A plastic straw takes about 200 years to decompose. Used for minutes, it pollutes for two centuries.
Why does it take this long?
Straws are too small and light to be captured by most recycling systems, so they slip through and end up in waterways. They're among the most common items found in the stomachs and airways of marine animals. Their tiny size makes them one of the hardest plastics to clean up.
Where it sits on the timeline
2 months
🍎 Apple core
20 years
🛍️ Plastic bag
200 years
🥤 Plastic straw
4,000+ years
🍾 Glass bottle
Greener alternative
Switch to reusable straws
A set of steel or silicone straws lasts for years and never becomes 200-year ocean waste.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a plastic straw take to decompose?
A plastic straw takes approximately 200 years to decompose in nature.
Are plastic straws recyclable?
Rarely. They're too small for sorting machines and usually end up as litter or landfill.
What can I use instead of plastic straws?
Reusable stainless steel, glass, or silicone straws — or simply skip the straw entirely.
Sources and methodology
Decomposition times are approximate and vary substantially with material composition and environmental conditions. See the methodology and primary references used for this guide.