Trash Talk various frogs 
Trash Talk - Day 10
The trash collecting has slowed down in week two - I'm really starting to get the hang of what not to do ;) Here is a picture of my garbage from week 1 (it fits inside a large purse):
Because I still haven't purchased a compost unit yet (but I do have plans to get one from The Natural Gardener here in Austin), I've been wondering whether it's OK to garbage dispose some of my fruit remains. Here is what I found out:
It is always better to compost than it is to use a garbage disposal. Got it. But which is better -- using a garbage disposal that grinds the food and deposits it in a sewage treatment facility or septic tank, or dumping the fruit remains in a landfill?
Well, some cities (such as Denver and Indianapolis) require garbage disposals in new homes. Other cities (such as New York) are considering banning garbage disposals for restaurants. In fact, garbage disposals are apparently not approved in European Union countries! So what's the deal here? I am not sure yet, but from what I read, it hasn't been proven that excess sewage/water waste overloads the sewage treatment plants... but we do know that this additional sewage waste would generate more nitrogen, which *could* rob the surrounding areas of oxygen. The cost to reduce the nitrogen output would far outweigh cost savings (garbage disposals mean less landfill trash to deal with and haul/transport). The net for me is that Austin strongly encourages composting and discourages (but doesn't prohibit) the use of garbage disposals for personal or restaurant use.
Another problem created by garbage disposals is that greasy/fatty foods can block and overflow the sewage system. So don't put greasy/fatty foods down the garbage disposal, and try to use cold water to rinse the system during and after use.
For more information read this article on garbage disposals, it's fantastic.
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