Flushing InSinkerators Down The Drain: The Downfalls Of InSinkerators And Why Food Waste Dehydrators Are A More Sustainable Solution
Australia, like many other countries, faces a growing challenge when it comes to managing food waste. In our homes and businesses, countless kilograms of food are discarded daily and the consequences of this waste are significant. Traditional methods of disposing of food scraps, such as using InSinkerators, may seem convenient, but they come with a range of drawbacks.
The Downfalls of InSinkerators
InSinkerators are a type of macerator and have been a common fixture in Australian kitchens for decades. These devices are installed under kitchen sinks between the trap and the drain and are designed to grind up food scraps into small particles, which are then flushed away with water into the sewerage system. Although InSinkerators are less harmful to the environment than if the waste was sent directly to landfill, it is far from the most environmentally friendly option available today.
InSinkerators essentially liquify food and send it through the sewerage system. Many argue that this is simply passing the problem on to another facility, as the waste still needs to be processed through a treatment facility. Critically, these types of macerators do not repurpose or recycle the waste, they only break it down before passing it on.
Concerningly, despite the grinding capabilities of InSinkerators, certain types of food waste inevitably cause issues and place additional pressure on sewerage systems. Foods that are high in starch, such as rice, pasta and potatoes, become gummy and sticky when broken down. When mixed with other greasy foods and things further down the drainage line, like toilet paper, it forms blockages and can lead to large fatbergs in the sewerage system. These are time-consuming to clear and can come at a significant cost to communities.
Depending on a region’s treatment facilities, food waste processed by InSinkerators may still ultimately end up being disposed of unsustainably. Most treatment facilities evaporate the water from the sewage, leaving solid particles behind which are screened out. Although some treatment plants may use these particles to create fertiliser, others still send it to landfill or pump it out to sea instead; both of which cause seriously detrimental effects on the environment and wildlife.
The Rise of Food Waste Dehydrators
As awareness of the environmental impact of food waste grows, a more sustainable alternative to InSinkerators has emerged: food waste dehydrators. These innovative machines offer a range of benefits that make them a superior choice for managing food waste.
Unlike InSinkerators, food waste dehydrators do not require the addition of water to break down food matter. Instead, the machines heat the food waste and remove the moisture, resulting in a byproduct that is completely sterile, pathogen-free and therefore safe to handle. As a result, food waste dehydrators actually conserve other valuable resources.
Once processed by an enrich360 dehydrator, food is transformed into a dry, odourless and nutrient-rich soil amendment. This byproduct does not require any further treatment or processing and can be used in gardens to fuel plant growth and improve soil function. Thanks to the advanced grinding technology employed in food waste dehydrators, they can reduce the weight and volume of food scraps by up to 93%. For those that are unable to make use of the soil amendment themselves, this means that it is still easy and cost effective to transport to community gardens or local landscapers who can utilise it instead.
In an era where sustainability and responsible resource management are paramount, it's crucial to reconsider how we handle food waste. InSinkerators, while convenient, come with significant drawbacks related to water usage and environmental impact. Food waste dehydrators, on the other hand, offer a more sustainable and efficient solution for managing food scraps in both homes and businesses. Dehydrators are cost-effective and available in a range of sizes, making them highly accessible to individuals, families and businesses alike. Critically, they process food without the need for any further treatment and transform it into a byproduct that actually benefits the environment immensely.
By investing in food waste dehydrators, Australians can take a significant step toward reducing their environmental footprint, conserving resources and contributing to a more sustainable future. It's time to rethink our approach to food waste disposal and embrace innovative solutions that align with our commitment to a cleaner, greener planet.
