Hello CompostGal and thank you for the feedback you posted on the Home Depot website. We are sorry to hear that your MOEN Prep Series 1/2 HP Continuous Feed Garbage Disposal with Power Cord and Universal Mount is experiencing an issue with the motor. All types of food waste can be put down your disposal such as vegetable peels, fibrous materials, small bones, fruit pits, etc. Make sure when you do grind materials that you run a generous flow of water down the sink drain while the unit runs. Our specially trained Product Specialists are available via our Helpline for technical installation assistance and would have been happy to assist you with the operation of your disposal. Should you require any warranty or pre-purchase assistance, please feel free to call us at 1-800-289-6636. Our business hours are 8:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. Monday through Friday Eastern Time. Should you require any warranty or pre-purchase assistance, please feel free to call us at 1-800-289-6636. Our business hours are 8:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. Eastern Time Monday through Friday.