What Are the Pros and Cons of Adding a Kitchen Garbage Disposal?

Are you tired of stacking kitchen scraps in a stinky food waste container that must be dealt with later? Do you feel guilty for dumping food scraps in the garbage can rather than composting it? While most of us have the best of intentions, the busyness of life can quickly get in the way of making choices that are environmentally friendly. If you are looking for a simple, efficient, and eco-friendly way to dispose of food scraps, adding a garbage disposal to your kitchen could be a potential solution. While adding this kitchen upgrade can offer many benefits, there is simply no one size fits all solution for everyone. As such, it will be important to thoroughly consider the benefits, as well as the drawbacks associated with kitchen garbage disposals. Read on to discover the pros and cons, so you can determine if this upgrade could be right for you!

Consider The Pros

There are many powerful benefits that can be obtained by investing in the simple upgrade of a garbage disposal unit. Consider these benefits more fully below:

1. Convenient: Food waste is a common problem in most households. Whether it is leftovers that have exceeded their expiration date or food scraps left on the dinner plate, not everyone has time to manage a compost pile. Adding a kitchen disposal can be a convenient solution to deal with this food waste. Instead of collecting scraps in a crusty food waste container, you can simply wash them down the sink and let the disposal handle the rest. This also saves you the hassle of having to regularly empty and maintain a compost bin.
2. Reduces Odor and Pest Problems: Another huge benefit of having a garbage disposal is that it helps reduce unpleasant smells in your kitchen. When food waste is left sitting in a trash can, it can quickly start to decompose and produce strong odors. This can attract pests like flies and rodents, creating an unhygienic environment. With the simple addition of a garbage disposal, food waste is immediately ground up and flushed away, minimizing the chances of odor buildup and pest infestations.
3. Time Saving: Cleaning up after meals can be a time-consuming task. Having a garbage disposal in your kitchen can save you valuable time and effort after dinner. Instead of scraping plates and transferring food scraps to a separate box of food waste, you can simply rinse them down the sink and let the disposal do its job. This can free up your time for other important tasks or for spending quality time with family and friends.
4. Avoid Clogged Drains: Adding a disposal to your kitchen sink can help prevent the hassle of clogged drains. Kitchen waste can often end up going down the drain, whether intentionally or unintentionally. Without a garbage disposal, these food particles can build up over time and cause blockages in your plumbing system. A garbage disposal, on the other hand grinds up the food particles into smaller pieces, making it easier for them to pass through your drain pipes, so you can avoid plugged areas now and in the future. 
5. Affordable: Adding a kitchen garbage disposal is not only convenient but also affordable. The cost of purchasing and installing a garbage disposal Arvada can vary depending on the brand and model you choose, but generally, they are relatively inexpensive compared to other kitchen upgrades. Additionally, the long-term savings can be significant. With a garbage disposal, you can rely less on costly drain cleaning services or plumbing repairs due to clogs caused by food particles. By taking preventative measures with a garbage disposal, you can potentially save money in the long run.
6. Environmental Benefits: Adding a garbage disposal to your kitchen can have positive environmental impacts. It allows you to divert food waste from landfills, where it produces harmful greenhouse gases as it breaks down. Instead, the food waste is sent to wastewater treatment plants, where it can be converted into biogas and used as a renewable energy source. This helps reduce carbon emissions and dependence on fossil fuels. 

Consider The Cons 

While there are many advantages to adding a kitchen garbage disposal, there are also a few drawbacks to consider. Consider the cons below:

1. Food Types Are Limited: One of the main drawbacks of using a kitchen garbage disposal is that not all types of food waste can be safely disposed of using this method. Hard or fibrous food materials like fish bones, chicken bones, seafood shells, fruit pits, eggshells, watermelon rinds, banana peels, potato peels, citrus peels, coffee grounds, and corn husks can damage the blades of the disposal or cause clogs in the pipes. Oils and grease should also be avoided, as they can solidify and cause blockages. It\'s important to be mindful of what you put into the disposal to ensure its longevity and prevent any potential issues with your plumbing system. As such, for some people the limitations on what can safety go down the disposal makes this investment seem pointless.
2. Noise and Odor: One common complaint regarding kitchen garbage disposals is the noise they produce. Running a disposal can be quite loud and may disrupt the quiet atmosphere in your kitchen. This can be particularly bothersome if you have an open concept living space where the noise can carry into other areas of your home. Additionally, if food waste gets trapped in the disposal or if the disposal itself becomes dirty, it can create unpleasant odors. Regular cleaning and maintenance are necessary to prevent odor buildup and keep the disposal functioning properly. Thus, for those sensitive to sounds or odors, or who lack the time to conduct proper cleaning, a garbage disposal may not be the right choice.
3. Increased Electric and Water Usage: Another potential drawback of adding a kitchen garbage disposal is the increased electric and water usage that will be required to operate it. While the amount of electricity and water it uses is relatively minimal, it can still contribute to your overall utility bills. Henceforth, if you are concerned with reducing your carbon footprint, or lowering your monthly utility bills, adding a disposal may not be the best decision for upgrading your kitchen.

In conclusion, adding a garbage disposal to your kitchen can provide many helpful benefits ranging from increased convenience to a reduction of odors, and even a potential for less food waste to be sent to the landfill. However, depending on your needs and preferences, the cons may outweigh the benefits for you personally. As such, it will be important to take into consideration both the pros and cons in view of your lifestyle to determine if this upgrade could be right for you!