There are two common options available to homeowners when it comes to getting rid of food waste: sending it down the garbage disposal and composting. The natural question then becomes: which option is good for the environment? As calls for environmental sustainability get louder, it’s important to take measures that will protect the environment while providing convenience at the same time.
In this article, the plumbers at Neighborhood Plumbing compare using a garbage disposal for getting rid of food waste in the kitchen versus composting to help you make an eco-conscious decision. Our team has offered garbage disposal installation services for years, so we understand the benefits the appliance provides. If you’re looking for a skilled plumber to install and service your garbage disposal, we are one phone call away.
Garbage Disposals Provide Convenience with a Cost
Garbage disposals are installed beneath kitchen sinks to grind food scraps into tiny particles that are flushed down the drain and processed by wastewater treatment facilities. They offer convenience, reduce kitchen odor from trash, and minimize the amount of food sitting in landfills. However, that convenience comes at a cost.
While disposals prevent food from decomposing in landfills, where it produces methane, a powerful greenhouse gas, they also rely on water and energy to operate. In addition, wastewater treatment plants must use extra energy and resources to filter and treat this food waste. In some areas, the resulting sludge from treatment plants is incinerated or landfilled, diminishing the disposal's green appeal. Certain foods, like fibrous vegetables, bones, or grease, can also damage the system or lead to plumbing issues if not handled properly. If you notice any issues with your garbage disposal, do not take a DIY approach—contact a local plumbing repair service for help.
Composting is A Natural Solution
Composting is a more sustainable alternative. It’s the process of recycling organic waste, such as fruit peels, vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, and eggshells, into nutrient-rich soil. Composting can be done at home with a backyard pile, a compost bin, or even a countertop composting machine. Many communities now offer curbside compost collection services as well.
The environmental benefits of composting are undeniable. By diverting food waste from landfills, it reduces methane emissions. It also returns nutrients to the soil to improve its health and reduce the need for chemical fertilizers. Composting supports biodiversity and helps create a more sustainable food cycle. However, it requires some effort, like separating food waste, maintaining a bin, and understanding what can or can't be composted.
Which One Is More Eco-Friendly?
From an environmental perspective, composting is clearly the greener choice. It turns waste into a valuable resource and cuts greenhouse gas emissions. Garbage disposals, while slightly better than trashing food waste, still consume water and energy and strain local wastewater systems.
That said, not everyone has access to composting. If you live in an apartment or a home with limited outdoor space, composting may not be practical. In such cases, using a garbage disposal is still preferable to tossing food waste into the trash. Even better, you can combine the two methods: compost what you can and dispose of the rest responsibly.
Reach Out to Neighborhood Plumbing for Garbage Disposal Installation and Repair
Need professional garbage disposal installation? Get in touch with the skilled plumbers at Neighborhood Plumbing. Our team has been around for over 10 years, providing a wide range of installations. We have worked with both batch-feed and continuous-feed garbage disposal units over the years, so we understand how these appliances work inside and out. We guarantee safe, long-lasting, and cost-effective garbage disposal installations.
