Examining the Use of Food Waste Disposers - Environmental ...

counties the opportunity to claim up to £80 cash-back
towards the cost of the purchase and installation of a
FWD (Kitchens and Bathrooms News, 2005). The aim
is to increase the level of penetration locally from 6% to
50% over the next 10 years through this rebate scheme.
A consultee with the Water Research Centre in Swindon
(see Section 7.2) suggests that these local authorities are
attempting to meet EU landfill targets by doing this.
The Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
(in correspondence with the Customer Contact Unit in that
Department) suggest that there may be merits in using
FWDs. However, she points out that:
... they do not reduce the amount of waste produced,
but rather divert it to a different place for treatment.
This raises complex issues in terms of equity,
in moving waste from the responsibility of local
authorities to water companies, as well as capacity.
Composting provides an opportunity to obtain value
from biodegradable waste and, as such, is the more
sustainable option.
Examining the Use of Food Waste Disposers
Figure 3.1: Worcestershire Cashback Application for Domestic FWDs
17
3.2.7 Sweden
Consultation with Waste Section, Swedish
Environmental Protection Agency
In Sweden each municipality is responsible for the treatment
of sewage and each decides what can be connected to
the sewage system. According to a representative in the
Waste Section in the Swedish EPA, no municipalities
accept FWD in private households connected to the
sewage system. The main reason cited is a problem with
fats and particles clogging sewage pipes.
In a small number of cases larger facilities such as
supermarkets, catering kitchens etc. have been allowed to
install FWDs connected to the communal sewage. In those
cases, the individual municipality involved decided that
their sewage system and sewage treatment is designed
and has the capacity for the extra load.
Grease traps are mandatory in Sweden for practically all
kitchens where food is handled/cooked professionally.
However, the Waste Section representative commented
that studies show that FWD particles are not always easily
or efficiently trapped in grease traps. He suggests that this
is not the ultimate solution either.