What Can Safely Go in the Garbage Disposal?
The term garbage disposal can be misleading. Understanding this kitchen appliance’s functions and limitations might save you from inadvertently sending the wrong things down the drain. Some items that seem safe can destroy your garbage disposal and lead to costly repairs. Read on to learn what can go in garbage disposals.
Garbage Disposal Rules
What is a garbage disposal used for? A garbage disposal's main function is to move food scraps out of the sink and through the drain. They use centrifugal force to break down food waste and push it through a metal grind ring. The discarded food is then small enough to move through your plumbing without clogging the pipes.
It's important to know what is OK to put in a garbage disposal and what not to put in a garbage disposal. Here's a general guide.
Things That Cannot Go in Your Garbage Disposal
Here's what can't go down a garbage disposal:
- Fibrous foods, including artichoke leaves, asparagus stems, banana peels, celery, corn husks, kale, and potato peels
- Poultry skins, meat, bones, and bacon grease
- Nuts, seeds, and shells
- Starchy foods that can expand, such as rice, pasta, and uncooked oats
- Cooking oils, grease, and fatty liquids
- Eggshells
- Coffee grounds
- Non-food items of any kind
In some cases, small bits of cooked meat are OK for garbage disposals. These food scraps may be fine for your home's unit, but always consult your manufacturer's manual to confirm your disposal's can-do list. You can compost many food items that cannot go in the disposal.
Watch for items that can sneak down the disposal like bottle caps, soda can pull tabs, bread bag twist ties, and broken glass. Diligence around your kitchen sink will help you avoid a startling "clank" when you turn on the garbage disposal. It can also help keep your disposal running smoothly.
Things That Can Go in Your Garbage Disposal
Here's what can go in your garbage disposal:
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Chopped, less-fibrous vegetable scraps (like the leftovers scraped from a sauté pan)
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Citrus peels (think lemon twists or lime wedges, not the whole peel from an orange)
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Fruit scraps from bananas, grapes, and apples
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Ice cubes (helpful for loosening food bits stuck to the disposal’s metal grind ring)
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Yogurt, applesauce, soup, and other soft foods or liquids
How to Safely Maintain Your Garbage Disposal
Other than adhering to the list of what can't go down a garbage disposal, you can take steps to maintain your unit and prevent damage. Turn on the cold water just before you run the disposal and leave it on while it's running and for a few seconds after. This helps flush through any particles that could get stuck.
To keep things running smoothly and smelling fresh, clean your unit once per month. Use a white vinegar cleaning solution as a safe way to disinfect and fight odor-causing bacteria.
Disadvantages & Challenges
Garbage disposals are a convenient way to keep your sink clean and dispose of small food scraps, but they do have some downsides. Usually, these stem from improper use, such as putting in the wrong things, or not following maintenance guidelines. Your disposal can develop smells and clogs, but you can avoid these with the right care and garbage disposal cleaning.
They also require running water, which can feel wasteful. Cut the time you use your disposal by composting all the food scraps you can, and only using it when necessary.
When Your Garbage Disposal Breaks
Even with proper maintenance and knowing what not to put in garbage disposals, these appliances don’t last forever.
When your disposal breaks and you're a DIYer, you can learn how to change a garbage disposal. But with a First American home warranty you can protect your peace of mind and simply contact us when your covered disposal breaks. We'll dispatch a prescreened technician to diagnose and fix or replace it. First American home warranties offer coverage for your garbage disposal and many other home appliances. To learn more about what our plans cover, get a free home warranty quote.
The contents of this article are provided for general guidance only. First American Home Warranty does not assume any responsibility for losses or damages as a result of using this information.