Use Appropriate Receptacles
- Outdoor garbage receptacles must be made of durable, leak-proof, and easily cleanable materials like metal or plastic. Dumpsters are ideal for large amounts of garbage.
- Receptacles must have tight-fitting lids to keep pests and other animals out. Lids should be kept closed when not in use.
- Separate receptacles should be used for different types of waste (general refuse, recyclables, food waste etc). Receptacles should be clearly labeled.
- Receptacles must be located far enough from facility entrances, windows, air intakes or food/material storage to prevent contamination.
Dispose of Garbage Properly
- Dispose of food waste and rubbish frequently to prevent odor build up and overflowing. Take out garbage before receptacles are filled to the brim.
- All garbage bags must be securely tied before placing in dumpster to prevent spills or attraction of pests.
- Leftover grease or oily waste must first be collected in sealable containers before transferring to dumpsters. This prevents leaks.
- Sharp objects like broken glass or knives must first be safely wrapped before disposal to prevent injury hazard.
- Hazardous wastes like chemicals must be disposed of separately according to local environmental regulations.
Maintain Sanitation
- Receptacles must be cleaned regularly to prevent odor and growth of mold/bacteria. Wash with hot water and detergent before rinsing.
- Any spills on or around receptacles must be cleaned up immediately. Use disinfectant if spilled waste contained raw meat, fish or eggs.
- Hands must be thoroughly washed after handling waste containers before returning to food prep areas.
- Garbage collection equipment like dumpsters, compactors, bins and trolleys must also be cleaned regularly.
Ensure Proper Removal
- Garbage should be removed often enough to prevent overfilling receptacles. This varies based on volumes of waste generated.
- Removal must be done in a sanitary manner. Workers removing waste must be trained in safe practices and wear protective clothing.
- Only authorized waste disposal personnel and equipment should remove waste from receptacles.
- After garbage is collected, wash hands thoroughly before resuming any food handling tasks.
By following these guidelines, food handlers can help prevent foodborne illnesses by properly containing and disposing of garbage away from food service operations. Maintaining cleanliness and using common sense when taking out waste helps reduce risks of contamination.
Frequently Asked Questions About Food Handlers Discarding Garbage Outdoors
Question: How often should outdoor garbage receptacles be emptied?
Answer: Outdoor garbage receptacles should be emptied often enough to prevent overfilling and overflowing. For most food service establishments, a daily or every-other-day removal schedule is recommended. High volume operations may require more frequent garbage pickups.
Question: Should raw meat or seafood waste be disposed of differently than other garbage?
Answer: Yes, it is a good practice to discard raw meat and seafood waste into separate bags before placing in outdoor receptacles. This contains contaminants and juices from the raw product that could otherwise leak and cross-contaminate other waste.
Question: Can plastic bags be used to line outdoor garbage receptacles?
Answer: Yes, heavy duty plastic bags can be used to line receptacle containers to help keep them clean. The bags should be tightly secured before placing in dumpsters. Garbage cans should have removable inner liners rather than bags loosely hanging over sides.
Question: Are there any types of waste that cannot go into standard garbage receptacles?
Answer: Certain hazardous waste like chemicals, oils, batteries and electronic waste cannot be disposed of in regular trash. Food facilities must arrange for separate hazardous waste disposal according to local environmental regulations.
Question: Should outdoor waste receptacles be kept open or closed?
Answer: Receptacles should be kept tightly closed with lids fastened shut when not actively in use. Open containers can attract flies, rodents and other pests. Only open long enough to deposit waste then immediately close.
Question: Can food waste be composted instead of being thrown away?
Answer: Yes, some facilities compost food scraps onsite or arrange pickup of food waste for industrial composting. Diverting food waste can reduce disposal costs. Compost must be stored and processed properly to avoid attracting pests.
Question: How far should garbage receptacles be kept away from facility doors or windows?
Answer: A general recommendation is to allow at least 50 feet between outdoor garbage receptacles and any facility entrances, windows, ventilation intakes or food storage areas. A farther distance is better to prevent odor, pest or airborne contamination.
Conclusion
Properly handling and discarding garbage is an important but often overlooked aspect of food safety. Food handlers must be diligent about separating waste, avoiding spills, keeping receptacles clean, washing hands afterwards, and ensuring frequent removals. Following sound procedures for outdoor waste disposal reduces risks of contaminating food products or spreading foodborne illnesses. With some basic training on safe garbage disposal practices, food handlers can do their part to keep dining establishments clean and customers healthy.