What shouldn't go into a garbage disposal?

A garbage disposal copes with most food scraps without a problem. But there's a short list of things that are better left in the bin — and it's shorter than most people think.

What shouldn't go in?

• Fat and oil in quantity. Not because of the disposal — because of the pipes. Fat solidifies and builds up.
• Large bones. A small chicken bone is fine, a beef bone isn't.
• Long fibres — celery peels, artichoke leaves, corn husks. The fibres wrap around the blades instead of being ground.
• Rice and pasta in quantity. They swell in water and form a sticky paste.
• Dry onion skins — the thin layer sticks to the walls.
• Anything that isn't food — rubber bands, stickers, paper, sponges.

What is actually fine and surprises people?

Cooked vegetable scraps, fruit peels, plate leftovers, coffee grounds, eggshells and even small chicken bones. Small bones and hard pits actually help — they clean the walls of the grinding chamber.

What to do if something gets in by mistake?

Switch off immediately. Don't put your hand in before you've disconnected the power. Remove it with long tongs, reconnect and run with water. If the disposal hums and doesn't turn — there's a red reset button on the bottom of the unit.

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