Have you ever wondered how long a single piece of trash stays in the ocean?
The answer is alarming — some waste can remain for hundreds of years, continuously harming marine life and ecosystems.
Table of Contents
🧴 Ocean Waste Decomposition Timeline
🥤 Plastic Bottle
Decomposition time: ~450 years
One of the most common and harmful types of marine debris
🛍️ Plastic Bag
Decomposition time: 10 – 20 years
Breaks down into microplastics
🥫 Aluminum Can
Decomposition time: 80 – 200 years
Recyclable, but harmful if left in the ocean
🧃 Beverage Carton
Decomposition time: ~30 years
Hard to break down due to layered materials
🚬 Cigarette Butt
Decomposition time: 1 – 5 years
One of the most common beach pollutants
🪢 Fishing Nets / Nylon Rope
Decomposition time: 600+ years
Causes “ghost fishing” and marine entanglement
⚠️ Why Is Ocean Trash Dangerous?
- Marine animals ingest waste
- Microplastics enter the food chain
- Long-term ecosystem damage
- Impacts human health
🌿 How You Can Help
- Reduce single-use plastics
- Use reusable items
- Dispose of waste properly
- Choose eco-friendly travel
✨ Conclusion
One piece of trash can last longer than a lifetime in the ocean
Small actions today can protect our seas for generations 🌊
Eco-Friendly tour with us Love Andaman 💙
Similan Day trip
Surin Islands Day trip
Phi Phi Island + Bamboo