The sorting chart
| Item | Where it goes | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Bacon fat, pan drippings, frying oil | Trash, in a sealed container | Hardens on pipe walls |
| Butter, sauces, gravy | Scrape to trash | Same as grease once cool |
| Coffee grounds | Trash or compost | Settles and packs in the trap |
| Eggshells | Trash or compost | Grit adds to clogs |
| Rice, pasta, bread | Trash | Swells into a paste |
| Potato and carrot peels | Trash or compost | Starchy and fibrous |
| Celery, corn husks, onion skins, artichokes | Trash or compost | Fibers wrap the disposal plate |
| Bones, fruit pits | Trash | Can jam the disposal |
| Small soft food scraps | Disposal, with cold water | Grinds and flushes |
| Rinse water, dish soap | Sink | Normal use |
Setting up a simple system
Grease container
Keep a lidded can or jar by the stove. When full and solid, put it in the trash.
Scrap bin
A small bin on the counter for peels and grounds makes the trash easier than the sink.
Basket strainers
Use them in both basins, especially the one without a disposal.
Paper towel step
Wipe pans and plates before they go in the sink or dishwasher.
Disposal myths
| Common belief | What actually happens |
|---|---|
| The disposal can handle anything | It grinds, but the particles still travel through the trap and line |
| Hot water washes grease away | Grease cools and sticks farther down |
| Dish soap breaks grease down for good | Soap moves grease temporarily; it can resettle |
| Coffee grounds clean the pipes | Grounds settle and help form clogs |
Why sorting matters more in older homes
In a Fullerton home with an original metal kitchen drain, the inside of the pipe is rougher than new plastic. Starch and grease cling to that surface faster, so the same habits that would be harmless in a new house can lead to clogs within months. Sorting scraps is the cheapest drain maintenance there is.
Common questions
Can I pour small amounts of oil down the sink with lots of hot water?
Even small amounts add up. It is better to wipe or pour it into a container.
Are compostable scraps fine in the disposal?
Compostable does not mean drain-friendly. Fibrous and starchy scraps are better composted or trashed.
What about dairy and milk?
Small amounts of milk rinse away, but cream, cheese sauces and butter behave like grease.
General information for Fullerton, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.