Among the many challenges of running a restaurant is managing large quantities of organic food waste on a daily basis. In addition to properly collecting and disposing of that waste, restaurants also need regular trash can cleaning to ensure their eatery’s environment is safe and sanitary. Below are a few reasons why trash cans need to be professionally cleaned, as well as some tips for trash maintenance.

Why Regular Trash Can Cleaning Is Important

Restaurants must take every precaution to ensure their dining environment is clean and food is free of contamination. When trash cans are not pressure washed and sanitized by professionals on a daily basis, mold, mildew, and disease-spreading bacteria can begin growing inside them, even when a trash liner is present. Unpleasant odors can begin to linger inside the cans, and when those cans are placed in the dining area, you risk upsetting customers.

Neglecting routine trash can cleanings can also damage bins and reduce their life span. When spills and food messes sit inside a trash can for an extended period of time, they can attract pests and erode the plastic or metal, both of which can destroy the bin. Having to replace trash cans regularly is an expensive and time-consuming task that most restaurant managers would be wise to avoid.

Trash Can & Garbage Maintenance Tips

In addition to professional cleanings, there are some things you can do to keep your restaurant’s bins from accumulating foul smells and/or experiencing faster-than-normal wear and tear. Make sure lids are tightly closed at all times to help keep pests at bay and minimize the odor of discarded food, especially when the weather heats up.

It’s important to implement some best practices with your staff for trash disposal. Remind them that garbage should never be left sitting out next to the can and that bins containing food should always be tightly sealed and never overfilled. If garbage appears to be at risk of spilling out, it should always be double-bagged.

To ensure your restaurant’s trash cans are always bacteria- and odor-free, get in touch with Always Clean Cans. Serving the St. Louis Metropolitan Area, this woman-owned company cleans, sanitizes, and deodorizes trash cans and recycling bins for both residential and commercial clients. Visit their website to learn more about their services, and call (314) 736-1199 to schedule a cleaning today.