What is the Purpose of a Garbage Disposal?

Benefits

• Garbage disposals rid the home of foul odors, as well as organic materials that can attract pests. Increased use of garbage disposals has reduced the amount of waste sent to landfills, according to Consumer Reports. Some cities, including Indianapolis and Denver, require new homes be built with a garbage disposal.

Concerns

• Garbage disposals do increase water usage, according to Consumer Reports. They can also overburden sewer systems. In homes with septic tanks, garbage disposals can speed up sludge and scum build-up, which can cause clogging, according to The Illinois Times.

Types

• There are two types of garbage disposals: batch-fed and continuous-fed. To operate a batch-fed model, it must be filled before pushing down the stopper and activating the blades. As the name implies, waste can be continually processed through a continuous-fed model. Both perform the same function, but batch-fed models are safer because they only operate when closed.