WWYD - Remove or replace kitchen sink disposal

[Pegasus]

The grinder/disposal in my kitchen sink has rusted through.  It needs to go.  DH wants to know if I want it replaced or just removed.  We don't put significant food waste down the disposal - we use a combination of composting and regular trash.

 

However, dish rinsing puts some amount of food waste down the drain AND the dishwasher drains into the disposal.  Is it important to maintain a grinder/disposal for these reasons?  Would the small bits and drabs of food from dishes cause a problem without a disposal?

 

 

[regentrude]

No, you don't need a disposal. We don't have one (it was broken when we bought the house and we took it out) and things work just fine.

[Another Lynn]

Remove!  We did it years ago because of water pressure issues and I love having normal drains instead of the constant gaping mouth with razor sharp teeth.  (Who wants to live with that constant threat, lol?)

[Pawz4me]

I would have it removed.

 

We had one at our previous house (on a sewer system) and used it regularly. This house has one but is on a septic system and I rarely use it. So it's wasted space under the cabinet.

 

A good mesh strainer will catch all  the little bits of sink debris and is easily dumped into the trash or compost bin. I've had a dishwasher before w/o a disposal (on a septic system) and it was never a problem.

Edited August 5, 2016 by Pawz4me

[G5052]

I haven't had one in 18 years, but I'm on a septic system. At first I thought I'd miss it, but I don't. Less odor, and nothing to break down.

 

Get yourself mesh strainers. We dump the bits in the trash and then put them in the dishwasher every night. When I'm canning, I put a colander in the sink that gets all of the skins and pieces, and then dump that in the trash. If I were a composter, everything could go there.

Edited August 5, 2016 by G5052

[Pegasus]

Awesome!  I was so hoping removing would be the answer.  Will definitely get some mesh strainers.  That simple solution didn't even occur to me. Thank you!

[SamanthaCarter]

Remove! I hate garbage disposals! They are way more trouble than they are worth. 

[QueenCat]

If  you're planning to sell, replace. If you're staying there for a while, whatever you want.

[umsami]

I would replace it, only because I've lived without one when living in NYC and I completely missed it. 

 

I do agree, though, with the above that you should replace it if you plan to sell anytime soon.

[SparklyUnicorn]

I have one and I like it ok.  It came with the house.  I wouldn't spend money on a new one though because I could live without it.