Improper Disposal and Maintenance of Dumpster Area
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain a clean and sanitary dumpster area as required by its own Environmental Maintenance - Grounds Maintenance policy. Observations on multiple days revealed that the dumpster lid was left open, the dumpster was overflowing with garbage bags, and various items such as disposable gloves, aluminum foil, food packaging, and empty boxes were scattered on the ground around the dumpster. The dumpster lid could not be closed due to the volume of trash, and the area was not kept free of debris as specified in facility policy. Interviews with facility staff, including the Dietary Manager, Director of Environmental Services, Registered Dietician, Executive Director, and Director of Nursing, confirmed that the expectation was for the dumpster area to be clean and the lid to be closed at all times. Staff acknowledged responsibility for maintaining the area and agreed that the observed conditions did not meet facility standards. This deficiency had the potential to affect all 140 residents residing in the facility.