What You Should (and Shouldn't) Put Down Your Garbage Disposal

Garbage disposals confuse people. They're powerful little machines, but they're not infinite. Here's the real list:

Yes

• Small food scraps
• Citrus peels (in small amounts — also freshens the smell)
• Cooked meats (small pieces)
• Soft fruits and vegetables
• Egg shells (in moderation, despite mixed advice)
• Ice cubes (actually helps clean the blades)

No

• Fibrous vegetables — celery, corn husks, artichokes, onion skins. The fibers wrap around the impeller.
• Starchy foods — pasta, rice, potatoes. They expand and turn to glue.
• Coffee grounds — they don't grind, they accumulate
• Bones — even small ones can damage the impeller
• Grease and oil — coats the inside and pipes, causes clogs
• Fruit pits — way too hard
• Eggshells in quantity — membrane sticks to everything
• Anything non-food — silverware, jewelry, plastic. Obvious but it happens.

Care tips

• Always run cold water before, during, and 30 seconds after
• Don't overfill — grind in small batches
• Run it regularly even if not in use — keeps it from seizing