Kitchen Waste Disposal Units - Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is a food waste disposal unit?

A. Food waste disposal units are machines that grind up and shred waste food and send it into the waste water system. They fit under a kitchen sink. You might hear them refered to as Waste Disposal Units, Food Waste Disposers or by several other names including brand names.

Q. How is a food waste disposer installed?

A. Food waste disposers may require professional fitting. They are installed underneath your sink and connect directly to the drainage system.

Q. Do you need an electricity supply for a food waste disposer?

A. Yes. Units require an electricity supply. In many kitchens a suitable supply will already be available to a washing machine or dishwasher close to the kitchen sink. If any electrical alterations are required to complete an installation, seek professional advice.

Q. How does the food waste disposer work?

A. Food waste disposers grind or shred unwanted food items into tiny particles. The particles are then carried away through the normal waste water system.

Q. What can I put down the sink into my food waste disposer?

A. Examples of what you can put down a typical food waste disposer include vegetable peelings, food leftovers, tea bags, egg shells, small bones, fruit skins and crusts. More powerful units will shred items as large as a chicken carcass. Generally, the more powerful the unit, the greater the range of waste food you can put down it.

Q. I have a septic tank, will I be able to use a food waste disposer?

A. Yes. If your septic tank is working normally, using a food waste disposer is equivalent to having one extra person in the household.

Q. Where can I buy a food waste disposer?

A. There are many brands and suppliers of food waste disposers. To date, companies that supply/manufacture waste disposal units who have made themselves known to Worcestershire County Council are listed in our Suppliers page.

Please note that Herefordshire Council and Worcestershire County Council do not supply food waste disposers and give no warranty as to the availability of food waste disposers from any particular supplier or at all.

Q. Can I claim cashback for buying and installing a food waste disposer?

A. No - the cashback offer finished on 31st March 2009.