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>

Will my garbage disposal impact my septic tank?

• <div><p>Your garbage disposal will only affect the health of your septic tank if you’re using it too frequently, or filling it with organic waste that doesn’t fully break down. If the tank fills up with too many solids, the bacteria won’t have enough time to consume it before more is added, which can lead to an overflow in the drain field. Your tank will need to be pumped more frequently with excessive or improper garbage disposal use. </p></div>

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Q: What is the most common size garbage disposal?

• <div><p>The most common garbage disposal size in the U.S. is 1/2 horsepower. This size is ideal for households with three or fewer people or those that don't produce much food waste. Although 1/2 horsepower can't handle the typical food waste load for a household of four (which is about 250 pounds of food waste annually) as effectively as 3/4 horsepower, it remains the most common size of garbage disposal on the market.</p></div>

Q: Will unplugging my garbage disposal reset it?

• <div><p>While unplugging your garbage disposal and plugging it back in may help, most units have an actual reset button, a bright red switch found on the underside of your unit. If your garbage disposal needs resetting, you may notice this button sticking out about a quarter of an inch from the surface of the unit, with which it&rsquo;s usually flush. Simply depress this reset button to reset the unit, and then test to ensure it&rsquo;s working about 10 minutes later.</p></div>

Q: Is it better to repair or replace a garbage disposal?

• <div><p>In some cases, it&rsquo;s more cost-effective in the long run to replace a garbage disposal, but it depends on the specific issue you&rsquo;re having and the age of your disposal. You should ask a garbage disposal repair tech for a quote to repair your appliance and then see if it would be more worthwhile to replace it. Additionally, garbage disposals last for around 15 years, so if you know your appliance is reaching that age, it&rsquo;s likely better to <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/what-s-it-cost-replace-garbage-disposal.htm">pay for a new garbage disposal</a> rather than sink money into repairs.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Garbage Collection pros in Alma Center, WI

*The Angi rating for Garbage Collection companies in Alma Center, WI is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Garbage Collection needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Garbage Collection companies in Alma Center, WI is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Garbage Collection needs.

Last update on November 15, 2025

Reviewed in April 2021
Land Quest is an absolute joke! By far the worst company I’ve ever had dealt with. Whatever you do, DON’T RENT FROM THESE PEOPLE. I wish I could rate them 0 stars because that’s what they deserve. Unfortunately I’m still renting from them because the market is out of control in Bristol, WI and...
Land Quest Construction
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Reviewed in October 2019
I was very happy with this service. The floors look great, the dust is gone, and there was a lot, garbage can emptied, and the kitchen cupboard doors were cleaned. I would suggest Ashley and crew to anyone looking for a clean home with no hassles. They brought their own supplies, and got right...
Klassy Kleaners
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Reviewed in October 2018
Associates Septic Services has a lengthy contract to pump my septic every 3 years paid via my tax bill collected by the county. They pumped my system 9/2018 (my inspection report that goes to the county had no issues) and in less than a month the system was overflowing the tank lids. It was last...
Associates Septic Services Inc.
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Reviewed in September 2017
Kraig was very busy and asked me to prioritize my list. I told him that there was no rush to get any of the things done. He worked me into the schedule about an hour or 2 at a time, except for the gutter cleaning and roof repair which were done over several hours one day by Greg. I am retired so...
651-Handyma'am
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Reviewed in April 2016
The quality of the masonry work and millwork is outstanding, however, the floors squeak so badly that it sounds like the second story is going to collapse if anyone is upstairs. The finishing of the woodwork was so poorly done that the finish literally washed off with a damp cloth. I did not...
DON BELMAN HOMES INC
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Reviewed in January 2016
Owner Assisted or ?OWNER BEWARE. We were looking for a framing contractor to frame our project for us as we were going to do the general contracting work ourselves to save money. We worked with Jeff who presented to us several proposals with different levels of completion. Throughout our...
Renovations Group Inc
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Reviewed in November 2012
We packed all of the small or breakable items and moved them to the basement. Mike's crew moved all of the furniture to the garage and covered with tarps that I provided. They then removed all the doors; taped and covered with plastic all cabinets and openings to the second floor; removed the...
Mike's Hardwood Flooring Inc
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Reviewed in August 2008
Needed service, called, they came promptly as stated. They performed work in a timely manner and replaced needed parts. They checked the sump pump without being asked and found it was not operating it was under warranty and they replaced that with no charge. They checked the garbage disposal...
O'Leary Plumbing & Heating Inc
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Atlantis Services

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Atlantis Services

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2 years of experience

Anything you consider junk we haul. Whether it’s furniture, appliances, remodel/demo debris, and yard wast we haul it for a great price.

