using grey water for composting and on top of mulch bedding

[dave St Pete]

Can grey water, mainly dishwashing water, I do not use a dishwasher, be used on compost piles and mulching beds, or does the detergent have a harmful effect? If it does, is there a way to minimize the effect. I have a problem with tossing this water out or even letting it go down the drain. We've had successive years of drought in my area and although the water table is recovering, I'm thinking direct filtration thru the soil is better than processing at a water plant. Thanx.

[Dchall_San_Antonio]

The only concern I have with throwing household waste into the compost pile or directly on the soil are the number of disinfectants used in the house. If you use any chlorine in the dish washing water, then it should sit for a few days in the open air to dissipate the Cl. Same with alcohols and mouthwashes. They are made to kill microbes, not feed them.

If you don't have any of those in your waste water, then you should be okay. Diluted soaps are not a problem that I am aware of.