Ever wonder what happens to fabric after it’s tossed in the trash? Spoiler alert: it doesn’t just poof disappear. Some fabrics hang out in landfills so long they could practically be considered vintage all over again. Let’s break down (pun totally intended) how long different textiles take to decompose—and why giving fabric a second life is always the sweeter choice.
Natural Fibers: Nature’s Quick(er) Workers
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Cotton: In a compost pile, it can vanish in a few months. In a landfill? It takes months to years, thanks to the lack of oxygen.
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Linen: Super speedy in compost (two weeks!), but still drags out to weeks or months in a landfill.
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Wool: Think 1–5 years. Natural and cozy, but still slowed down once it’s squished in with everything else.
Synthetics: The Real Landfill Lifers
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Polyester: A solid 200 years or more. Yep, your yoga pants could outlive your great-great-grandkids.
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Nylon: Around 30–40 years.
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Acrylic: About 200 years.
These guys are basically fabric-shaped plastic. And when they do break down, they leave behind microplastics—tiny little troublemakers for our soil and water.
Why Landfills Slow Everything Down
Landfills are packed tight and low in oxygen. That means even natural fibers that normally compost fast (like cotton or wool) take much longer. Add in dyes, coatings, and finishes, and you’ve got yourself a recipe for fabric fossils.
What This Means for Fast Fashion
That “cheap and cheerful” polyester top? It might stick around for centuries. Which is why shopping secondhand, reusing, and upcycling isn’t just fun—it’s a tiny act of rebellion against waste.
Sweet Solutions
🍬 Choose natural fibers when you can.
🍬 Donate or reuse instead of tossing.
🍬 Get crafty! Turn scraps into quilts, collages, or junk journals.
🍬 Support circular fashion by shopping secondhand (hint: you’re in the right place).
At Makeropolis, we believe fabric deserves more than a landfill ending. Whether you’re patching, stitching, or crafting something brand new, every scrap kept out of the trash is a win. So next time you’re about to toss a textile, think: could this become a project instead of pollution? Chances are, the answer is yes!
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