- How does a Wastemaid food waste disposer work? A food waste disposer is installed under a kitchen sink and is connected to the drain. It has a grinding chamber where food waste is placed and broken down into small pieces that can easily flow through the plumbing system. When you turn on the disposer, a spinning plate called a “flywheel” grinds the food waste against a stationary plate called a “grinding ring.”
- How do I maintain my food waste disposer? To keep your food waste disposer running smoothly, you should:
- Run cold water through the disposer for a few seconds before and after grinding food waste to help flush the ground particles down the drain.
- Avoid grinding tough, fibrous, or starchy waste, such as bones, fruit seeds, corn husks and potato peels, as these can clog the disposer or damage the grinding chamber.
- Use a small amount of dish soap and hot water to clean the grinding chamber and flywheel every few weeks.
- If you notice an unpleasant odour coming from the disposer, you can use a mixture of baking soda and vinegar to deodorise it. We do have a special Waster Disposal cleaner you can buy on our waste disposal accessories page
- Can I put all types of food waste in the disposer? It is generally safe to grind most types of food waste in a disposer, including vegetables, fruit peels and small bones. However, you should avoid grinding tough, fibrous, or starchy waste, such as bones, fruit seeds, corn husks and potato peels, as these can clog the disposer or damage the grinding chamber. You should also avoid grinding grease, oil and fat, as these can solidify in the drain and cause clogs.
- Is it better to compost food waste or grind it in a disposer? Both composting and grinding food waste in a disposer can be effective ways to manage food waste. Composting allows organic materials to break down and enrich soil, while grinding food waste in a disposer sends it through the sewage system to be treated at a wastewater treatment plant. Ultimately, the best option for you will depend on your personal preferences and circumstances.
Looking to buy a high quality long lasting waste disposer? View our Waste Disposal Unit Range