Dumpster Lid Not Fully Closed
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that one of two outdoor garbage dumpsters was maintained with a lid that properly covered the contents. During an observation on 4/6/26 at 10:08 AM, two outdoor garbage dumpsters were seen, and one bin was noted to not be fully closed. During a later observation and interview on 4/8/26 at 4:27 PM with the Dietary Manager, the outdoor garbage dumpster was observed with an opening between the lids and was not tightly closed. A two-inch gap between the lids was observed, and the Dietary Manager stated that the opening would allow pests to get inside of the garbage dumpster. Review of the facility policy titled, Dispose of Garbage and Refuse, revised 2/25, indicated that all trash will be properly disposed of in external receptacles with lids covered when not in use. Review of the US Food Code 2022, section 501.116, stated that outside receptacles must be constructed with tight-fitting lids or covers to prevent the scattering of garbage or refuse, the breeding of flies, or the entry of rodents.
Penalty
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Surveyors found that the dumpster area was not maintained in a clean and sanitary manner, with both dumpster lids left open, one side door open, and a pile of discarded gloves, straws, plastic bottles, and wrappers on the ground beside a dumpster. A dietary manager confirmed these conditions during the observation, and the issue was cited as a failure to properly dispose of garbage and refuse, with the potential to affect all residents.
Improperly contained trash and recycling were observed in the dumpster area. Multiple unbroken cardboard boxes and about 20 wet boxes were left on the ground near the dumpsters, with some blown across the parking lot and against the fence. Trash, including latex gloves and unknown debris, had also accumulated near the air conditioning units. The Administrator stated the facility did not have a recycling dumpster and staff had been placing boxes on the ground outside the dumpster area.
The facility failed to keep the dumpster area clean and sanitary. Surveyors observed two dumpsters overflowing with trash piled about two to three feet high, and three of the four dumpster lids were open. A DM later verified the findings. The facility census was 107.
Surveyors observed that the dumpster area was not maintained in a clean and sanitary condition, with loose rubbish found around and under the stairs leading to the dumpster. The Administrator confirmed that maintenance was responsible for weekly cleaning after the dumpster was emptied, in accordance with facility policy. This lapse had the potential to impact all residents.
Surveyors found that garbage bags containing soiled briefs, gloves, wipes, plasticware, and food were left on the ground around dumpsters with open lids and doors, allowing raccoons to access and scatter the waste. A resident and an LPN confirmed the ongoing issue with raccoons tearing open the bags, and it was noted that the facility lacked a policy for maintaining a sanitary dumpster area.
Surveyors observed that the dumpster area was not maintained in a clean and sanitary condition, with significant debris such as used gloves, food containers, and a damaged cardboard box scattered around. The grease barrel was also left open with a stock pot of water on top. These conditions were confirmed by a dietary aide and had the potential to affect all 104 residents.
Unsanitary Dumpster Area and Improper Refuse Disposal
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors identified a deficiency related to improper disposal of garbage and refuse when they observed the facility’s dumpster area. During an observation conducted in the afternoon, both garbage dumpsters were found with their top lids open, and one dumpster also had its side door open. Additionally, there was a visible pile of discarded items, including gloves, straws, plastic bottles, and wrappers, on the ground beside one of the dumpsters. At the time of the observation, the Dietary Manager confirmed the condition of the dumpster area as seen by the surveyor. The deficiency was cited as a failure to maintain the dumpster area in a clean and sanitary manner, with the potential to affect all 73 residents in the facility, and was investigated under the specified complaint number.
Improperly Contained Trash and Recycling in Dumpster Area
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure trash and recycling were properly contained in the dumpster area. During observation of the dumpster area, multiple unbroken cardboard boxes were seen scattered around the air conditioning units, and approximately 20 wet boxes that had not been broken down were sitting on the ground next to the dumpster area. Wind had spread some of the boxes across the parking lot, and several were positioned against the chain link fence in the parking lot area. Trash had also accumulated near the air conditioning units on the opposite side of the stairs from the dumpsters, including latex gloves and multiple pieces of unknown debris. A staff member confirmed the observations of unbroken cardboard boxes and trash accumulation, and the Administrator stated the facility did not have a recycling dumpster at that time and that staff had been placing boxes on the ground outside the dumpster area.
Overflowing Dumpster Area
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure its dumpster area was maintained in a clean and sanitary condition. On observation, two dumpsters were overflowing with trash piled approximately two to three feet high, and three of the four dumpster lids were open. A Dietary Manager later verified these findings during interview and observation. The facility census was 107 residents.
Improper Maintenance of Dumpster Area
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain the dumpster and refuse area in a clean and sanitary condition, as observed during a survey. On the date of observation, various loose rubbish was found around and underneath the stairs leading to the dumpster. The Administrator confirmed this finding and stated that maintenance is responsible for cleaning the area weekly after the dumpster is emptied to prevent rodent attraction. Review of the facility's policy on garbage and refuse disposal indicated that storage areas and receptacles should be kept in good repair and cleaned frequently enough to prevent buildup or attraction of pests. This deficiency had the potential to affect all 102 residents in the facility.
Unsanitary Dumpster Area and Lack of Policy
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain a sanitary area around the garbage dumpsters, as observed during a survey. Several large bags of garbage containing soiled briefs, latex gloves, wipes, plasticware, and food were found on the ground surrounding three dumpsters. The dumpster doors and lids were left open, which allowed raccoons to access and pull out the garbage. These findings were confirmed by both a resident and an LPN, who stated that raccoons frequently come from the woods and tear open the bags. Additionally, a review of facility policies revealed that there was no policy in place regarding the maintenance of a sanitary dumpster area. This deficiency was identified during a complaint investigation and had the potential to affect all residents in the facility.
Improper Disposal and Sanitation of Dumpster Area
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain the dumpster area in a clean and sanitary condition, as observed during a survey with a dietary aide. Significant amounts of debris, including plastic gloves, used plastic silverware, paper plates with food residue, brown bags, and various plastic items were found scattered to the left of the dumpster. In front of the dumpster, a cardboard box was observed on the ground, appearing to have been run over multiple times by vehicles. To the right of the dumpster, the facility's grease barrel was found open to the air with a stock pot of water placed on top. These findings were confirmed by staff during the survey. This deficiency had the potential to affect all 104 residents residing in the facility, as noted in the facility census at the time of the survey.
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