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Handling rubbish

Cleaning and sanitising

Overview

Rubbish is an unavoidable by-product of working in the food industry.

It is important to learn how to handle and dispose of it correctly.

By doing this you will minimise the risk of contamination, odour and pests.

In food preparation/service areas:

  • Kitchen rubbish bins are not required to have lids. Lids can cause  cross-contamination if a food handler touches the dirty lid and then food.
  • Kitchen rubbish bins must be emptied regularly, that is, after each meal service or more often if full.
  • Wash out each kitchen bin with hot soapy water if required, and line it with a plastic bin liner.

Always wash your hands after touching, emptying or washing out a bin.

Rubbish bins

  • use rubbish bags and make sure they are tied when full before placing them in external rubbish bins
  • make sure that the rubbish bin does not overflow - the bin lid must be able to be fully closed
  • do not compress the rubbish
  • hose down rubbish bins in designated bin wash areas
  • wash out rubbish bins with hot soapy water on a regular basis
  • change gloves and wash your hands. 

Answer this practice question...

After emptying a bin during meal service you should:

Incorrect! Why is this?

Correct! Why is this?

You have the right to reject the delivery if you find the food unsafe

4 of 5 subject areas

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