A recent survey from InSinkErator asked 750 U.S. homeowners how they use their food waste disposers. Many respondents fell into a category only described as “old wives tales” believers. Why? Apparently certain beliefs about items that shouldn’t go down a disposer — potato peels, banana peels, chicken bones, garlic peels, celery, etc., have been handed down from mothers and spouses for decades. “With modern disposers, they are all wrong,” according to Vince Costa, director of customer service at InSinkErator.

Garbage disposers have been around for more than 75 years, and approximately half of all the homes in the U.S. have one. But with so much usage over such a long time, why does one of the most-asked questions coming in to the InSinkErator call center continue to be, “What can’t I put down it?” InSinkErator attributes it to old wives’ tales.

“We’re not sure who this modern Old Wife is, or what makes her so credible, but she needs education regarding what modern disposers can handle,” Costa said. “What may have been true 75 years ago is not true anymore with our advanced disposer models.”        

ISE Infosnack infographic

For instance, when asked which foods they would never put down a disposer, more than 75% of respondents said bones. Another common answer was banana peels (46%). It’s important to know that modern disposers (the Evolution Excel has three grind stages) have no problem with grinding up various food waste, including bones. “Just make sure you feed it slowly and run the water,” said Costa.

Another misconception had to do with a septic system. However, even with a septic tank that can handle a dishwasher and a washing machine, it can easily handle a disposer.

For those requiring assurance, InSinkErator has developed a model specifically for homes that are on a septic system. Evolution Septic Assist® includes Bio-Charge® Injection Technology, which uses a natural microorganism to help break down food waste.”