Every office worker has to eat, may it be food from a convenience store or from home. There’s typically no issue with food until after lunch, when food waste usually makes an appearance. There’s usually no trouble at home, but it gets complicated in offices. Food waste can become a problem in office settings. Mismanaging food waste can lead to the accumulation of dirt and the presence of pests. Cleaning food waste properly and having strict cleaning practices are essential in keeping your workplace hygienic.
However, cleaning food waste effectively can be tricky in an office setting. With this article, you can figure out the ins and outs of cleaning food waste in the office.
What Is Food Waste?
Simply put, food waste refers to food or the leftovers of food that are not or cannot be consumed. This includes organic scraps like chicken bones, vegetable husks, and the like. However, it could also include one-use wrappers and food packaging.
Food that gets left behind and spoils in the office fridge also counts, along with unused food from events. This type of waste contributes to landfill waste, resource depletion, and attracts pests when left uncleaned.
Tips for Disposing and Cleaning Food Waste in the Office
Here are things to do to avoid food waste in the office and keep it clean and tidy.
Implement an easy and realistic food waste management plan.
To manage food waste effectively in the office, you have to make sure that food disposal is accessible. This means having the appropriate bins for biodegradable, non-biodegradable, and recyclable food waste. Make sure to label them accordingly for proper segregation.
Employees should be aware of the food waste disposal process in place to avoid confusion. New hires should know about waste management protocols to ensure cleanliness.
Make sure that your cleaning process is efficient.
Regular cleaning of food waste is essential in keeping your office spick and span. Additionally, it is easier to be productive when a shared space has good cleaning protocols in place.
Designated eating areas and food storage should be inspected and cleaned daily. This is to prevent food spoilage and to catch any mess before it gets bigger. Wipe down tables, countertops, and even the microwave plate. On top of that, the trash bins dedicated to food waste should be emptied as needed to prevent attracting pests.
To ensure a constant quality of cleanliness, food or eating-related equipment must be thoroughly cleaned on schedule. Coffee machines, microwaves, fridges, and the like have to be clean to prevent contamination. Cleaning these would delay food spoilage and prevent odors from building up.
What Not to Do When Cleaning Food Waste in the Office
Here are things office employees should not do if they want to ensure their office is clean.
Disposing of food waste improperly.
Sometimes, when waste disposal systems are in place but are done incorrectly. For example, sometimes, establishments only have one designated bin for both organic and synthetic food waste. This leads to contamination and the creation of unusable potential recyclables. This would also make sorting close to impossible.
Another mistake that occurs when dealing with food waste involves liquids. When liquids present in such waste, it is best to drain them down the sink (unless it’s oil). If you are not sure, ask for assistance. This is due to the higher likelihood of the presence of odor.
Not cleaning dining areas regularly.
Aside from improper food disposal, a common problem related to food waste is irregular cleaning. Without dedicated staff, staying on top of things would be impossible even if employees pick up after themselves. Neglecting shared spaces has serious consequences for both staff and visitors.
Not cleaning regularly allows grime and build-up in areas where people eat. It’s easy to see why such instances should be avoided to prevent illness.
Storing food improperly.
Not storing food items properly leads to the creation of more food waste. As they say, prevention is better than the cure. Leaving food out for too long at room temperature increases the risk of bacterial growth. Rotting food can also contaminate other foods, which is a major health hazard. This can also attract pests you do not want in an office setting.
Ready to Implement Effective Food Waste Management in Your Workplace?
Choosing your approach to cleaning food waste in the office can be a challenge. Whether you choose in-house or outsourced food waste cleaning and disposal, the choice should align with your business needs and priorities. Though it seems like a negligible aspect of office cleaning, it matters a lot. A well-maintained office is essential for a positive customer experience and employee safety after all. Cleaning food waste should never be an afterthought.
Prestige Property Services is one of the best commercial cleaning services in Orange County. We offer a comprehensive range of services, from regular cleaning to repairs—anything your office needs, we can do. We are dedicated to providing you with top-quality service and ensuring your office remains in tip-top shape.
Contact us today and let us know how Prestige Property Services can help you and your office!
