Garbage Disposals for Septic Systems

Garbage disposals work with septic systems to help keep kitchens, communities, and the environment clean.

A 2019 study¹ from the University of Minnesota shows that garbage disposals are safe for properly maintained septic systems.

1. Study of food waste degradation in a simulated septic tank - Hongjian Lin, Yuchuan Wang, Leif van Lierop, Carlos Zamalloa, Casey Furlong, Michael Keleman, Bo Hu, 2019

Key Findings:

Food waste was more biodegradable than regular sewage. About 76% of food waste solids degraded compared to 37% of sewage solids.

Food scraps at the bottom of a septic tank.

A smaller portion of food waste solids accumulated in the septic tank (18.8%) compared to sewage solids (44.9%).

While food waste increased the scum layer, it didn’t significantly add to the solids load.

The addition of food waste caused only slight increases in effluent quality parameters and did not affect pumping frequency.

The addition of food waste didn’t cause acidification in the tank.

Added food waste was better degraded and removed compared to sewage, while the impact to pumping frequency was negligible.

Conclusion:

Adding food waste to septic systems has an insignificant to negligible effect on system performance and pumping frequency.

Read the study

Providing added assurance to homes on septic.^* ^*For a properly maintained septic system

Evolution Septic Guard

Evolution Septic Guard combines a 3/4 HP Dura-Drive^® Induction Motor with the InSinkErator BOOST™ Injection System – an automatic injection of naturally-occurring bacteria and enzymes to support the digestion of solids in properly maintained septic systems.

InSinkErator BOOST^™ Injection System

Compatible with all InSinkErator^® garbage disposals, Septic Guard liquid formula supports the digestion of solids in septic systems, helps reduce sink odors, and reduces food waste build-up in your septic system and pipes.

Help your customers find what they need.

Customers rely on you to recommend and install products that meet their needs, including garbage disposals that are safe for septic systems. Use our handy Product Selector to find the perfect disposal for every household.

Find the right disposal for your customer

A 2019 study1 from the University of Minnesota shows that garbage disposals are safe for properly maintained septic systems.