Is it true that coffee grounds are harmful to garbage disposals? My fiance says they are and I'm not quite sure.

Thanks

Some say yes, some say no...see for yourself

My wife says it is okay to do use the disposal; I put them in the trash.

Dwight

Coffee grounds belong on the compost pile or flower beds, not the disposal or the trash...It actually depends on your disposal unit... many of the older or lighter duty (read "cheap") units cannot handle coffee grounds but newer, heavier duty ones can.
I do not recommend putting grounds in the disposal unless the manufacturer specifically says that it is okay for your model.
Also, do not put coffee down the disposal if there is a "trap" in the system... the grounds will collect in the bottom of the "U" shape and create clogs.

I've wondered about this, too. Here's another take, from Epinions.com:

quote:

by pearannoyed

I would never put grounds down a drain without a disposal. I would also never put coffee grounds down the disposal in a house that already had slow drains or a septic system. However, a number of disposal manufacturers actually recommend using coffee grounds to keep the disposal mechanism clean (the grounds act as an abrasive) and if you have otherwise free-flowing drains, coffee grounds should not cause a problem.

Amy

I can't say one way or another on coffee grounds. I put ours on in the garden.

What I will tell to is to use plenty of cold water when using the disposal. The biggest problem I see is folks don't flush down the system with enough water. This plugs their disposal and drain lines.

Helpful hint and I think most of you have heard this before. Putting a couple of cups of ice is good for the disposal. No water at first. Helps clean out stuck food and keeps the grinding surfaces sharp.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Walks On Water,

thanks guys I think I will play it safe and not put them in the disposal. And WOW, I ALWAYS run water w/ the disposal.

Thanks