How Long Does It Take Chewing Gum to Decompose? An In-depth Look

Chewing gum, a ubiquitous part of our daily lives, is often discarded without much thought. But have you ever wondered how long does it take for chewing gum to decompose? The answer may surprise you.

Chewing gum is primarily made of a synthetic rubber called polyisobutylene, which is highly resistant to degradation. As a result, chewing gum can persist in the environment for an astonishing length of time.

How Long Does It Take Chewing Gum to Decompose?

Environment	Decomposition Time
Landfill	5 years
Compost	6 months
Ocean	25 years

As you can see, chewing gum takes significantly longer to decompose than most organic materials. This is due to its unique chemical composition, which makes it resistant to bacteria and other microorganisms that break down natural materials.

Stories of Chewing Gum's Persistence

The Great Pacific Garbage Patch: This vast floating garbage patch, located in the North Pacific Ocean, contains an estimated 1.8 trillion pieces of plastic, much of which is chewing gum. Studies have shown that chewing gum can persist in the ocean for up to 25 years, posing a threat to marine life.

Beaches and Coastlines: Chewing gum is a common sight on beaches around the world. It can accumulate on shorelines, where it can be mistaken for food by birds and other animals. Ingesting chewing gum can lead to digestive problems and even death.

How to Properly Dispose of Chewing Gum

To avoid contributing to the environmental impact of chewing gum, it is important to dispose of it properly. Here are a few tips:

Wrap used chewing gum in a piece of paper or aluminum foil before throwing it away. This will prevent it from sticking to other surfaces and make it less likely to be ingested by animals.

Compost biodegradable chewing gum in a compost bin. Biodegradable chewing gum is made from natural materials that can break down over time.

Avoid spitting chewing gum out on the ground or in the ocean. This is illegal in many areas and can have harmful consequences for wildlife.

Conclusion

Chewing gum is a convenient and enjoyable treat, but it is important to be mindful of its environmental impact. By disposing of chewing gum properly, we can help to protect our planet and its wildlife.

How Long Does It Take Chewing Gum to Decompose? An In-depth Look