Improper Outdoor Trash Receptacle Maintenance and Standing Water
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves improper disposal and maintenance of garbage and refuse in the outdoor trash receptacle area behind the kitchen. During an observation with the Head [NAME], surveyors noted three used disposable gloves and a clear trash bag containing trash on the ground next to the trash receptacle, as well as another clear trash bag with trash hanging out of an open receptacle door. There were five collapsed cardboard boxes floating in approximately 5 inches of standing water in the trash and recycling area, which spanned about 15 to 20 feet, and a blue trash bag containing trash was floating in the standing water between the trash and recycling receptacles. An empty cardboard carton was also observed under the front of the recycling receptacle. The Head [NAME] stated that many staff members used the dumpster area, staff frequently forgot to close the receptacle doors, and rainwater pooled under the dumpster area without draining, causing the standing water. A second observation showed that the trash receptacle door remained open, with a clear trash bag containing trash hanging out, a used glove on the ground, two collapsed cardboard boxes floating in about 3 inches of standing water between the trash and recycling receptacles, and an empty carton under the recycling receptacle. The Regional Housekeeping Supervisor reported that many staff from multiple departments used the dumpster area, that staff were continually reminded to keep the doors closed, and that the trash pick-up service often caused materials such as collapsed cardboard boxes to fall out of the receptacles. A third observation with the Dietary Manager and Administrator again found the trash receptacle door open with a clear trash bag containing trash hanging out, two collapsed cardboard boxes in about an inch of standing water next to the recycling receptacle, and an empty carton under the recycling receptacle. The Administrator stated she had not been aware of the standing water and expected all staff who took out trash to maintain the area, while the Dietary Manager indicated that the trash pick-up company dumped items out of the dumpster and did not place them back inside.
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