How loud is a garbage disposal?
A garbage disposal is about 80 dB, with a typical range of 75–85 dB. Kitchen sink food waste disposer.
That is about 4 times as loud to the ear as normal conversation and 100 times the sound energy.
Can it damage your hearing?
Yes, with enough exposure. At 80 dBA, NIOSH recommends a daily limit of 25.4 hours; at the top of the range (85 dB) it is 8.0 hours. Wear earplugs or earmuffs, keep your distance and limit time near the source.
How sound level changes with distance
Decibel figures always depend on distance. For a small source in open air, every doubling of distance lowers the level by about 6 dB; indoors, reflections reduce that drop. Use the sound-vs-distance calculator to estimate the level where you are.
Sounds as loud as a garbage disposal
Hard surfaces and many voices push levels up.75 dBToilet flush
Pressure-assisted toilets are the loudest.75 dBVacuum cleaner
At the operator's position.80 dBAirplane cabin
Cruising flight; seats near the engines are louder.80 dBAlarm clock
Measured at the pillow.85 dBGas lawn mower
CDC lists gas mowers and leaf blowers at 80–85 dB; operator-ear levels can be higher.85 dBHair dryer
Very close to the ear while in use.85 dBHeavy city traffic
Standing at the curb of a busy street.
Safe listening time
| Level | NIOSH recommended limit | OSHA legal limit (US) |
|---|---|---|
| 74 dBA | 102 hours | 73.5 hours |
| 77 dBA | 50.8 hours | 48.5 hours |
| 80 dBA | 25.4 hours | 32.0 hours |
| 83 dBA | 12.7 hours | 21.1 hours |
| 86 dBA | 6.3 hours | 13.9 hours |
NIOSH: 85 dBA for 8 hours with a 3 dB exchange rate; OSHA: 90 dBA for 8 hours with a 5 dB exchange rate. General information, not medical advice – see a hearing professional about ringing ears, muffled hearing or pain.
More recordings elsewhere
- Garbage Disposal -- Chicken & Potato Being Crushed.WAV by Ndheger – CC BY 3.0 (freesound)
- Garbage Disposal by thebiffy – CC0 1.0 (freesound)
- Garbage Disposal by michael_lester1 – CC0 1.0 (freesound)
- S31-39 Garbage disposal grinding hard objects.wav by craigsmith – CC0 1.0 (freesound)
- COKE CANS DISPOSAL C617 016.wav by sandyrb – CC BY 4.0 (freesound)
Frequently asked questions
How many decibels is a garbage disposal?
About 80 dB, with a typical range of 75–85 dB.
Is a garbage disposal louder than a jet engine?
No – a jet engine at takeoff is about 140 dB at 30 m, while a garbage disposal is about 80 dB.
How are these levels measured?
With a sound level meter, usually A-weighted (dBA) to match human hearing. Published figures depend on distance and conditions, so treat them as typical values.