Yes. Disposals add 50% more solids to your tank, requiring more frequent pumping (2-3 years vs 3-5). If you have one, expect to pump more often or compost food waste instead.
More detail
Garbage disposals send food solids (carbohydrates, proteins, fats) into the septic tank where they contribute to sludge accumulation faster than human waste alone. Multiple studies estimate disposal use at typical residential frequency adds 30-60% to total tank solids accumulation, which translates directly to more frequent pumping. Heavy users (daily disposal of food prep waste) can reduce tank life between pumps to under 2 years; intermittent users (weekly disposal use) may stay close to the standard 3-5 year cadence. Composting food waste or simply scraping plates into a trash bin before rinsing dramatically reduces septic load. If a household uses a disposal, expect to pump every 2-3 years and consider an effluent filter retrofit ($150-$250) to catch the additional solid load before it reaches the drain field. Cincinnati composting context: most Greater Cincinnati communities have organized composting programs (curbside in some Hamilton County neighborhoods; drop-off centers in suburban areas). For a household considering whether to keep using a disposal, transitioning to composting cuts septic load while also producing soil amendment for landscaping. Disposal removal during a kitchen remodel is straightforward; subsequent septic life extension is meaningful.