A. Continuous feed and batch feed garbage disposers operate in the same way, the only difference is how you turn them on. Continuous feed garbage disposers usually have a wall switch that is used to turn the unit on and off. Batch feed units are operated by a special stopper that activates a switch. To turn on a batch feed model, place the specially designed stopper in the disposer opening, lining up the "turn on slots", and push down.