How Much Does Garbage Disposal Installation Cost in 2025?

This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.

Garbage disposal installation costs an average of $550, with prices ranging from $150 to $950. Key factors affecting the cost include unit type, labor fees, wiring needs, and additional accessories. While you might consider installing it yourself to save money, hiring a professional ensures proper installation and compliance with local codes, preventing potential plumbing or electrical issues. Factors like your location, the size and quality of the disposal unit, and whether you need extra wiring or plumbing can influence the overall cost.

Garbage Disposal Cost Factors

The total cost to install a garbage disposal depends on several factors, including labor, the type of unit you choose, any necessary rewiring, and the accessories you decide to add.

Continuous vs. Batch Feed

When choosing a garbage disposal, you have two main options: continuous feed and batch feed. Both send waste through your sewer or septic system but feed it differently.

• Continuous-feed disposals cost an average of $260, making them the most common and less expensive option. With this type, you can feed waste continuously as long as the power switch is on, allowing you to dispose of large amounts without delay.

• Batch-feed disposals cost an average of $310, and grind your kitchen waste in batches. They work like continuous-feed disposals but have a special cover that keeps other items from falling into the grinder, adding an extra layer of safety.

Wiring

If your installation requires electrical work to power the garbage disposal, you can expect to pay an electrician between $50 and $100 per hour.

Accessories

You can enhance the functionality of your garbage disposal with accessories and additional parts. Consider whether one of these upgrades may also be appropriate for use in your home.

Dishwasher Drain Connectors

Dishwasher drain connectors cost between $10 and $40. This mechanism will run your dishwasher water through the garbage disposal, preventing possible clogs.

Push-Button System

Countertop push-button kits cost $40 to $90 and help start the garbage disposal when its switch is in an inconvenient location. These devices are usually air-activated.

Baffle

A baffle is a $5 to $45 tool that keeps unwanted items, such as silverware, from entering the garbage disposal, protecting both your silverware and the disposal itself from unnecessary wear. It also helps to muffle the unit's sound and prevent splashing while it’s on.

Septic Assist Cartridge

If you have a septic tank, consider a septic assist cartridge, which costs $10 to $50. This device helps break down food and solid waste, reduce strain on your septic system, and deodorize and drain sink odors.

Faucet Installation

The cost to install a kitchen faucet averages $260, with prices going up as high as $364, depending on the type and finish. The cost of a plumber or handyperson you hire and the equipment price will also impact your final expense.

Aluminum vs. Stainless Steel

Garbage disposals are built using one of two materials: aluminum or stainless steel.

Aluminum garbage disposals cost between $70 and $350. They are lighter and less costly than stainless steel units. However, they tend to corrode over time due to moisture exposure.

Stainless steel garbage disposals cost between $400 and $1,200. They won’t rust or corrode as quickly as aluminum and offer better long-term durability against the wear and tear of regular operation.

Horsepower

Garbage disposal strength is measured in horsepower. The higher horsepower your unit has, the stronger its grinding abilities. However, higher horsepower also comes at a higher price.

DIY Garbage Disposal Installation vs. Hiring a Pro

While installing a garbage disposal yourself might save you $90 to $250 in labor fees, it can be tricky and potentially risky. Hiring a professional plumber or handyperson ensures the installation is done correctly, preventing issues like leaks or improper operation. 

Plumbers charge $45 to $200 per hour, and handypersons charge $55 to $75 per hour, depending on your location. You'll also need a qualified electrician if any electrical rewiring is required. To ensure your garbage disposal is installed safely and up to code, consider contacting a local garbage disposal professional.

How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data

No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.