle of selected plastic products (in years to decomposition) [Graph], WWF, July 1, 2021. [Online]. Available: https://www.statista.com/statistics/1192549/lifecycle-selected-plastic-product/