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Dos and Don'ts of Garbage Disposal

12/11/2023

Hello, fellow food enthusiasts! As we approach the holiday season, it's time to gear up for some serious cooking and festive feasting. At Aaron Swift, we understand that the holiday season can be a hectic time in the kitchen, and that's why we're here to help you avoid potential mishaps, especially when it comes to your trusty garbage disposal. In this blog post, we'll share some valuable insights into what foods you shouldn't put in your garbage disposal during the holidays.

Greasy Foods

The holiday season often brings delicious deep-fried treats like latkes, turkey, and doughnuts. While these dishes are incredibly tempting, their greasy nature can wreak havoc on your garbage disposal. Oils and fats can solidify inside your pipes, leading to clogs and unpleasant odors. Instead, let the grease cool and dispose of it in a separate container or consider recycling it at a local facility.

Poultry Bones

Turkey, duck, and chicken are classic holiday dishes, but their bones should never go down the garbage disposal. These hard, sharp bones can damage the disposal blades and pipes, potentially causing costly repairs. Instead, discard them in your regular trash or compost them if possible.

Fibrous Vegetables

Fibrous vegetables like celery, asparagus, and artichokes can be challenging for your garbage disposal to handle. Their stringy fibers can get tangled in the disposal blades, leading to blockages. To avoid this, dispose of fibrous scraps in the trash or add them to your compost pile.

Potato Peels

While mashed potatoes are a staple of holiday meals, potato peels can be a problem for garbage disposals. The starchy content in potatoes can turn into a thick paste when mixed with water, potentially leading to clogs. Instead, peel your potatoes into a separate container and toss them in the trash.

Fruit Pits and Seeds

During the holidays, you may find yourself preparing a variety of fruit-based dishes. However, remember that fruit pits and seeds are a big no-no for your garbage disposal. These hard items can damage the disposal blades and pipes. Dispose of them in your trash or compost pile instead.

Eggshells

While eggshells are often thought of as a potential cleaning agent for garbage disposals, they can actually contribute to clogs. The thin membrane inside eggshells can wrap around the disposal blades, and the shells themselves can be too hard for the blades to break down effectively. It's best to dispose of eggshells in the trash or use them in your compost.

Aaron Swift Plumbing | Plumbing Repairs & More!

This holiday season, enjoy the festivities and delicious meals without the fear of a clogged or damaged garbage disposal. Remember the foods that should never go down the disposal: greasy foods, poultry bones, fibrous vegetables, potato peels, fruit pits and seeds, and eggshells. By following these guidelines, you can ensure your kitchen stays in tip-top shape throughout the holidays.

At Aaron Swift, we want you to have a stress-free and joyful holiday season. If you ever encounter any issues with your garbage disposal or need any kitchen plumbing assistance, don't hesitate to contact us by calling (586) 701-7851 or sending in an online contact form. Happy holidays and happy cooking!

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