What Foods Can and Can't Go Down the Garbage Disposal?

The holiday season is a time for joy, celebration, and of course, lots of cooking. But amidst the hustle and bustle of preparing meals for family and friends, it’s easy to overlook proper garbage disposal use. Knowing what can and can’t go down the disposal is essential to avoid costly repairs and ensure smooth kitchen operations during the holidays.

Why Proper Garbage Disposal Use Matters

Your garbage disposal is a handy kitchen tool, but it’s not a catch-all for every type of food or waste. Misusing your disposal can lead to clogs, jams, and even damage to your plumbing system. By understanding what your disposal can handle, you’ll save yourself from the hassle and expense of emergency plumbing services.

What Should Never Go Down the Garbage Disposal?

Here’s a closer look at common items that should never be put down the disposal, especially during the holidays when your kitchen is working overtime:

• Vegetable Peels and Skins: Peeling potatoes for mashed potatoes or chopping carrots and celery for appetizers? While these vegetable scraps seem harmless, they can wrap around the disposal blades and cause jams. Instead, collect them in a compost bin or trash can.
• Grease and Oil: Cooking oil and grease from dishes like fried turkey or roasted meats may seem liquid at first, but as they cool, they solidify, leading to clogs in your pipes. Always let grease cool and dispose of it in a sealed container in the trash.
• Meat Scraps and Bones: Meat scraps and small bones can be problematic for disposals. Bones are too hard and can damage the disposal’s grinding components, while fatty meat scraps can contribute to clogs. Discard these in the trash.
• Fibrous Foods: Foods like celery, corn husks, and artichoke leaves have fibrous textures that can tangle in the disposal’s blades. Avoid disposing of these items in your sink.
• Non-Food Items: Surprisingly, items like wooden matches, rubber bands, twist ties, and even small utensils sometimes find their way into disposals. These non-food items can cause severe damage and should never be introduced into the system.

What Is Safe to Put Down the Disposal?

Now that you know what to avoid, here are some items that are typically safe to put down the garbage disposal:

• Soft Food Scraps: Small amounts of soft, non-fibrous foods like bread, cooked rice, and pasta can usually go down the disposal.
• Fruit and Vegetable Pieces: Non-fibrous and soft fruits and vegetables, such as banana slices or chopped apples, are generally safe in moderation.
• Cold Water: Always run cold water while using the disposal to help flush waste through the system and prevent overheating.

How to Keep Your Garbage Disposal in Top Shape

To ensure your garbage disposal operates smoothly throughout the holiday season and beyond, follow these maintenance tips:

• Run Cold Water: Always run cold water before, during, and after using the disposal to help flush food particles and prevent buildup.
• Clean Regularly: Use a mixture of baking soda and vinegar to clean the disposal and eliminate odors. For a fresh scent, grind citrus peels in the disposal.
• Avoid Overloading: Feed small amounts of waste into the disposal at a time rather than overloading it with too much at once.
• Inspect for Damage: Periodically check the disposal for any unusual noises, slow draining, or signs of wear, and address these issues promptly.

What to Do If Your Disposal Gets Clogged or Damaged

If your garbage disposal jams or stops working, resist the urge to fix it yourself unless you’re confident in your skills. Attempting to fix a disposal without proper knowledge can lead to injury or further damage. Instead, turn off the power and contact a professional plumber for assistance.

Call ABC for Expert Garbage Disposal Repair

Don’t let a malfunctioning garbage disposal ruin your holiday festivities. The team at ABC Plumbing, Sewer, Heating, Cooling, and Electric is here to help with fast and reliable plumbing services. Scroll down to find the location nearest you and call us for assistance. From clogs to repairs, we’ve got you covered, so you can get back to enjoying the season with your loved ones!

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