Improper Disposal and Containment of Garbage and Refuse
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain the dumpster area in a clean and sanitary condition and did not ensure that refuse was properly contained. During an observation with the Director of Food Service, multiple items were found littered on the ground in front of two dumpsters, including a water-stained couch, a decomposing wood table, a tabletop with disintegrating foam, several cardboard boxes, a pedestal table, a snow shovel, a used incontinence disposable under pad, and various used face masks, bandages, paper scraps, plastic bags, and Styrofoam cups. The Director of Food Service stated that he had recently swept the area but noted that wind often blew trash against the fence and acknowledged a rodent problem, with pest control traps set outside the dumpster area. He also indicated that the large furniture items had been present for about a year and that the Director of Maintenance was responsible for their removal. The Director of Maintenance confirmed awareness of the garbage and used furniture, explaining that his request for an additional dumpster was denied by corporate and that local haul-away services were too expensive. The Chief Clinical Officer was informed of the trash issue but had not seen it personally until an observation confirmed the extent of the problem. The Chief Clinical Officer was uncertain about the specifics of the facility's policy on refuse disposal but stated that garbage bags should be tied and medical/procedure gloves bagged and tied. The facility was unable to provide a policy on refuse and garbage storage and disposal when requested.