Article 5. Refuse, Recyclables, and Returnables
12VAC5-421-2600. Outdoor storage surface.
Article 5
Refuse, Recyclables, and Returnables
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.
Statutory Authority
§§ 35.1-11 and 35.1-14 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 18, Issue 10, eff. March 1, 2002.
12VAC5-421-2610. Outdoor enclosure.
If used, an outdoor enclosure for refuse, recyclables, and returnables shall be constructed of durable and cleanable materials.
Statutory Authority
§§ 35.1-11 and 35.1-14 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 18, Issue 10, eff. March 1, 2002.
12VAC5-421-2620. Receptacles.
A. Except as specified in subsection B of this section, receptacles and waste handling units for refuse, recyclables, and returnables and for use with materials containing food residue shall be durable, cleanable, insect- and rodent-resistant, leakproof, and nonabsorbent.
B. Plastic bags and wet strength paper bags may be used to line receptacles for storage inside the food establishment, or within closed outside receptacles.
Statutory Authority
§§ 35.1-11 and 35.1-14 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 18, Issue 10, eff. March 1, 2002.
12VAC5-421-2630. Receptacles in vending machines.
Except for a receptacle for a beverage bottle crown closures, a refuse receptacle may not be located within a vending machine.
Statutory Authority
§§ 35.1-11 and 35.1-14 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 18, Issue 10, eff. March 1, 2002; amended, Virginia Register Volume 24, Issue 2, eff. October 16, 2007; Volume 26, Issue 7, eff. January 1, 2010.
12VAC5-421-2640. Outside receptacles.
A. Receptacles and waste handling units for refuse, recyclables, and returnables used with materials containing food residue and used outside the food establishment shall be designed and constructed to have tight-fitting lids, doors, or covers.
B. 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.
Statutory Authority
§§ 35.1-11 and 35.1-14 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 18, Issue 10, eff. March 1, 2002.
12VAC5-421-2650. Storage areas, rooms, and receptacles, capacity and availability.
A. 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.
B. A receptacle shall be provided in each area of the food establishment or premises where refuse is generated or commonly discarded, or where recyclables or returnables are placed.
C. If disposable towels are used at handwashing lavatories, a waste receptacle shall be located at each lavatory or group of adjacent lavatories.
Statutory Authority
§§ 35.1-11 and 35.1-14 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 18, Issue 10, eff. March 1, 2002.
12VAC5-421-2660. Toilet room receptacle, covered.
A toilet room used by females shall be provided with a covered receptacle for sanitary napkins.
Statutory Authority
§§ 35.1-11 and 35.1-14 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 18, Issue 10, eff. March 1, 2002.
12VAC5-421-2670. Cleaning implements and supplies.
A. Except as specified in subsection B of this section, 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.
B. If approved, off-premises-based cleaning services may be used if on-premises cleaning implements and supplies are not provided.
Statutory Authority
§§ 35.1-11 and 35.1-14 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 18, Issue 10, eff. March 1, 2002.
12VAC5-421-2680. Storage areas, redeeming machines, receptacles and waste handling units, location.
A. An area designated for refuse, recyclables, returnables, and, except as specified in subsection B of this section, 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.
B. A redeeming machine may be located in the packaged food storage area or consumer area of a 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.
C. 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.
Statutory Authority
§§ 35.1-11 and 35.1-14 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 18, Issue 10, eff. March 1, 2002; amended, Virginia Register Volume 24, Issue 2, eff. October 16, 2007.
12VAC5-421-2690. Storing refuse, recyclables, and returnables.
Refuse, recyclables, and returnables shall be stored in receptacles or waste handling units so that they are inaccessible to insects and rodents.
Statutory Authority
§§ 35.1-11 and 35.1-14 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 18, Issue 10, eff. March 1, 2002.
12VAC5-421-2700. Areas, enclosures, and receptacles, good repair.
Storage areas, enclosures, and receptacles for refuse, recyclables, and returnables shall be maintained in good repair.
Statutory Authority
§§ 35.1-11 and 35.1-14 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 18, Issue 10, eff. March 1, 2002.
12VAC5-421-2710. Outside storage prohibitions.
A. Except as specified in subsection B of this section, refuse receptacles not meeting the requirements specified under 12VAC5-421-2620 A such as receptacles that are not rodent-resistant, unprotected plastic bags and paper bags, or baled units that contain materials with food residue shall not be stored outside.
B. 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.
Statutory Authority
§§ 35.1-11 and 35.1-14 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 18, Issue 10, eff. March 1, 2002; amended, Virginia Register Volume 24, Issue 2, eff. October 16, 2007.
12VAC5-421-2720. Covering receptacles.
Receptacles and waste handling units for refuse, recyclables, and returnables shall be kept covered:
1. Inside the food establishment if the receptacles and units :
a. Contain food residue and are not in continuous use; or
b. After they are filled; and
2. With tight-fitting lids or doors if kept outside the food establishment.
Statutory Authority
§§ 35.1-11 and 35.1-14 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 18, Issue 10, eff. March 1, 2002; amended, Virginia Register Volume 37, Issue 18, eff. June 10, 2021; Errata, 41:5 VA.R. 734 October 21, 2024.
12VAC5-421-2730. Using drain plugs.
Drains in receptacles and waste handling units for refuse, recyclables, and returnables shall have drain plugs in place.
Statutory Authority
§§ 35.1-11 and 35.1-14 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 18, Issue 10, eff. March 1, 2002.
12VAC5-421-2740. Maintaining refuse areas and enclosures.
A storage area and enclosure for refuse, recyclables, or returnables shall be maintained free of unnecessary items, as specified under 12VAC5-421-3300, and clean.
Statutory Authority
§§ 35.1-11 and 35.1-14 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 18, Issue 10, eff. March 1, 2002.
12VAC5-421-2750. Cleaning receptacles.
A. 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 12VAC5-421-2540.
B. 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.
Statutory Authority
§§ 35.1-11 and 35.1-14 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 18, Issue 10, eff. March 1, 2002; amended, Virginia Register Volume 37, Issue 18, eff. June 10, 2021.
12VAC5-421-2760. Removal frequency.
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.
Statutory Authority
§§ 35.1-11 and 35.1-14 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 18, Issue 10, eff. March 1, 2002.
12VAC5-421-2770. Receptacles or vehicles.
Refuse, recyclables, and returnables shall be removed from the premises by way of:
1. Portable receptacles that are constructed and maintained according to law; or
2. A transport vehicle that is constructed, maintained, and operated according to law.
Statutory Authority
§§ 35.1-11 and 35.1-14 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 18, Issue 10, eff. March 1, 2002.
12VAC5-421-2780. Community or individual facility.
Solid waste not disposed of through the sewage system such as through grinders and pulpers shall be recycled or disposed of in an approved 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 according to law.
Statutory Authority
§§ 35.1-11 and 35.1-14 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 18, Issue 10, eff. March 1, 2002.