What Can I Put Down a Garbage Disposal? Demystifying Your Kitchen’s Waste Eliminator
A garbage disposal is a convenient kitchen appliance, but it’s not a magical bottomless pit. The safe operation and longevity of your disposal depend on understanding what can and can’t be put down it. Generally, you can safely put down soft food scraps that are easily biodegradable, avoiding fibrous, starchy, greasy, or hard items that can cause clogs or damage.
Understanding the Garbage Disposal: A Brief Overview
The garbage disposal is a surprisingly simple device. It essentially pulverizes food waste into small pieces that can be flushed down the drain. A motor spins a rotating impeller plate (also known as a turntable) that throws food against a stationary grind ring. The grind ring then shreds the food into small particles. These particles are then flushed down the drain with water.
The Benefits of Using a Garbage Disposal
Using a garbage disposal offers several advantages:
- Reduced Landfill Waste: It diverts food waste from landfills, contributing to a smaller environmental footprint.
- Odor Control: Grinding up food scraps prevents them from rotting in your trash can, reducing unpleasant odors.
- Convenience: It simplifies kitchen cleanup by allowing you to easily dispose of food waste directly down the drain.
- Plumbing Maintenance (when used correctly): Regularly using your disposal with the correct foods can help keep your drain lines clear.
What CAN You Put Down the Disposal?
The following items are generally safe to put down your garbage disposal in small quantities:
- Soft Fruits and Vegetables: Melon rinds in moderation, cooked vegetables, and soft fruits (without large seeds or pits).
- Small Bones: Small, cooked chicken bones or fish bones (avoid large beef or pork bones).
- Coffee Grounds: Coffee grounds can help deodorize the disposal, but avoid excessive amounts.
- Eggshells: While debated, small amounts of eggshells are generally safe. Some argue they help sharpen the blades.
- Citrus Peels: Lemon, lime, and orange peels can freshen the disposal and help break down grease. Cut them into small pieces.
- Soft Cooked Pasta and Rice (small amounts): Excess starch can cause clogs.
What You Should NEVER Put Down the Disposal
Avoid putting these items down your disposal to prevent damage and clogs:
- Grease, Oil, and Fats: These solidify in pipes, causing major blockages.
- Fibrous Vegetables: Celery, corn husks, asparagus, and onion skins can wrap around the impeller and jam the disposal.
- Starchy Foods: Rice, pasta, and potatoes can expand in the drain and cause clogs.
- Large Bones: Beef, pork, and lamb bones are too hard and can damage the grinding mechanism.
- Fruit Pits and Seeds: Peach pits, avocado pits, and large seeds can damage the disposal.
- Coffee Filters, Paper Towels, and Other Paper Products: These don’t break down easily and can clog pipes.
- Shellfish Shells: Oyster, clam, and mussel shells are too hard and abrasive.
- Glass, Metal, and Plastic: These items can severely damage the disposal and are dangerous.
- Chemicals: Harsh chemicals like drain cleaner can damage the disposal and the plumbing.
Proper Garbage Disposal Operation: Step-by-Step
- Turn on the Cold Water: Always run cold water before, during, and after using the disposal.
- Turn on the Disposal: Flip the switch to activate the disposal.
- Gradually Feed Food Waste: Slowly add food waste to the disposal. Avoid overloading it.
- Run the Disposal Until Grinding Stops: Let the disposal run until you only hear the sound of water flowing.
- Continue Running Water Briefly: Keep the cold water running for a few seconds after the grinding stops to flush away any remaining particles.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overloading the Disposal: Adding too much food waste at once can strain the motor and cause jams.
- Using Hot Water: Hot water can melt grease and cause it to solidify further down the drain. Always use cold water.
- Ignoring Unusual Noises: If you hear loud grinding or scraping noises, turn off the disposal immediately and investigate.
- Forgetting to Clean the Disposal: Regularly cleaning the disposal helps prevent odors and buildup.
