This or That: Composting or garbage disposals?
This or That: Composting or garbage disposals?
There's been lots of buzz about garbage disposals lately, and none of it good. Word on the street is that disposals are bad for the environment.
So let's suss this out once and for all.
When you send your food scraps down a garbage disposal, you're sending it either into your septic tank or your city's sewer system. The food can put more pressure on the system (which is not designed to hold this type of waste), making treatment more expensive. Garbage disposals can also "disrupt nutrient balances in water and soil systems, which in turn can harm wildlife," says Thomas Kostigen of The Green Book. And according to Yes! Magazine, a disposal uses two gallons of water per minute, or about 700 gallons per year for the average user.
If you're going to use one, it is recommended that you use cold water. Or, better yet, use a composting system, and follow our handy guide to composting. And composting isn't just for homeowners: if you're an urban dweller or don't own any green space, try an indoor model like this, or make your own. There are tons of benefits to composting: you save energy, water, and landfill space; you help the earth and the ecosystem; you can make your own fertilizer.
And using a garbage disposal? Well, it's easy and convenient, but there aren't any long-term benefits. When in doubt, compost.
There's been lots of buzz about garbage disposals lately, and none of it good. Word on the street is that disposals are bad for the environment. So let's suss this out once and for all.
When you send your food scraps down a garbage disposal, you're sending it either into your septic tank or your city's sewer system. The food can put more pressure on the system (which is not designed to hold this type of waste), making treatment more expensive. Garbage disposals can also "disrupt nutrient balances in water and soil systems, which in turn can harm wildlife," says Thomas Kostigen of The Green Book. And according to Yes! Magazine, a disposal uses two gallons of water per minute, or about 700 gallons per year for the average user.
If you're going to use one, it is recommended that you use cold water. Or, better yet, use a composting system, and follow our handy guide to composting. And composting isn't just for homeowners: if you're an urban dweller or don't own any green space, try an indoor model like this, or make your own. There are tons of benefits to composting: you save energy, water, and landfill space; you help the earth and the ecosystem; you can make your own fertilizer.
And using a garbage disposal? Well, it's easy and convenient, but there aren't any long-term benefits. When in doubt, compost.
Green Daily Weekly Roundup
Sure, be a wino, but at least be a socially responsible wino_thumbnail.jpg)
Will my fireworks blow up the environment?
_thumbnail.jpg "Green superheroes")
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
4-26-2008 @ 2:13PM
Patricia said...
The past two towns where I've lived haven't allowed garbage disposals. I don't think it's the food, but the oils and fats that get sent down the drain from what I understand.
Reply
5-14-2008 @ 9:27AM
AndyC said...
For many, the choice isn't going to be compost vs Garbage Disposal... it's Garbage Can vs. Garbage Disposal. Which is the lesser of two evils?
Reply
6-05-2008 @ 9:58PM
Simone Ramel said...
Compost for sure! You'll need less fertilizers for your lawn and garden! Yes, top dress your lawn with compost--it's great! Garbage disposals should be used minimally.
Andy, I'm not sure how it would be a choice between garbage or garbage disposal. If we're talking about the kitchen sink garbage disposal, then most kitchen scraps (except the meat, dairy, and fatty items) can be composted and there's NO reason not to. The non-compostables should be put in the garbage and definitely won't fill up your garbage. It's usually packaging and paper that fills up our garbage cans. I challenge you and other folks to re-use and recycle as much as possible--you can cut your amount of trash at least by 1/2! It's kind of fun to be creative with how to re-use stuff. For example, people are re-using plastic lettuce "boxes" for starting garden seedlings, or re-using yogurt and butter tubs as pots by adding one center hole or a few smaller holes. If you don't think they look attractive, just cover them with some left-over fabric (ie: your worn out jeans!)
Reply