Why There's Simply No Need To Splurge On A Garbage Disposal

The garbage disposal was reportedly invented in 1927 by John J. Hammes, though appliance company General Electric disputes this, citing the fact that their version officially hit markets before Hammes' did. Ever since then, the in-sink garbage disposal has been hugely popular, particularly in the United States, where around half of all homes now feature one. However, if your house doesn't already have a garbage disposal, is it worth installing one? Perhaps not.

You see, the average cost of a garbage disposal installation is around $500, depending on factors such as whether you have a company do it or whether you decide to install a garbage disposal without help from the pros. This upfront cost is nothing to sniff at, especially considering that there are other ways to solve the problems garbage disposals tackle. Disposals are also not generally compatible with homes that have a septic tank because food can end up settling as thick sludge at the bottom of the tank. This diminishes the tank's useable volume and can make it less productive overall. There are also a range of items you should never dispose of in your garbage disposal due to the risk of clogging, so installing a garbage disposal doesn't necessarily mean you never have to deal with food waste again. Finally, garbage disposals may not be as eco-friendly as you think. Running them requires the tap to be on, using more water than other alternatives. If you do not live in an area that composts food waste, it likely goes straight to landfill instead, with the additional food particles putting added strain on water treatment plants.

One of the main reasons garbage disposals are considered a kitchen essential is because they get rid of food waste that would otherwise sit in your garbage can, stinking up the room until you take it out. However, if this is an issue that plagues your daily life, there are other ways to stay on top of smelly trash without having to splurge on installing a garbage disposal. For example, you could start your own compost pile. The broken down food will decompose and can be used for enriching the soil in your garden, helping you grow healthier flowers and plants. If you aren't keen on turning your compost pile yourself to help with the decomposition process, you could opt to grab a compost tumbler, which you can get for cheaper than a garbage disposal installation. If you don't have your own garden, you could instead offer the rich compost material to neighbors or community gardens to help give back to those around you.

On the other hand, if the reason you've been considering a garbage disposal is because you've been struggling with food clogging up your sink, there are affordable alternative solutions for that, too. A simple sink strainer, for instance, can be purchased at a much more reasonable price and placed over the drain in your sink to catch all those little food bits which you haven't already scraped off. Once the strainer is full, simply empty it into your compost bin or your trash can the day before the garbage truck comes to avoid foul odors building up in the bin.