Garbage Disposal Usage Guidelines

August 2019

What Goes Down Garbage Disposals?

• Small amounts of leftover food from your plate

• Small potato pieces and peelings

• Carrot peelings

• Coffee grounds and tea bags (some say these are not OK)

• Grind up some ice cubes and lemon peels for a fresh smell

What Does Not Go Down Garbage Disposals?

• Anything that is not biodegradable food

• Anything combustible

• Plastic and metal

• Cigarettes and butts

• Bones from any animal

• Hamburger

• Bacon grease or other grease

• Egg shells

• Potato skins or large amounts of potato

• Corn cobs or husks, lettuce, celery, asparagus and other fibrous fruits and vegetables

• Pasta and rice

More notes:

• Just remember, whatever you wash down the sink must make it to the road (city pipes). If it is doubtful that a piece of food will get that far without causing a back-up, don't wash it down your sink.

• Anytime you put anything in your disposal, make sure you run water for about 30 seconds. This will make sure you get the longest life possible out of your disposal.

• Too much of anything is not good. For example, small amounts of potato peels might be okay, but if you put a lot, you're asking for a repair bill.

• Consider running ice cubes in the unit as a means of "cleaning" the unit. The hard ice chips help knock down the scum layers that build up below the seal, and in the grinder wheel.

The only things that should go into a garbage disposal are things that are left over after you scrap your plate into the garbage can.