In a Landfill, How Long Does Trash Really Last?

But how long do things last? These rough estimates, compiled from U.S. National Park Service, United States Composting Council, New Hampshire Department of Environmental Sciences, and the New York City government, give an idea of how long our consumables remain after we’ve kissed them goodbye.

• Glass Bottle—One Million Years


• Plastic Bags—Unknown, Possibly 500+ Years


• Plastic Beverage Bottles—Unknown, Possible 500+ years
  
• Aluminum Can—Eighty to 200 Years


• Cigarette Butt—One to Five Years


• Newspaper—Two to Four Weeks or Longer


• Apple Core—One to Two Months or Longer

Via Divine Caroline.