Years ago I read about a garbage disposer that had a container under the sink which held vegetable solids which could then be added to the compost bin. I assume the liquid/water went on through the pipes and the solids remained in this container, which was removable. I don't remember if this was a home invention or something manufactured, but would be interested in any info on

-- jane doyle (tjmdoyle@aol.com), July 10, 2000

Answers

Jane:

I had to go into town to go to the hardware anyway, so I checked out their supplier books. Can't find anything in them but standard disposals, which simply grind contents into pieces small enough to be flushed out by additional water coming through the system. If going on the compost pile, it shouldn't matter if the food scraps are ground up first. If that is desired, a food processor should work as an alternative.

-- Ken Scharabok (scharabo@aol.com), July 10, 2000.

The disposers that you speak of were manufactured units. There is a basket that catches the ground matter. I seem to recall that this basket spins to help removed excess water, kind of like an automatic washing machine spin cycle, also like a salad spinner. While the wastes don't have to be ground, they will compost much faster since they are smaller. Grinding/shredding of any material hastens composting of it. A GOOD plumbing shop should be able to locate a source of them for you.

-- Notforprint (Not@thekeyboard.com), July 10, 2000.