Now, forgetting about AOC and focusing solely on the topic of garbage disposals.
Garbage disposals are present in about 50% of United States households. I would imagine that the usage is likely skewed towards rural, small town and suburban households, which would explain the ignorance of city dwellers.
However, use of these units should be encouraged by residents of ALL households, whether inner city or the backwoods. Every organic item that goes down a garbage disposal is one less piece of waste going to a landfill. Increased bio-matter going to sewage plants is beneficial to the overall sewage treatment process and with the proper management and equipment, is more environmentally friendly.
It is probably more beneficial as well those those of us, such as myself, who use septic tanks.
Perhaps cities leaders should take the initiative and put out the word about garbage disposals. Require them for new construction. Encourage owners to install them where they do not exist. And encourage tenants to use them properly. A mail out flyer from municipalities could make suggests as to how to properly go about using the disposer.