Expert: Chris Manley - 9/20/2007

Question
Hello Chris,

I hope this doesn't gross you out to much, but here it is.

We do not have a garbage disposal.  Over the years we got in the habit of using what we call a slop bucket.  It's just a plastic bucket with a lid.  We throw food waste in it, coffee grounds, etc.  

We live in a small rural area and after maybe a week we toss it in a cornfield near our back yard. We rinse out the bucket and start over again.  The bucket does get pretty nasty looking I must admit.  You can only smell it  when the lid is removed.

I have worried about the opening and closing of the lid during the weeks time.  Of course after a day or so it doesn't smell good and I'm afraid I am releasing harmful bacteria into the air.  My husband says don't worry about it, but I've often wondered if using the bucket is not a healthy thing for us to do.

Is this the grossest thing you've ever heard?  Got any ideas for those of us without garbage disposals?

Thank you,
Janice

Answer
Your "bucket" is actually a very common thing to do.  In many areas we advise people to catch food debris in a container and dispose of it separately because of the increased strain large amounts of food waste can cause to septic systems.  Mold and yeast would be the only concern as far as airborne contamination when you open the bucket.  For most people you will not have any affect or maybe some minor allergy like symptoms.  If you empty the bucket regularly (I might suggest every 2-3 days vs. a week) you will limit the growth of mold and yeast and limit the chance of causing any airborne contamination.  Most bacteria will not become an airborne contaminant unless they are forced into the air.