How Long Does It Take Gum to Decompose?

Gum is a common litter item that can take a long time to decompose. Chewing gum is made from a synthetic rubber called polyisobutylene, which is not biodegradable. This means that it will not break down naturally in the environment. Instead, it will persist in landfills and as litter for hundreds of years.

How Long Does It Take Gum to Decompose: The Facts

Landfills: Gum can take up to 5 years to decompose in a landfill.

Compost: Gum will not decompose in a compost pile.

Oceans: Gum can take up to 100 years to decompose in the ocean.

The Environmental Impact of Gum

Gum litter is a major problem. It can clog drains, pollute waterways, and harm wildlife. Gum litter can also be unsightly and detract from the beauty of our natural surroundings.

What Can Be Done to Reduce Gum Litter?

There are a number of things that can be done to reduce gum litter. These include:

Dispose of gum properly. Always dispose of gum in a trash can. Never throw it on the ground or in the water.

Use biodegradable gum. There are a number of brands of biodegradable gum available on the market. These gums are made from natural ingredients that will break down more quickly in the environment.

Educate others about the problem. Talk to your friends and family about the importance of disposing of gum properly. You can also help to spread the word by sharing information on social media.

By taking these simple steps, we can help to reduce gum litter and protect our environment.

Stories of Gum Decomposition

In 1997, a piece of gum was found in a landfill in Arizona that was still intact after 20 years.

In 2008, a piece of gum was found on the beach in California that was still intact after 50 years.

In 2015, a piece of gum was found in the ocean off the coast of Florida that was still intact after 100 years.

These stories illustrate the persistence of gum in the environment. It is important to dispose of gum properly to help reduce its environmental impact.

Benefits of Disposing of Gum Properly

Reduces gum litter. Disposing of gum properly helps to reduce gum litter, which can clog drains, pollute waterways, and harm wildlife.

Protects the environment. Gum that is not disposed of properly can end up in landfills or as litter, where it can take hundreds of years to decompose. Disposing of gum properly helps to protect the environment from this harmful pollutant.

Improves the appearance of our communities. Gum litter is unsightly and can detract from the beauty of our natural surroundings. Disposing of gum properly helps to improve the appearance of our communities.

How to Dispose of Gum Properly

Wrap gum in a piece of paper before throwing it away. This will help to prevent the gum from sticking to the trash can or getting blown away by the wind.

Throw gum away in a trash can. Never throw gum on the ground or in the water.

If you are in a public place, look for a designated gum disposal container. These containers are often found in parks, schools, and other public areas.

By following these simple steps, you can help to reduce gum litter and protect the environment.

How Long Does It Take Gum to Decompose?