How can I maximize the life span of my garbage disposal?

• <div><p>As with many appliances, proper maintenance is key to maximizing your garbage disposal’s life span. If everyone in your household is on board with <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-keep-your-garbage-disposal-running.htm">proper care and maintenance</a>, like running water while operating the disposal, you should get plenty of years out of your unit. Avoid putting the wrong food items down the disposal, including pasta, rice, bread, and more.</p></div>

What should not be put in a garbage disposal?

• <div><p>These appliances certainly increase the number of things allowed down the drain, but they’re not foolproof. There are several <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/what-not-put-down-garbage-disposal.htm">items you shouldn’t put in your garbage disposal</a>, according to manufacturers and technicians. Don’t put coffee grounds down the drain. The same goes for eggshells, potato peels, hard foods, onion skins, and any dry, expandable food. Most importantly, never put grease or oils down the drain.</p></div>

Get matched with top garbage collectors in La Jara, CO

Q: Is soil bad for garbage disposal?

• <div><p>Soil is just one of the items you <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/what-not-put-down-garbage-disposal.htm">shouldn't put down a garbage disposal</a>. Garbage disposals are only meant for soft, non-fibrous foods. Large amounts of topsoil, dirt, or rocks will damage the blades of your garbage disposal or clog the pipes. If a small amount of dirt goes down the drain as you repot a plant, you shouldn't have to worry, but never dump a whole pot of soil in the sink for fast disposal.</p></div>

Q: How often do garbage disposals break?

• <div><p>Garbage disposals are durable appliances that usually last at least eight years as long as you clean and maintain them. It&rsquo;s relatively rare for a garbage disposal to break on its own, as most malfunctions happen due to user errors, like overstuffing the grinding compartment or damaging the blades by trying to dispose of metal or bone. Eventually, cracks or leaks could develop in the unit, which requires a full replacement. </p></div>

Q: What tool is used to reset a garbage disposal?

• <div><p>Most garbage disposals have a reset button that can be triggered with a tool as simple and accessible as your index finger. That said, if you need to perform a more in-depth troubleshooting step, like manually moving the arms inside the unit or rotating the impeller plate, a hex wrench is the most common tool you&rsquo;ll need. Most garbage disposals come with a hex wrench.</p></div>

Enter your zip and get matched with up to 5 pros

Need a pro for your garbage collection project in La Jara, CO?

Select your specific project to find the pro for you.

Find Garbage collectors in La Jara

Bobby

New to Angi

Garbage Pickup and Waste Management

Serving La Jara, CO and surrounding areas

Approved

Free estimates

We are a veteran owned buisness who specialize in road grading land clearing trash and junk removal removal

Request Quote

Randy Robison

New to Angi

Garbage Pickup and Waste Management

Serving La Jara, CO and surrounding areas

Approved

Small jobs welcome

I'm capable and competent to take care of your needs. Also honest and reliable. Integrity is a top priority. \nI buy and sell and transport 20' shipping containers. I own a 15 yard dump trailer and a 5 yard dump trailer. I own a 20' equipment trailer. I own a 17' tow truck. I own a 20' gooseneck trailer. These assets are useful and ready to be used to get big projects done quickly. Big jobs and small jobs welcome. Handyman useful and efficient. Rate for 15-yard dump trailer $200 for delivery & pickup & up to a ton of trash with $10 per 100 lbs charge over 2000 lbs & $25 per day after 24 hours.

5 neighbors recently requested a quote

Request Quote

Moving APT - Long Distance Movers

4.5(

282

)

Garbage Pickup and Waste Management

Serving La Jara, CO and surrounding areas

In business since 1999

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

Moving APT provides long-distance moves, packing and storage. Call Moving APT for the best cross-country moving, at affordable prices.

Recommended by88%of homeowners

Garbage Pickup and Waste Management

Serving La Jara, CO and surrounding areas

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

Moving business locally owned and operated we feel invested in our clients and constantly strive for customer satisfaction. Call or message us to schedule an estimate today!

