Best Garbage Disposal For Septic Systems – A garbage disposal is a small machine with a motor and a grinder that breaks leftover food into little pieces. The little fragments are then flushed down the plumbing to the septic tank without becoming clogged.
Apart from assisting us in sustainably reducing our garbage, it also aids in keeping our kitchens clean and odor-free. But some of these garbage disposals may not be compatible with our septic tanks, but not to worry, we got you covered. In this article, we have listed the best garbage disposals for septic tanks.
How To Select The Best Septic Tank Garbage Disposal
Because you don’t have the same amount of ease as a house directly connected to a plumbing system, you must be extra careful about what comes with your disposal.
You must verify that it is strong enough to digest various types of food and that it does not need a large amount of water to function effectively. Here are the essential elements to consider before making your selection.
Size
Depending on the size of your tank, you’ll need to choose a disposal that can handle it. For example, if you have a smaller tank, you’ll want a disposal that’s not too big, so you don’t flush as much garbage every time you use it. Look for small or space-saving machines that provide the same processing power without requiring a huge tank.
Motor
The size and speed of a motor will aid in the management of waste in your tank. For example, if a motor pulverizes your food at a faster pace, you’ll produce less waste than if you use a device that isn’t as efficient.
Batch vs. Continuous
Most people would prefer continuous disposals as they’re more convenient, but batch feed may be better for septic tanks. This model works because it is sealed before use. As a result, you won’t have to run the disposal every time you put food into it, lowering the quantity of water that enters your tank.
The Level of Noise
While noise level has nothing to do with garbage disposal and septic tank interaction, many customers desire to silence. Loud garbage disposals may frighten dogs and youngsters and disturb conversations. Many powerful disposals include sound-isolating grinding chambers that absorb vibrations before reaching the counter.
Family Size/Volume of Waste
Larger families generate more trash for the garbage disposal and septic tank, but the most crucial element is how much food preparation and consumption are in your house. If your family produces big amounts of food waste that must be disposed of regularly, you should invest in a large, powerful unit. A modest unit will suffice in most cases, saving both money and space.
Septic System Ready
If you want to purchase a garbage disposal, be sure it says it’s suitable with septic tanks on the packaging. A garbage disposal ideal for septic systems includes a bio pack that may be used with microbe therapy. Purchasing such disposals is advantageous since it simplifies your task. It will quickly degrade the bacteria.
ALSO READ: How To Unclog A Garbage Disposal in 5 Easy Steps
Best Garbage Disposal For Septic Systems
InSinkErator Garbage Disposal, Evolution Septic Assist
Key Features
- 40-Ounce Stainless Steel Grind Chamber
- Two grind stages allow you to swiftly ground complex food waste that would be difficult to process in a regular disposer, such as celery and potato peels
- 40% quieter than traditional disposers because of the SoundSeal technology
- 3/4 Dura-Drive Induction Motor provides greater horsepower than traditional disposals
The InSinkErator brand for garbage disposal generally contains a bio charge to help further break down the waste in the septic tank. It includes two stages of multi-grinding technology to ensure that the food is ground even finer. This implies it will be able to manage waste more effectively.
It will grind even the most complex food to the point where it will not harm the septic tank, thanks to its 3/4 HP and Dura motor. As a result, the likelihood of jams and obstructions in the septic tank of disposal cans is reduced.
It also features alloy stainless steel grinding components, making it functional and long-lasting, and it uses noise-canceling technology to minimize sounds to a bare minimum.
Pros
- Easy breakdown of solid waste, such as toilet paper.
- Deodorizes smells in the sink and drain.
- Easy to install
- Quiet Operation
Cons
- Doesn’t come with a power cord

Waste King L-8000
Key Features
- EZ Mount allows for a fast and straightforward kitchen sink installation
- The 1 HP permanent magnet motor grinds at 2800 rpms and eliminates jams.
- Feature all stainless steel grind components.
- SoundSHIELD insulation technology
- There is no need for electrical work since the power cable is already established.
Waste King typically delivers the same level of performance as InSinkErator at a far lesser cost. This is the way to go if you want to keep within your budget while getting something strong.
With a 1-horsepower vortex motor spinning at a blistering 2800 rpm, the L-8000 is one of Waste King’s most durable disposals. The system’s quick-starting engine, paired with the stainless steel impellers, lets it thoroughly chew up food waste, making it perfect for use with a septic system.
Despite its powerful motor, the L-8000’s SoundSHIELD insulation technology keeps it quiet. Installation is also a snap using Waste King’s EZ Mount Twist-and-Lock technology.
Pros
- Energy efficient powerful motor
- The grinding chamber is made of stainless steel
- Installation is simple
- Budget-friendly
Cons
- Cannot be unjammed from the outside