Cleaning and Maintaining Your Garbage Disposal
Regular cleaning and maintenance are crucial for extending the lifespan of your garbage disposal. Here are some tips:
- Flush with Cold Water: Run cold water through the disposal for a minute or two after each use.
- Use Ice Cubes: Grind a handful of ice cubes to help dislodge food particles and sharpen the blades.
- Citrus Peels: Grind citrus peels (lemon, lime, orange) to freshen the disposal and help break down grease.
- Baking Soda and Vinegar: Pour 1/2 cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by 1/2 cup of vinegar. Let it fizz for 30 minutes, then flush with hot water.
- Check for and Remove Obstructions: Unplug the disposal and use tongs to remove any visible obstructions. Never put your hand inside the disposal.
When to Call a Professional
If you experience any of the following problems, it’s best to call a professional plumber:
- Persistent Clogs: If you can’t clear a clog using standard methods.
- Water Leaks: If you notice water leaking from the disposal unit.
- Motor Problems: If the disposal doesn’t turn on or makes unusual noises.
- Electrical Issues: If you suspect an electrical problem with the disposal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I put coffee grounds down my garbage disposal?
Yes, you can put coffee grounds down your garbage disposal in small quantities. Coffee grounds can actually help deodorize the disposal. However, avoid putting large amounts down the drain at once, as they can accumulate and contribute to clogs over time.
Are eggshells safe to grind in the disposal?
This is a debated topic. While some argue that eggshells can help sharpen the disposal blades, others worry about the membrane causing clogs. Generally, putting small amounts of eggshells down the disposal is considered safe, but avoid putting large quantities down at once.
What happens if I accidentally put something I shouldn’t down the disposal?
If you accidentally put something you shouldn’t down the disposal, immediately turn it off. Do not attempt to run the disposal. Use tongs or pliers to carefully remove the object. If you’re unable to remove the object or the disposal is making unusual noises, call a plumber.
How often should I clean my garbage disposal?
You should clean your garbage disposal at least once a month to prevent odors and buildup. For heavier use, clean it more frequently, perhaps every other week. Regular cleaning can significantly extend the lifespan of your disposal.
Can I use drain cleaner in my garbage disposal?
Absolutely not! Harsh drain cleaners can damage the disposal’s components and the plumbing system. They can also pose a safety hazard. Use natural cleaning methods like baking soda and vinegar instead.
Why is my garbage disposal making a loud noise?
A loud noise usually indicates that there’s something stuck in the disposal. Immediately turn off the disposal and inspect it for obstructions. Use tongs to remove any visible objects. If the noise persists, call a plumber.
My disposal is clogged. What should I do?
First, turn off the power to the disposal at the circuit breaker. Then, try using a plunger to dislodge the clog. You can also try pouring a mixture of baking soda and vinegar down the drain, followed by hot water. If these methods don’t work, call a plumber.
How long should a garbage disposal last?
A well-maintained garbage disposal can last 8 to 15 years. Proper use, regular cleaning, and avoiding harmful items can significantly extend its lifespan.
What’s the best way to get rid of grease?
The best way to get rid of grease is to pour it into a disposable container (like a jar or can) and let it solidify. Then, dispose of the container in the trash. Never pour grease down the drain.
Is it okay to grind fruit pits in the disposal?
No, you should never grind hard fruit pits in your garbage disposal. Peach pits, avocado pits, and other large seeds are too hard and can damage the grinding mechanism.
What’s the difference between a continuous feed and a batch feed disposal?
A continuous feed disposal operates when you flip a switch and continuously add food waste while the water is running. A batch feed disposal requires you to place a batch of food waste into the disposal and then cover it with a special stopper to activate it.
My disposal smells bad. How do I get rid of the odor?
To eliminate odors, try grinding citrus peels (lemon, lime, orange) in the disposal. You can also use a mixture of baking soda and vinegar, followed by hot water. Regularly cleaning the disposal will help prevent future odors.