If you have seen many horror movies, or have any common sense at all, you know not to stick your fingers or your hand into the garbage disposal. However, are there other items that should not go into the garbage disposal? My family knows, unfortunately from experience, that small plastic toys, eating utensils and tea bags are among the items that should not be put into a garbage disposal.
What some of us may not be aware of is there are food items that should not be put into a garbage disposal. Below is a list of common food items that should not be put into your garbage disposal.
Rice and pasta – This seems harmless enough; however, rice and pasta swell with water clogging the disposal. They are also slimy and will wrap around the blades rather than breaking down.
Flour – Any mom or preschool teacher will tell you that flour is a great way to make homemade glue and play-dough. Therefore, if you won’t pour glue or put play-dough in the garbage disposal, the same goes for flour.
Eggshells – While one or two might be fine, putting eggshells in the disposal all the time can cause clogs in your pipes.
Meat – Raw meat will act like pasta becoming stringy and wrapping around the blades. Greasy meat will do the same damage as grease (see below) and gristle will dull the blades. It is better to dispose of meat another way.
Grease & oil – Grease and oil end up solidifying and clogging up the drain, pipes and the garbage disposal. Make sure to run lots of cold water when you put greasy and oily foods in the garbage disposal to flush everything down.
Potato peels – These become gummy and gluey just like flour, wrapping around the blades and clogging the garbage disposal.
Animal bones – The leftover bones from chicken wings belong in the trashcan, not in the garbage disposal. The garbage disposal is just not mean to grind animal bones so keep them away from the disposal.
Fruit pits & seeds – Cherry pits, avocado seeds, apple seeds, etc. are not very good for your garbage disposal. Either plant them outside if you love growing things, or dispose of them in the trash.
Shellfish shells – Shells from shrimp, crab and other crustaceans are bad for garbage disposals.
Non-food items – For some this may be common sense but for others, it’s worth mentioning. This does include items such as flower clippings, hair, paper and cigarette butts.