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What Can and Can’t Go in Your Garbage Disposal

26October 2023

Introduction

A garbage disposal unit is an essential appliance for most modern kitchens. It helps to get rid of food scraps quickly and efficiently. But not everything should go down the disposal, and some things can damage the unit or cause clogs. This comprehensive guide will help you understand what is acceptable to toss and what should be avoided.

Table of Contents

  1. Fruits and Vegetable Scraps
  2. Dairy Products
  3. Meat and Fish
  4. Starchy Foods
  5. Nuts and Seeds
  6. Egg Shells
  7. Coffee Grounds
  8. Chemicals and Cleaning Agents
  9. Miscellaneous Items
  10. Conclusion

1. Fruits and Vegetable Scraps

  • Can Go: Soft fruits like bananas, oranges, and berries.
  • Can’t Go: Tough vegetable scraps like potato peels, onion skins, and corn husks.

2. Dairy Products

  • Can Go: None. Dairy can cause a build-up of bacteria and a bad smell.
  • Can’t Go: Milk, cheese, yogurt, and butter.

3. Meat and Fish

  • Can Go: Small pieces of cooked meat or fish.
  • Can’t Go: Large chunks, bones, and skin.

4. Starchy Foods

  • Can Go: None. These can turn into a paste and clog the unit.
  • Can’t Go: Pasta, rice, and bread.

5. Nuts and Seeds

  • Can Go: None. These can cause clogs or get stuck in the blades.
  • Can’t Go: Almonds, sunflower seeds, and pumpkin seeds.

6. Egg Shells

  • Can Go: Some say yes, claiming they help clean the blades, but experts are divided.
  • Can’t Go: Best to avoid, as the membrane can stick to the blades.

7. Coffee Grounds

  • Can Go: Small amounts are okay but not advisable.
  • Can’t Go: Best to avoid, as they can lead to clogs.

8. Chemicals and Cleaning Agents

  • Can Go: None. These can damage the unit and pipes.
  • Can’t Go: Bleach, drain cleaners, and other harsh chemicals.

9. Miscellaneous Items

  • Can Go: Small amounts of well-cooked oatmeal or grits.
  • Can’t Go: Plastic wrappers, metal, glass, and anything non-biodegradable.

Conclusion

Knowing what can and can’t go in your garbage disposal is crucial for its longevity and efficiency. Always run cold water before and after using the disposal to help flush out any remaining particles. If in doubt, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and throw it in the trash instead.

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