When your garbage disposal acts up, it can derail your whole kitchen routine. To address garbage disposal issues, it’s important to understand why they malfunction, how to operate them safely, and how to maintain optimal performance.

Common Causes of Garbage Disposal Jams or Breaks
If your garbage disposal is jammed, your sink can’t drain properly, and your whole kitchen plumbing system is under stress. Why does this happen? The most common cause is a buildup of the wrong kind of food or other waste that the disposal isn’t designed to handle.
In general, you should avoid using your garbage disposal as a primary disposal location. Instead, think of it as a follow-up for food debris left behind after you scrape dishes or put food waste into your trash or compost.
What CAN Go In Your Garbage Disposal
Garbage disposals can handle many different types of kitchen waste, including:
- Most fruits and vegetables
- Cooked food or leftovers
- Small amounts of cooked meat
- Coffee grounds
If you put something into your disposal, it should be relatively small and soft so it can be easily broken down and flushed away. Try to avoid any items that could hurt the disposal or cause plumbing issues further down the line.
What CANNOT Go In Your Garbage Disposal
Some kitchen waste should never go into your disposal. This includes:
- Bones (too large and dense)
- Grease (causes buildup and clogs)
- Banana peels (too large and fibrous)
- Artichokes and asparagus (too fibrous)
- Corn husks (too fibrous)
- Pasta and rice (leave sticky residue)
- Egg shells (too dense; pieces get stuck easily)
If a tiny bit of one of these items goes into your disposal, it’s not the end of the world. That said, you should not make a practice of putting them through your garbage disposal.
In some cases, your disposal will have to work extra hard to break down items that are too large, dense, or fibrous. This can cause extra wear and tear on the appliance or even warp or break a component.
In other cases, the bulk of an item may work its way through the disposal but leave behind smaller pieces or a general residue. Over time, this buildup can cause clogs or make it harder for normal kitchen waste to flow through.
Safe Garbage Disposal Operation and Troubleshooting
To safely operate your garbage disposal, the most important thing is to monitor what goes into it. If you can avoid putting your disposal under undue stress, it should remain in optimal condition for years.
If there is a jam, clog, strange odor, or noise, never put your hand into the disposal. If the blades start moving when your hand is present, you can sustain serious injuries.
If you truly need to access the garbage disposal’s input side, use a tool such as tongs, pliers, or a drain snake to locate and remove any material. Always make sure the disposal is off, and consider disconnecting the power if there’s a serious problem.
If you’re unsure what the issue is or feel it’s beyond your skill set, call a local appliance repair professional for assistance. They can safely and efficiently assess the situation and take steps to fix it.
Garbage Disposal Odor Prevention
If your garbage disposal has a clog or internal buildup, it will eventually start to smell as the waste products break down. You can avoid this by following proper disposal protocol and running cool water before, during, and after use to break up and rinse away any extra material.
It’s also helpful to clean your disposal regularly. You can purchase a commercial cleaner or use a baking soda and vinegar combination for a DIY cleaner.
For garbage disposal help in Morris County and the area, call Morris County Appliance Repair today! From kitchen stalwarts like garbage disposals to high-end smart appliances, Morris County Appliance can handle all your appliance needs. We have over 50 years of experience helping homeowners make the most of their home appliances, and our team stays up-to-date on new appliance technology through ongoing continuing education. Morris County Appliance Repair—You Can Count On Us!











