Thanksgiving is a wonderful time for gathering with loved ones and sharing a delicious meal. But when it comes to cleaning up, that trusty garbage disposal can feel like a lifesaver. It’s tempting to toss everything down the sink, but some items can cause blockages, damage your disposal, or even lead to costly plumbing issues. Here’s a quick guide on what you can safely put down your garbage disposal this Thanksgiving—and what to avoid.

The Do’s: What Can Go Down the Disposal?

• Small Food Scraps

  • Your disposal is built to handle smaller food scraps, so after you’ve enjoyed that Thanksgiving feast, small bits of leftover turkey, vegetables, and other soft foods can be safely disposed of. Just make sure to scrape off large chunks into the trash first.

• Soft Vegetables and Fruit Peels

  • Peels from potatoes, apples, and other soft fruits or vegetables can generally go down the disposal in small amounts. Just avoid overloading it all at once.

• Citrus Peels

  • Lemon, orange, and lime peels are excellent for garbage disposals because they help clean the blades and provide a fresh scent. Cut them into small pieces and drop them in gradually.

• Leftover Herbs

  • If you have small amounts of leftover parsley, basil, or other soft herbs, they can go down the disposal in moderation. Be careful with fibrous herbs like rosemary or thyme stems, which can get tangled.

• Coffee Grounds (in Moderation)

  • While this one’s debated, a small amount of coffee grounds can go down the disposal occasionally. The grounds can help scrub the sides of your drain, but too much can create a buildup, so be mindful.

• Bread and Rice (in Small Amounts)

  • Bread, pasta, and rice expand when exposed to water, which can clog your pipes if you dispose of too much. Just put small amounts down and make sure to run plenty of water while doing so.

The Don’ts: What NOT to Put Down the Disposal

• Turkey Bones, Skin, and Gristle

  • Turkey bones and skin are tough and fibrous, which can jam your disposal and dull its blades. Bones also won’t break down easily, potentially causing clogs in your plumbing.

• Potato Peels in Bulk

  • While a few peels are fine, a large amount of potato peels can turn into a gluey, starchy mess that sticks to the disposal’s blades and clogs the drain.

• Celery and Other Fibrous Vegetables

  • Fibrous vegetables like celery, asparagus, and corn husks tend to wrap around the blades and clog the disposal. Place these in the compost or trash instead.

• Egg Shells

  • Some say egg shells help sharpen the disposal blades, but in reality, the membrane inside the shell can wrap around the blades, leading to clogging. Plus, the crushed shells can form a gritty substance that might build up in your pipes.

• Grease, Fat, and Oil

  • This one is a big no-no, especially around Thanksgiving. Fat from turkey, gravy, and other dishes will solidify as it cools, which can clog your pipes and create major plumbing issues down the line. Instead, pour grease into a disposable container, let it harden, and then throw it in the trash.

• Fruit Pits

  • Pits from fruits like avocados, peaches, or cherries are too hard for the disposal. They can damage the blades or jam the motor, so be sure to throw them away instead.

Best Practices for Garbage Disposal Use

• Run Cold Water – Always run cold water while the disposal is on. Cold water helps keep any grease or oils solid so they’re more likely to go down the drain without coating the pipes.
• Avoid Overloading – Feed food scraps gradually instead of all at once to prevent clogging or jamming.
• Give It a Quick Clean – After Thanksgiving dinner is done, freshen up your disposal by grinding a few ice cubes with a bit of baking soda and lemon peel. This helps clean the blades and neutralizes odors.

When in Doubt, Throw It Out

If you’re unsure about whether an item should go down the disposal, it’s best to err on the side of caution. Place any questionable food waste in the trash instead. A little extra mindfulness during cleanup can save you from potential plumbing issues, allowing you to enjoy a stress-free holiday season.

With these guidelines in mind, your Thanksgiving cleanup can be smooth and problem-free. Enjoy the holiday with family and friends, and let your garbage disposal be a helpful (and not overburdened) part of the celebration!