Grocery Compactor and Trash Audit

Inspection template for grocery compactor and trash areas, covering haul schedule, odor control, pest activity, cleanliness, and cardboard recycling practices.

Haul Schedule and Service Verification

• Haul schedule posted and current
  Verify the current waste pickup schedule is posted or otherwise available to staff and matches the contracted service frequency.
• Last haul/service completed on schedule
  Confirm the most recent pickup occurred within the expected service window and no missed service is evident.
• Containers not overflowing or obstructing access
  Check that trash and cardboard containers are not overflowing and that access to the compactor and dumpster area remains clear.
• Service vendor issues documented and escalated
  Record any missed pickups, damaged bins, or service delays and confirm they were escalated to the appropriate contact.
• Next scheduled haul date verified
  Enter the next expected pickup date from the service schedule or vendor confirmation.

Compactor Condition and Safety

• Compactor exterior free of damage, leaks, and sharp edges
  Inspect the unit for visible damage, hydraulic leaks, exposed sharp edges, or other defects that could create a hazard or indicate malfunction.
• Safety guards, interlocks, and controls functioning
  Verify guards, interlocks, emergency stop controls, and operator controls appear intact and functional. Do not operate if a safety device is bypassed or damaged.
• Area around compactor clear of stored materials
  Check that pallets, cardboard, chemicals, and other materials are not stored within the required working clearance around the compactor.
• Warning labels and operating instructions visible
  Confirm operating instructions, hazard warnings, and emergency contact information are visible and legible near the equipment.
• Compactor access doors and latches secure
  Verify access doors, latches, and containment points close and latch properly when not in use.

Odor Control and Pest Activity

• No strong or persistent waste odor present
  Assess whether odors are controlled to a normal waste-area level. Strong, persistent, or decomposing odors indicate a deficiency.
• Odor control measures in place and effective
  Verify deodorizer use, cleaning frequency, lid closure, or other odor mitigation measures are in place and working as intended.
• No visible pest activity or harborage
  Inspect for rodents, insects, droppings, nesting material, gnaw marks, or other pest indicators in the compactor and trash area.
• Pest control service log reviewed
  Confirm the latest pest control activity, trap checks, or service notes are available and current for the waste area if applicable.
• Standing liquid or decomposing waste removed
  Check for pooled liquids, leaking bags, or decomposing waste that could attract pests or create odor concerns.

Cardboard Recycling and Waste Segregation

• Cardboard separated from general trash
  Confirm cardboard is placed in the designated recycling stream and not mixed with general waste.
• Cardboard flattened before disposal
  Check that cardboard boxes are flattened to maximize capacity and reduce overflow risk.
• Recycling container free of contamination
  Verify the cardboard recycling area does not contain food waste, plastic film, trash, or other contaminants.
• Cardboard storage area organized and not blocking egress
  Ensure staged cardboard does not block walkways, exits, fire equipment, or access to the compactor.

Housekeeping and Surrounding Area

• Floor and surrounding surfaces clean
  Check that floors, curbs, walls, and nearby surfaces are free of litter, residue, and accumulated debris.
• Drainage clear and no standing water
  Verify drains are unobstructed and no standing water is present in or around the waste area.
• Lighting adequate for safe access
  Confirm the waste area is sufficiently lit for safe access, inspection, and service activity.
• Inspector notes
  Document any additional deficiencies, non-conformances, or follow-up actions needed.