Garbage disposals aren’t a substitute for trash cans. Many people offload anything from a plate or pan into the garbage disposal with the hope of reducing waste.
But every bit of waste has to go somewhere. If you’re having a garbage disposal issue, it’s probably because of the foods you’re putting down the drain.
Here’s a list of 5 foods you should never put down the garbage disposal.
1. Oils and Grease
One of the toughest things to cook with is grease. When you fry foods, there’s virtually no good place to put it. Pouring it into the trash creates a mess and increases the risk of a spill.
Pouring it into the drain leads to clogs since the grease hardens as it cools. Pouring grease into the garbage disposal is even worse than the first two because it blocks the machine from getting rid of your other waste.
Avoid putting grease into your garbage disposal unless you want more problems than you started with. Keep an empty glass container on hand to get rid of grease after you cook so your garbage disposal remains in top condition.
2. Fibrous Veggies
It’s a great idea to eat fibrous veggies, but a terrible idea to put their remnants into the garbage disposal. These vegetables include things like celery and artichoke.
It basically includes those vegetables with a firm stalk or thick skin. It might be tough to sort through which veggies fit this description.
Aim to put your vegetable chopping waste in the trash can to avoid any confusion.
3. Coffee Grinds
Coffee grinds are easiest to clean when you can wash them from a french press or mug. But rinsing the coffee maker lands them right into your garbage disposal.
The only safe place to dispose of coffee is your trash can or compost bin.
4. Potatoes
Potato peels are a major problem for garbage disposals. If you want to really overwork your machine, try putting both potatoes and peels into the disposal.
Save your potato chopping waste for the trash can or compost bin.
5. Bones
It’s a good rule of thumb to always scrape your plate into the trash before you put it into the sink. Things like tiny bones have less of a chance of finding their way into your garbage disposal.
Bones and tough meats can create a clog in your garbage disposal faster than any other food. Look for garbage disposal repair options to keep your machine in top shape.
A checkup might be just what you need to prolong the shelf life of your garbage disposal.
Read More: Everything You Need to Know About Garbage Disposals
Solving a Garbage Disposal Issue
Your garbage disposal issue could be mechanical or the result of a clog. In most cases, both situations can be linked back to food.
Caring for your garbage disposal and avoiding putting certain foods down the drain go hand in hand. If you want to make your unit last, you need to make the trash can your default location for old food. For more information and tips visit our blog for updates.
