What is a garbage disposal used for? Tips and best practices

Keeping a kitchen spotless isn’t just about shiny counters and gleaming appliances, it’s also about managing waste like a pro. If you’re searching for a way to speed up cleanup and go a bit greener, a garbage disposal might just be the kitchen sidekick you didn’t know you needed.

The information in this article may not apply to your specific appliance model. For the most accurate guidance, it’s best to check your manufacturer’s documentation or reach out to us if you’ve got any questions.

What is a garbage disposal?

A garbage disposal is a handy kitchen appliance that helps manage food waste. It’s installed under your sink and connects to your drain and plumbing system. By breaking down food scraps, it keeps your kitchen cleaner and reduces the amount of trash you throw away.

How does it work?

• The garbage disposal has a grinding mechanism inside its chamber that chops food scraps into small pieces.
• When you turn it on, the blades spin at high speed, breaking down the waste.
• Running water flushes the ground-up particles through your pipes and into the sewage or septic system.
• It works well for breaking down soft, non-fibrous foods like cooked rice, pasta, and small fruit scraps.

What’s its purpose?

• It grinds food into smaller particles that can safely pass through plumbing systems, cutting down on the amount of food waste sent to landfills.
• By breaking food scraps into tiny pieces, it reduces the risk of large chunks clogging your pipes.
• Disposing of food waste directly in the sink minimizes trash odors and mess.
• Reduces the need to scrape every little piece of food into the trash, making cleanup faster.
• By grinding food scraps, garbage disposals reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills, where it would otherwise take longer to decompose.

Read more: How to prep your garbage disposal for Thanksgiving and other holiday events

What should and shouldn’t go in a garbage disposal?

While a garbage disposal is a great tool, it’s not designed to handle everything. Knowing what can safely go into your disposal and what to avoid will help keep it running smoothly and prevent damage.

What it’s designed for:

• Soft fruits and vegetables: Things like banana peels, apple cores, and cooked vegetables.
• Small, non-fibrous food scraps: Bits of bread, pasta, rice, or cereal.
• Citrus peels: These can freshen up the disposal while being easily ground up.
• Coffee grounds: In small amounts, they can go down the disposal but may build up over time if used excessively.

What to avoid:

• Fibrous foods: Celery, corn husks, asparagus, and onion skins have stringy fibers that can wrap around the blades and jam the motor.
• Grease, oil, and fats: These can solidify in your pipes, leading to clogs over time.
• Hard items: Bones, shells, and fruit pits are too tough for the blades to grind and can damage the unit.
• Non-food items: Metal, plastic, glass, or anything that isn’t biodegradable should never go in the disposal.

Pro tip: When in doubt, throw it out. If you’re unsure whether something belongs in the disposal, it’s safer to put it in the trash or compost bin.

Read more: How to Clean a Garbage Disposal That Smells Bad

Types of garbage disposals

Not all garbage disposals are the same. Choosing the right type for your kitchen can make a big difference in efficiency, convenience, and maintenance. Here’s an overview of the main types of disposals and what they offer.

Continuous-feed disposals

This type of disposal starts grinding as soon as you turn it on and continues until you turn it off. Food scraps can be added while the unit is running.

Pros:

• Convenient for regular use.
• Handles large volumes of waste quickly.
• Typically more affordable than batch-feed models.

Cons:

• Requires careful use to avoid accidents since it runs continuously.
• May be noisier than other options.

Batch-feed disposals

Operates only when the disposal cover or stopper is in place, grinding food in batches.

Pros:

• Safer to use, as the unit won’t run without the cover.
• Great for households with children or those new to using disposals.

Cons:

• Slower to process large amounts of food.
• Typically more expensive than continuous-feed models.

High-powered disposals

These disposals have more horsepower (1 HP or higher), making them ideal for grinding tougher waste like small bones or fibrous foods.

Pros:

• Highly efficient for heavy-duty use.
• Reduces the risk of jams or clogs.

Cons:

• More expensive and may require additional installation considerations (e.g., larger sink opening).

Septic-assist disposals

Designed specifically for homes with septic systems, these disposals include an enzyme cartridge to help break down food waste.

Pros:

• Protects and supports septic system functionality.
• Reduces the impact of food waste on septic tanks.

Cons:

• Typically more expensive than standard disposals.

Which type is right for you?

• For frequent use and large families: A continuous-feed or high-powered disposal may be the best choice.
• For safety-conscious households: A batch-feed model adds peace of mind.
• For homes with septic systems: A septic-assist disposal is the safest option.

Tips to get the most out of your disposal

Cold water is best

When you run your disposal, always use plenty of cold water. This helps flush food particles through the drain, cutting down on clogs and funky smells. Steer clear of pouring grease or oils down the drain, they can build up and cause plumbing issues.

Keep it clean

To avoid odors and keep things running smoothly, give your disposal a regular clean. A simple trick is to pour some baking soda down the drain, followed by vinegar. Let it fizz for a bit, then rinse with cold water. This natural method helps break down residue and freshens things up.

Stick to maintenance basics

Always follow what the manufacturer suggests for upkeep. That might mean running the disposal regularly to prevent rust, avoiding harsh chemicals that could damage it, and keeping an eye out for leaks or wear and tear. Regular check-ins not only extend its life but also keep it working like a charm.

If you have a septic system

For homes with septic systems, it’s important to think about how a disposal might impact it. Extra organic waste can put a strain on your septic tank, possibly leading to more frequent pump-outs. Before installing one, it’s a good idea to chat with a professional to see what’s best for your setup.

Read more: How To Install A Garbage Disposal

Thinking about making the jump?

Adding a garbage disposal can really shake up your kitchen game, making cleanup a snap and giving a nod to the environment. If you’re mulling over installation or need some replacement parts, remember that picking the right model is key. Not sure where to find your appliance’s model number? We’ve got you covered, check out our guide on how to find your appliance’s model number for easy steps.

Having trouble with your current disposal? We’re here to lend a hand. Swing by our repair help section for tips and advice. Get empowered to tackle those DIY fixes safely and confidently.

At AppliancePartsPros.com, we’re all about helping you keep your appliances in tip-top shape. Stay in the loop with our latest tips, deals, and updates. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter to join our community of savvy homeowners.

Got questions or need a hand? Our team’s ready to help out. Contact us today, and let’s work together to make your kitchen the efficient, enjoyable space you’ve always wanted.