What's even more inexplicable is that NRDC's chief scientist, Dr. Allen Hershkowitz, has publicly endorsed the use of disposers saying that organic garbage produces microorganisms that act on other materials in a landfill so that they also release air emissions, some of them carcinogenic. He noted, "Basically you do not want wet organic garbage in a landfill...Landfills should be kept dry"(Science Times, 9-07-2004).
So Izeman (and Eric Goldstein), what's up with your continued intransigence? We know that in the most perfect world everyone would have their little compost bin and your friendly neighborhood composter would come around on his/her bicycle to collect from the entire village. In NYC, however, this idyllic situation simply doesn't exist and the use of disposers is the best real world and environmentally sound solution.
Update: We stumbled upon the transcript from the first Speaker's debate where Joel Rivera, sponsor of the pilot program Intro, makes a good, succint case for grinders:
Third, I actually have a bill called the grinders bill, which would in effect take away 40 percent of the organic waste going into our landfills. It’s in effect in other major municipalities, it would be a tremendous plus for our city, and I think we should implement it as soon as possible. I would urge the other members of the city council to join me and to pass this very important bill.
