Aerobic Phase (first few days In landfill) - Period when aerobic microbes are becoming established and moisture is building up in the refuse. While standard plastic absorption capability is relatively small, the additive causes further swelling, weakening the polymer bonds and creating molecular spaces where moisture and microbial growth can rapidly begin the aerobic degradation process. Oxygen is replaced with CO2.
Anaerobic, Non-mothanogenic Phase (roughly 2 weeks to 6 months) - After O2 concentrations have declined sufficiently. the anaerobic processes begin. During the initial stage (hydrolysis), the microbe colonies eat the particulates, and through an enzymatic process, solubilize large polymers down into simpler monomers. The secreted monomers mix with the organic additive, causing additional swelling and opening of the polymer chain and increased quorum sensing This further excites the microbes to increase their colonization and consumption of the polymer chain. As time progresses, acidogenesis occurs where the simple monomers are converted into fatty acids. CO2 production occurs rapidly at this stage.
Anaerobic, Methanogenic Unsteady Phase (6 to 18 months) - The microbe colonies continue to grow eating away at the polymer chain and creating increasingly larger molecular spaces. During this phase, acetogenesis occurs where fatty acids are converted into acetic acid, carbon dioxide and hydrogen. As this process continues, CO2 rates decline and H2 production eventually ceases.
Anaerobic, Methanogenic Steady Phase (1 year to 5 years) - The final stage of decomposition involves methanogensis. As colonies of microbes continue to eat away at the remaining surface of the polymer, acetates are converted into methane and carbon dioxide, while hydrogen is consumed. The process continues until the only remaining element is humus. This highly nutritional soil creates and improved environment for the microbes and enhances the final stage of decomposition.
Aerobic Phase (first few days In landfill) - Period when aerobic microbes are becoming established and moisture is building up in the refuse. While standard plastic absorption capability is relatively small, the additive causes further swelling, weakening the polymer bonds and creating molecular spaces where moisture and microbial growth can rapidly begin the aerobic degradation process. Oxygen is replaced with CO2. 
