We actually put very little down the garbage disposal these days. Much of it can be composted and what cannot be composted (gristle, etc.) shouldn't go down the drain anyway. It used to be we had to have a drain-clearing service come out every several months to clean out food waste, soap, etc. from the kitchen drain. Now that interval has lengthened to every other year or so. When we replace the sink, I think we'll go without a disposal at all. Nowhere near the benefit considering what it costs us.