01/2022 Guidelines for Writing Operating Procedures (OP) for Handling APHIS Regulated Garbage (RG) 1

Guidelines for Writing Operating Procedures (OP) for Handling 

APHIS Regulated Garbage (RG)

The operating procedure for handling RG for your company should enable any 

inspector from the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) and/

or Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to easily identify your company’s 

approved procedures during monitoring. The operating procedure must be 

approved by APHIS for inclusion in the establishment’s compliance 

agreement. The operating procedures should be sufficiently detailed to train 

any establishment employee involved in the RG handling activities outlined in 

the compliance agreement.

The following information should be included in operating procedures for the 

establishment to handle RG:

Description of the Steps in Handling RG

The establishment must provide a description, as applicable, of the steps in the 

handling of RG from the collection, transportation, and storage, up to the final 

disposition of the RG or up to handing off to another authorized compliance 

agreement holder. If applicable, the establishment must include procedures to 

keep RG separated from non-regulated garbage throughout the process. Please 

note the following:

If your company uses contractors, you should indicate where they are 

working and the duties for which these contractors are responsible.

If a company will be performing a service for your company, such as 

hauling or processing your RG, but they have their own compliance 

agreement, they are not considered by APHIS to be sub-contractors. If 

your company is planning on using a sub-contractor, this means that the 

sub-contractor will operate under your company’s compliance agreement 

and your company takes responsibility and liability for their actions.

All sub-contractors must be approved prior to inclusion in the primary 

company’s compliance agreement except stevedores or longshoremen.

Methods of Collection of RG

Plastic bags must be at least 3 mil thick and must be of a unique color to 

identify them from plastic bags used to collect or store non-regulated 

NOTICE

Only include information related to handling RG in the operating procedure. Do not

include extraneous information not related to RG. See Sample APHIS Regulated 

Garbage Operating Procedures.
Guidelines for Writing Operating Procedures (OP) for Handling APHIS Regulated Garbage (RG)

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garbage. Seal the bag. Alternatively, the plastic bags can be tagged or 

labeled to identify them as RG.

Containers used to collect and store RG must be tight, covered, leak-proof 

and be uniquely identified outside the container and if words are used, 

marked with “REGULATED GARBAGE” or a similar acceptable phrase 

in English and any appropriate foreign language. Any approved area used 

for storing RG must be locked/secured.

Clarify the areas of the aircraft or vessel from which your company will 

be collecting RG, if applicable.

Describe the methods of transferring RG from an aircraft or vessel to your 

company, or taking custody of RG from another company, if applicable.

Methods of Transport of RG

Include a description of the transport vehicle if applicable.

If a transport vehicle will be used, the vehicle must be fully enclosed, 

lockable, labeled “Regulated Garbage” or some other acceptable phrase, 

and have floors and surfaces which are impervious to liquids and can be 

adequately cleaned and disinfected.

If RG and non-regulated garbage will be transported in the same vehicle, 

then include a description of how RG will be identified and segregated 

from non-regulated garbage during transport.

Methods and Length of Time of Storage of RG

Describe, as applicable, secure, dedicated storage space on the premises for the 

RG.

Storage location must allow RG to be segregated from non-regulated 

garbage and must be adequately labeled.

Surfaces of storage area location must be capable of being cleaned and 

disinfected.

The maximum storage time allowed by APHIS for RG is 120 hours. 

Describe how your facility will ensure that RG is not stored for longer 

than 120 hours.

Contact Information

Include name, address, and phone number of the primary caterer, hauler, 

storage facility, and/or processor who will pick up or receive the RG collected 

by your company (if applicable).

Methods of Processing of RG

The following applies to establishments that are processors of RG:
Guidelines for Writing Operating Procedures (OP) for Handling APHIS Regulated Garbage (RG)

01/2022 Guidelines for Writing Operating Procedures (OP) for Handling APHIS Regulated Garbage (RG) 3

Include information on operation of the processing equipment and 

processing procedures.

Include location where current processing procedures are posted.

Description of Cleaning and Disinfection Procedures

This includes but is not limited to the following:

Name of the APHIS authorized disinfectant that will be used to disinfect 

RG spills and contamination. An APHIS authorized disinfectant must be 

used to disinfect RG contamination except inside an aircraft.

Location in the facility or vehicle where the spill kit will be kept.

For what the establishment operating procedures should include at a 

minimum for cleaning and disinfection in food handling areas and in nonfood handling areas, follow the instructions in APHIS Authorized 

Disinfectants for Use When Handling APHIS Regulated Garbage.

For record keeping requirements for cleaning and disinfection of RG 

spills and contamination and routine use of disinfectants associated with 

RG handling, follow the instructions in Guidelines for Regulated Garbage 

Record-Keeping.

Describe cleaning and disinfection (C&D) steps that will be used by your 

establishment or in your operation for cleaning and disinfecting RG spills 

and contamination (both outside and inside the conveyance, if 

applicable). Include information on cleaning and disinfection any nondisposable tools or equipment contaminated with RG, including tools 

used to clean and disinfect RG spills, and treating any disposable items 

used in the cleaning and disinfection of RG spills and contamination as 

RG. The procedures should reflect how C&D is actually performed at 

your facility.

RG Spills Outside of the Facility or Aircraft

Include information on contacting CBP or PPQ in the event of an RG spill 

outside of the facility or aircraft.
Guidelines for Writing Operating Procedures (OP) for Handling APHIS Regulated Garbage (RG)

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Backup Systems

Backup systems are not for routine use but are initiated in cases of emergency 

or other non-routine situations. If your establishment has been suspended, 

canceled, or otherwise is unable to conduct the RG handling activities as 

outlined in the RG Compliance Agreement (CA) activities, the backup system 

must be implemented. Additionally, if your primary RG handler is unavailable 

or your primary processor is inoperable, the backup system must be 

implemented, to ensure that RG is not stored at the establishment’s facility for 

longer than 120 hours. The backup system must be outlined in the operating 

procedures. The establishment(s) serving as the backup(s) must also have a 

valid compliance agreement covering the same operational activity prior to 

inclusion on the compliance agreement. The backup(s) must be capable of 

handling the company’s RG workload.