Is bait elastic biodegradable? (3 ways to reuse bait elastic) 

The article will discuss the biodegradability of bait elastic while also covering:

• Are all bait elastic biodegradable?
• Ways to utilise bait elastic after use?
• Ways to dispose of bait elastic?

Is bait elastic biodegradable?

Bait elastic made from natural rubber (which is more common) is biodegradable whereas bait elastic made from synthetic rubber (which is less common) is not biodegradable. 

Once bait elastic is used, this is not the end of the story as even after the use, there are ways through which bait elastic may be put to some use rather than being disposed of recklessly. The options include reselling, repurposing, donating, and reusing. 

The article will also discuss the sustainable ways in which bait elastic may be disposed of sustainably that included composting and recycling. 

Is all bait elastic biodegradable?

Not all materials can be degraded by the action of microbes because microbes also require something in return and that is organic and natural nutrients that the microbes can feast on. 

Therefore, there is a general rule of thumb that natural materials are easily and readily biodegradable as compared to non-natural materials.

If we consider our case, bait elastic is mainly made from rubber which is naturally derived from plants and trees. Therefore, bait elastic is termed natural and biodegradable.

However, it also has to be mentioned that not all rubber is natural. There is synthetic rubber as well made from the products of petroleum such as Neoprene, Styrene Butadiene. Bait elastic made from synthetic rubber would not be biodegradable because there will be nothing to offer to the microbes. 

Thus, it can be concluded that bait elastic made from natural rubber (which is more common) is biodegradable whereas bait elastic made from synthetic rubber (which is less common) is not biodegradable. 

What to do once you have used bait elastic? (3 ways)

A proceeding question that is linked with the biodegradability of bait elastic is that if bait elastic is biodegradable, does it mean that it is okay to throw it in trash cans? 

While it may be possible, it certainly is not recommended because bait elastic can be used and repurposed in a variety of ways. When bait elastic is disposed of on in regular trash cans, it is either incinerated or made part of a landfill. Both options are not considered eco-friendly. 

Therefore, let us explore the options through which bait elastic can be used to its full capacity even after its use.

Resell them

One good way to properly deal with used bait elastic is to contact the shops you bought bait elastic from because it is likely that shops will buy used bait elastic to be used for different purposes or given to recycling centres. 

If the shop does not accept used bait elastic, you may also contact old stuff shops and chances are that they will give you some extra bucks and buy the used bait elastic from you. 

Donate them 

Used or new bait elastic can also be donated to needy or underprivileged people because they can use it not just for fishing but also for other home-based projects or needs. 

By donating used bait elastic, you will ensure that the bait elastic is used to full capacity instead of throwing it in trash cans.

Reuse them 

You can also reuse bait elastic by yourself because you can use bait elastic for DIY projects and can also be combined with other domestic materials to make home-based and school-based projects. This way, it is ensured that the used bait elastic is not disposed of recklessly. 

How to safely dispose of bait elastic?

Once you have properly used and also reused bait elastic, the question becomes is what are the ways through which you can safely and sustainably dispose of bait elastic? It already has been discussed that simply throwing it away in your trash cans would not be a good idea because there will contribution to waste accumulation. 

The figures related to waste accumulation are already quite dense and grey. More than 2 billion tons of waste are generated every year and this means that an average person makes more than 3 kgs of waste in a day. 

Therefore, it is essential to explore green options when it comes to the disposal of bait elastic. In that regard, the options that we have are:

Composting 

The option of composting can be considered when bait elastic is:

• Naturally-derived 
• Biodegradable 
• Does not contain synthetic elements 

Once you have ensured that bait elastic is natural and there is no trace of any synthetic material in it, you can go for the composting of bait elastic because bait elastic is made from rubber (derived from plants) and will act as a good source of organic elements. 

Compost acts as a natural fertiliser that can increase and improve the organic content of the soil. This can improve the quality of plants and actually increase the yield. As per research, compost can also potentially increase the water retention profile of plants and soil. 

It can be said that the benefits given off by composting and compost are off the chart therefore, you should never leave the chance of composting by preferring to throw it in trash cans. 

Now, the question becomes how can you compost bait elastic. When it comes to that, there are two options available:

• To have your bait elastic composted in a composting facility 
• To compost the bait elastic at your home 

In the first case, the process is very simple. Simply collect your bait elastic leftovers, add them with other compostable material and drop it off in a nearby composting facility. 

However, if there are no nearby composting facilities, you can also compost bait elastic at home by pursuing the following steps: 

• Select a suitable place for composting 
• The place should be a bit distant from your home but should also be accessible
• Shred bait elastic into smaller pieces 
• Make a heap of compostable material 
• You may either do it openly or prefer a composting bin (which is usually preferred in the case of hot composting) 
• While making the heap, be careful of the green-to-brown ratio. Green material means nitrogen-rich material such as leaves whereas brown material means carbon-rich material such as cardboard boxes
• Make alternate layers of green and brown. After each duo, add a thin layer of soil. Keep up until you have 4 feet of the heap. 
• Continuously mix (every 4-5 days) the heap and be sure to provide the right external conditions which include aeration, shade and appropriate temperature
• Once the compost is ready, use it resourcefully and wisely 

Recycling 

Another green way to dispose of bait elastic is to recycle it. This way also, you save the bait elastic from ending up in landfills. 

When bait elastic is recycled, it is modified to be reused as if it were new material. This is considered green because when bait elastic is recycled, there is no need to extract the raw materials which basically means the cutting of trees. 

Therefore, let us discuss what you can do to have your bait elastic recycled. 

• Disposing of in recycling bins
• Transporting the bait elastic to recycling facilities
• Having the nearby recycling centres pick up your bait elastic and other recyclable material via appointment 

Conclusion 

It is concluded that bait elastic made from natural rubber (which is more common) is biodegradable whereas bait elastic made from synthetic rubber (which is less common) is not biodegradable. 

Once bait elastic is used, this is not the end of the story as even after the use, there are ways through which bait elastic may be put to some use rather than being disposed of recklessly. The options include reselling, repurposing, donating, and reusing. 

The article also discussed the sustainable ways in which bait elastic may be disposed of sustainably that included composting and recycling. 

References

Greenorb. (May 07, 2022). Is Bait elastic biodegradable? Retrieved from: https://www.thinkingsustainably.com/is-bait-elastic-biodegradable/

Batista, Candice. (August 2, 2022). Is rubber biodegradable? Retrieved from: https://theecohub.com/is-rubber-biodegradable/