Recommended by75%of homeowners

Request Quote

Zulu Hauling Services LLC

5.0(

)

Garbage Pickup and Waste Management

Serving La Jara, CO and surrounding areas

In business since 2015

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

We invite you to experience a tradition of customer satisfaction that will exceed your greatest expectations. Our professionalism and quality workmanship will accurately reflect your taste and lifestyle. From conception to completion, we work with you until the job is done. We are ethical, honest, and easy to communicate with. \n \nCall us today you'll be pleased you did. Thank you

Garbage Pickup and Waste Management

Serving La Jara, CO and surrounding areas

Emergency services offered

We are an all-stop shop for all your general contracting, landscaping, and home improvement needs! Some of our focuses include: lawn services, irrigation system installation, irrigation system repairs, arbor work, demolition, leaf raking, weeding, grass mowing, snow removal contracts, handy man services, bathroom and tile remodels, painting, fence construction and repair, deck and patio services, rock removal and design, and residential moving services! Please contact us with any inquiries, and we will get back to you within 48 hours.

Recommended by80%of homeowners

Request Quote

RMC

New to Angi

Garbage Pickup and Waste Management

Serving La Jara, CO and surrounding areas

In business since 2020

Credit card accepted

Offers commercial services

We take great pride in our experience, expertise, quality, and customer service that we provide to meet the \nconsumers needs. It is our mission to provide excellent workmanship and complete customer satisfaction from start \nto completion of a project. In order to understand the needs and expectations of our customers, we take great care to \nwork and communicate with every customer in a professional manner. Our reputation is based on service, safety, and \nquality, regardless of how large or small the job

Request Quote

Garbage Collection questions, answered by experts

Soil is just one of the items you shouldn't put down a garbage disposal. Garbage disposals are only meant for soft, non-fibrous foods. Large amounts of topsoil, dirt, or rocks will damage the blades of your garbage disposal or clog the pipes. If a small amount of dirt goes down the drain as you repot a plant, you shouldn't have to worry, but never dump a whole pot of soil in the sink for fast disposal.

As with many appliances, proper maintenance is key to maximizing your garbage disposal’s life span. If everyone in your household is on board with proper care and maintenance, like running water while operating the disposal, you should get plenty of years out of your unit. Avoid putting the wrong food items down the disposal, including pasta, rice, bread, and more.

Garbage disposals are durable appliances that usually last at least eight years as long as you clean and maintain them. It’s relatively rare for a garbage disposal to break on its own, as most malfunctions happen due to user errors, like overstuffing the grinding compartment or damaging the blades by trying to dispose of metal or bone. Eventually, cracks or leaks could develop in the unit, which requires a full replacement.

Most garbage disposals have a reset button that can be triggered with a tool as simple and accessible as your index finger. That said, if you need to perform a more in-depth troubleshooting step, like manually moving the arms inside the unit or rotating the impeller plate, a hex wrench is the most common tool you’ll need. Most garbage disposals come with a hex wrench.

These appliances certainly increase the number of things allowed down the drain, but they’re not foolproof. There are several items you shouldn’t put in your garbage disposal, according to manufacturers and technicians. Don’t put coffee grounds down the drain. The same goes for eggshells, potato peels, hard foods, onion skins, and any dry, expandable food. Most importantly, never put grease or oils down the drain.

The La Jara, CO homeowners’ guide to garbage collection services

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.

See all articles

Lauren Bongard
•
Jul 10, 2026Jul 10, 2026
Hazardous Waste Disposal Cost [2026 Data]
Need to get rid of paint, solvents, or other chemicals? Use this guide on hazardous waste disposal costs to see what professional removal will cost.
Ginny Bartolone
•
Jul 9, 2026Jul 9, 2026
Why Didn’t My Trash Get Picked Up? 9 Reasons Why and What to Do Next
Garbage day has come and gone and your stuff still sits waiting on the curb. If you're wondering why your trash didn't get picked up, here's how to figure out what happened.
Em Norton
•
Jul 9, 2026Jul 9, 2026
How to Get Rid of Trash: 8 Methods
If your home is brimming with things you don’t need, find out about your options when it comes to how to get rid of trash, from junk collection to recycling.
Dan Simms
•
Jul 8, 2026Jul 8, 2026
Who Disposes of Old Paint?
Need to get rid of old paint but not sure where to turn? Learn who disposes of old paint to avoid illegal dumping fees and prevent damage to the environment.
Deirdre Sullivan
•
Apr 10, 2026Apr 10, 2026
How to Dispose of Aerosol Cans That Are Not Empty
Found an old spray can while cleaning? Read our article about how to dispose of aerosol cans that are not empty and safely de-clutter your home.
C.E. Larusso
•
Jul 10, 2026Jul 10, 2026
How to Dispose of Light Bulbs and What to Do With Each Type
Learn the safe way to dispose of and recycle every kind of light bulb, including those made with mercury, such as CFLs and fluorescent tubes.