Toilets, Sinks, Showers, Tubs and Disposals - Garbage Disposal / Septic Tank Question????

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buzcar
09-14-07, 02:33 PM
I'm not sure if this is a question for garbage disposal or septic tank expertise but I've been told that it isn't a good idea to put coffee grounds down a garbage disposal. Is this a true statement and if it is, what harm does it do to either the disposal or septic system???

chandler
09-14-07, 03:25 PM
The words "garbage disposal" and "septic tank" should not be used in the same sentence. The bacteria in your septic tank cannot take care of additional food waste that hasn't been "processed" in some way. And for general use, coffee grounds should not be sent down a disposal. They tend to clot with other oily subsances and cause horrendous clogs in the pipes.
Just Bill
09-15-07, 05:44 AM
What Chandler said. Septic system operation is delicate enough without adding a bunch of garbage. Garbage goes in the trash can.

logcabincook
09-15-07, 09:47 AM
Yeah what they said. If you have a septic system, you shouldn't even HAVE a garbage disposal (even though I used those two words in the same sentence.) We have both, but do not use the garbage disposal except to catch any oogies that might get past the strainer. Coffee grounds and most food goes in the compost bin - greasy stuff and non-vegetable based food goes in the trash.
Forum Monitor
09-15-07, 10:40 AM
I'm not sure if this is a question for garbage disposal or septic tank expertise

Certainly doesn't belong in Kitchens and Bathrooms.
Forum description is: Planning, Building, Additions, Remodeling, Walls, Ceilings, Tile and Flooring.

Better forum is here, where post was moved into...:)