No, Crayola crayons are not primarily biodegradable because their main component is a petroleum by-product.
Understanding Crayon Composition and Biodegradability
The core of a standard Crayola crayon is made from a material called paraffin wax. According to the provided reference, paraffin is a petroleum by-product, and crucially, it isn't biodegradable. This means that unlike natural organic materials that can break down over time through biological processes, paraffin wax does not decompose in the environment.
What Happens to Crayons in Landfills?
Because paraffin wax is not biodegradable, crayons discarded in landfills will persist indefinitely. As the reference states, they will "just sit in the landfill forever." This contributes to the growing volume of non-decomposing waste. The reference highlights the scale of this issue, noting that between 45,000 and 75,000 pounds of broken crayons are annually thrown into landfills.
The Paper Wrapper
While the main body of the crayon is not biodegradable, the reference does indicate that the paper wrapper around the crayon will break down with time. This is a small part of the overall product, but it is the only component mentioned that offers any degree of biodegradability.
Summary of Crayon Biodegradability
To clarify the breakdown of biodegradability for different parts of a crayon:
| Crayon Component | Biodegradability |
|---|---|
| Paraffin Wax (Crayon Body) | Not Biodegradable |
| Paper Wrapper | Biodegradable (over time) |
Environmental Impact and Alternatives
The non-biodegradable nature of paraffin wax means that disposed crayons contribute to long-term landfill waste. Recognizing this, many initiatives and individuals look for ways to reduce crayon waste. Practical alternatives to discarding old or broken crayons include:
- Repurposing: Melting down broken pieces to create new, multi-colored crayons.
- Donating: Giving unused or gently used crayons to schools, charities, or arts programs.
- Recycling Programs: While traditional recycling isn't an option, specialized programs exist that accept crayons for melting and remanufacturing.
By choosing these alternatives, the environmental impact associated with disposing of non-biodegradable crayons can be significantly reduced.
