According to the latest announcement by the Hong Kong government, the implementation of the Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) charging scheme has been postponed to August 1st. To minimise space occupied by food waste in designated garbage bags, a food waste disposer is a great solution. It not only reduces the amount of garbage, but also reduces the odour caused by food waste and prevents mosquitoes from breeding.

Types of Food Waste Disposers

A food waste disposer is a specialised machine for handling food waste by decomposing leftovers, fruit peels and vegetable residues to reduce the volume and weight of food waste. Food waste disposers are broadly categorised into stand-alone and sewer-type and further subdivided into the following:

1. Bio-degradable type

This is a stand-alone food waste disposer which does not require installation and can be used directly.

• How it works: Uses microorganisms (enzymes) to ferment and decompose food waste turning it into organic fertiliser

• Pros: No electricity required, low operating cost and no noise

• Cons: Produces odour during the long fermentation process and is unable to process bones, kernels, shells, etc. and is comparatively large in size

2. Drying type

This is a stand-alone food waste disposer which does not require installation and can be used directly.

• How it works: Uses high temperature or an air stream to dry food waste which is then ground into small particles

• Pros: All it takes is a few hours to reduce the volume of food waste, inhibits odours, and comes in compact size

• Cons: High power consumption and high noise level

3. Refrigerate / Cold type

This is a stand-alone food waste disposer which does not require installation and can be used directly.

• How it works: Refrigerates food waste at low temperatures

• Pros: Slows down the decay of food waste, inhibits the growth of bacteria and reduces odour

• Cons: Volume of food waste cannot be reduced or turned into organic fertiliser

4. Grinding / Crushing type

A food waste grinder (also known as an "iron stomach") is a sewer-type food waste machine installed underneath the sink and connected to a drain and pipe.

• How it works: After food waste is discharged into the disposer through the kitchen sink, it is ground into small particles/powder and goes into the drainpipe

• Pros: fast processing time, able to grind chicken bones/fish bones, etc. (some food waste disposers can handle pork bones/beef bones/vegetable fibres, etc.) with no food waste sorting necessary

• Cons: High noise level, need to turn on tap when handling food waste which may cause clogging of water pipes

Points to note when selecting a food waste disposer

1.  Type

The main function of a stand-alone food waste disposer is to reduce the volume of food waste. Decide whether you want to dispose of treated food waste directly or convert it into organic fertiliser. Meanwhile, a sewer-type food waste disposer grinds food waste into particles and drains directly through the pipe with running water. Food waste disposers currently available are unable to fully process all types of food waste. For example, some biodegradable food waste disposers and some grinders cannot process bones, shells, etc. Check the features and limitations of each type of food waste disposer before making your choice.

2. Size

Kitchen waste disposers are available in a variety of sizes. Consider whether you have enough space at home to place or install one before buying.

3. Capacity

The amount of food waste produced varies in families. Simply select the capacity according to the amount of food waste produced by your family.

4. Power

consumption Some food waste disposers require electricity to operate. Check the energy label of each model and compare power consumption. Select one that consumes less power to reduce energy consumption at home.

5. Noise level

Some food waste disposers are noisy during operation. Check the decibel level of the noise generated by the disposer and see if it is equipped with a quiet mode before you buy.

6. Installation

A grinding /crushing type food waste disposer needs to be connected under the sink and drain. Installation must be carried out by a professional. Check whether the installation service is included in the price of the disposer, or if an additional charge is required before you buy.