Things You Should Never Put in the Garbage Disposal

Common Kitchen Mistakes to Avoid with Your Garbage Disposal

A garbage disposal is a handy kitchen appliance that breaks down food scraps and helps keep your drains flowing smoothly. But not everything can safely go down the disposal. Putting the wrong items in can lead to clogs, damage, or costly repairs. Here’s a guide to what you should always avoid tossing into your garbage disposal.

Grease and Oils Can Cause Blockages

It may seem convenient, but pouring grease or oil down the drain is a big no-no. Once liquid grease cools, it solidifies and sticks to your pipes, leading to stubborn clogs. Instead, collect grease and oil in a container and throw it in the trash once cooled.

Say No to Hard Bones and Fibrous Foods

Hard bones from larger cuts of meat can damage the disposal’s blades or motor. Toss these in the trash or compost if you can. Likewise, fibrous foods like celery stalks, corn husks, and onion skins can get tangled in the blades, causing jams. These should also be discarded elsewhere.

Avoid Starchy and Non-Food Items

Starchy foods like pasta, rice, or potato peels can swell and form a sticky paste that blocks your pipes. Additionally, any non-food items—plastic, glass, metal, paper, or wrappers—should never enter the disposal as they can break the unit or jam the mechanism.

Other Common Culprits

Coffee grounds might seem harmless but tend to accumulate and clog pipes. Instead, put them in your garden compost. Large fruit pits and seeds from peaches, cherries, or avocados are tough on blades and best discarded in the trash. Surprisingly, eggshells aren’t ideal either; the thin membranes inside can wrap around blades and create clogs, so compost or trash is a better choice.

Understanding what belongs (and what definitely doesn’t) in your garbage disposal goes a long way toward keeping it running well. By steering clear of these problematic items, you’ll avoid unpleasant smells, messy clogs, and expensive plumbing problems down the line.

Proper care and mindful use ensure your disposal remains a helpful kitchen companion, making cleanup easier and your pipes happier.