8 Things to Not Put Down the Garbage Disposal

As a homeowner, you probably rely on your garbage disposal to help with food waste disposal, making your kitchen cleanup a breeze. However, it’s important to remember that only some things can go down the garbage disposal. 

To keep your disposal running smoothly and avoid plumbing issues, knowing what should never be put down the garbage disposal is crucial. In this blog post, we’ll discuss some everyday items that should be kept far away from your disposal to ensure its longevity and efficient operation.

1. Grease and Fat: While pouring leftover cooking grease or fat down the disposal may seem convenient, it’s a recipe for disaster. Grease and fat can solidify and clog your pipes, leading to backups and unpleasant odors. Instead, allow the grease to cool in a container and dispose of it in the trash.
2. Bones: Garbage disposals are not designed to handle bones. Hard bones can damage the disposal’s blades or jam the motor. Dispose of bones in the regular trash or consider composting them.
3. Coffee Grounds: Coffee grounds may appear harmless, but they can accumulate in your pipes, forming a sludgy mess that leads to blockages. Dispose of coffee grounds in your compost bin or throw them in the trash.
4. Eggshells: Contrary to popular belief, eggshells should not be put down the garbage disposal. The thin membrane lining the shell can wrap around the disposal’s blades, causing clogs. Dispose of eggshells in the trash or use them as fertilizer for your garden.
5. Fibrous Vegetables: Fibrous vegetables like celery, asparagus, corn husks, and artichokes have long, stringy fibers that can get tangled in the disposal’s blades, impeding its operation. It’s best to dispose of these items in the trash or add them to your compost pile.
6. Pasta and Rice: They expand when pasta and rice come into contact with water. This expansion can lead to clogs and blockages in your pipes. Additionally, the sticky nature of cooked pasta and rice can cause problems in your disposal. Dispose of them in the trash instead.
7. Fruit Pits and Seeds: Fruit pits, such as those from peaches, plums, or avocados, are hard and can damage your garbage disposal’s blades. Seeds from fruits like apples or melons are small and can easily get lodged in the disposal’s crevices. Discard fruit pits and seeds in the trash.
8. Non-Food Items: It’s essential to remember that garbage disposals are designed specifically for food waste. Never put non-food items like plastic, metal, glass, or paper down the disposal. These items can damage the disposal’s blades, cause blockages, or even pose a safety hazard.

Remember, using your garbage disposal correctly is key to avoiding costly plumbing repairs and maintaining a smoothly functioning kitchen. If you ever encounter a problem with your garbage disposal, it’s best to reach out to a professional plumbing service, such as I Fix Pipe, for assistance.

By following these guidelines and treating your garbage disposal with care, you can ensure its longevity and keep your kitchen clean and functional for years to come.

Call (432) 559-1000 — we’ll offer recommendations for how to avoid costly repairs!