Abstract: A system and method for preventing the ingestion of ferrous items by food scrap grinding and disposal devices attached to drains on sinks. An example of a system includes a base that engages the sink drain inlet that leads to the disposal, and at least one positioning tab that extends from the base in order to retain the position of the base relative to the sink. A magnet is suspended from the frame over the base, so that placement of the base about the drain inlet results in the positioning of the magnet over the drain inlet, and so that ferrous items are drawn to the magnet as they are about to enter the drain inlet, and so that the magnet is free to move in response to contact with the flow food waste materials.

Abstract: A system for removing ferrous materials from a flow of non-ferrous materials, the flow being defined by a duct having sides to confine the flow of non ferrous materials along a flow path axis. The system includes an enclosure having sides, at least one side of the enclosure being adapted for mounting against the sides of the duct. At least two magnets are mounted within the enclosure, the magnets being retained within the enclosure and spaced apart from one another within the enclosure, and a piece of ferrous material extending between the magnets to provide a flow path for the magnetic flux between the magnets, so that the magnetic flux is focused along an axis extending between the magnets. An attachment mechanism for supporting the enclosure together with the magnets against the sides of the duct is also provided, so that the axis of focus of magnetic flux extends at an angle to the flow of non-ferrous material when the enclosure is supported against the side of the duct.