What You Can and Can't Put Down a Garbage Disposal
Your garbage disposal is built to grind up soft food scraps — not to be a second trash can. Knowing what to put in (and what to keep out) is the single best way to extend its lifespan and avoid expensive repairs in Los Angeles.
SAFE TO PUT DOWN THE DISPOSAL
With cold water running, your disposal handles these items without issue:
- Soft fruits and vegetable scraps
- Small fish bones
- Cooked meat scraps (small amounts)
- Ice cubes (they actually help clean the blades)
- Citrus peels (great for odor)
- Cooked rice or pasta in tiny amounts
NEVER PUT THESE IN YOUR DISPOSAL
These are the #1 causes of disposal calls we get in LA:
- Grease, fats, and cooking oil — they solidify in the pipes
- Coffee grounds — they build up like sediment
- Eggshells — the membrane wraps around the blades
- Pasta, rice, and bread in large amounts — they expand and clog
- Fibrous vegetables (celery, corn husks, artichokes, onion skins)
- Bones (except small soft fish bones)
- Fruit pits (peach, avocado, cherry)
- Potato peels — they form a starchy paste
- Non-food items: paper, plastic, twist ties, sponges
THE GOLDEN RULES
Always run cold water before, during, and for 15 seconds after grinding. Cold water keeps fats solid so the blades can chop them. Hot water melts grease into the pipes where it hardens.
Feed scraps in slowly — don't dump a full plate at once. And never put your hand inside, even when the unit is off.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I put lemon peels down the disposal?
Yes — small citrus peels are great for freshening odors. Just don't overload the unit.
What if I already put grease down the drain?
Run hot water with dish soap for several minutes. If you notice slow draining or smell, call us at (619) 626-3542 — we can clear it before it becomes a major clog.
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NEED HELP WITH YOUR DISPOSAL?
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Call (619) 626-3542