Question Regarding Sink Garbage Disposal (how much, live, design)

[lenny8000]

Hello,

I heard that it is illigal to install a garbage disposal in the sink in NJ. Is that true? my wife wants to get one...if its not true can anyone recommend anyone to install it

Thank you in advance,
Lenny

[BobKovacs]

I don't believe there's a state-wide ban on disposals, but many cities won't allow them because they add material to sewer systems that are already at or near capacity. You may want to call the building department or public works department in your town to confirm if they're allowed where you live.

[bradykp]

i've always been interested in getting one to reduce garbage, but heard they are more hassle than they are worth. plumbers have told me that most of their service calls are for fixing disposals.

consider a countertop composter?

[BobKovacs]

As long as you're smart about what you put in it (and how you throw stuff in it), you really shouldn't ever have an issue with a disposal. They're fairly simple pieces of machinery, and work well for the items they're designed for. The times I used to see them get jammed were when someone would try to stick 5 lbs of potato peels or something similar in without giving the disposal time to do its job.

[joe moving]

i have one. no real problems. i would not suggest you put dough or large amounts of fat or oil down the drain.

i do think that a lot of good could come out of more people composting.

[bradykp]

Bob - yeah, you're right, but i think most people make mistakes or simply don't use them properly. i wonder also how much water usage goes up when you have a disposal. something i've never even considered til just now when i thought about it.

since i've started composting, i've lost the desire to get a disposal.