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Waste / Sanitation — Refuse Storage & Collection

Garbage and refuse must be stored in covered, cleanable containers and collected often enough to prevent pests and odors. Keep your commercial waste service records.

Official Source
Your state/local health department + city/county solid waste program
https://www.fda.gov/food/retail-food-protection/fda-food-code

Overview

Proper waste handling is required by both food-safety rules and local solid-waste regulations. Poor refuse management is a leading cause of pest problems and a common inspection violation.

Food-Safety Requirements (FDA Food Code)

  • Garbage/refuse stored in durable, leak-proof, cleanable containers with tight-fitting lids
  • Indoor garbage areas kept clean; containers emptied frequently
  • Outdoor dumpster/enclosure area kept clean, drained, free of debris
  • Collection frequent enough to prevent odors, pests, and overflow
  • Grease and used cooking oil handled separately (see your grease/FOG article)

Local Commercial Waste

Most cities require commercial establishments to arrange proper solid-waste collection (city service or a licensed private hauler) and follow recycling rules. Keep a current service agreement and disposal records.

What SpoonSeal tracks

The document(s) you upload for this requirement, with automatic renewal/expiration tracking (Current, Due Soon, Expired). Where the city publishes health-inspection results (e.g., NYC and Chicago), SpoonSeal syncs them automatically; elsewhere they can be added manually.

Stay ahead of this requirement

SpoonSeal stores your documents, tracks expirations, and reminds you before anything lapses — so you are always inspection-ready.

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This guide is informational and not legal advice. Always confirm current requirements with the official agency linked above.