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It’s easy to toss something in the trash and never think about it again. Once it disappears into the garbage bin, it feels like it’s gone for good. But the reality is very different. Many of the everyday items we throw away can remain in landfills or the environment for years before they finally break down.

Some materials decompose slowly because they’re made to be durable. Others don’t truly decompose; instead, they break into smaller fragments that linger in the environment. Understanding how long these common items stick around can make you look at everyday waste a little differently.

Here are some of the items most people throw away without thinking twice, even though they can take an incredibly long time to decompose.

Styrofoam Cups

Styrofoam cups are lightweight and inexpensive, which is why they’re commonly used for takeout drinks and coffee. Unfortunately, Styrofoam, also known as expanded polystyrene, is extremely resistant to decomposition.

These cups can remain in landfills for around 500 years or longer. Because they’re so lightweight, they also easily blow into waterways and natural environments where they can harm wildlife.

Plastic Bags

Plastic grocery bags might seem harmless because they’re thin and lightweight, but they can persist in the environment for 10 to 1,000 years depending on conditions.

Over time, they break down into microplastics rather than disappearing entirely. These tiny particles can end up in oceans, soil, and even the food chain.

Cigarette Butts

Cigarette butts are one of the most littered items in the world. Although they look small and harmless, the filters are actually made from cellulose acetate, a type of plastic.

Because of this material, cigarette butts can take up to 10 years to decompose. In the meantime, they can release toxic chemicals into soil and waterways.

Aluminum Foil

Aluminum foil is commonly used for cooking, baking, and food storage. While it’s lightweight, it’s made from the same metal as aluminum cans and can take around 400 years to decompose.

Many people don’t realize that aluminum foil can often be recycled if it’s clean and free of food residue.

Nylon Fabric

Nylon is a synthetic material found in clothing, bags, and outdoor gear. While it’s valued for its durability and strength, those same qualities mean it breaks down very slowly in nature.

Nylon fabrics can take 30 to 40 years or more to decompose, and during that time, they may release chemicals into the environment.

Batteries

Batteries are another item that should never simply be tossed into the trash. Not only do they take over 100 years to decompose, but they can also leak harmful chemicals into soil and groundwater.

Because of this, many communities offer battery recycling programs to safely dispose of them.

Shoe Soles

Modern shoes often contain rubber, foam, and synthetic materials designed to last. While that durability is great for wear and comfort, it means discarded shoes can take 50 to 80 years or more to break down.

Many old shoes end up sitting in landfills long after they’ve been thrown away.

Toothbrushes

Most toothbrushes are made almost entirely from plastic. Since dentists recommend replacing them every few months, billions are discarded every year.

A single plastic toothbrush can take around 500 years to decompose, making it a surprisingly long-lasting piece of everyday waste.

Plastic Bottles

Plastic bottles are one of the most common items found in landfills and along roadsides. While they’re convenient for drinks and packaged beverages, they’re far from environmentally friendly.

A single plastic bottle can take around 450 years to break down. Even then, it doesn’t fully disappear. Instead, it gradually breaks into tiny pieces known as microplastics that can contaminate soil, waterways, and wildlife habitats.

Aluminum Cans

Aluminum cans are everywhere, from soda to sparkling water, and millions are tossed out every day. If an aluminum can ends up in a landfill, it can take 80 to 200 years to decompose.

The good news is that aluminum is highly recyclable. In fact, recycling aluminum uses far less energy than producing it from raw materials, which is why recycling these cans can make a big difference.

Glass Bottles

Glass is one of the longest-lasting materials we regularly throw away. Under certain conditions, a glass bottle can take up to a million years to break down naturally.

Unlike some materials, glass doesn’t release harmful chemicals as it sits in the environment, but its durability means it can remain almost unchanged for generations. Thankfully, glass is also one of the easiest materials to recycle and reuse.

Disposable Diapers

Disposable diapers are incredibly convenient for parents, but they come with a high environmental cost. Each diaper contains layers of plastic, absorbent polymers, and treated materials designed to hold moisture.

Because of this complex construction, a single diaper can take around 500 years to decompose. Considering that one child can go through thousands of diapers, the long-term waste adds up quickly.