9 Items You Should Avoid Putting in Your Garbage Disposal for a Better Kitchen

Maintaining a clean and efficient kitchen is not just about aesthetics; it plays a crucial role in your daily cooking experience. One of the most helpful appliances in any kitchen is the garbage disposal. It effectively manages food waste, making clean-up much easier. However, it's important to remember that not everything belongs in the disposal. Putting the wrong items down can lead to clogs, damage, and even costly repairs. Here, we will examine nine items you should avoid putting in your garbage disposal to ensure it runs smoothly and lasts longer.

1. Fibrous Vegetables

Fibrous vegetables like celery, asparagus, and artichokes can cause major problems for your garbage disposal. These vegetables contain tough fibers that can tangle around the blades, leading to jams. In fact, over 60% of garbage disposal repairs are related to clogs caused by fibrous items.

Instead of sending these down your disposal, consider composting or tossing them in the trash. If you want to minimize waste, chop them into smaller pieces before discarding them.

2. Starchy Foods

Starchy foods such as potatoes, rice, and pasta can absorb water and expand. When these items enter the disposal, they can create a thick paste that clogs your pipes. A clog caused by starchy foods can reduce your water flow by as much as 30%, leading to serious plumbing issues.

Rather than using the garbage disposal for these foods, dispose of them in the trash or compost them if possible. This will help keep your plumbing system clear and functioning properly.

3. Grease and Oil

Pouring grease or oil down the garbage disposal might seem easy, but this practice can lead to significant plumbing issues. Grease can solidify inside pipes, creating blockages that are tough to clear. According to plumbing experts, nearly 47% of all sewer blockages come from grease.

Always let grease cool and solidify before disposing of it in the trash. Alternatively, you can collect it in a container for recycling at a center that accepts cooking oil.

4. Eggshells

Some people think that putting eggshells in the garbage disposal sharpens the blades. However, that's a myth. In truth, the membrane inside the eggshell can wrap around the blades, leading to clogs. Statistics show that approximately 25% of homeowners experience plumbing issues directly related to disposal misuse, including eggshells.

Instead of putting eggshells down the disposal, consider composting them. They can provide valuable calcium to your garden soil.

5. Coffee Grounds

Coffee grounds may appear harmless, but they can build up in your pipes and form a sludge that results in clogs. Over time, this buildup can lead to significant plumbing problems. In fact, it's reported that homeowners can spend up to $200 on plumbing repairs caused by coffee grounds.

To get rid of coffee grounds, add them to your compost pile or use them as a natural fertilizer in your garden.

6. Bones

Putting bones into your garbage disposal is a guaranteed way to cause damage to the blades. Bones are too hard and can lead to jams or even breakage. Research shows that appliances exposed to bones can have a reduced lifespan by up to 50%.

Instead of using the disposal for bones, throw them in the trash or consider using them to make broth or stock.

7. Fruit Pits

Similar to bones, fruit pits from items such as cherries, peaches, and avocados can harm your garbage disposal. These hard objects can lead to broken or dulled blades. A survey of homeowners found that over 40% have experienced damage from trying to dispose of fruit pits.

It's best to dispose of fruit pits in the trash. If possible, compost them, which will keep your disposal in good working order.

8. Non-Food Items

It might seem obvious, but many people mistakenly drop non-food items into their garbage disposals. Plastic, metal, and glass can severely damage the disposal and your plumbing. The Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that around 13% of garbage disposal-related accidents are tied to non-food items.

Always be mindful of what goes into your disposal. If something accidentally drops in, turn off the disposal immediately and remove it to prevent damage.

9. Large Amounts of Food Waste

Even if the food waste is safe for the disposal, feeding large amounts at once can overwhelm the system. This overload can lead to clogs and potential damage. Keep in mind that 30% of households experience disposal issues due to this kind of misuse.

To avoid problems, feed your garbage disposal small amounts of food waste at a time. This allows it to process waste more effectively and reduces the risk of clogs.

Keeping Your Kitchen Efficient

Taking care of your garbage disposal is essential for maintaining an efficient kitchen. By avoiding these nine items, you can prevent clogs, damage, and expensive repairs. Remember to dispose of food waste responsibly and consider composting whenever possible. A little mindfulness can greatly enhance the performance of your garbage disposal and keep your kitchen running smoothly.

So, the next time you're cleaning up after a meal, take a moment to think about what you're putting down the disposal. You may find that making a few simple changes can save you time, money, and frustration later. Happy cooking!

If you need help with your garbage disposal, make sure to give us a call! 979-324-7611