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Plastic doesn't rust because it's non-reactive and doesn't react with water or oxygen, which are the conditions required for rust to occur. Instead of rusting, plastic deteriorates when exposed to corrosion, and some plastics can even dissolve in certain solvents.

The chemical resistance of plastic comes from its specific chemical formula and structure. Different plastics interact with chemicals and materials differently. For example, PTFE, a polymer used in Teflon, is hydrophobic, dense, and can tolerate high temperatures. It doesn't rust or decompose, and it's often used for electrical insulation.

Plastics can take 20 to 500 years to decompose, depending on the material and structure. Sunlight exposure also affects how quickly plastic breaks down, as plastics absorb UV radiation from the sun, which breaks down their molecules.

https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/uwip2f/eli5_why_does_plastic_take_so_much_longer_than/