Philadelphia garbage disposals

[carpenter]

So today I am interviewing a young lady interested in having us remodel her kitchen when she asks me if she is allowed to have a garbage disposal. My pet answer is "Is this your first trip to America? We can have what we want." (We are only limited to what we want to pay for) She kindly explains to me that her mother lives in Philly, Pa. and garbage disposals are forbidden in her area. I have never heard of such a thing and can't figure the logic behind it if it is true.

You guys in the Philly area, is it true? and is there an actual logic behind it if so? Are there any other locals where this is the case?

Ready to be enlightened.

Dave

[Jeff B]

You can't use a garbage disposal if you are on a septic system (in most areas) because the system was (probably) not designed to handle the extra solid waste. Some areas allow garbage disposal's with septic systems that are designed to handle the load, but also require a frequent tank clean out schedule.

On town sewer:
It could be that some areas don't want to overburden the local sewer treatment plant with food waste that can be composted or sent to a landfill etc. It's up to the local town officials to decide. You should call the local Health Department or town hall to find out exactly what the regulations are pertaining to this customer's house.

[jwork101]

Uhhh....who in the hell is going to find out if I put in a disposal?

I mean seriously, we've got some stoooopid DIY questions on here, but I'd think Dopey could install a disposal on his own and break such a pioneering, life saving, law.

-J

[Jeff B]

well, I can tell you this.

In towns where the garbage disposals are not allowed, you will certainly fail CO inspection on new construction and remodeling projects if the inspector finds one. That being said, there is no way for anyone to find out if you install your own after the fact. But this is a professional forum, so Pros should at least be aware of their local regulations and what they can and can't sell to a customer.

And homeowners need to be aware of the consequences should they get convinced that they "need" a garbage disposal. In my neck of the woods, replacing a septic system and any contaminated soil can cost $15,000-$50,000. My parents tripled the size of an old summer cottage (1 bath to 5 baths) without updating the septic. 10 years later they had to pay $38,000 to have the septic system replaced, including all of the front yard soil that had been contaminated. They didn't have a garbage disposal, but that can easily do the same thing as adding bathrooms/occupants. Plus they "forgot" to have the tank pumped every 2-3 years.

[kaisermj]

Dave,

At least for commercial establishments garbage disposals are required for "grindable" food waste.

http://www.phila.gov/streets/dumpster_laws.html

Look at the right column about half way down.

Back in the mid 90's I did some work for a fast food restaurant in Philly. I noticed a garbage disposal hanging from a little hand washing sink. What the heck is that? So I asked. The manager told me that the Health Department required a garbage disposal for all restaurants. It wouldn't fit under their regular "wash" sink so they hung it under the handsink. Did they ever use it? No.

Mike

[JAMES SNOW]

I don't know how well they work but one of my customers when I replaced their cabinets had one of these in their old sink and said they had never had a problem w/ pumping too frequently....fwiw...James

http://www.insinkerator.com/isejsp/p...8&template=hhd

[carpenter]

Hey thanks to you guys that are trying to be helpful. For clarification, I was just curious about a law that I never heard of and couldn't figure the logic behind it if it did exist. And also I am not in the Philly area, therefore not worried about running amuck of the law.

The septic tank angle does make sense now that you've pointed it out. Around here if you have a septic tank you are probably outside of any municipality and most likely to compost your vegawaste.

$15,000 - 50,000 for a septic makes me wonder if I made a wrong career choice. One of are current customers is having her septic system reworked this week. They will reuse the existing tank and change out the drain line from the house while making a new leach field. Total cost $3,500.

If I come across as a DIY'er i apologize. I was one 26 years ago and maybe it still shows some. I'll work on concealing that.

IMO, stupid questions are the ones that don't get asked.

Thanks to all.

Dave

[Jeff B]

The price I quoted was for a complete removal of the existing tank, and field + almost every cubic foot of contaminated soil 16' deep in the front yard (maybe 70' wide x 30') - disposal of all that contaminated soil - new tank + field @ larger capacity - new fill to replace the front yard - + sod - and this all took place on a busy road where they had to direct traffic. CT prices in the mid 90's

[jwork101]

If you've got a septic system without a doubt, dont screw around. Don't get me wrong that I would go against the code officials either, and I'm sure you'd get busted on an occupancy or other inspection.
However, if the city cant handle the solids....they need to get with the program. Do these cities have DSL internet service too? Why don't we just go back to the Model-T....cmon, those cities need to upgrade the treatment plants or get with the program somehow.
That kitchen must be stinky with no disposal... I'd hate to have to throw stuff out. Ironic...we're saving on the treatment equipment, but helping to build a giant trash mountain 20 miles away. Ugh.

-J