This article will explain the biodegradability aspect of Airsoft bb. Other covered topics would include:
- What is meant by Airsoft bb?
- How green is Airsoft bb?
- Does biodegradable bb mean any compromise on the quality?
- Is Airsoft’s bb sustainable?
- How to properly get rid of Airsoft bb?
- FAQs
Is Airsoft bb biodegradable?
Airsoft bb made from conventional plastics and metals is non-biodegradable whereas, Airsoft bb made from water-based plastic is biodegradable.
The former may remain in landfills for many hundred years. The problem is not only with the duration it remains in the landfills, the problem also is the negative effects that are rendered on the people and the planet.
The purpose and use of biodegradable bb are almost the same as non-biodegradable bb. However, there are certain downsides that cannot be ignored entirely. The disadvantages of using biodegradable bb such as expensive and less available.
As regards the disposal options, the best option is to recycle airsoft bb because it will not become a toll on the landfills in this way.
What is meant by Airsoft bb?
Airsoft is a brand that produces bullet balls. The bb may also expand to ball bearing. As regards the materials used to make Airsoft bb, it is seen that there is a diversity of materials used.
Based on it, it can also be stated that since there is diversity, there also will be a hierarchy based on the naturality of Airsoft bb.
As regards the materials and their hierarchy, there are two broad classes. One includes mainly conventional plastics while the other class usually involves water-based plastics.
As for the case of conventional plastics, there is the inclusion of materials such as plastics, steel, zinc and copper.
As for the other type, the most common material used is polylactic acid. This is a water-based plastic which is not as synthetic as the other class.
How green is Airsoft BB?
This question can be answered through a variety of frames that may include the recycling, biodegradability and composting aspects. Let us explore all of these so that we may, later on, build a stance on the eco-friendliness or sustainability of Airsoft bb.
Is Airsoft bb biodegradable?
As regards the degradation of Airsoft bb, it is seen that Airsoft bb made from conventional plastics and metals is non-biodegradable whereas, Airsoft bb made from water-based plastic is biodegradable.
The former may remain in landfills for many hundred years. The problem is not only with the duration it remains in the landfills, the problem also is the negative effects that are rendered on the people and the planet.
Before we assess how much time biodegradable bb requires to degrade, let us assess how much time is required by non-biodegradable bb. This will let us understand the picture better.
Non-biodegradable bb is made from materials such as ABS plastic or metals. These materials can require more than 500 years to degrade.
Conventional plastics are made from the derivatives of fossil fuels and synthetic chemicals. They have no nutritional content and that is why the microbes do not degrade them. Some plastics may even require up to a thousand years to degrade.
Now, as regards the degradation time of biodegradable bb, it is claimed that this bb may degrade in about a year to 1.5 years.
This process may be either facilitated or suppressed by external factors such as temperature, pressure, heat, aeration et cetera.
It may also be commented that the degradation time of non-biodegradable bb may not be that impressive (since natural materials may degrade in about a week too) but in comparison with non-biodegradable bb, some appreciation can be commended.
Is Airsoft bb compostable?
The answer again varies based on the type of material used to make Airsoft bbs. If the Airsoft bbs are made from conventional plastics, then there is no chance that these Airsoft bbs are composted.
Composting may be introduced as the making of compost from waste. The compost may be used as a natural fertiliser that can replace synthetic fertilisers.
As regards the bbs made from PLA, it is stated that this kind of bbs can be composted but in special facilities under observation.
As it turns out, there are two types of composting methods that are commonly practised. One is the cold method and the other is the hot method.
It is imperative to note that the case of Airsoft bbs has to be composted with the hot method, under high temperatures, because PLA may still contain toxins that could harm the environment and soil.
Is Airsoft bb recyclable? (7 advantages)
Yes, it is possible to recycle Airsoft bb. Not only is it possible, but it is also recommended that Airsoft bb may be recycled so that the strain on waste management may be reduced.
Recycling can be explained as the reusing of any material after changes and modifications. Recycling is regarded as one of the best ways to deal with both biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste.
When Airsoft bb is recycled, there will be little to no waste production. Also, the pressure on the raw materials will also be lowered when materials such as Airsoft bb are recycled.
Another advantage of recycling Airsoft bb is that there will be less energy consumed in the overall process because the product (bb) would not be made from scratch.
In short, the following benefits can be achieved when Airsoft bb is recycled instead of becoming part of landfills.
- Better waste management
- Better resource management
- Decreased pressure on raw materials
- Decreased energy use
- Employment opportunities
- Protection against degradative effects of non-biodegradable materials.
- Decreased carbon footprint
However, even with all these benefits, much of the bb waste becomes part of landfills. This increases pressure on waste management systems.
