The Hong Kong government is set to introduce a garbage charging policy, bringing new challenges and opportunities to the city's waste management efforts. Everyday, households generate food waste, which if not promptly dealt with, can attract pests and emit unpleasant odors overnight. With the upcoming policy, many families are seeking solutions to alleviate the additional burden, and one effective method is installing a home food waste disposer.
Food waste disposers offer a convenient and efficient way to reduce the amount of food waste produced by households. There are primarily three types of disposers on the market, each with its unique features and suitability:
1) Biological Decomposition Disposers
These disposers use enzymes to break down both raw and cooked food waste (except for larger bones and shells) into organic compost. Advantages include operating without electricity, quiet, and only require periodic enzyme replenishment, making them both economical and environmentally friendly. However, the decomposition process can take from a week to a month, and their large size makes them unsuitable for indoor use. These disposers are best suited for households with ample kitchen space, especially those engaged in gardening or with their own vegetable patches.
2) Dry Processing Disposers
Dry processing disposers work by using high-temperature to dehydrate raw and cooked food waste, including small bones and seafood shells, thereby reducing its volume and weight while eliminating odors. They are compact, affordable, and can process waste quickly, making them ideal for disposal or use as fertilizer. The drawbacks are their energy consumption and potential noise production. This type of disposer is particularly well-suited for the smaller households common in Hong Kong.
3) Grinding Disposers
More common in Western countries, these disposers are installed under the kitchen sink and grind food waste into small particles that can be flushed away with water. They save time and effort, but their ability to grind harder waste, like bones and shells, depends on the model. There is also a risk of clogging pipes, and they can be noisy during operation. Also, it requires professional installation. Grinding disposers are recommended for those who prefer not to manually handle food waste.
Facing the imminent garbage charging policy in Hong Kong, selecting an appropriate food waste disposer is an effective way to reduce household food waste. Each type of disposer has its unique advantages and limitations, so it's important to consider the specific needs of your household and kitchen space when deciding.
