When we packed up and moved to London, I was thrilled with our new kitchen. It was perfectly equipped. The stainless sink partnered with a lovely Vola faucet. It wasn't until my inaugural meal preparation that I noticed it. No disposal.
Now back in California, we have a disposal that sits mostly unused. Both the habits I made while living in a disposal-free kitchen and my city's compost collection efforts keep our food waste (mostly) out of the sink and, instead, in the compost bin.
So, this has us wondering: is it time to reconsider the garbage disposal? What is an environmentally conscious home renovator to do?
Above: There are "pros," to be sure, to the garbage disposals that occupy the majority of kitchens in the United States. Garbage disposals certainly are convenient and keep rotting food smells out of the trash bin. Depending on where you live, disposals can have the environmental benefit of keeping food waste out of the landfill (and out of gas-guzzling, carbon-producing trucks). Sometimes waste at your water treatment center is put to a productive secondary use (ie. fertilizers). Photograph by Janet Hall.
Above: On the "con" side of the debate, garbage disposals are water guzzlers, which is especially notable in drought-sensitive regions. They also use electricity and put a strain on waste-water systems. And, what ends up in the water at the end of the process may harm the environment. Then there is the noise. Photograph by Steve Johnson via Flickr.
Above: While there is debate about what is least harmful - food waste in landfills or water systems - there is no arguing that keeping food out of the waste cycle by composting is best. If you don't have municipal compost collection, maybe it is time to consider creating your own garden compost. Gathering compost sink-side is easy with a Kitchen Compost Pail, like the Brushed Stainless-Steel Compost Pail; $39.95 at Williams Sonoma.
For more of our favorite countertop compost pails, see 10 Easy Pieces: Kitchen Compost Pails.
Above: The best solution is to minimize food waste. But, if you fall into the pro-garbage disposal camp, here's one that will address the noise issue. InSinkErator's Evolution Excel Garbage Disposal features SoundSeal Plus noise-reduction technology. This translates into a 60 percent quieter unit; $315.87 at Amazon.
Above: When renovating a kitchen, perhaps it is time to consider crossing out the garbage disposal line item and adding an In-Counter Compost Solution instead. Image via Cultivate.
Garbage disposal or no garbage disposal? Where do you stand on this issue? Gardenista Editor Michelle offers her Take on Composting.