Food waste and the environment
Less waste to landfill, more energy and nutrients back into the system.
The problem with food waste
Each year in New Zealand, tonnes of food waste is trucked to landfill. Once there, it decomposes and produces methane — a greenhouse gas at least 21 times more potent than CO2. The further food waste travels from the kitchen, the more impact it has.
Why composting isn't always the answer
Composting is a valuable approach to food waste, but it isn’t always practical. Busy households, apartments without garden access, or kitchens producing more waste than a compost bin can take — the realities of modern life often get in the way of good intentions.
Where the disposer fits in
A food waste disposer offers another path. Food scraps go down the sink, get ground finely, and flow into the wastewater system. Capable wastewater treatment plants can recycle that organic matter into:
- Biogas — a renewable energy source that helps power the plant
- Biosolids — nutrient-rich material used as fertiliser and soil conditioner
What used to be waste becomes part of a cycle.
A quieter contribution
Putting food waste into the wastewater system instead of landfill is one of the simplest changes a kitchen can make. The disposer does the work invisibly — every meal, every day, with no extra effort.
What NOT to Compost
Some materials, like onion scraps, citrus peels, eggshells, and stale bread, are best added to your compost in small amounts. However, the following items should never find their way into your compost bin under any circumstances.
1. Meat and Fish Scraps
The smell of old seafood or rotting meat isn’t just unpleasant for you; it also attracts pests like rats, flies, and even neighbourhood pets. In order to avoid any issues, you should never put meat, fish, or bones in your compost pile. Even with a closed compost bin, these strong scents can still draw in unwanted guests.
2. Dairy, Fats, and Oils
Common dairy items like cheese, butter, milk, sour cream, and yogurt, along with fats and oils, should also be kept out of your compost bin because they can attract pests. The same goes for processed foods that are high in dairy or fat.