Regulations for Restaurant Waste Containers in Georgia

Georgia Environmental Health Division's provisions for restaurant waste containers is a broad regulation that leaves room for local environmental and code enforcement offices to establish additional specific rules appropriate to their areas. Check local rules for precise parameters.

Rules

• Chapter 290-5-14-.06 of the Rules of Georgia Department of Human Resources Public Health sets the standards for waste containers in Georgia restaurants. Containers and waste handling units kept outside the restaurant must have tight-fitting lids, doors or covers, and be large enough to contain the facility's normal production of waste without any overflow.

Outdoor Sites

• Outdoor receptacle containers for Georgia restaurants must be large enough to accommodate all the containers stored there. The storage area and the containers must be easily and regularly cleaned. Base pads must be kept clean. Drain-hole plugs must be in place in large containers such as dumpsters to prevent leakage of liquid waste.

Distribution

• Every area of the restaurant where refuse is generated, such as the dining area and kitchen, must have an appropriate receptacle that is lined with plastic bags or wet-strength paper bags. Receptacles must be easy to keep clean.

Sinks and Restrooms

• Handwashing lavatories where disposable paper towels are used must have a waste container at each sink. All Georgia restaurant restrooms must have a waste receptacle lined with plastic or wet-strength paper. If the restroom door has a handle, a trash receptacle must be placed near the door.

Grease Traps

• If the facility uses grease traps, the traps must be easily accessed and emptied and cleaned regularly.

Tips

• Make sure containers inside and outside the restaurant are either large enough to contain a full day's waste or are frequently emptied.

  Covered, lined receptacles in dining areas are cleaner and aesthetically pleasing.