A food-waste disposer and a _______________ are the same thing.

A food-waste disposer and a garbage disposal refer to the same kitchen appliance used to shred food waste into pieces small enough to pass through plumbing. This device is typically installed under a kitchen sink and allows for the disposal of food scraps and waste directly into the plumbing system, effectively reducing kitchen waste. The term "garbage disposal" is commonly used in households and plumbing discussions to describe the same functionality and purpose as a food-waste disposer.

In contrast, a trash compactor is a different appliance used to compress waste materials into a small, manageable size, reducing the overall volume of trash but not specifically designed for food waste. A composter, on the other hand, is a system or bin where organic waste, including food scraps, is broken down by microorganisms into compost through a natural process. Finally, a chopper, although it may refer to a kitchen tool for cutting food, does not imply the waste disposal capability inherent to a disposer or garbage disposal.