How Long Does It Take Chewing Gum to Decompose?

Chewing gum is a common litter item that can take a long time to decompose. The main ingredient in chewing gum is a synthetic rubber called polyisobutylene, which is not biodegradable. This means that it can take hundreds of years for chewing gum to break down in the environment.

Decomposition Time	Environment
5 Years	Landfill
25 Years	Compost
100 Years	Ocean

Environmental Concerns

The long decomposition time of chewing gum can have a number of negative environmental impacts. Chewing gum can clog drains and sewers, and it can also attract pests. Additionally, chewing gum can leach harmful chemicals into the environment, which can contaminate soil and water.

Issue	Impact
Clogged Drains	Sewage backups and flooding
Pest Attraction	Rats and mice
Chemical Leaching	Soil and water contamination

What You Can Do

There are a number of things you can do to reduce the environmental impact of chewing gum. First, avoid littering chewing gum. If you must dispose of chewing gum, wrap it in paper and throw it in the trash, compost it with food, or if possible, recycle it through Terracycle.

Benefits of Reducing Chewing Gum Litter:

Improved environmental health: Reduced pollution and contamination

Reduced litter: Cleaner streets, parks, and beaches

Increased public health: Fewer pests and cleaner water

How to Reduce Chewing Gum Litter:

Dispose of chewing gum properly: Wrap it in paper and throw it in the trash, compost it, or recycle it.

Educate others: Talk to your friends, family, and community members about the importance of proper chewing gum disposal.

Support organizations: Donate to organizations that work to reduce chewing gum litter, such as Keep America Beautiful.

How Long Does It Take Chewing Gum to Decompose?