Compilation of Rules and Regulations of the State of Georgia › Department 511 - RULES OF GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH › Chapter 511-3 - ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH HAZARDS › Subject 511-3-4 - SOLID WASTE › Rule 511-3-4-.03 - General Provisions

Current through Rules and Regulations filed through June 27, 2024
(1)
				Solid waste generators, including occupants of any premises, shall store
				garbage, pending collection, in water-tight, approved plastic or galvanized
				metal containers no less than 20 gallons in capacity, with close fitting lids
				and handles or in such other types of receptacles as may be approved by the
				Health Authority. Other non-putrescible refuse which cannot be stored in
				receptacles pending collections shall be flattened, stacked, piled or
				bundled.
(2) Bulk storage and
				compactor containers must be water-tight, of sturdy, rust-resistant
				construction and must be easily washable. Tight-fitting doors, lids or other
				approved closures must be affixed over each access or discharge port.
				Containers must include fittings for standard hoisting equipment. Removable
				plugs must be installed in drain openings and lids and doors on bulk containers
				used for garbage storage must be closed at all times after loading or
				emptying.
(3) Permanent bulk
				storage containers receiving garbage shall be placed on solid or concrete
				platforms or pads, located and constructed to minimize spillage and facilitate
				cleanup. The platform surface must slope to a drain so that liquid waste flows
				by gravity to a sanitary sewer. A water supply under pressure shall be required
				for container cleansing.
(4) The
				location of solid waste containers shall be as close as practical to the
				highest concentration of employees or to the participants, observers and
				employees to special events. However, the units should be placed as far from
				the food service area as possible.
(5) At special events, solid waste containers
				shall be located convenient to participants and accessible at all times for
				maintenance by truck.
(6) Temporary
				bulk storage and compactor containers receiving garbage shall be placed on a
				solid surface located and constructed to minimize spillage and facilitate
				cleanup.
(7) Organic residue shall
				be removed. If necessary, garbage storage receptacles shall be washed. Storage
				locations and containers shall be treated with an effective pesticide if
				indicated.
(8) Special event
				sponsors shall obtain a permit for needed solid waste storage containers as a
				requirement for authorization to hold the event. A contract must be provided
				for verification of proper storage, handling and disposal of solid
				waste.
(9) The number of containers
				required shall be calculated based on the anticipated peak attendance at a
				special event as determined by the health authority.
(10) Refuse storage containers shall be
				required in such locations, types and quantities determined by the Health
				Authority to meet the specific refuse storage and collection-frequency needs of
				the establishment, the occupants of the premises. Special requirements,
				including containerization, special collection frequencies or handling
				procedures may be required for rapidly-putrescible wastes.
(11) To facilitate refuse collection,
				generators shall place refuse receptacles in a location convenient and
				accessible for collection. No refuse or refuse receptacles shall obstruct
				gutters, drains, walkways, streets or other passageways or constitute fire or
				safety hazards. Individual refuse receptacles at multiple-unit buildings shall
				be marked to identify the owner.
(12) Refuse generators may elect to bale,
				shred, recycle or otherwise treat or process nonputrescible refuse onsite by
				means approved by the Health Authority. Remaining solid waste shall be stored,
				collected and disposed in accordance with this regulation.
(13) The generation, storage or use of
				garbage for animal feeding is specifically prohibited.
(14) Grease shall not be incorporated into
				solid waste stored for collection unless it is in sealed containers. Grease
				shall be stored separately for recycling or disposal in a manner approved by
				the Health Authority.
(15) The
				Health Authority may require replacement, removal or repair of defective
				containers, additional containers, premises sanitation, container cleansing,
				odor control, and elimination of fly, rat or mosquito populations and breeding
				conditions.
(16) Where local
				authorities allow solid waste to be placed in plastic or other disposable
				containers for immediate collection, such solid waste shall be returned to
				proper storage if not collected as scheduled. Scattered refuse shall be stored
				and collected in accordance with the regulation.
(17) All equipment used for the collection
				and transport of refuse shall be designed to prevent escape of any liquid. All
				surfaces of equipment coming in contact with wastes shall be smooth,
				nonabsorbent and in good repair.
(18) All equipment shall be cleansed and
				treated with an approved insecticide as often as necessary.
(19) All refuse spilled during collection or
				transportation shall be promptly removed by the refuse collector. The generator
				shall be responsible for spillage removal during normal use and
				storage.
(20) At each collection,
				all refuse in the refuse receptacle shall be removed. Receptacles shall be left
				covered and returned to proper use locations.
(21) Dead animals shall be stored, collected
				and disposed in a manner approved by the Health Authority.
(22) When required by the Health Authority,
				garbage (or solid wastes containing any quantity of garbage) shall be removed
				from each premises at least once a week; in no case shall a garbage-collection
				interval exceed seven days. More frequent collection may be required for
				rapidly decomposing, odorous or hazardous wastes and garbage or mixed refuse
				from food service and similar establishments or as often as deemed necessary by
				the Health Authority. Containers serving multiple facilities shall meet
				disposal criteria for the facility having the highest level need for proper
				refuse management.
O.C.G.A. Secs.
				  31-2A-6,  31-12-8.