Things That Should Not Go in a Garbage Disposal

Meat

• Regardless of the meat's texture, the fat of the meat is difficult for the garbage disposal to shred during use. As a result, the meat can sit inside of the drain and cause a foul smell. Instead, discard of the meat in the trash when scraping your plate clean after meals. In addition to the meat, bones should not be thrown in the garbage disposal, as they can chip the blades.

Vegetable and Fruit Seeds

• The pits or seeds of fruit are hard for the garbage disposal to break down and can damage the disposal's blades. Unusually large seeds can cause the blades to become stuck while grinding food waste and can result in calling a professional plumber to repair the machine. According to Ellen Sandbeck, author of "Organic Housekeeping," fruit and vegetable waste can go into a compost bin and used for gardening.

Cooking Grease/Oils

• While the blades don't need to grind up cooking oils, the plumbing is susceptible to clogging from grease and cooking oils poured down the garbage disposal over a period of time. In addition to clogging, grease in the line encourages the production of live bacteria in the pipes. According to the East Bay Municipal Utility District, pour grease into a small disposable container and seal it tight to prevent leakage. The containers can go in the trash.

Miscellaneous

• Avoid overloading the garbage disposal with too many potato peels, as the peels can turn into a paste when ground up. The paste clogs the blades,and causes extensive damage. Corn husks, onion skins and other fibrous skins of vegetables can clog the disposal's blades. Paper, plastic and metal should never go into the garbage disposal, as they don't break down and jam or dull blades.