How to Decompose Rubber

Explore methods that hasten the decomposition of rubber materials to better understand these processes. Natural rubber degrades when exposed to the elements. Man-made rubber products contain synthetic fillers which change the way the material decomposes. Many rubber-containing products that people use end up in our ecosystems, either in landfills or carelessly discarded in woods, fields and streams. Decomposing rubber items could takes months, decades or even longer, depending on the type of rubber and amount it contains.

Things You'll Need

• Rubber items (rubber bands, rubber-soled shoes, bicycle tires)
• Log book
• Cleansers (household and silicone- or petrochemical-containing)
• Containers (black-painted or dark-colored boxes of wood or metal)
• Area of direct exposure to sunlight

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Instructions

• 1

  Flip-flops are made of synthetically enhanced rubber.

  Select a rubber item. Log in the date and time you begin your task, noting the item's name. Note any particulars about the item, such as its age (if known) and any wear on it. Do the same with the remaining items. A log that contains information about the materials will assist you with subsequent efforts to decompose rubber items.

• 2

  Rubber bands degrade most rapidly.

  Cleanse the items. If the item is made from natural rubber -- as some rubber bands might be -- you can use household cleaning solutions. Rubber with synthetic fillers often are finished with protective waxes and require cleaning with petrochemical- or silicone-containing cleansers. Use these special cleansers to clean items such as tires and rubber soles. Towel or air dry the items before placing them in the containers.

• 3

  Bicycle tires contain chemicals to enhance the rubber's life and slow decomposition.

  Place the items in their separate containers. The container should be a dark color, either painted or naturally so, to absorb as much heat and light from the sun as possible. Llight and heat degrade rubber, even synthetic rubber products. Plastic is not a good choice for a container since it will warp and possibly even melt under direct sun conditions. Ensure that the container's sides are not high enough to shade the object inside.

• 4

  Position the items in their containers in a place with direct sun exposure. Scout for an area that gets direct sun most of the day, if not the entire day. An open yard or field devoid of trees are good choices. If you live in an urban area, a rooftop is a good choice. Weather changes will affect the time of sun exposure, so be sure to note any cloud cover and rain events in your log.

• 5

  Check the progress of decomposition at least weekly. Note signs of degradation such as cracking and discoloration. Log these in your log book. The smaller the item, the faster it will decompose. After several weeks, test a rubber band's ability to stretch without breaking. Breakage indicates decomposition is taking place. After several months, the bicycle tire and rubber sole on the shoe will likely show signs of discoloration and cracking.

• 6

  Test the pliability of the item by bending it in a few directions. If it cracks rather than bends, this also indicates degradation has begun. Don't expect any of the items to disintegrate into dust in your lifetime (except for the rubber bands), since the complete decomposition of synthetic rubber products can take centuries.