Restaurant Health Code Risks from Dirty Dumpster Pads. Restaurants face several cleanliness regulations inside the kitchen, but for health code compliance, how you dispose of food scraps is just as important as how you make meals. The FDA has several regulations for things like dumpster pads to keep your employees and customers safe. Violations can lead to a failed health inspection.
CleanPro's commercial power washing is here to stop that from happening. Whether you run a sit-down dining experience or a drive-thru fast food joint, there is no job too big for us to handle or too small for us to care about. Call us now at (314) 72-CLEAN or reach out online for a free quote.
Today, we'll look at some of the FDA regulations that apply to restaurant dumpster pads, the specific risks that can violate them, and the business advantages of having a clean waste disposal area. But if you're concerned that your restaurant might be in violation of a health code, don't wait - call now to protect your business.
St. Louis, Missouri Restaurant Health Codes and Dirty Dumpster Pads
The local St. Louis food code covers everything from the materials that your dumpster can be made of to cleaning specifications. The local government conducts inspections 1 to 4 times annually, but that's not the only regulation you need to watch out for.
For example, here are some key statues in the Missouri State Food Code:
- 5-501.19 Storage Areas, Redeeming Machines, Receptacles and Waste Handling Units, Location. The dumpster must be placed in a spot where it won't contaminate the restaurant or the general area.
- 5-501.115 Maintaining Refuse Areas and Enclosures.Unnecessary items cannot be stored around the dumpster pad. It must also be kept clean.
- 5-501.116 Cleaning Receptacles.The dumpster area must be cleaned frequently and in a way that doesn't contaminate the restaurant
- 5-502.11 Frequency.The dumpster area must be cleaned often enough to avoid bad smells or attracting rodents.
FDA Health Code Items for Dirty Dumpster Pads
There are also multiple FDA Food Code regulations that apply to restaurants' dumpster pads, and we've pulled out the key ones below:
- 5-501.11 Outdoor Storage Surface - The pad itself needs to be made of a "nonabsorbent material such as concrete." It must be both smooth and durable.
- 5-501.111 Areas, Enclosures, and Receptacles, Good Repair - The dumpster and area must be well maintained.
- 5-501.115 Maintaining Refuse Areas and Enclosures - The dumpster area must be clean and free from litter.
- 5-501.116 Cleaning Receptacles -
- Waste must be disposed of in a way that does not contaminate the rest of the restaurant.
- Dumpster pads and areas must be frequently cleaned to prevent dirt from building up or attracting rodents and insects.
Bacterial Growth in Dirty St. Louis Dumpster Pads
The first violation to look out for is bacterial growth. Having mold, mildew, or another fungus present is likely to get you a health code violation. This can create health risks for your employees and customers. Dumpster pads are a common breeding ground for bacteria because of the wealth of organic material being left in one spot. Particularly on warm summer days, the conditions are perfect for microorganism growth.
At CleanPro, our proprietary cleaning chemicals are designed not only to fight bacteria but slow mold's return after cleaning. Our commercial pressure washing is a recipe for your restaurant's success.
Foul Odors and Air Quality
A sometimes overlooked aspect of bacterial growth is air quality. Even if you were to avoid touching the dumpster pad, the bacteria can release microbes into the air, creating a foul odor and lowering air quality. This is a double cost, because on top of the potential health code violation, bad smells can drive away customers.
Pest Infestations in Dirty St. Louis Dumpster Pads
Bacteria aren't the only life your dirty dumpster pad will attract in St. Louis; rodents and insects will flock to a poorly maintained unit. Mice, rats, ants, cockroaches, and more can all find homes in and around your dumpster pad, and might try to find a way into your kitchen from there.
Rodent-resistant dumpsters are a big help, but without proper cleaning, they'll still be attracted to the smells of food. Plus, any spills on the concrete pad won't be protected by the dumpster lid. These stains will create long-lasting magnets for all sorts of creatures.
Taking advantage of commercial dumpster pad cleaning that not only removes debris from the area, but also eliminates stains that are attracting pests and bringing down your property value.
Surface Damage/Liability Risks from St. Louis Dirty Dumpster Pads
Spills and debris not only look ugly and attract unwanted organisms - they can also increase the wear and tear on the concrete underneath them. Additional friction, absorbed contaminants, and waste runoff all work against the condition of your concrete:
- In St. Louis, the freeze-thaw cycle can be particularly powerful, causing contaminants in the concrete to expand and contract, creating cracks.
- Having debris around your dumpster pad can create friction that continuously wears down the concrete, exacerbating other problems.
- Without regular cleaning, you risk the concrete turning into a slip-and-fall liability for employees.
- On top of localized risks and liabilities, waste runoff can be in violation of EPA guidelines, opening your business up to additional fines and penalties.
And beyond health and safety codes, having dirty concrete hurts customers' perceptions more than you think. Working with a professional power washing service to keep your dumpster pad in good condition helps your business in multiple ways.
Bonus: Boost Your St. Louis Business's Brand With a Spotless Dumpster Pad and Exterior
Customers notice the condition of your facilities. While this is a negative if your building is dirty, this can be reversed into a positive for crystal clean facilities. First impressions can make a huge difference, which is why it's important to keep your entire restaurant exterior clean. Take advantage of the unconscious appeal of cleanliness to attract more customers.
At CleanPro, we don't just stop at the dumpster pad - we can handle parking lots, building exteriors, and much more. We know that every business has unique needs, and we make it a point to give every customer the attention they need. For any job we do, we want to give you the best clean possible.
Need to Clean Your St. Louis Restaurant's Dumpster Pad? Call CleanPro Today
Stop health code violations before they happen. CleanPro is an expert power washing company that specializes in dumpster pad cleaning. We offer scheduled washing plans to make sure that your restaurant is always in a clean, compliant condition. And after the dumpster, we're happy to help with the parking lot and building exterior, too.
Call now at (314) 72-CLEAN or connect with us online for a free estimate. Don't wait until your restaurant receives a violation - protect your business today.