Let’s talk about what shouldn’t go down the garbage disposal. Also a free printable cheat sheet of what you can and can’t put down your garbage disposal.
Garbage disposals aren’t glamorous, but I don’t want a kitchen without one. During a recent kitchen renovation I received a new disposal, and it reminded me how easy it is to damage these useful appliances. Over the years I learned a few simple practices and a list of foods to avoid that keep disposals and drain pipes working properly. Below I’ve summarized practical tips and a printable cheat sheet you can hang on the fridge.
What shouldn’t go in a garbage disposal
Some items will quickly clog pipes, dull blades, or jam the unit. Avoid putting these down the disposal:
- Grease, fat, and cooking oil — these may be liquid when warm but solidify in pipes and cause buildup.
- Coffee grounds — they can clump and settle, creating blockages over time.
- Eggshells — their membranes and gritty shells can form a paste or wrap around the shredder ring.
- Bones — hard bones can damage blades and motor components.
- Thick vegetable peels (large quantities) — especially potato peels, which can become starchy and gummy.
- Pasta and rice — they expand with water and can cause clogging downstream.
- Stringy, fibrous vegetables — celery, asparagus, corn husks and similar fibers can tangle and jam the unit.
- Pits and large seeds — avocado pits, peach pits, and similar hard items can damage the disposal.
- Non-food items — paper, plastic, metal, or textiles should never enter a disposal.
What’s OK to go down the garbage disposal?
When used correctly, a disposal handles many everyday scraps. Follow good habits—small pieces, running cold water, and moderation—and you’ll avoid most problems. These items are generally safe:
- Small cooked meat scraps — avoid large bones and fatty pieces.
- Citrus peels in small amounts — lemon or orange slices help freshen the drain when used occasionally.
- Bread and small amounts of soft food — these break down easily when flushed with water.
- Cooked vegetables and fruit without pits or large seeds — chop large pieces before placing them in the sink.
- Small table scraps — keep portions modest and rinse with plenty of water.
- Liquids and small soft food residues — always run cold water while grinding.
- Ice cubes — can help sharpen some blades and remove buildup in the grinding chamber (use sparingly and follow manufacturer guidance).
- Cold water — always run cold water before, during, and after use to help push particles through and prevent fats from coating the pipes.
Practical tips: run a steady stream of cold water while the disposal is operating, feed scraps gradually rather than all at once, and avoid relying on the disposal as a substitute for proper trash and composting practices. Cold water helps solidify any small fats so they can be chopped up and flushed away rather than coating the plumbing.
Different disposal models have varying capabilities. Higher horsepower units can grind a wider range of food waste, while specific motor and impeller designs reduce jamming and improve performance. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your model, especially regarding what it can and can’t handle and safe operating procedures.
I’ve put together a concise, printable cheat sheet listing allowed and disallowed items for quick reference. It’s handy to keep on the fridge so everyone in the household knows what to toss in the disposal and what to throw in the trash or compost.