Can You Put Banana Peels Down The Garbage Disposal | All You Need To Know

NO! Do not throw banana peels in your garbage disposal. Banana peels are fibrous and starch-rich. Your garbage disposal blades will struggle to grind them, resulting in a slow drain, dull blades, and a clogged system.

If you’re like me, bananas are a staple of your weekly diet. They’re delicious, nutritious, and a healthy snack that you can throw into your bag and have on the go. But what happens to the peels? 

Well, thanks to the wide popularity of the banana, it’s not surprising that its peel ends up in the garbage disposal. You may not realize, though, that the black, goo-like substance that comes out when you throw your peels in the sink is your disposal’s worst nightmare!

Throwing banana peels in the garbage disposal is a big NO-NO, and below are some of the reasons it’s always going to be a bad idea.

Can You Put Banana Peels Down The Garbage Disposal

Why You Shouldn’t Throw Banana Peels In The Garbage Disposal

Banana peels may seem harmless to put down the garbage disposal. However, you might as well be flushing money down its drain, and here are three reasons why; 

  • Clogging: Banana peels contain fiber, making it difficult for a garbage disposal to properly break down and convey through a plumbing line. As a result, it can become entangled in the blades, clog the pipes, and eventually wear down the disposal system.
  • Blade Rust: Banana peels contain a high level of potassium, so when they mix with water and metal blades in your garbage disposal, they create an acidic reaction that can cause the blades to corrode and rust
  • Bacterial Growth: Wet banana peels that get stuck in your garbage disposal will create an ideal environment for bacteria to grow, which can contaminate your kitchen sink and spread germs throughout your house. 

You probably never guessed that banana peels can cause so much damage to your home and its garbage disposal. Apparently, it’s a thing! 

So, unless you have a super sharp, heavy-duty grinder, you should not take a chance to ruin your garbage disposal or contaminate your kitchen. There are better and safer alternatives that I’ll be sharing as you read on. 

How Do You Fix Your Garbage Disposal If Clogged With Banana Peels

Perhaps before reading this, you have been dumping banana peels into your garbage disposal. And now you are concerned that the blade or drain is clogged with a thick paste.

First, don’t panic. You can fix your clogged garbage disposal with this simple DIY method; 

Materials Needed

  • Flashlight 
  • Pliers or tongs
  • Warm water
  • Baking soda or Vinegar.

When you have these materials ready, start by:

  • Turning off the garbage disposal’s power supply.
  • Examine the disposal with a flashlight to see what is caught in it.
  • If you find banana peels, reach down into the disposal canister with pliers or tongs and remove them.
  • If you can’t remove the debris by hand, try washing the disposal with baking soda and vinegar solutions.
  • Run warm water through the disposal for a few minutes to flush the solution and food waste down the drain.

Unclogging your garbage disposal unit isn’t such a difficult task. However, it may eventually lead to you needing a replacement. It’s best to avoid putting banana peels and other types of waste such as stringy items, bones, and seeds, which can clog your system.

So how do you dispose of your banana peels?

Four Ways To Get Rid Of Your Banana Peels

Banana peels disposal can be tricky and should be done properly to maintain a healthy and conducive environment. You should consider these methods.

Drop Peels In The Trash Bin

We all have a trash bin around, so dropping waste in the container appears to be the simplest way to dispose of them. However, ensure you put the banana peels in a plastic bag or paper before throwing them in the bin. This prevents odor and insects from getting attracted to your home.

Drop Peels In The Compost Bin

Another good place to put your banana peel is in the compost bin. As a food waste, banana peels contribute phosphorus, calcium, and potassium to the composting pile and can thus be used as fertilizer for your plants. 

Bury In The Ground

You can also bury your banana peels in your garden under the soil’s surface. This method removes dirt while also adding nutrients to your soil. When planted in the soil, Banana peels are also effective at removing aphids, a common garden pest. 

Feed Animals

Domestic animals can eat banana peels such as pigs, rabbits, goats, cows, and other livestock. However, mash the banana peels and dry them before feeding your livestock.

Other Uses Of Banana Peels

Use As Fertilizer

Banana peels are excellent potassium fertilizers that add nutrients to the soil, promote plant growth, and act as a pest repellent. The most common method of producing these fertilizers is by composting.

Here is how to do composting yourself:

  • Start by adding dried brown materials such as dried grass, leaves, flowers, twigs, and other organic matter. They are an excellent source of carbon.
  • Use a knife to cut the banana peels into small pieces.
  • Add other fruits, waste, and vegetables to the compost pile.
  • Turn the compost pile at least once a week to allow enough oxygen into the pile and speed up the composting process.
  • After 4 – 6 weeks, your compost should be ready.
  • Apply to your garden plants and crops as fertilizer.

Use For Teeth Whitening

Banana peels have a high mineral content, which helps to promote dental health and remove stains from teeth.

To get started; 

  • Rub the underside of a banana peel all over your teeth. Ensure you maintain distance between your lips and your teeth.
  • Brush the banana into your teeth with a dry toothbrush.
  • Allow the content to sit on your teeth for ten minutes.
  • Then, brush away the banana with a wet toothbrush and toothpaste.
  • Repeat the process every day for three weeks to whiten your teeth.

 Use On Your Face

rub banana peels on your skin

To remove black spots, treat acne, and moisturize dehydrated skin with banana peels;

  • Wash your face properly with a face cleaner and dry with your neat towel
  • Massage your face with the underside of a banana peel
  • Leave the content on your face for 15 minutes and wash off with cold water
  • Repeat the procedure every day for a few weeks to help acne scars fade and remove warts from your face.

Use As Shoe Polish

Potassium, a mineral found in bananas, is a key ingredient in the production of shoe polish.

  • Rub the soft inside of a banana peel on your leather shoes. Make sure that you cover the entire shoe surface.
  • Remove any fibrous banana residue from the shoe with a dry cloth.
  • You will have a shiny shoe, but with a fruity smell.

FAQs for Can You Put Banana Peels Down The Garbage Disposal

What Are Other Things I should Never Put In My Garbage Disposal?

Never put fat, grease, or oil down the garbage disposal. Similarly, bones, seafood shells, potato peels, fibrous vegetables, broken glass, and eggshells are not ideal waste to dispose of in your garbage disposal. 

What Can I Put In My Garbage Disposal?

Foods that are soft or liquid are safe to put in the garbage disposal. However, ensure you flush your garbage disposal with cold water before, during, and after use.

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