Garbage Disposal Facts

Garbage disposal units are widely used in the U.S. but are far less common in other countries.  As of 2009 50% of U. S. homes had disposal units compared to 6% in the United Kingdom and 3% in Canada. The garbage disposal was invented in 1927 by John W. Hammes.  His InSinkErator company put his disposer on the market in 1940. Many municipal sewage systems had regulations prohibiting placing food waste into the system.  For many years garbage disposals were illegal in New York City because of the perceived damage to the city’s sewer system.  Many localities in the United States also prohibited the use of garbage disposals. After studies were performed, these bans were rescinded in most cities.  In 2008 Raleigh, North Carolina attempted a ban on the replacement and installation of garbage disposals, but rescinded it one month later.  Food scraps range from 10% to 20% of household waste, and are a problematic component of municipal waste systems.  De Hart Plumbing, serving Manhattan Kansas, Junction City Kansas, Wamego Kansas and some outlying areas.