Food Handler · Facility Design and Management

How should a food establishment manage its waste and garbage to maintain food safety?

Correct answer

Remove waste promptly, keep containers covered and clean, and store garbage away from food to avoid attracting pests and causing contamination

  1. A Let garbage accumulate to save trips
  2. B Remove waste promptly, keep containers covered and clean, and store garbage away from food to avoid attracting pests and causing contamination
  3. C Store garbage in the food-prep area
  4. D Never use lids on garbage cans

Why this is the answer

Proper waste management is part of facility food safety. Garbage and refuse should be removed from food-preparation areas promptly, stored in durable, leak-proof, pest-proof containers with tight-fitting lids, and kept clean to avoid odors and contamination. Outdoor dumpster areas should be kept clean with drains and lids closed. Accumulating garbage attracts pests (rodents, flies, cockroaches) and can contaminate food and surfaces. Managers ensure adequate waste-handling procedures and equipment. Effective waste management protects the facility from pest infestations and contamination, supporting overall sanitation.
Source: FDA Food Code — Waste Management

Practice more questions

This question is from our Food Handler Certification Practice Tests practice test. Take the full practice test to test your knowledge across all Facility Design and Management and other topics.

Take the Food Manager practice test →

New to this exam? Our Food Handler exam guide explains the format, scoring, and how to prepare.

Related questions

State-specific guides

Need information for your state? Our state guides cover local requirements, fees, and what to expect on exam day.