MAY I DISPOSE OF ANYTHING IN MY WASTE DISPOSAL?

Waste disposal is one of the most beneficial innovations, as it allows rubbish to be disposed of fast and effectively without the need to constantly deliver trash bags to the curb. The purpose of waste disposal is not to replace the waste bin, but it is easy to forget about the maintenance of waste disposal, so it may be necessary to replace it earlier than expected.

DOS

There are various simple strategies to maintain the optimal condition of your garbage disposal. The five items listed below ensure effective waste disposal maintenance.

1. Use cold water: This may sound counterintuitive given that hot water is more ideal for decomposing food, however using hot water might negatively impact the waste drainage pipes. This material might later harden and create obstruction farther down the drain. The use of cold water helps the greasy material harden, preventing it from clinging to the walls of the drain pipe.
2. Use it regularly: It may seem odd to be urged to utilize your garbage disposal frequently. However, we may believe that utilizing it selectively will help it last longer in the long run. In contrast, the opposite is true. Without frequent usage, the waste disposal is subject to corrosion and rust, necessitating an earlier replacement than anticipated. Using it also ensures that every disposal mechanism remains in motion, avoiding trash from accumulating and clogging the systems.
3. Continue to use your trash and recycling containers: Having a garbage disposal does not mean you can eliminate your trash can or recycling bin. While it is a convenient appliance for any kitchen, it cannot replace the traditional trash can and recycling bin since there are various items that cannot be placed in the waste disposal. Your recycling container is still the most appropriate location for non-biodegradable items.
4. Keep it clean: In addition to reducing clogs and blockages, a clean trash disposal will continue to function effectively and will prevent unwanted smells. It is also important to maintain it clean by routinely cleaning it or running diluted dish soap and water through it to prevent debris from accumulating inside the mechanics.
5. Cut up big foods: To prevent your trash disposal from being clogged or jammed, ensure that the waste you throw into it is in little pieces. While the mechanics of a trash disposal are excellent at breaking down food, it is not meant to break down huge chunks of food; thus, it is preferable to rip or chop up larger portions of food before placing them in the disposal.

DON’TS

Equally as essential as knowing what to put in your waste disposal is understanding what not to put in it. Here are five things to remember about waste management:

1. Don't try to sharpen the blades: Contrary to common opinion, trash disposal impellers are dull; thus, you do not need to sharpen them with a piece of ice or an eggshell. These objects negatively impact trash disposal and cause faults and unnecessary maintenance.
2. Avoid using hot water: While hot water helps break down grease and fat in your waste disposal, the grease and oil can solidify farther down the pipe, producing serious problems in the future.
3. Do not immediately stop the engine: ideally, leave both the cold water and the engine running until all food has been ground. After crushing, the engine may be turned off, but the water should continue to flow for at least 15 seconds. This enables waste disposal to fully breakdown all meals, while flowing water eliminates extra pieces, hence lowering the likelihood of sedimentation and blockage.
4. Avoid strong chemicals: Even though it appears like that, bleach is not a good idea to put it in the waste disposal. Harsh chemicals may disrupt the inner workings of waste disposal systems and lead them to fail.
5. Do not toss too much at once: Do not toss too much at once, since waste disposals are intended to breakdown smaller quantities of food waste. If you have a lot of trash, dispose of it gradually, ideally over a lengthy period.