How long does it take for single-use plastic items to decompose?

Out of all the plastics, Styrofoam is the deadliest as it takes upto 1,000 years to decompose. When Styrofoam is burnt for energy or for its disposal, it is released into the environment leading to air pollution and health problems when inhaled by people and animals. Styrofoam cannot be recycled and nearly all of it ends up as landfill trash.

All sanitary pads are plastic-based and have non-biodegradable content. Sanitary pads take upto 800 years to decompose, meaning that they will hang around for a very long time.

Fishing lines take 600 years to decompose. Plastic is the preferred choice to make fishing nets as it is stronger than naturally available alternatives.

Have you ever realised that a toothbrush, which is needed every morning and night, needs 500 years to decompose.

Humans can survive without water, that's a known fact but the commonly used containers to make water mobile is plastic bottles. A single plastic bottle takes 450 years to decompose and it only take minutes to empty it.

Disposable diapers that are meant for a one time use takes 450 years to decompose. Moreover, millions of tonnes of untreated waste added to landfills each year through plastic diapers can contaminate ground water.

Simple things which were invented to make our lives easier such as beverage holders take 400 years to decompose. While its usability is only for a few minutes.

Plastic straws, which are used only for a few minutes to sip our favorite drink, take 200 years decompose.

A plastic carry bag takes 20 years to decompose.