# COMAR Title 10 — Maryland Department of Health

## Subtitle 15 — Food

### Chapter 03 — Food Service Facilities

#### Regulation .19 Garbage and Rubbish Disposal.

*COMAR 10.15.03.19*

The person-in-charge shall ensure that:

A. Garbage is stored in the following ways as applicable to the facility:

  (1) In containers that:

    (a) Are sufficient in number to hold all of the garbage that accumulates between periods of removal from the premises;

    (b) Do not leak or absorb liquids;

    (c) Are constructed of durable metal or another approved type of material; and

    (d) Are provided with tight-fitting lids or covers unless kept in a:

      (i) Vermin-proofed room or enclosure; or

      (ii) Waste refrigerator;

  (2) In storage areas that:

    (a) Are clean; and

    (b) Do not constitute a nuisance;

  (3) In storage rooms or enclosures that:

    (a) Are constructed of easily cleanable, grease resistant, washable materials; and

    (b) Are vermin-proofed;

  (4) In garbage containers outside the establishment that are located on a grease resistant, durable surface; and

  (5) For damaged, adulterated, or recalled products, in designated areas separate from:

    (a) Food;

    (b) Equipment;

    (c) Utensils;

    (d) Linens; and

    (e) Single service and single use articles that are held for credit, redemption, or return to the distributor;

B. Garbage containers are cleaned as necessary to prevent a buildup of soil:

  (1) In a manner that does not contaminate food, equipment, utensils, or food preparation areas;

  (2) With:

    (a) Brushes for washing that may not be used for any other purpose;

    (b) Can-washing machines;

    (c) Steam-cleaning devices; or

    (d) Similar equipment; and

  (3) In an area that enables waste water from cleaning operations to be disposed of as sewage;

C. Food waste grinders are:

  (1) Constructed and installed to comply with applicable State and local plumbing laws, ordinances, and regulations; and

  (2) Not connected to a sink drain that is used for food or utensils;

D. All garbage and rubbish is disposed of:

  (1) Daily, or as often as necessary, to prevent a nuisance or insanitary condition; and

  (2) By a method that complies with applicable State and local laws, regulations, and ordinances; and

E. Used cooking grease and oils are stored, recycled, and disposed of in accordance with applicable State and local laws, regulations, and ordinances.