You Should Never Put Coffee Grounds Down Your Garbage Disposal. Here's Why

For those who find themselves basically putting any and everything down their kitchen sink's garbage disposal, stop what you're doing and read this. While a garbage disposal is meant to chop up and get rid of leftovers and other food scraps, there are actually some items that are not meant for the handy kitchen feature. Cooking oils and grease should be a no brainer, but apparently there's another major kitchen-sink-clogging culprit out there. Simply put, coffee grounds should never be put down your garbage disposal.  

So, why are coffee grounds a big no-no when it comes to the upkeep of your garbage disposal and kitchen drain? Keep reading to find out. 

Even though they seem easy to flush down your drain, the grounds actually will get stuck, resulting in the need for your garbage disposal to undergo some major cleaning. And no, we don't think the viral TikTok ice-and-salt kitchen sink hack will suffice. According to The Spruce, coffee grounds "are one of the worst culprits of clogged drains." They note that this item can have a similar effect to grease and cooking oil that might get poured down your sink drain, because the grounds "build-up" over time creating "a sludge-like texture." And, if you've ever experienced plumbing issues, then you know that sludge and a drain or pipe is never a good combo. 

So what are you supposed to do with all of your leftover coffee grounds? If you're someone who brews a cup of coffee daily, then you know that you're going to be dumping a lot of grounds into the trash — especially now that you know you can't toss them down your sink anymore. However, The Spruce says there is a better and more environmental way to get rid of your coffee grounds. Next time you're making a cup of joe, try composting instead of placing your coffee grounds down the sink.