Improper Disposal and Storage of Garbage and Refuse
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors observed that the facility failed to properly dispose of garbage and refuse in accordance with its own policy. During an initial kitchen tour, two large rolling containers positioned outside the building were found to be uncovered, with one container full of bagged garbage and the other half full, containing both bagged and loose, unbagged garbage and debris such as food wrappers, food particles, unidentified matter, and paper coffee cups. There were no lids available to cover the containers, and staff interviews confirmed that the garbage in these containers was routinely left uncovered. Further observation revealed that the rolling containers were emptied only when full or on a daily basis by housekeeping staff, but loose garbage and debris were still present in the containers. Staff acknowledged that the containers should only contain bagged garbage and should be covered, as per facility policy, but this was not being followed. This deficiency had the potential to affect all 33 residents residing in the facility.