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10 Things You Should Never Put Down a Garbage Disposal

10 Things You Should Never Put Down a Garbage Disposal

Garbage disposals are a modern convenience that many Brooklyn homeowners have come to rely on. They’re great for grinding up certain kitchen waste, but they’re not invincible. Toss the wrong thing into your disposal, and you might end up with a jammed machine or, even worse, a plumbing nightmare. Here’s a list of items that should never see the inside of your garbage disposal.

Cartoon of a garbage disposal with coffee grounds and eggshells in it.

1. Grease, Fats, and Oils:

  • Why Not: They solidify when cooled and can coat the blades, reducing efficiency. Over time, they build up and clog pipes.
  • Alternative: Pour them into a container, let them solidify, and then toss in the trash.

 

2. Coffee Grounds:

  • Why Not: They create sludgy messes and can accumulate in pipes, leading to blockages.
  • Alternative: Add them to your compost or use them as a natural deodorizer.

 

3. Eggshells:

  • Why Not: The thin membrane inside the shell can wrap around the disposal’s blades. Ground shells can also form a sandy consistency that clogs pipes.
  • Alternative: Compost them or use them as a natural pest deterrent in gardens.

 

4. Bones:

  • Why Not: They’re too hard for the disposal to grind and can damage the blades.
  • Alternative: Toss them in the trash or make a broth.

 

5. Fibrous Vegetables (Celery, Corn Husks, Onion Skins):

  • Why Not: The fibers can tangle and jam the disposal’s blades.
  • Alternative: Compost them or use them as a base for soups and broths.

 

6. Pasta and Rice:

  • Why Not: They expand when soaked and can create a thick paste that clogs drains.
  • Alternative: Scrape leftovers into the trash.

 

7. Potato Peels:

  • Why Not: The starches can form a thick paste, causing blades to stick.
  • Alternative: Compost them or use them to make potato broth.

 

8. Fruit Pits (Peaches, Avocados, Cherries):

  • Why Not: They’re too hard for the disposal to grind.
  • Alternative: Toss them in the trash or compost.

 

9. Non-Food Items (Glass, Plastic, Metal):

  • Why Not: They can damage the disposal and pipes.
  • Alternative: Recycle or toss in the trash.

 

10. Harsh Chemicals and Cleaners:

  • Why Not: They can damage the disposal and harm the environment.
  • Alternative: Use natural cleaners like baking soda and vinegar.

 

Your garbage disposal is a handy tool, but it’s not a catch-all for kitchen waste. By being mindful of what you put down it, you can ensure it runs efficiently and extends its lifespan. And remember, when in doubt, it’s always safer to toss it in the trash or compost. Keep those blades spinning and your Brooklyn kitchen running smoothly!