F-815: Garbage, Waste & What Surveyors Actually See
Smart Bites: LTC Nutrition Insights
Issue No. 15 — August 11, 2026
F-815: Garbage, Waste & What Surveyors Actually See
You might serve a perfect meal, but if surveyors walk into a leaking dumpster, overflowing kitchen bin, or dirty trash room—you’re still getting cited.
F-815 ensures that garbage and refuse are handled, stored, and disposed of properly to prevent contamination and support overall sanitation. It’s often cited alongside F-812 (sanitary conditions) —and it’s one of the easiest citations to avoid with routine vigilance.
What Does F-815 Require?
Facilities must:
Store and dispose of garbage in a sanitary manner
Ensure trash containers are covered, leak-proof, and cleaned regularly
Prevent pest access and maintain clean waste storage areas
Coordinate proper pickup and cleaning schedules with environmental services
Common Survey Triggers for F-815:
Trash bins without lids, especially in food prep or service areas
Overflowing garbage containers or uncovered bags
Dirty dumpster pads or trash rooms with visible spills
Pest activity near dumpsters or bins
Poor coordination between dietary and housekeeping on waste responsibilities
Smart Tips for F-815 Compliance:
Conduct a Weekly Dumpster Walk
Check the trash pad, enclosures, bins, and lids. Look for evidence of leaks, spills, or pest activity.Use Only Approved Trash Containers
Kitchen and dining areas must use covered, non-absorbent, and leak-proof containers. No open-topped bins allowed near food.Train Staff to Report Waste Issues
Encourage dietary and housekeeping staff to report full bins, damaged lids, or pest sightings immediately.Include Trash in Your Cleaning Schedule
Build trash area sanitation into your cleaning logs and ensure containers are routinely washed and disinfected.Document Waste Pickup and Service Calls
Keep a log of waste hauler schedules and service cleanings, especially if using third-party dumpster providers.
Did You Know?
Surveyors frequently walk trash routes during inspections. What they see outside your building can (and often does) impact your compliance rating inside the kitchen.
Stay Ahead with Smart Bites
Next up in Issue 16: F-806 – Food Allergies & Avoiding Adverse Reactions
Need a sanitation checklist or staff refresher training for garbage protocols? Contact info@dietarysolutions.net or visit www.dietarysolutions.net.