It’s no
secret why people use garbage disposals. They’re an incredibly easy way to
clean up after dinner: you just flip a switch, toss the food in, and you’re
done. Beneath the surface, however, is a problem that causes drains to clog and
water treatment plants to expend more energy. Read on to learn more about some
of the drawbacks of garbage disposal use, along with a few useful alternatives:
Environmental Impact
When you
throw something in the trash, it’s easy to forget that it goes somewhere.
With modern waste management systems, people no longer have to think much about where their trash ends up. In a similar way, the food you put into your garbage disposal is not swept away to oblivion. Instead, it travels via municipal sewer lines to a water treatment facility. Unless your municipal water treatment plant contains a food waste to biogas conversion facility, these bits of food are not welcome. They make it more expensive to treat water and can even go on to contaminate lakes and rivers.
With modern waste management systems, people no longer have to think much about where their trash ends up. In a similar way, the food you put into your garbage disposal is not swept away to oblivion. Instead, it travels via municipal sewer lines to a water treatment facility. Unless your municipal water treatment plant contains a food waste to biogas conversion facility, these bits of food are not welcome. They make it more expensive to treat water and can even go on to contaminate lakes and rivers.
Effects On Your Drains
Smart
garbage disposal use involves keeping greasy and fatty foods out. Precious few
homeowners follow this advice, however. The result is the fast buildup of
grease and fats in drainpipes. When grease adheres to the walls of drains, it
acts as a natural adhesive, capturing bits of food and leading to clogs and
backups. To avoid the need for frequent drain cleanings, it’s best to avoid
using a garbage disposal entirely. If your garbage disposal is an essential
convenience, however, pay special attention to what you toss in. Mashed
potatoes are fine, for instance, but greasy and oily meats and cheese are a
different story.
Alternatives to Garbage Disposals
There are plenty of eco-and drain-friendly alternatives to using a garbage disposal. The first, of course, is to always clear your plate. Carefully managing your portion sizes will help ensure that little food is wasted. You can’t force guests to clear their plates, however, so you’ll always need a backup plan. For any food waste, composting is a great, eco-friendly option. Simply set up a waste bin for food in your kitchen, and empty it into a backyard composting bin when it’s full. Setting up a composting bin is simple. Just take a large barrel or garbage pale, poke a few holes in the top for ventilation, and install a wire fence to keep critters out. Once gardening season comes around, you’ll have one of the best natural fertilizers available.
There are plenty of eco-and drain-friendly alternatives to using a garbage disposal. The first, of course, is to always clear your plate. Carefully managing your portion sizes will help ensure that little food is wasted. You can’t force guests to clear their plates, however, so you’ll always need a backup plan. For any food waste, composting is a great, eco-friendly option. Simply set up a waste bin for food in your kitchen, and empty it into a backyard composting bin when it’s full. Setting up a composting bin is simple. Just take a large barrel or garbage pale, poke a few holes in the top for ventilation, and install a wire fence to keep critters out. Once gardening season comes around, you’ll have one of the best natural fertilizers available.
Are you
looking for more tips to keep your drains clean? Head to the Mr.Rooter of Anderson SC website.
There you can find tips and tricks on our Ask the Expert page for everything
from clearing a drain clog to fixing a leaking faucet.
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