Can I put grease in a garbage disposal? (surprising answer)

Simple question: Should you put grease in a garbage disposal?

In most cases, no, you should not put grease in a garbage disposal.

While it may seem convenient to pour leftover cooking oil or grease down the drain, doing so can cause serious problems for your garbage disposal and even your plumbing system that you'll have to deal with later.

Read more: Best Garbage Disposals Overall

Why should I avoid putting grease in a garbage disposal?

When grease is poured down the drain, it can solidify and accumulate in the pipes, causing blockages and clogs.

This can lead to backups in your sink, slow drains, and even sewage backups in your home. In addition to causing problems for your own plumbing system, pouring grease down the drain can also contribute to larger issues in the community's sewage system.

In most cases, no, you should not put grease in a garbage disposal.

Clogs and Damage

Garbage disposals are not designed to handle grease or oil.

While they may be able to grind up a lot of food waste, they are not equipped to prevent the build up that we mentioned earlier. When grease is poured into a garbage disposal, it can also coat the blades and reduce their ability to grind up food waste properly.

Once again, this can lead to clogs and damage to the garbage disposal over time.

What to do instead

So, what should you do with leftover grease or oil?

The best way to dispose of it is to let it solidify and then throw it away in the trash. You can do this by pouring the grease into a container, such as an old coffee can or jar, and letting it cool and solidify.

Once it has solidified, you can throw it away in chunks, and this isn't really even less convenient than the garbage disposal.

Recycling grease?

Another option for disposing of grease is to recycle it. Some cities and municipalities have programs that allow residents to recycle cooking oil and grease. Check with your local waste management department to see if this is an option in your area.

Wrapping it Up

In conclusion, putting grease in a garbage disposal is not recommended.

It can cause problems with your plumbing system, and beyond. Instead, dispose of leftover grease by letting it solidify and throwing it away in the trash or recycling it if possible.

By taking these simple steps, you can help prevent clogs and damage to your plumbing system.

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