Hands over a sink holding a peeled potato and washing potato peels down the drain, illustrating blog post “Avoiding a Clogged Garbage Disposal.”

Avoiding a Clogged Garbage Disposal: What You Can and Can’t Put in There

January 30, 2026

Garbage disposals have been around for a while, and you’d think that people would know what should and shouldn’t go down the drain by now. However, the number of times we’ve been called in to repair a disposal due to damage from large bones and other items that should NOT have been shoved down the drain shows otherwise. Many homeowners aren’t sure what can go in a garbage disposal and what should stay out of it. Putting the wrong items down the drain can lead to odors, damage to the unit, or a clogged garbage disposal. Knowing which foods are safe and which ones to avoid can help your disposal run smoothly and prevent unnecessary plumbing repairs.

What CAN Go in a Garbage Disposal

Garbage disposals are designed to handle small, soft food scraps that break down easily. Examples include:

  • Soft fruits and vegetable scraps
  • Small amounts of cooked food leftovers
  • Citrus peels (in moderation, which can help freshen odors)
  • Ice cubes (great for cleaning and sharpening the blades)
  • Small bits of bread or grains in limited amounts
  • Dish soap and running water to help flush the system

When adding food scraps, always run cold water and feed waste slowly to keep the disposal functioning properly.

What CAN’T Go in a Garbage Disposal

Some foods and materials can damage your disposal or cause major blockages. Avoid putting these items down your drain:

  • Grease, oil, or fat (these solidify and clog pipes)
  • Fibrous vegetables like celery, corn husks, or asparagus
  • Coffee grounds (they clump together and block pipes)
  • Eggshells (the membrane can wrap around disposal parts)
  • Pasta, rice, and starchy foods that expand in water
  • Large bones or fruit pits
  • Non-food items such as plastic, paper, or metal

These items are common causes of a clogged garbage disposal and can lead to costly plumbing problems.

How to Fix a Clogged Garbage Disposal

If your disposal stops working or drains slowly, you may need to learn how to fix a clogged garbage disposal. Start by turning off the power to the unit for safety. Check inside the disposal with a flashlight to see if any visible debris is causing the blockage. If something is stuck, remove it carefully with tongs or pliers, NEVER use your hands!

Next, try pressing the reset button (usually located on the bottom of the disposal). You can also use the hex key that came with the unit to manually turn the motor from underneath and loosen stuck debris. After clearing the blockage, run cold water and turn the disposal back on to flush the system.

Need Garbage Disposal Repair in Nashville?

Sometimes DIY fixes aren’t enough. If you’re dealing with a persistent clogged garbage disposal, it may be time to call a professional. Southern Plumbing Works is a highly-rated, licensed, and insured plumbing company providing garbage disposal repair in Nashville.

Contact Southern Plumbing Works (or schedule an appointment online) today to get your garbage disposal back up and running smoothly!