How long does PVC take to decompose in landfills?
PVC (polyvinyl chloride) is one of the most durable and widely used plastics, but its resilience comes at an environmental cost. In landfills, PVC can take over 500 years to decompose, if at all. Unlike organic materials, PVC does not biodegrade but instead breaks down into smaller microplastics, persisting in the environment indefinitely. This slow decomposition contributes to long-term pollution, leaching harmful chemicals like phthalates and chlorine into soil and water. Reducing PVC waste through recycling or switching to biodegradable alternatives is crucial for minimizing its ecological footprint. Understanding PVC's lifespan highlights the urgent need for sustainable waste management solutions.