Does biodegradable bb mean any compromise on quality?
It is a common question that if biodegradable Airsoft bb is preferred, would any compromise be made on the utility?
In some ways, this question is justified because it is seen that a step toward sustainability means a step back on the utilitarian aspect.
However, this is not the case for Airsoft bb. The purpose and use of biodegradable bb are almost the same as non-biodegradable bb. This is mainly because of the recent technological advancements that lead to a decrease in the rift between the environment and utility.
Also, with the utilitarian factor in mind, the environmental factor can never be oblivious to. After all, in the long term, there is a direct and significant relationship between the environment and the economy.
However, there are certain points that cannot be ignored entirely. The disadvantages of using biodegradable Airsoft bb are:
- Usability limitations
- Expensive
- May cause damage
When people buy biodegradable bb, one of the biggest concerns is that this biodegradable bb is more expensive since it is a product of technological advancements. Also, when biodegradable bb is used, there are certain limitations that one should be mindful of.
One such limitation is that when biodegradable bb is opened, it will start to degrade readily. That is why biodegradable bb must be readily used after it is opened.
Another concern that is shared by users is that Airsoft bb can cause more damage to sensitive areas such as the mouth if precautions are not factored in.
Is Airsoft bb sustainable?
After covering all the relevant content, it is possible to answer the major question. Airsoft bb made from conventional plastics and metals can not be called sustainable because this bb is not biodegradable. It will remain in the system for many years while also featuring degradative effects on the environment.
However, bb made from PLA (water-soluble plastic) is relatively eco-friendly. It is the most sustainable option available.
However, biodegradable Airsoft bb needs to be improved so that the downsides (discussed above) could be overcome.
How to properly get rid of Airsoft bb?
Every consumer product needs to be disposed of because there is a finite use for every product that we use.
Hence, it is imperative to know what is the best way to dispose of both biodegradable and non-biodegradable bb.
As per studies, one of the best ways to dispose of bb is to recycle it. Recycling can be explained as the reusing of any material after changes and modifications.
Recycling is regarded as one of the best ways to deal with both biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste.
When Airsoft bb is recycled, there will be little to no waste production. Also, the pressure on the raw materials will also be lowered when materials such as Airsoft bb are recycled.
Conclusion
It is concluded that Airsoft bb made from conventional plastics and metals is non-biodegradable whereas, Airsoft bb made from water-based plastic is biodegradable.
The former may remain in landfills for many hundred years. The problem is not only with the duration it remains in the landfills, the problem also is the negative effects that are rendered on the people and the planet.
The purpose and use of biodegradable bb are almost the same as non-biodegradable bb. However, there are certain downsides that cannot be ignored entirely. The disadvantages of using biodegradable Airsoft bb are:
- Usability limitations
- Expensive
- May cause damage
As regards the disposal options, the best option is to recycle airsoft bb because it will not become a toll on the landfills in this way.
Frequently Asked Questions: Is Airsoft bb biodegradable?
How much time does Airsoft bb take to degrade?
The answer varies based on the type of materials used. Non-biodegradable airsoft bb may degrade in many hundred years whereas biodegradable ones may require about 1 to 1.5 years.
What are the other names of Airsoft bb?
Airsoft bb is also called Airsoft bb. Airsoft is the brand name that produces. BB expands to a ball bearing or bullet ball.
References
- Tokiwa, Y., Calabia, B. P., Ugwu, C. U., & Aiba, S. (2009). Biodegradability of plastics. International journal of molecular sciences, 10(9), 3722-3742.
- Pagga, U. (1997). Testing biodegradability with standardized methods. Chemosphere, 35(12), 2953-2972.
- Reck, B. K., & Graedel, T. E. (2012). Challenges in metal recycling. Science, 337(6095), 690-695.
- Ramayah, T., Lee, J. W. C., & Lim, S. (2012). Sustaining the environment through recycling: An empirical study. Journal of environmental management, 102, 141-147.
- Hopewell, J., Dvorak, R., & Kosior, E. (2009). Plastics recycling: challenges and opportunities. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences, 364(1526), 2115-2126.
- Endo, S., Ishida, N., & Yamaguchi, T. (2000). The BB gun is equivalent to the airsoft gun in Japanese literature. Archives of Ophthalmology, 118(5), 732-732.
- Hobby strategy. How Long Do Airsoft BBs Take To Biodegrade? Retrieved from: https://hobbystrategy.com/airsoft-bbs-to-biodegrade/
- Airsoft Forest. WHAT ARE BIODEGRADABLE AIRSOFT BBS MADE OF? Retrieved from: https://airsoftforest.com/biodegradable-bbs/