EXPANDING THE TOOLKIT FOR DIVERTING FOOD SCRAPS:
DISPOSERS AND THE WASTEWATER TREATMENT SYSTEM
Principal Presenter: Kendall Christiansen, Principal, Gaia Strategies
And Senior Consultant, InSinkErator
151 Maple Street, Brooklyn, NY 11225
Note: The abstract below was submitted by Lisa Skumatz of Skumatz Environmental
Research Associates (along with two others). She and I have discussed this supplemental
submission for your consideration about pairing them together for a single presentation.
In addition to the community (Superior, CO) Skumatz cites, at least two other cities (Milwaukee
and Philadelphia) have initiated food scrap diversion programs that focus on the effective use of
under-sink food waste disposers (aka garbage disposals). One of them – Milwaukee – is featured
in Skumatz’s report for EPA Region 5; the Philadelphia program is in development, with the
expectation that it will be launched in September 2011. Austin also is a possibility.
The presentation of these three mini-case studies would focus on the decision-making process in
each city, the rationale for choosing a disposer-focused program, the mechanics of developing
and communicating food scrap messages to the public, and initial findings about effectiveness.
The take-aways for the USCC audience are that multiple means of diverting food scraps from
disposal are being pursued by various municipalities, creating new public-private partnerships
for communicating to the public the need to convert food scraps from a waste into a resource.
My suggestion is that Skumatz’s case study be combined and co-presented with me as one
segment of a panel session with the general theme of how cities are going after food scraps.
What’s the Story on Garbage Disposals Food Scraps Programs?
Pros and Cons from Implementation in A Colorado Community
A community in Colorado faced a common issue – they could not put a yard waste or yard waste
/ food waste collection program in place because of an existing, long-term contract (excluding
organics) that could not be changed. The authors explored options , examining work for EPA,
case studies around the country, and others to identify possible “second best” options to help
divert their organics from the landfill. They examined drop-off yard / food programs, and
garbage disposal options. After careful examination of their system, they determined that a
garbage disposal-based program would be their best option. This presentation shares their
experience, including:
 Pros and cons of drop-off and disposal options
 Situational issues in the community that favored disposal options
 Summary of the program / campaign
 Results from pre- and post- surveys on changes in behavior
 Impacts from the waste water treatment facility and landfill diversion
 Successes and weaknesses of the program
 Fears and realities regarding disposal programs (costs, operations, water use, clogs, etc.)
 Tips for other communities
We will summarize conclusions from our experience with the program, and suggestions for other
communities considering whether disposal-based programs are a viable option for the residential
sector.