Do paper cups biodegrade?

In the modern world, we are constantly looking for ways to reduce our carbon footprint. Paper cups are an obvious culprit; after all, they’re made from paper, which is a renewable resource. But is paper cup biodegrading? The short answer is no, paper cups do not biodegrade in a meaningful way. In fact, they can take up to 200 years to decompose completely. This means that not only are paper cups environmentally harmful, but they’re also a waste of resources. If you're looking to reduce your environmental impact, ditch the disposable coffee cups and choose sustainable alternatives like biodegradable disposable paper cup instead.

Source:https://i.pinimg.com 

What are Paper Cups made of?

Paper cups are made of paper and plastic. The average cup weighs about 2 ounces and has a diameter of about 3 inches.

Are Paper Cups compostable?

No one really knows for sure if paper cups biodegrade, but many people believe that they do. In some cases, compost may decompose the cup and turn it into soil. If the cup is a plastic or paper-based material such as Eco-friendly paper cups, however, it will likely not break down and will continue to contaminate land and waterways.

Source:https://i.pinimg.com 

What happens to a Paper Cup when it's composted?

When a paper cup such as 100% compostable cup paper is composted, it breaks down into small pieces and becomes soil. The cup's plastic lining is also broken down and creates fertilizer for the plants.

How long does it take for a Paper Cup to biodegrade?

According to the Natural Resources Defense Council, it can take up to 480 days for a paper cup to biodegrade. This means that if you littered a paper cup every day, it would take over two months for the cup to break down and be eliminated from the environment.