Garbage disposals are certainly a convenience, but green living advocates have often wondered if they’re the best choice for the environment.  Should you send leftover food down the disposal, or should you just pitch it in the trash?

A recent Slate Magazine article on the best way dispose of leftover food mentions some important points, but this is a debate that may never get a solid conclusion.  Here is some food for thought when it comes to using a garbage disposal…or not.

The Methane Factor: Organic waste produces methane gas, which is harmful to the environment, but some waste treatment plants and landfills now have equipment in place to capture methane gas as an alternative energy source. Find out what’s going on in your community and consider a garbage disposal if your water treatment plant has these facilities, or throw your food in the trash if your local landfill has the capabilities to capture methane.

The Water Conservation Factor: When using a garbage disposal, you have to consider the amount of water and energy it takes to get the waste down the disposal, not to mention the production process for the garbage disposal itself.

The Fuel Conservation Factor: Similar to the water conservation point, one could argue that sending waste to a landfill via a garbage truck requires fossil fuel and results in carbon emissions.

Earth Friendly Alternatives: There are two ways to avoid the garbage disposal debate.  First, using a backyard composting bin is always a better choice than a disposal or a trash can.  Second, planning your meals so that you only cook what you need, and using up leftovers are great ways to reduce household waste, so you don’t have to worry about getting rid of it.