In Milwaukee, Wisconsin, people are urged to put more food waste down their garbage disposals. The reason is simple. Food waste disposals, such as Emerson’s newest line of InSinkErator disposals that can grind virtually any kind of food waste, are helping the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District convert more of its residents’ food waste into an unending source of electricity.
Part of Milwaukee’s wastewater system - which serves 1.1 million people
in 28 municipalities scattered over 411 square miles - uses an anaerobic digester where bacteria and other microbes, known as archaea, digest sewage in enclosed tanks. As the waste is broken down, the microbes release methane, which is captured and used by the district to generate energy for its operations. In 2007, the district saved $1.9 million in energy costs from methane generated by the region’s wastewater treatment plants. Plus, the district generates additional revenue by converting its biosolids into a natural lawn fertilizer which is sold commercially.
It's Never Been Done Before. The development of Emerson’s breakthrough InSinkErator Evolution Excel® disposals enable these devices to grind nearly all food scraps, including orange and banana peels, celery, corn cobs, potato peels, and even rib bones, without clogs or jams. With its exceptional grinding capability, the Evolution Excel is a better option than throwing food waste into a trash bag. Plus, the InSinkErator Evolution Excel runs at least 60 percent quieter than standard disposals.
Food waste management is an often overlooked environmental challenge.
The average U.S. family of four produces about 2,000 pounds of food waste each year. More than 19 million tons of this food waste from homes, restaurants and institutions is being hauled in fossil fuel-burning trucks to U.S. landfills.