The Dangers of a Kitchen Garbage Disposal For Your Septic System
A kitchen garbage disposal can seem like miraculous convenience. With the press of a button, all of the food waste from cooking disappears.
Unfortunately, in this case, disappears simply means “enters your septic tank.”
And here’s why that’s a REAL PROBLEM!
- Garbage disposals are often used as trash cans for all kitchen waste and more.
- Bacteria in septic tank is unable to keep up with the organic matter.
- Many solids such as eggshells and fruit pits will never be broken down.
- Bacterial balance will be disrupted.
- Septic tank will need to be pumped up to twice as often as normal.
Here’s What Really Happens in Your Septic Tank
Waste within your septic tank separates into three fairly distinct layers.
From top to bottom, they are as follows: Light fat particles floating on top; the second layer, which is the effluent or gray water; and at the bottom of the tank, the heavy solids.
This is the layer that a kitchen garbage disposal adds to.
Some of these solids are broken down by bacteria, but many of them are not.
And when a garbage disposal is used, the bacteria in the tank simply can’t keep up with the sheer volume of solids coming in.
Welcome to the world of pumping your tank TWICE AS OFTEN as everyone else!
Can I Ever Use My Kitchen Garbage Disposal?
Yes, but limit your kitchen garbage disposal use as much as possible.
And here are 6 categories of food that should be AVOIDED completely.
- Fibrous or stringy foods such as celery
- Coffee Grounds
- Fats, oils, and greases
- Egg shells
- Starchy foods
- Potato peelings
Alternatives to Garbage Disposals
Try these alternatives instead of using your garbage disposal.
- Disposing of kitchen trash in the garbage
- Feeding fat, etc., to your pets if their diets will allow it.
- Composting: Composting your organic kitchen waste is a valuable way to maximize your garden soil and get rid of your kitchen trash at the same time!
Regular Septic Maintenance Is Key!
Whether you use a garbage disposal or not, regular maintenance is the key!
Contact RenewSource today and avoid big septic issues down the road!
P.S. Using a garbage disposal? Give RenewSource a call today at 717-933-5819 to schedule your fall pumping!
