Things that Should Not Be Put Down the Garbage Disposal

Garbage disposals can get overworked between all the food we throw down them, and even the newer models have a simplistic construction that can be overwhelmed.

Let’s be honest: We love our garbage disposal. It’s a quick and sanitary way to dispose of food waste, keeping trash cans cleaner and lighter—and it helps keep food waste out of the landfill. Garbage disposals can get overworked between all the food we throw down them, and even the newer models have a simplistic construction that can be overwhelmed.

However, not all materials are suitable for disposal through these systems. Placing the wrong things down a garbage disposal often leads to clogs, damage, and expensive repairs. Understanding what should not be put down the garbage disposal is key to maintaining a properly functioning kitchen plumbing system. When in doubt, seeking plumbing help from a professional plumber is the best course of action.

Fibrous Vegetables

Fibrous vegetables such as celery, asparagus, corn husks, and artichokes should never be put down the garbage disposal. These vegetables contain long, stringy fibers that can wrap around the disposal’s blades and motor, causing them to jam. The fibrous material can also accumulate in the pipes, leading to clogs over time. It is best to dispose of fibrous vegetables in the trash or the compost bin rather than risk damaging the garbage disposal.

Grease, Oil, and Fats

Grease, oil, and fats should never be poured down the garbage disposal or any drain. When these substances cool, they solidify and can stick inside the pipes, creating blockages that are difficult to remove. Over time, the build-up of grease, oil, and fats can lead to significant plumbing issues, including slow drains and sewer backups. A professional plumber often deals with the consequences of grease build-up, which is easily avoidable by disposing of these substances in a sealed container and throwing them away in the trash.

Eggshells

There is a common misconception that eggshells help clean garbage disposal blades, but this is untrue. Eggshells can actually cause more harm than good. When ground up in the disposal, the thin membrane inside the eggshells can wrap around the blades and cause jams. Additionally, the small, hard pieces of shell can accumulate in the pipes, contributing to clogs. Throw away eggshellss in the trash or compost them if possible.

Coffee Grounds

Coffee grounds may seem harmless, but they should not be put down the garbage disposal. When ground coffee is flushed down the drain, it forms a thick, sludgy substance that can stick to the walls of the pipes. Over time, this build-up can cause clogs and restrict the flow of water. Coffee grounds are best disposed of in the trash or used in composting, as they benefit soil when added to a compost pile.

Bones

Garbage disposals were not designed to handle bones from chicken, pork, beef, or fish. Bones are too hard for the disposal blades to grind up effectively, and attempting to do so can dull the blades and damage the motor. Even small bones can jam up the disposal. Bones should always be discarded in the trash or composted if appropriate.

Potato Peels

Potato peels are another common food item that should not be discarded in the garbage disposal. When ground up, potato peels can turn into a starchy paste that sticks to the blades and pipes. This paste can clog the disposal and create blockages in the plumbing system. It is best to throw potato peels in the trash or compost them to avoid this issue.

Pasta and Rice

Pasta and rice still expand when exposed to water, even after they have been cooked. When put down the garbage disposal, these foods can continue to swell and create blockages in the pipes. The sticky consistency of pasta and rice also makes it difficult for the disposal to break them down completely. Throwing pasta and rice in the trash prevents potential clogs and keeps the plumbing system running smoothly.

Fruit Pits and Seeds

Hard fruit pits, such as those from peaches, avocados, or cherries, should never be put down the garbage disposal. These pits are too tough for the disposal blades to handle and can cause damage to the motor. Similarly, small fruit seeds, such as those from apples or citrus fruits, can slip through the disposal without being ground up, leading to clogs further down the plumbing system. Disposing of fruit pits and seeds in the trash is the safest option.

Non-Food Items

Garbage disposals are for food waste only. Non-food items such as plastic, glass, paper, and metal should never be put down the drain. These materials are known to cause severe damage to disposal blades and motors, leading to costly repairs or even replacement. If a non-food item accidentally falls into the disposal, it should be removed before turning the disposal on. A professional plumber can help retrieve items safely if needed.

Onion Skins

Onion skins are another item that should be kept out of the garbage disposal. Like fibrous vegetables, the thin layers of onion skins can wrap around the disposal blades and cause the unit to jam. The skin’s slippery texture can also contribute to clogs in the pipes. Disposing of onion skins in the trash or composting them is best.

Paint

Avid crafters will want to pay attention to this one. Paint poured down the drain can stick to the sides of the disposal or end up sitting in the pipes, where it can begin to harden and eventually clog the sink. Simply washing the brushes should be okay, but the paint should be heavily diluted. It’s best to use an appropriate container to clean brushes and dispose of that container to avoid introducing paint to the garbage disposal.

Maintaining a properly functioning garbage disposal requires carefully considering what is put into it. Items such as fibrous vegetables, grease, eggshells, coffee grounds, bones, and non-food materials can cause significant damage to the disposal and lead to clogged pipes. Seeking plumbing help from a professional plumber is the best way to address any issues arising from improper disposal. When in doubt, disposing of questionable items in the trash or compost is the safest approach to protect both the disposal and the plumbing system.

Flow Tech Plumbing offers residential and commercial plumbing installation, maintenance, and repair services in the Phoenix area. We repair and replace pipes, faucets, toilets, garbage disposals, and more. We install and repair bathtubs, showers, gas lines, pumps, kitchen plumbing, bathroom plumbing, water heaters, water filters, water softeners, sewers, drains, leaks, and more. We offer hydrojetting and 24/7 emergency service. Call us at (623) 267-2703.