TRUTH OR TRASH?
TRUTH
Throwing food waste in the trash is better than putting it down the garbage disposal
Believe it or not, it’s actually better to throw food away and have it be taken to a landfill than to turn it into puree via the kitchen sink.
Pushing food scraps into the garbage disposal does not make them disappear. It only adds to the solid waste that enters the wastewater treatment facility. This sludge not only requires additional chemicals for treatment, but when strained-out must ultimately be transported to a landfill anyway.
Unfortunately, not all sewage arrives safely at the treatment plant. Some pipes break, sending raw sewage spilling into streets, rivers, or beach areas and wreaking havoc on aquatic environments and human health and comfort.
A common cause of such spills is a buildup of fats and grease—from people pouring food waste down the drain. In fact, grease is the most typical culprit of pipe blockages and home sewage disasters—yet another reason to go vegetarian.
Aside from kitchen grease—which may be recycled into biofuels in some regions of the country—the best option for excess food waste is a compost pile. If you don’t compost at home, check to see if your curbside greenwaste bin will accept fruit and vegetable trimmings in addition to leaves, sticks, and grass clippings.
