What Is Okay to Put in the Garbage Disposal?
A garbage disposal is a convenient kitchen appliance, but not all food scraps are created equal. Only soft, biodegradable food waste that can be easily ground into small particles is safe to put down the drain; avoid hard, fibrous, or starchy items to prevent clogs and damage.
Understanding Your Garbage Disposal: A Kitchen Essential
The garbage disposal, also known as a food waste disposer, has become a staple in many modern kitchens. Its primary function is to grind up food waste into small particles that can safely pass through plumbing systems. However, many homeowners are unsure of what materials are actually safe to introduce into this handy appliance, leading to potential problems like clogs, unpleasant odors, and even costly repairs. Understanding the inner workings of your disposal and the types of food it can handle is crucial for maintaining a healthy plumbing system and maximizing the lifespan of your appliance.
The Benefits of Using a Garbage Disposal
When used correctly, a garbage disposal offers several significant advantages:
- Reduced Odors: By quickly eliminating food scraps, disposals minimize the odors associated with decomposing waste in your trash can.
- Smaller Garbage Volume: Disposing of food waste down the drain reduces the amount of garbage, leading to fewer trips to the curb.
- Environmental Friendliness: In some municipalities, ground food waste can be processed at wastewater treatment plants and used for composting or energy production. This process reduces landfill waste and its associated environmental impact.
- Convenience: Cleaning up after meals becomes quicker and easier with the disposal of food scraps right at the sink.
What’s Safe to Grind: The Green Light List
Generally speaking, items that are soft and easily broken down are suitable for garbage disposals:
- Small amounts of soft food scraps: Think of soft leftovers from your plate – bits of cooked vegetables, fruits, and grains.
- Citrus peels: Small pieces of citrus peels (lemon, lime, orange) can help freshen the disposal and remove odors.
- Coffee grounds: In moderate amounts, coffee grounds can be processed safely.
- Small fruit pits: Soft fruit pits such as those found in peaches, plums, and nectarines, can be processed.
- Liquids: Soups, sauces, and other liquids are fine to pour down the drain.
The No-Go Zone: What to Keep Out
Certain foods and materials should never be introduced into a garbage disposal, as they can cause significant problems:
- Grease, oils, and fats: These substances solidify as they cool, causing clogs in your pipes.
- Bones: Bones are too hard for the disposal to grind effectively and can damage the blades.
- Eggshells: While seemingly harmless, the membrane inside eggshells can wrap around the disposal’s impeller and cause jams.
- Pasta and rice: These starchy foods absorb water and expand, creating a sticky paste that clogs drains.
- Fibrous vegetables: Celery, corn husks, asparagus, and other fibrous vegetables can wrap around the disposal’s blades and cause jams.
- Fruit pits (large, hard): Avoid hard pits, such as avocado, mango, or peach, that will not break down easily.
- Onion skins: Like eggshells, onion skins can wrap around the impeller and cause jams.
- Coffee filters and tea bags: These materials don’t break down properly and can clog the drain.
- Non-food items: Never put glass, metal, plastic, paper, or other non-food items into the disposal.
The Proper Way to Use Your Garbage Disposal
To ensure the safe and efficient operation of your garbage disposal, follow these steps:
- Run cold water: Always turn on the cold water before you turn on the disposal. Continue running the water while the disposal is operating and for a short time afterward to flush the ground food particles down the drain.
- Feed food scraps gradually: Don’t overload the disposal with too much food at once. Feed the scraps in small batches.
- Avoid large chunks: Cut up large food items into smaller pieces before putting them into the disposal.
- Listen to the disposal: If the disposal sounds like it’s struggling, turn it off and check for any obstructions.
- Regular Cleaning: Clean your garbage disposal regularly to prevent odors and buildup. A mixture of baking soda and vinegar followed by hot water can help. You can also grind ice cubes to help dislodge any stuck-on food particles.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Many disposal issues stem from common user errors:
- Pouring Grease Down the Drain: This is perhaps the most common and damaging mistake. Always dispose of grease in a container and throw it away.
- Overloading the Disposal: Putting too much food waste in at once can overwhelm the motor and cause jams.
- Forgetting to Run Water: Running water is essential for flushing food particles down the drain and preventing clogs.
- Using Hot Water: Hot water can melt fats, causing them to solidify further down the drain. Always use cold water.
Troubleshooting Common Garbage Disposal Problems
If your disposal stops working, try these troubleshooting steps:
- Check the reset button: Most disposals have a reset button located on the bottom of the unit. Press it to reset the motor.
- Check for obstructions: Use tongs or pliers (not your hand!) to remove any visible obstructions from the disposal chamber.
- Try running the disposal in reverse: Some disposals have a reverse function that can help dislodge stubborn obstructions.
- If all else fails, call a plumber: If you can’t resolve the issue yourself, contact a qualified plumber for assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is it really that bad to put eggshells down the garbage disposal?
While the outer shell itself might seem harmless, the thin membrane inside the eggshell can wrap around the impeller and cause jams. It’s best to avoid putting eggshells down the disposal altogether.
Can I put coffee grounds down the garbage disposal?
Yes, you can put coffee grounds down the disposal, but only in moderate amounts. Excessive amounts of coffee grounds can accumulate and contribute to clogs over time.
How do I get rid of a bad smell coming from my garbage disposal?
A common remedy is to grind citrus peels (lemon, lime, orange) to freshen the disposal. You can also pour a mixture of baking soda and vinegar down the drain, let it sit for 30 minutes, and then flush with hot water.
Is it okay to grind up potato peels in the garbage disposal?
Potato peels are high in starch and can create a sticky paste that clogs drains. It’s best to avoid putting potato peels down the disposal.
What’s the best way to clean my garbage disposal?
Regular cleaning can prevent odors and buildup. Grinding ice cubes can help dislodge any stuck-on food particles. You can also use a mixture of baking soda and vinegar.
My garbage disposal is making a loud humming noise but not grinding. What should I do?
This usually indicates that something is stuck in the disposal. Turn off the power, use tongs to remove any visible obstructions, and then try resetting the disposal.
Can I use Drano or other chemical drain cleaners in my garbage disposal?
Avoid using chemical drain cleaners in your garbage disposal. They can damage the disposal’s components and the plumbing system.
Is it safe to put chicken bones in the garbage disposal?
No, it is not safe. Bones are too hard for the disposal to grind effectively and can damage the blades.
Can I grind up shrimp shells in the garbage disposal?
Shrimp shells are hard and brittle, and they can damage the disposal’s blades. It’s best to avoid putting shrimp shells down the disposal.
How often should I run my garbage disposal?
You should run your garbage disposal every time you put food scraps down the drain. This helps to prevent clogs and odors.
What’s the lifespan of a garbage disposal?
With proper care and maintenance, a garbage disposal can last for 8-15 years.
Is it okay to put small amounts of bread down the disposal?
While a very small amount of bread might be okay, bread is high in starch and can absorb water, creating a sticky mass that can contribute to clogs. It’s best to avoid putting bread down the disposal whenever possible.