10 Surprising Items You Must Never Pour Down the Drain

A Smarter Way to Toss: Everyday Items That Demand Special Disposal

We often sweep leftovers and small scraps into the trash or down the drain without another thought. Yet many common materials wreak havoc on plumbing, pollute waterways, or threaten wildlife when handled carelessly. Use this expanded guide to learn why certain items should never meet your sink, toilet, or curbside bin, and discover easy alternatives that protect both your home and the planet.

Pasta and Rice

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Pasta and rice seem harmless because they are edible, but they act like sponges inside your pipes. Even after cooking, starches in noodles and grains keep absorbing moisture, swelling until they form gummy, pipe-shaped plugs. When rinsed away with grease or meat drippings, these swollen bits glue themselves to pipe walls. Over days or weeks, the mixture hardens into a cement-like lump that slows water flow and breeds foul odors. Clearing the blockage usually requires an expensive plumber visit or chemical cleaners that add another layer of environmental damage. Scrape leftovers into a compost bin or sealed trash bag instead, and give your plumbing a long, healthy life.