Monday 8th December 2025
Food waste disposal units (also referred to as waste disposers or waste disposals) are very popular in America, but they are a little bit more uncommon in the UK. That does not stop them from having a loyal fanbase here too.
Here at Tucker French, we are convinced that they would be a great addition to any home as they offer a practical and environmentally friendly solution to food waste.
In this article, we will try to answer all the questions you may have and list all the benefits that these products have.
Why Use a Food Disposer?
The Environmental Benefit
When you throw food waste into the bin, it gets trucked to a landfill. Trucks give off carbon monoxide which is bad for the environment.
Once in the landfill, the food waste starts to decompose and emits methane. Methane contributes to global warming and climate change.
Composting can be a good solution but is time consuming and messy. Meat, dairy and seafood cannot be composted.
The best alternative to composting is using a food waste disposer. Food waste goes down the drain as fine particles into the sewer system and ends up in a wastewater treatment plant, where it can be turned into renewable energy and fertiliser. Methane is captured and reused as fuel.
Hygiene
UK black bins are collected weekly at best, sometimes every 3 weeks. Using a waste disposer reduces kitchen odours, bacteria, and mess.
No more leaking trash bags, and outdoor bins will not smell or attract pests.
What Is a Waste Disposer?
Food waste disposers are mechanical units fitted under your sink. They grind food waste into small pieces that can pass through plumbing.
How Does a Food Disposer Work and Is It Safe?
Modern units have no blades. They use a grind ring and a rotary plate with impellers. The motor grinds food into fine particles that can be flushed away.
How Do You Install and Operate a Food Disposal Unit?
Installation
Units fit any 90mm sink waste opening. They work with most sinks and can be retrofitted. An electrician is required for the mains connection.
Recommended kit: InSinkErator 71498 Universal Plumbing Kit
Operation
Run a medium stream of water, switch the unit on, and feed food waste through the opening. The grinding duration depends on the quantity and type of waste.
A change in noise indicates when the process is finished.
What Food Can Be Disposed Of?
Food waste disposers are not just for fruits and vegetables. They can also handle:
- Chicken bones and chop bones
- Seafood waste such as fish bones and prawn shells
- Meat and dairy
- Teabags (without string/staple) and coffee grounds
Top-tier models can also process:
- Stone fruit pits
- Stringy foods like celery, banana peel, corn cobs
- Artichoke stems
- Egg shells
How to Choose a Food Waste Disposer?
- Grinding Ability
Different models have different grinding capabilities. This is the main factor when choosing a disposer.
- Noise
If noise is not a concern, consider:
For quieter operation:
- Insinkerator Evolution 1000 Food Waste Disposal Unit 80376
- Insinkerator Evolution 750 Food Waste Disposal Unit 80375
- Insinkerator Premium 700 Food Waste Disposal Unit 80374
Batch Feed vs Continuous Feed
- Continuous Feed
Uses an air switch or electrical switch. Food can be added constantly during operation.
- Batch Feed
Food is loaded first, then the cover is pushed down to activate the unit. Quieter and reduces risk of objects falling in.
- Waste Maid Elite Mid Duty Batch Feed Disposer 1785BF
- Waste Maid Elite Deluxe Batch Feed Disposer 1985BF
Continuous feed models are generally more popular, cheaper, and take up less space.
Air Switch or Electrical Switch?
Electrical switches are discreet but harder to retrofit and inconvenient with wet hands.
Air switches are safer around water and easier to install (only require drilling a small hole).