How long does it take trash to disappear from Watts Bar Lake?


Its very important to keep our trash and debris out of the lake. Do you know that it takes this long for the following to disappear from the lake?

2-4 weeks Paper Towels
6 weeks Newspaper
2 months Cardboard Box
2 months Apple Core
1-5 months Cotton Glove
3-14 months Cotton Rope
3 months Waxed Milk Carton
6 months Photo-degradable Beverage Container
1-3 years Plywood
1 year Biodegradable Diaper
1 year Wool Glove
13 years Painted Wood
50 years Styrofoam Cup
50 years Tin Can
80 years Styrofoam Buoy
200 years Aluminum Can
400 years Plastic Beverage Holder
450 years Disposable Diaper
450 years Plastic Milk Jug
450 years Plastic Drink Bottle
600 years Fishing Line
Undetermined Glass Bottles


Please help keep our lake clean! If you see something floating in the water, pick it up and put it in your boat. If you are tempted to throw trash away yourself, think about this: What are we leaving for our future generations?