§ 46.884. Operation and maintenance of storage areas, redeeming machines, receptacles and waste handling units.

 (a)  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.

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

 (c)  Outside storage prohibitions.

   (1)  Except as specified in paragraph (2), refuse receptacles not meeting the requirements specified in §  46.881(d) (relating to storage areas and receptacles for refuse, recyclables and returnables: materials, design, construction and installation), (such as 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.

   (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.

 (d)  Covering receptacles. Receptacles and waste handling units for refuse, recyclables and returnables shall be kept covered as follows:

   (1)  Inside the food facility if the receptacles and units are filled or contain food residue and are not in continuous use.

   (2)  With tight-fitting lids or doors if kept outside the food facility.

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

 (f)  Maintaining refuse areas and enclosures. A storage area and enclosure for refuse, recyclables or returnables shall be maintained free of unnecessary items, as specified in §  46.981(n) (relating to premises, structures, attachments and fixtures: methods), and clean.

 (g)  Cleaning receptacles.

   (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 in §  46.862(e) (relating to retention, drainage and delivery of sewage, other liquid waste and rainwater).

   (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.