What is the most logical next event?

How to replace a garbage disposal
Turn off the power to the garbage disposal.
Head to your home's main circuit breaker and find the switch corresponding to the garbage disposal unit. Flip the switch to the " off " position.
You'll now be able to work safely without worrying about accidentally receiving a nasty shock. Garbage disposals are electrical appliances, which means there's a live current running through them at all time while the power is on.