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8 Things That are Great for Composting but Bad for Your Plumbing
If you are like most people, you probably just toss all of your food scraps down the garbage disposal. What could be easier? Unfortunately, this is not good for your disposal and can actually damage it over time.
In this blog, we will discuss some of the things that are bad for your garbage disposal but great for composting. We will also explain how composting works and how to get started!
What is Composting?
Composting is the process of breaking down organic matter, such as food scraps and yard waste, into a nutrient-rich soil amendment. Composting is nature’s way of recycling! It is a great way to reduce the amount of waste that goes to landfills, and it has many other benefits as well.
There are many benefits to composting, including:
- Reducing the amount of waste that goes to landfills
- Improving the quality of your soil
- Attracting helpful insects and other animals to your garden
So, composting your leftovers is a great idea if you're looking for environmentally friendly alternatives.
Here are some food items and other things that just don't belong in your garbage disposal but can be saved for composting.
1. Stringy Vegetables
Stringy vegetables like celery, asparagus, and onions can wrap around the blades of your disposal and cause it to jam. They can also clog your drains. While these items are great for compost, they should be avoided when using a garbage disposal.
2. Coffee Grounds
While coffee grounds can actually be good for your garbage disposal. They act as a natural abrasive and can help clean the blades. Grounds from coffee should not be disposed of in large quantities because they can clog your drains and lead to a serious backup. Instead, try saving your leftover coffee grounds for composting!
3. Meats and Skin from Meat
Meat and skin from meat can clog your garbage disposal and drains. They can also cause a nasty smell. While these items are great for compost, they should be avoided when using a garbage disposal.
4. Bones
Bones are one of the worst things you can put down a garbage disposal. They will damage the blades and over time cause your disposal to break down completely. Bones should always go in the trash (or compost).
5. Shells
You probably never considered saving shells from shrimp or other shellfish, but it's something to consider! Instead of tossing shells into the garbage disposal, try saving them for compost. While they may not be the most ideal thing to add to the compost pile because they take longer to break down, they can still be used.
6. Eggshells
Eggshells are full of nutrients that can be beneficial for your plants. They also help to aerate the soil and improve drainage. You can add eggshells to your compost pile or use them as a pest deterrent in your garden. Just crush them up and sprinkle them around the base of your plants.
7. Grains
Grains like rice, pasta, and cereal can expand when they come into contact with water. This can cause your garbage disposal to jam and your drains to clog. While these items are great for compost, they should be avoided when using a garbage disposal.
8. Non-Food Items
We understand that sometimes, things fall down the drain, especially in large openings like the garbage disposal. And, while most people believe that it gets rid of the trash, you never want to dispose of things like coffee filters, unbleached paper napkins, or newspapers. These non-food items can, however, be composted safely.
Garbage Disposal and Pipe Repair in Seattle, WA
Keeping up with your home’s plumbing and knowing what should and shouldn’t go down your garbage disposal all the time is something a lot of homeowners go through. If you experience issues with your kitchen’s plumbing, our team at Green Planet Plumbing & Sewer, LLC is here to help. Give us a call at (206) 207-7625 to schedule an appointment with our team!