Current through Rules and Regulations filed through September 23, 2024
(1)
Indoor
Storage Area. If located within the FOOD ESTABLISHMENT, a storage area
for REFUSE, recyclables, and returnables shall meet the requirements specified
under 40-7-1-.30(1),
40-7-1-.31(1) - (8),
40-7-1-.31(13), and
40-7-1-.31(14).
(2)
Outdoor Storage Surface. An
outdoor storage surface for REFUSE, recyclables, and returnables shall be
constructed of nonabsorbent material, such as concrete or asphalt, and shall be
SMOOTH, durable, and sloped to drain.
(3)
Outdoor Enclosure. If used,
an outdoor enclosure for REFUSE, recyclables, and returnables shall be
constructed of durable and cleanable materials.
(4)
Receptacles.
(a) Except as specified in (b) of this
section, receptacles and waste handling units for REFUSE, recyclables, and
returnables and for use with materials containing FOOD residue shall be
durable, cleanable, insect-resistant and rodent-resistant, leakproof, and
nonabsorbent.
(b)
Plastic
bags and wet strength paper bags may be used to line receptacles for storage
inside the FOOD ESTABLISHMENT or within closed outside
receptacles.
(5)
Receptacles in Vending
Machines.Except for a receptacle for BEVERAGE bottle crown
closures, a REFUSE receptacle may not be located within a VENDING
MACHINE.
(6)
Outside
Receptacles.
(a) Receptacles and waste
handling units for REFUSE, recyclables, and returnables used with materials
containing FOOD residue and used outside the FOOD ESTABLISHMENT shall be
designed and constructed to have tight-fitting lids, doors, or
covers.
(b) Receptacles and waste
handling units for REFUSE and recyclables such as an on-site compactor shall be
installed so that accumulation of debris and insect and rodent attraction and
harborage are minimized, and effective cleaning is facilitated around and, if
the unit is not installed flush with the base pad, under the unit.
(7)
Storage Areas, Rooms,
and Receptacles, Capacity and Availability.
(a) An inside storage room and area and
outside storage area and enclosure, and receptacles shall be of sufficient
capacity to hold REFUSE, recyclables, and returnables that
accumulate.
(b) A receptacle shall
be provided in each area of the FOOD ESTABLISHMENT or PREMISES where REFUSE is
generated or commonly discarded, or where recyclables or returnables are
placed.
(c) If disposable towels
are used at handwashing lavatories, a waste receptacle shall be located at each
lavatory or group of adjacent lavatories.
(8)
Toilet Room Receptacle,
Covered. A toilet room used by females shall be provided with a covered
receptacle for sanitary napkins.
(9)
Cleaning Implements and
Supplies.
(a) Except as specified in
(b) of this section, suitable cleaning implements and supplies such as high
pressure pumps, hot water, steam, and detergent shall be provided as necessary
for effective cleaning of receptacles and waste handling units for REFUSE,
recyclables, and returnables.
(b)
If APPROVED, off-PREMISES-based cleaning services may be used if
on-PREMISES cleaning implements and supplies are not
provided.
(10)
Storage Areas, Redeeming Machines, Receptacles and Waste Handling Units,
Location.
(a) An area designated for
REFUSE, recyclables, returnables, and, except as specified in (b) of this
section, a redeeming machine for recyclables or returnables shall be located so
that it is separate from FOOD, EQUIPMENT, UTENSILS, LINENS, and SINGLE-SERVICE
and SINGLE-USE ARTICLES and a public health HAZARD or nuisance is not
created.
(b)
A redeeming
machine may be located in the PACKAGED FOOD storage area or CONSUMER area of a
FOOD ESTABLISHMENT if FOOD, EQUIPMENT, UTENSILS, LINENS, and SINGLE-SERVICE and
SINGLE-USE ARTICLES are not subject to contamination from the machines and a
public health HAZARD or nuisance is not created.
(c) The location of receptacles and waste
handling units for REFUSE, recyclables, and returnables may not create a public
health HAZARD or nuisance or interfere with the cleaning of adjacent
space.
(11)
Storing Refuse, Recyclables, and Returnables. REFUSE, recyclables,
and returnables shall be stored in receptacles or waste handling units so that
they are inaccessible to insects and rodents.
(12)
Areas, Enclosures, and
Receptacles, Good Repair. Storage areas, enclosures, and receptacles for
REFUSE, recyclables, and returnables shall be maintained in good
repair.
(13)
Outside Storage
Prohibitions.
(a) Except as specified
in (b) of this section, REFUSE receptacles not meeting the requirements
specified under
40-7-1-.29(4)(a),
such as receptacles that are not rodent-resistant, unprotected plastic bags and
paper bags, or baled units that contain materials with FOOD residue, may not be
stored outside.
(b)
Cardboard or other packaging material that does not contain FOOD
residues and that is awaiting regularly scheduled delivery to a recycling or
disposal site may be stored outside without being in a covered receptacle if it
is stored so that it does not create a rodent harborage
problem.
(14)
Covering Receptacles. Receptacles and waste handling units for
REFUSE, recyclables, and returnables shall be kept covered:
(a) Inside the FOOD ESTABLISHMENT if the
receptacles and units:
1. Contain FOOD
residue and are not in continuous use; or
2. After they are filled; and
(b) With tight-fitting lids or
doors if kept outside the FOOD ESTABLISHMENT.
(15)
Using Drain Plugs. Drains
in receptacles and waste handling units for REFUSE, recyclables, and
returnables shall have drain plugs in place.
(16)
Maintaining Refuse Areas and
Enclosures. A storage area and enclosure for REFUSE, recyclables, or
returnables shall be maintained free of unnecessary items, as specified under
40-7-1-.34(14), and
clean.
(17)
Cleaning
Receptacles.
(a) Receptacles and waste
handling units for REFUSE, recyclables, and returnables shall be thoroughly
cleaned in a way that does not contaminate FOOD, EQUIPMENT, UTENSILS, LINENS,
or SINGLE-SERVICE and SINGLE-USE ARTICLES, and waste water shall be disposed of
as specified under
40-7-1-.26(5).
(b) Soiled receptacles and waste handling
units for REFUSE, recyclables, and returnables shall be cleaned at a frequency
necessary to prevent them from developing a buildup of soil or becoming
attractants for insects and rodents.
(18)
Frequency. REFUSE,
recyclables, and returnables shall be removed from the PREMISES at a frequency
that will minimize the development of objectionable odors and other conditions
that attract or harbor insects and rodents.
(19)
Receptacles or Vehicles.
REFUSE, recyclables, and returnables shall be removed from the PREMISES by way
of:
(a) Portable receptacles that are
constructed and maintained according to LAW; or
(b) A transport vehicle that is constructed,
maintained, and operated according to LAW.
(20)
Community or Individual
Facility. Solid waste not disposed of through the SEWAGE system, such as
through grinders and pulpers, shall be recycled or disposed of in an APPROVED
public or private community recycling or REFUSE facility; or solid waste shall
be disposed of in an individual REFUSE facility, such as a landfill or
incinerator, which is sized, constructed, maintained, and operated according to
LAW.
O.C.G.A. Secs.
26-2-1 et.
seq.
