Can you put a garbage disposal in an RV? [Ultimate Guide]

If you’re an RV-er, then you know that there are a lot of things to consider when it comes to waste management. You have to worry about where to put your trash, how to store your sewage, and what to do with your grey water. But one question that often comes up is whether or not you can put a garbage disposal in an RV.

Garbage disposals can be installed in your RV’s sink, but there are a few things to consider before you do. The main thing to think about is your RV’s plumbing. You need to have a way to connect the disposal to your RV’s sewage system. This can be done with a macerator or a sewer hose.

So in that session, I will answer that question and talk about the pros and cons of adding a garbage disposal to your RV.

So read on for all the info!

How does a garbage disposal work?

Garbage disposal is a small, electrically powered appliance that is installed under your kitchen sink. It has a cylindrical chamber that grinds up food waste when it is turned on. The grinded-up food waste is then flushed down the drain like any other waste.

You can use a garbage disposal in your RV, but there are a few things to consider first. The main thing is your RV’s plumbing.

What to consider before choosing garbage disposal for an RV?

What to consider before choosing garbage disposal for an RV

Your RV’s plumbing is not the same as a house’s. It’s not as simple as just installing the garbage disposal unit and plugging it in. You will need to make sure that your RV’s plumbing can handle the garbage disposal unit.

This means that you will need to have a strong and reliable sewage system.

You also need to consider the size of your garbage disposal unit. Some models can be quite large, and if you have a small RV, there might not be enough space for it under your sink. There are also compact models that are designed for small spaces.

Another consideration is power. Some garbage disposal units require a lot of power to operate. If you are dry camping or boondocking, you might not have enough power to run a large unit. There are some solar-powered models that can be a good option in these situations.

You also need to think about how much food waste you will be generating. If you are only cooking for two people, you might not need a large unit. However, if you are cooking for a family or entertaining often, you will need a unit that can handle more waste.

Which types of Garbage disposal should I use for an RV?

The different types of garbage disposals that can be used in an RV, and what type is best for each situation.

There are three main types of garbage disposals that can be used in an RV:

– Standard Garbage Disposal: A standard garbage disposal is the most common type of disposal. It can be used in most RVs and is best for general waste.

– Continuous Feed Garbage Disposal: A continuous feed garbage disposal is similar to standard garbage disposal, but can handle more waste and is better for larger RVs.

– Portable Garbage Disposal: A portable garbage disposal is small, compact disposal that can be used in any RV. It is best for RVs that do not have a lot of space.

No matter which type of garbage disposal you use, there are a few things to keep in mind:

  • Do not put hard, stringy, or oily waste in the disposal.
  • Do not put any metal objects at your disposal.
  • Do not put bones at your disposal.
  • Do not put coffee grounds at your disposal.
  • Do not put cigarette butts at your disposal.
  • Do not put hot grease or oil in the disposal.

If you follow these guidelines, your garbage disposal should work great in your RV. Just be sure to choose the right type of disposal for your RV and your needs.

Garbage Disposal Benefits

If you live in an RV, you know that space is limited. That’s why garbage disposal can be such a valuable addition to your RV kitchen. A garbage disposal can help you save space by getting rid of food scraps and other waste quickly and easily.

There are a few things to consider before you install a garbage disposal in your RV, but the benefits can be well worth it. Here are some of the top benefits of having a garbage disposal in your RV:

1. Save space – As we mentioned, one of the biggest benefits of having a garbage disposal in your RV is that it can help you save space. With a garbage disposal, you can get rid of food scraps and other waste quickly and easily, without having to store it in your RV.

2. Save money – Another great benefit of having a garbage disposal in your RV is that it can help you save money. If you’re able to get rid of food scraps and other waste quickly, you won’t have to pay for dumpster rental or other waste disposal services.

3. Keep your RV clean – A garbage disposal can also help you keep your RV clean. By getting rid of food scraps and other waste quickly, you can avoid having to clean your RV as often.

4. Avoid bad smells – If you have a garbage disposal in your RV, you can avoid bad smells that can come from food scraps and other waste.

5. Protect the environment – When you have a garbage disposal in your RV, you can help protect the environment. By getting rid of food scraps and other waste quickly, you can reduce the amount of waste that goes into landfills.

Installing a garbage disposal in your RV can offer a number of great benefits. If you’re looking for a way to save space and money, and keep your RV clean, a garbage disposal can be a great addition to your RV kitchen.

Why Garbage Disposals Are Not Built For RVs?

You’re probably wondering why there’s no garbage disposal in your RV. It’s not that your rig is too small to accommodate one—it’s because they’re not built for RVs. Here’s why:

Source of Odor

Let’s face it, garbage can stink. And when that garbage is sitting in a can in your RV, the odor can be overwhelming. Garbage disposal would simply add to that odor.

Mice and Other Critters

Mice and other critters are attracted to the smell of garbage. If you had a garbage disposal in your RV, the chances of mice and other critters getting into your rig would increase.

Grey Tank Buildup

One of the most common problems RVers have is a clogged grey tank. This is usually caused by putting too much food waste down the drain. If you had a garbage disposal, the problem would only be compounded.

Additional Weight

RVs are already heavy enough without adding the weight of garbage disposal. Every extra pound counts when you’re on the road.

Clogs

Garbage disposals can easily become clogged, and when they do, they can be very difficult to fix. If you’re on the road, you’re going to want to avoid any type of clog.

Water usage

Garbage disposals use a lot of water. In an RV, water is a precious commodity. You don’t want to waste any of it, so garbage disposal is not a good idea.

How to Install garbage disposal in RV?

There are a few methods you can use to install a garbage disposal in your RV. You can either hardwire it into the RV’s electrical system, or you can use a portable generator.

If you decide to hardwire the garbage disposal into the RV’s electrical system, you will need to purchase a special RV garbage disposal. These can be found at most RV dealerships or online.

If you decide to use a portable generator, you will need to purchase a standard household garbage disposal. You can then connect the generator to the RV’s electrical system using a standard extension cord.

Once you have the garbage disposal, follow these steps to install it:

1. Turn off the power to the RV’s electrical system.

2. Remove the cover from the RV’s sink drain.

3. Place the garbage disposal in the sink drain.

4. Secure the garbage disposal to the RV’s sink drain using the included mounting hardware.

5. Connect the electrical wires to the garbage disposal.

6. Turn on the power to the RV’s electrical system.

7. Test the garbage disposal by running water through it.

If you have any questions about how to install a garbage disposal in your RV, please consult an RV dealer or a qualified RV technician.

Frequently Asked Questions:

How much power need to run garbage disposal on RV?

A standard household garbage disposal uses about 1,200 watts of power. If you are using a portable generator, you will need to make sure that it can provide enough power to run the garbage disposal.

Can I put garbage disposal in my RV septic tank?

No, you should not put a garbage disposal in your RV septic tank. The grinding action of the garbage disposal can damage the septic tank’s baffles and allow solids to escape into the leach field. This can clog the leach field and cause it to fail.

How much does it cost to get garbage disposal?

A standard household garbage disposal can cost anywhere from $50 to $200. If you are purchasing a special RV garbage disposal, the cost will be higher.

Conclusion

Installing a garbage disposal in your RV can be a good way to reduce the amount of food waste that you generate. However, there are some potential downsides to using a garbage disposal in an RV.

These include the increased risk of clogs, the additional weight, and increased water usage. If you are considering installing a garbage disposal in your RV, be sure to weigh the pros and cons before making a decision.

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