What Can and Can't Go Down the Garbage Disposal

Homeowners should avoid putting any oil or greasy foods down a garbage disposal.

A garbage disposal is handy for getting rid of waste. However, this appliance can't handle everything homeowners throw at it. Disposal of some foods might cause clogging, motor burnout, blade dulling, and even pipe damage. Using the garbage disposal correctly will significantly extend its life span and help homeowners avoid costly plumbing repairs.

Here's what can and can't go down a garbage disposal unit:

Foods that can't go down the garbage disposal

Since most foods work with the garbage disposal just fine, it's easier to focus on items that homeowners shouldn't drop into this appliance. Many might be surprised to learn it's not the harder foods that cause an issue.

Foods with oils, fats, grease, and creams

Homeowners should avoid putting any oil or greasy foods down a garbage disposal. This also goes for ice cream, jelly, or peanut butter. While these are liquids, they solidify over time and can turn into a jelly-like substance that clogs drains and pipes. They can cause serious plumbing problems that require professional help.

Big meals filled with starch

This is another big food group that can cause serious clogging issues. Things like rice, macaroni, spaghetti, and potatoes will turn mushy when put down a garbage disposal. It may not cause initial problems, but this mush can collect in drains and pipes, creating more damage. If a few stray spaghetti strands fall in, it's not a big deal. But avoid larger quantities at all costs.

Coffee grounds, eggshells, nuts, and shellfish

These food types aren't hard, but they take a long period to break down. As they collect at the bottom of the drains, they can cause clogging problems, just like the other foods on this list. Tiny pieces of eggshell, for example, can wrap around the shredder ring over time.

Fruit peels and fibrous vegetables

While it might be surprising, these foods can also cause plumbing damage. Fruit peels are generally thin and can often slip by the blades. They fall into the drains and stay there in one big piece. Corn husks, asparagus, artichokes, and celery are just as problematic, as they can be hard on the blades and drains.

Foods that can go in the garbage disposal

All foods not mentioned above can go into garbage disposal safely. That includes small bits of meat, vegetable and fruit scraps, pits, ice, and small bones.

Fix the garbage disposal safely

Homeowners should contact a professional once a garbage disposal breaks down or causes plumbing issues. Inspecting and repairing the problem requires specialized expertise, equipment, and tools only a plumber can provide. These services often include fixing clogged drain pipes and replacing the garbage disposal.

Adaven Plumbing is a family-owned residential and commercial plumbing company specializing in water heater installation, repair, or replacement, water filtration, water softeners, garbage disposal installation, garbage disposal repair, and garbage disposal replacement. We are licensed and available 24 hours, Monday to Saturday.