N.J. Admin. Code § 8:24-5.5

Current through Register Vol. 56, No. 9, May 6, 2024

Section 8:24-5.5 - Refuse, recyclables, and returnables

(a) If located within the retail food establishment, a storage area for refuse, recyclables, and returnables shall meet the requirements specified under N.J.A.C. 8:24-6.

(b) An outdoor storage surface for refuse, recyclables, and returnables shall be constructed of nonabsorbent material such as concrete or asphalt and shall be smooth, durable, and sloped to drain.

(c) If used, an outdoor enclosure for refuse, recyclables, and returnables shall be constructed of durable and cleanable materials.

(d) Receptacles and waste handling units for refuse, recyclables, and returnables and for use with materials containing food residue shall be durable, cleanable, insect-resistant, rodent-resistant, leakproof, and nonabsorbent, except that plastic bags and wet strength paper bags may be used to line receptacles for storage inside the retail food establishment, or within closed outside receptacles.

(e) Receptacles and waste handling units for refuse, recyclables, and returnables used with materials containing food residue and used outside the retail food establishment shall be designed and constructed to have tight-fitting lids, doors, or covers.

(f) Receptacles and waste handling units for refuse and recyclables such as an on-site compactor shall be installed so that accumulation of debris and insect and rodent attraction and harborage are minimized and effective cleaning is facilitated around and, if the unit is not installed flush with the base pad, under the unit.

(g) Requirements for storage areas, rooms, and receptacles, capacity and availability shall include the following:

1. An inside storage room and area and outside storage area and enclosure, and receptacles shall be of sufficient capacity to hold refuse, recyclables, and returnables that accumulate.

2. A receptacle shall be provided in each area of the retail food establishment or premises where refuse is generated or commonly discarded, or where recyclables or returnables are placed.

3. If disposable towels are used at handwashing sinks, a waste receptacle shall be located at each sink or group of adjacent sinks.

(h) Suitable cleaning implements and supplies such as high pressure pumps, hot water, steam, and detergent shall be provided as necessary for effective cleaning of receptacles and waste handling units for refuse, recyclables, and returnables, except off-premises-based cleaning services may be used if on-premises cleaning implements and supplies are not provided.

(i) Requirements for the location of storage areas, redeeming machines, receptacles and waste handling units shall include the following:

1. An area designated for refuse, recyclables, returnables, and, except as specified in (i)2 below, a redeeming machine for recyclables or returnables shall be located so that it is separate from food, equipment, utensils, linens, and single-service and single-use articles, and a public health hazard or nuisance is not created.

2. A redeeming machine may be located in the packaged food storage area or consumer area of a retail food establishment if food, equipment, utensils, linens, and single-service and single-use articles are not subject to contamination from the machines, and a public health hazard or nuisance is not created.

3. The location of receptacles and waste handling units for refuse, recyclables, and returnables shall not create a public health hazard or nuisance or interfere with the cleaning of adjacent space.

(j) Refuse, recyclables, and returnables shall be stored in receptacles or waste handling units so that they are inaccessible to insects and rodents.

(k) Storage areas, enclosures, and receptacles for refuse, recyclables, and returnables shall be maintained in good repair.

(l) Outside storage prohibitions shall include the following:

1. Refuse receptacles that are not rodent-resistant, unprotected plastic bags and paper bags, or baled units that contain materials with food residue may not be stored outside, except as specified in (l)2 below.

2. Cardboard or other packaging material that does not contain food residues and that is awaiting regularly scheduled delivery to a recycling or disposal site may be stored outside without being in a covered receptacle if it is stored so that it does not create a rodent harborage problem.

(m) Receptacles and waste handling units for refuse, recyclables, and returnables shall be kept covered under the following circumstances:

1. Inside the retail food establishment if the receptacles and units:

i. Contain food residue and are not in continuous use; or

ii. After they are filled; and

2. With tight-fitting lids or doors if kept outside the retail food establishment.

(n) Drains in receptacles and waste handling units for refuse, recyclables, and returnables shall have drain plugs in place.

(o) A storage area and enclosure for refuse, recyclables, or returnables shall be maintained free of unnecessary items, as specified under 8:24-6.5(j), and shall be clean.

(p) Requirements for cleaning receptacles shall include the following:

1. Receptacles and waste handling units for refuse, recyclables, and returnables shall be thoroughly cleaned in a way that does not contaminate food, equipment, utensils, linens, or single-service and single-use articles, and waste water shall be disposed of as specified under 8:24-5.4(e).

2. Soiled receptacles and waste handling units for refuse, recyclables, and returnables shall be cleaned at a frequency necessary to prevent them from developing a buildup of soil or becoming attractants for insects and rodents.

(q) Refuse, recyclables, and returnables shall be removed from the premises at a frequency that will minimize the development of objectionable odors and other conditions that attract or harbor insects and rodents.

(r) Refuse, recyclables, and returnables shall be removed from the premises by way of:

1. Portable receptacles that are constructed and maintained in accordance with N.J.A.C. 7:26, Solid Waste; or

2. A transport vehicle that is constructed, maintained, and operated in accordance with N.J.A.C. 7:26, Solid Waste.

(s) Solid waste not disposed of through the sewage system, such as through grinders and pulpers, shall be recycled or disposed of in a public or private community recycling or refuse facility; or solid waste shall be disposed of in an individual refuse facility such as a landfill or incinerator which is sized, constructed, maintained, and operated in accordance with N.J.A.C. 7:26, Solid Waste.

N.J. Admin. Code § 8:24-5.5