General Electric GFC530V
Key Features
- EZ Mount installation with removable splash guard and stopper included
- Stainless steel, dual-swivel, anti-jam grinding blades
- Grinding force above 2800 RPM
- Heavy duty 1/2 horsepower permanent magnet motor
The General Electric GFC530V is a fantastic garbage disposal for anybody looking for a disposal with a huge capacity for removing leftovers.
With a speed of 2800 RPM, this device boasts a powerful and fast-speed motor that will smash even the toughest food scraps left in the sink. This unit has two levels of pre-cutter systems to ensure that the food particles are readily ground efficiently and meticulously. It eliminates jams and clogging by continually pulverizing it, ensuring that its performance is not harmed.
Another unique feature is that the rustless steel sink flange has a galvanized steel turntable for further durability. The shaft is built of carbon steel to keep it compact while providing the necessary power.
Pros
- Easy to install
- Lightweight and compact
- Jam-resistant motor
- Inexpensive
Cons
- Pretty Noisy
Waste King Knight A1SPC Garbage Disposal
Key Features
- The vortex electric motor grinds at 2700 rpm and produces 1 horsepower.
- The 2700 rpm motor easily cuts through even the hardest garbage
- No multi-stage chambers are required since the motor pulverizes the trash in one pass
- Comes with exclusive silencer technology
- New snap and lock mounting system
Despite being more expensive than other Waste King models, it has excellent properties compared to its competitors. Instead of the multi-grind technology seen in InSinkErator models, this machine has One Pass technology, which uses a 1.0 HP motor spinning at 2700 rpm to pulverize even the hardest food waste in only one pass.
The grinding chamber of the Knight A1SPC is composed of glass-filled nylon to avoid corrosion. The exclusive silencer technology is another feature that sets this model apart from other Waste King models.
Pros
- Quieter Operation
- Power cable included
- One pass technology
- Effectively ground waste
- Has a powerful motor spinning at a 2700 rpm
Cons
- Isn’t as compact as standard garbage disposals

Waste King L-1001 Garbage Disposal
Key Features
- Has an EZ Mount for fast and simple kitchen sink installation
- Its corrosion-resistant grinding parts make it long-lasting
- The lightweight garbage disposer saves space under the sink
- Permanent magnet motor with 1/2 HP and 2600 RPM (115v) jams less
If you’re on a limited budget, the Waste King L-1001 is one of the most cost-effective options available. Instead of an induction motor, the L-1001 uses a consistent magnet motor. This design prevents drain jams and clogging when the machine is running quietly. It has a 2600 rpm grind speed and a galvanized steel locking ring.
While the main material is rubber, the hopper and the grind chamber housing are fiberglasses, resulting in a small, sturdy structure. On the plus side, the polymer is also excellent in preventing corrosion. Despite delivering valuable features and functions, it is much less expensive than the InSinkErator series, making it a cost-effective option for a household of 1-3 people.
This is one of the best continuous feed garbage disposals for a septic system that works well in commercial settings like restaurants. Thanks to its triple-bolt mounting configuration, this unit’s installation and replacement are straightforward.
Cons
- Comes with a sink adapter
- EZ mounting system
- Has a dishwasher hook
- Installation is simple
Pros
- Most parts are plastic

How To Use A Septic Garbage Disposal?
When it comes to operating a septic-friendly disposal, it’s not all that different from any other garbage disposal. The majority of them are continuous-feed, so you can throw garbage down and grind it anytime. Most units turn on when you turn on an electrically connected wall switch.
The wall switch and continuous feed combo are the most handy since they allow you to dispose of garbage easily. The debris is pushed past a splash guard on most units. As the disposal grinds trash quickly, the splash guard prevents guck from bursting upwards.
If your device stops operating, the first thing you should do is try pushing the reset button. If that doesn’t work, many units come with an Allen wrench that may be used to twist the grinding mechanism from the unit’s outer bottom. Most traffic congestion will be resolved as a result of this.
Running lots of cold water from the faucet while running the disposal is a terrific technique to prevent jams in the first place; additionally, run the tap and the disposal a little bit more after all the food waste has been removed.
Conclusion
The complexity of installation is one of the issues that discourage customers from purchasing kitchen unit equipment. When an important device is simple to install, homeowners are more likely to use it.
Garbage disposals are less difficult to set up than you would think. The majority of the septic-ready ones work seamlessly with your current mounting system. Again, many of these do not need any electrical skills. You plug them into an existing electrical socket and let them run.
Best Garbage Disposal For Septic Systems FAQs
How To Install A Garbage Disposal?
Installing a garbage disposal is neither difficult nor dangerous. Furthermore, this device usually comes with a set of installation instructions. Most homeowners find that replacing the prior disposal with the same model is more straightforward in terms of the type to install. Take care of the electrical components during the installation. I usually recommend getting a unit with a pre-installed power cord, so you don’t have to worry about complex electrical work.
What Type of Waste Should I Put In My Garbage Disposal?
As a general rule, just run food waste. The majority of fruits, as well as their peels, fall within this category. A hard item like a coconut cover should not be thrown in the disposal. Plastics, metals, glass, wood, and other non-food objects should also be avoided.
If you need to make any changes to the hardwiring, you should seek the assistance of an electrician. Of course, you won’t be able to accomplish this if you don’t know how to work with electricity. After you’ve completed the installation, the real job begins: maintaining your device so that it lasts. And it doesn’t stop there. You would also look after your whole septic system.
How Do You Clean A Stinky Garbage Disposal?
Put citrus peels and ice cubes in the garbage disposal. If this natural scouring and refreshing process fails to clean the unit, use a solution designed to disinfect and deodorize garbage disposals.
What Causes Sludge Build-Up Typically In Septic Tanks?
Sludge is organic stuff accumulated over time, even though your garbage disposal effectively pulverizes food waste and makes it easier for septic bacteria to digest.
Is It Necessary To Have A Garbage Disposal With A Septic Tank System?
Installing a waste disposer for usage with a septic system is not mandatory. You may either throw your food leftovers in the trash or compost them. On the other hand, a disposer is an essential installation that aids in reducing kitchen waste and preventing septic system blockages.