By: Chris Lange

Selecting trash & recycling receptacles for your restaurant or food business plays a huge role in the customer experience you deliver. From reducing odors to preventing pests, the impact of the right receptacles goes beyond cleanliness—it affects the perception of your business. Ask these five questions to select the receptacle that will best fit the needs of your business.

1. What kind & quantity of waste is produced?

To get a better handle on the type of receptacle your business needs, start by performing a waste audit. You can complete this yourself or outsource to a waste management consulting expert. An effective waste audit will provide details on the average types and amounts of waste produced by your business. Waste audits will also help uncover the available disposal methods that can lead to cost-savings and increased efficiency.

2. What receptacle sizes & materials will work best?

From durable, recycled polyethylene to stylish stainless steel, choosing the right receptacle material comes next. First, apply the data from your trash audit. These findings will help you make an informed decision when selecting both the material and size for your receptacle.

For example, if your business produces a lot of liquid food waste you should choose a receptacle that is made from easy-to-clean polyethylene or a receptacle with a liner. Looking to elevate an indoor space? Consider attractive stainless steel. If your site is producing a lot of recycling waste, consider adding a multi-stream waste & recycling set-up to prevent recycling contamination and reduce the number of times receptacles need to be emptied each day.

3. What kind of lid is needed?

A trash or recycling receptacle lid prevents waste from escaping from the receptacle and can also prohibit pests like mice, rats or squirrels from entering. Special opening shapes and sizes can also encourage compliance, such as a bottle-size opening for a recycling receptacle. A covered lid can keep the elements out and trash in when placed outdoors, while an open lid is ideal for indoor use to make the receptacle fast and easy to use for those entering or exiting an establishment.

Whichever lid type you choose, ensure the lid is anchored to the receptacle if it is placed outdoors to prevent it from blowing away. Remember, another way to encourage compliance is to attach easy to read labels or decals.

4. What kind of maintenance & cleaning is required?

Keeping receptacles clean by wiping them down to remove spills and leaks is another way to prevent odors and pests. Based on the material you choose, this can lead to easier or more involved cleaning process. Looking for an easy cleaning? Units like the PolyTec™ waste receptacle are made from durable polyethylene, which is chip, fade and graffiti resistant. PolyTec units are also some of the easiest receptacles to maintain and clean, saving staff time and hassle.

5. What local & state waste regulations should be followed?

Avoid health code violations and potential fines by following all local and state waste management regulations established for food service businesses. Some states require composting all food waste and/or offering a multi-stream waste and recycling set-up to decrease recycling contamination and the amount of food waste sent to landfills.

Choosing the right trash receptacles is paramount to ensure business cleanliness, customer satisfaction and an effective waste management strategy. The site furnishing experts at Commercial Zone® offer a vast selection of trash and recycling receptacles in different sizes, styles and materials. Take the first step towards a better waste fleet. Contact us today for a free quote.