The basic rule of thumb when it comes to what you can put down the garbage disposal is anything that's biodegradable food. Some of the things that are safe to put down the garbage disposal include: Most vegetables and food scraps Citrus rinds Small bits of ice cubes Cooked meat scraps Small bones Just as crucial is knowing what you can't put down your garbage disposal, which includes: Rice, pasta, and bread Coffee grounds Nuts and shells Potato peels Eggshells Grease, oil, and fat