Food Waste Management Checklist
Comprehensive food waste management checklist covering proper segregation, storage, and disposal of food waste and organic materials.
- Industry: Food Service/Manufacturing
- Frequency: Daily
- Estimated Time: 10-15 minutes
- Role: Kitchen Staff/Sanitation
- Total Items: 33
- Compliance: EPA Waste Regulations, State/Local Waste Laws, FDA Food Code
Waste Segregation
Proper separation
- Food waste separated from other waste?
- Recyclables separated properly?
- Hazardous waste separated (chemicals, etc.)?
Waste Storage
Holding areas
- Waste containers covered?
- Containers cleaned regularly?
- Waste area pest-free?
Disposal
Waste removal
- Waste removed on schedule?
- Authorized waste hauler used?
Documentation
Records
- Waste quantities logged (if required)?
- Waste manifests maintained?
Pre-Inspection Information
Initial inspection details and documentation
- Inspector Name
- Inspection Date
- Location / Kitchen Area
- Inspection Type (Routine/Follow-up/Complaint)
- Previous inspection date and findings reviewed?
Temperature Control & Monitoring
Verify all temperature-sensitive equipment and food items
- Refrigerator temperature at or below 41°F (5°C)?
- Freezer temperature at or below 0°F (-18°C)?
- Hot holding foods at or above 135°F (57°C)?
- Thermometers calibrated and functional?
- Temperature logs current and properly maintained?
Food Handling & Cross-Contamination Prevention
Proper food handling practices and contamination prevention
- Proper handwashing observed (20 seconds, soap)?
- Gloves used properly for ready-to-eat foods?
- Raw and cooked foods properly separated?
- Color-coded cutting boards used correctly?
- Allergen cross-contact controls in place?
Food Storage & Labeling
Proper storage, rotation, and labeling of food items
- FIFO (First In, First Out) rotation followed?
- All items properly date-labeled?
- Food stored 6 inches off floor?
- No expired products in storage?
Sanitation & Cleaning
Verify cleaning and sanitation standards are met
- Sanitizer at proper concentration (test strips)?
- Food contact surfaces clean and sanitized?
- Cleaning schedule current and followed?
- No signs of pest activity?
Related Food & Hospitality Checklists
- Food Complaint Investigation Checklist
- Food Change Control Checklist
- Food Document Control Checklist
- Food Vendor Qualification Checklist
- Food Metal Detection Checklist
- Food X-Ray Inspection Checklist
- Food Sieve Screen Inspection Checklist
- Food Magnet Inspection Checklist
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Why Use This Food Waste Management Checklist?
This food waste management checklist helps food service/manufacturing teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for kitchen staff/sanitation professionals, this checklist covers 33 critical inspection points across 9 sections. Recommended frequency: daily.
Ensures compliance with EPA Waste Regulations, State/Local Waste Laws, FDA Food Code. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Food Waste Management Checklist cover?
This checklist covers 33 inspection items across 9 sections: Waste Segregation, Waste Storage, Disposal, Documentation, Pre-Inspection Information, Temperature Control & Monitoring, Food Handling & Cross-Contamination Prevention, Food Storage & Labeling, Sanitation & Cleaning. It is designed for food service/manufacturing operations and compliance.
How often should this checklist be completed?
This checklist should be completed daily. Each completion takes approximately 10-15 minutes.
Who should use this Food Waste Management Checklist?
This checklist is designed for Kitchen Staff/Sanitation professionals in the food service/manufacturing industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.
Can I download this checklist as a PDF?
Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.