Kenosha Water Damage

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Kenosha Water Damage

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15 years of experience

Place order with Loca Authorized dealer of the company in your town.

Osceola Transfer Station

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Osceola Transfer Station

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Free onsite estimate

Osceola Transfer Station offers the following non-hazardous waste disposal services: Construction & Demolition Debris, Municipal Solid Waste, Disposal Services

Curbside Removal Services LLC

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Curbside Removal Services LLC

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14 years of experience

Curbside Removal Services LLC of Milwaukee Wisconsin is the alternative to your city's special pick up. http://www.csremoval.com

Restoration Specialist of Wisconsin LLC

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Restoration Specialist of Wisconsin LLC

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42 years of experience

If you have a disaster in your home or business, call your insurance and leave the rest to Restoration Specialist of Wisconsin LLC. We will meet with the adjustor to discuss and negotiate the necessary repairs. Restorations goal is to return your home or business back to its original condition so you can get back to life after a smoke, fire or water disaster. Additonal services provided by restoration include: carpet cleaning, hoarding cleanup, rental and new construction cleanup, roofing, siding, pressure washing, hauling and more.

Garbage Collection questions, answered by experts

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.

The most common garbage disposal size in the U.S. is 1/2 horsepower. This size is ideal for households with three or fewer people or those that don't produce much food waste. Although 1/2 horsepower can't handle the typical food waste load for a household of four (which is about 250 pounds of food waste annually) as effectively as 3/4 horsepower, it remains the most common size of garbage disposal on the market.

Your garbage disposal will only affect the health of your septic tank if you’re using it too frequently, or filling it with organic waste that doesn’t fully break down. If the tank fills up with too many solids, the bacteria won’t have enough time to consume it before more is added, which can lead to an overflow in the drain field. Your tank will need to be pumped more frequently with excessive or improper garbage disposal use.

While unplugging your garbage disposal and plugging it back in may help, most units have an actual reset button, a bright red switch found on the underside of your unit. If your garbage disposal needs resetting, you may notice this button sticking out about a quarter of an inch from the surface of the unit, with which it’s usually flush. Simply depress this reset button to reset the unit, and then test to ensure it’s working about 10 minutes later.

In some cases, it’s more cost-effective in the long run to replace a garbage disposal, but it depends on the specific issue you’re having and the age of your disposal. You should ask a garbage disposal repair tech for a quote to repair your appliance and then see if it would be more worthwhile to replace it. Additionally, garbage disposals last for around 15 years, so if you know your appliance is reaching that age, it’s likely better to pay for a new garbage disposal rather than sink money into repairs.

The Alma Center, WI homeowners’ guide to garbage collection services

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

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Waste, Junk, Building Materials and Debris Removal and Hauling

Handyman for Multiple Small Project Service

Lawn Care Fall / Spring Clean Up Service

Verified Reviews for Garbage Collection pros in Alma Center, WI

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Atlantis Services

Atlantis Services

Kenosha Water Damage

Kenosha Water Damage

Osceola Transfer Station

Osceola Transfer Station

Curbside Removal Services LLC

Curbside Removal Services LLC

Restoration Specialist of Wisconsin LLC

Restoration Specialist of Wisconsin LLC

The Alma Center, WI homeowners’ guide to garbage collection services

How Much Does Mattress Removal Cost? [2025 Data]

How Much Does Oil Tank Removal Cost? [2025 Data]

Hazardous Waste Disposal Cost [2025 Data]

How to Dispose of Your Christmas Tree Once the Holidays Are Over

How to Dispose of a Propane Tank Properly

How to Dispose of Wood Stain Properly

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Get matched with top garbage collectors in Alma Center, WI

Enter your zip and get matched with up to 5 pros

Need a pro for your garbage collection project in Alma Center, WI?

Waste, Junk, Building Materials and Debris Removal and Hauling

Handyman for Multiple Small Project Service

Lawn Care Fall / Spring Clean Up Service

Verified Reviews for Garbage Collection pros in Alma Center, WI

Find Garbage collectors in Alma Center

Atlantis Services

Atlantis Services

Kenosha Water Damage

Kenosha Water Damage

Osceola Transfer Station

Osceola Transfer Station

Curbside Removal Services LLC

Curbside Removal Services LLC

Restoration Specialist of Wisconsin LLC

Restoration Specialist of Wisconsin LLC

The Alma Center, WI homeowners’ guide to garbage collection services

How Much Does Mattress Removal Cost? [2025 Data]

How Much Does Oil Tank Removal Cost? [2025 Data]

Hazardous Waste Disposal Cost [2025 Data]

How to Dispose of Your Christmas Tree Once the Holidays Are Over

How to Dispose of a Propane Tank Properly

How to Dispose of Wood Stain Properly

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