IS IT BETTER FOR THE ENVIRONMENT? There are certain situations in which sending food down the garbage disposal is greener than sending it to the landfill. It can take a lot of energy to transport food waste to a landfill, especially if it’s far away from the city or town you live in. In addition, food waste in landfills can create methane gas more quickly than it can at a wastewater facility. The best option for food disposal is to compost everything you can. Compost allows food waste to decompose naturally and be used later as fertilizer. You can start a compost of your own in your backyard, or you can donate your food waste to a community compost. If you’re unsure of what method to use, you can reach out to your local water treatment plant or landfill to see which captures the most methane and produces efficient energy.
Garbage disposals are an important part of the kitchen. Their primary purpose is to keep your kitchen clean, make sure it smells fresh, and reduce the number of harmful bacteria that could harm you and your food. However, arguments about whether or not the disposals are eco- friendly have come up more than once. WHAT HAPPENS TO THE WASTE? People looking to reduce the amount of food waste in landfills often send their scraps down the sink. This food is sent to a wastewater treatment facility where it is strained to remove larger pieces of waste that are then converted into fertilizer, landfilled, or digested by microorganisms. While most foods can be sent down the drain without resulting in problems, there are some foods that shouldn’t. Refrain from putting fats, grease, starches, bones, fruit pits, and oils down the drain. These types of foods not only clog drains but can also damage the garbage disposal itself as well as the pipes.
The Do’s and Don’ts of Garbage Disposal Use THE DO’S
ARE YOU PROPERLY UTILIZING YOUR GARBAGE DISPOSAL? FOLLOW THESE SIMPLE HACKS TO FIND OUT!
THE DON’TS
It is important to avoid putting the following products in your garbage disposal:
• Keep your garbage disposal clean. Pour a little dish soap down it and let it run for a minute. Use cold water because it will solidify any grease and oils inside the unit, so they can be chopped up before reaching the trap.
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Rice, Pasta, and Bread
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Grease, Oils, and Fats
Stringy Fruits and Veggies Fibrous Fruits and Veggies
Onion Layers
• Run your garbage disposal regularly to prevent rust and corrosion.
Egg Shells
Anything in Bulk Harsh Chemicals
Nuts and Shells Coffee Grounds Pits and Seeds Animal Bones
• Always grind up the food waste with a strong flow of cold water.
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Use ice to clean blades 1–2 times per month.
Nonfood Stuff Like Glass, Plastic, Metal, or Paper
THE BENEFITS When used properly, your garbage disposal helps you avoid using plastic bags, and it can reduce greenhouse gas emissions, since they are not required for the transport of waste.
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ClearWater Plumbers | 817-296-0670 | clearwaterplumber.com
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