Waste Disposal: Food Safety Guide

Whether you run a coffee shop, restaurant or pub, you have a responsibility to control any potential food hygiene hazards that could cause people harm or illness.

As such, you’ll need to have sound waste disposal and storage practices and systems in place to ensure food safety. 

Why is this so important? Waste bins harbour many contaminants which can lead to cross-contamination or pest issues if not properly managed.

Guidance on Waste Disposal, Storage & Management

As a food business operator, you are responsible for doing everything you can to keep waste secure and ensure that it is disposed of correctly.

According to GOV UK, kitchen facilities should meet a few requirements when it comes to waste disposal. Indeed, you must “make adequate arrangements for food waste and other types of rubbish to be stored and removed”.

Your waste management practices should be documented in your Food Safety Management System (which is based on the principles of HACCP).

You should not allow waste to accumulate in food rooms and you must deposit it in containers that can be closed. This is to minimise the risk of contamination as much as possible.

Tip: Make sure that everyone follows a ‘clean as you go’ policy to ensure that any rubbish or spillage is immediately cleaned up.

> Waste Separation 

Food waste should be kept separate from other types of waste. Recycling waste should also be correctly segregated.

As part of your hygiene system, you should implement a colour-coded system to segregate waste and prevent cross-contamination. A colour-coded system makes use of visual cues to help you keep waste separate. 

For comprehensive advice on how you should dispose of food and former foodstuffs, check out this helpful government guide.

> Indoor Bins

There should be suitable containers, preferably with foot-operated lids to avoid touching them with your hands. But remember – you should always wash your hands after handling waste.

In a commercial kitchen environment, waste bins should be well designed and durable.

Look for food grade bins for your commercial kitchen’s food waste. 

You must empty the bins throughout the day and always at the end of the day. You should clean them thoroughly before bringing them back into food rooms. 

Never let your bins overflow and make sure they’re never to heavy to carry to avoid spillage or other incidents.

> Indoor Waste Bags

You should opt for poythene bin bags of an appropriate size for your food waste container. 

Polythene is a very common type of plastic which is usually used to keep things dry and food fresh. 

> Outdoor Bins

Make sure that the waste bins have tight-fitting lids and keep the surrounding area clean to avoid attracting pests such as birds or rodents.

Outdoor waste containers should be kept away from the building and placed on a surface that is easy to clean. 

The waste bins should be waterproof and durable. 

As mentioned previously, always wash your hands after handling waste.

When it comes to food waste, it’s critical to ensure that it’s collected on a regular basis. If you can’t organise more regular collections, consider purchasing more waste containers or using a compactor. 

Poor Waste Management Can Affect Your Food Hygiene Rating

Incorrect waste disposal and storage can lead to food safety issues and therefore affect your establishment’s food hygiene rating. 

During an inspection, environmental health officers will look at the cleanliness of your premises and equipment, what you’re doing in terms of pest control, and your practices and systems to ensure food safety, among other things.

As such, overflowing or poorly maintained, unclean waste bins can cause food safety risks and translate into a lower rating. 

Tip: Don’t forget to train your staff to follow the correct practices for waste disposal.

Premises that are deemed unsafe by EHOs can be closed down.

Waste Disposal & Food Safety: Quick Summary

If you are food business operator, you need to make sure you are storing and disposing of waste in an appropriate manner. Poorly managed waste can lead to contamination incidents and pose a risk to food safety.

From implementing a colour-coded system to purchasing the correct type of waste bins and bags, there are several things you need to consider.

If you need any advice on waste disposal and food safety, we’d love to help. We’ve got decades of experience supporting food businesses, from catering and restaurants to cafes and food manufacturers.

Here at Complete Safety Supplies, we provide expert advice and equipment for all your health & safety needs. Whether you’re looking for catering thermometers or food environment wellingtons, get in touch with our specialists today.

References

Trading Standards Institute Advice on Food and Waste Disposal, GOV Bromley London Borough Website, Accessed in April 2022

Sorting/Processing of waste, Health and Safety Executive, Accessed in April 2022