Protecting Your Food Facility Dumpsters From Rodents
If you own a manufacturing plant that creates food goods for your customers, then it is in your best interest to make sure that you have a waste management plan that allows you to handle all of the waste from the manufacturing process. Rented dumpsters that are emptied once a week are your best bet to get rid of food wastes. While dumpsters can properly handle the wastes, pests like rats and mice may try to get into the container to feed on the refuse. These animals can then enter your plant and contaminate sanitized areas. To prevent this, follow the tips below.
Purchase Drain Plugs
While a dumpster is meant to store solid refuse, fluids can build within the bottom of your dumpster. If the dumpster is not completely sealed, then rainwater can build in the bottom. Also, fluid wastes can flow out of garbage bags that contain small holes. Usually, these fluids are the result of the food spoiling or decomposition process where bacteria and yeast break down the solid food matter and create acidic waste products. These wastes release caustic odors that are quite unpleasant to humans. However, rodents can be drawn to these odors since they can eat some spoiled foods without getting ill. Plugs are often placed on the sides or backs of a dumpster to help release fluid wastes that build in the container. It may seem wise to leave this pug open to release fluids regularly. Unfortunately, rats can enter spaces that are about one-half an inch in size, and mice can fit through even smaller holes. This means that an open plug is an invitation for a rodent to enter into your dumpster.
To help prevent infestations, ask your dumpster rental company to remove the solid and threaded metal plug from the dumpster. Replace this plug with a nitrite rubber one. This type of plug is one that expands to fit in the plug opening to close it off. When you need to drain fluid, you simply release it with your fingers. It is wise to remove this plug every few days to allow fluids to drain in a bucket. Pour this fluid in a storm drain near your business. If you notice a great deal of fluids in the dumpster that need to be drained, then ask your dumpster rental company to install a t-shaped lock bar on the top of your dumpster. The lock bar can be slipped over the lip of the dumpster lid and pushed down. This secures the lid so water cannot seep in. This type of device will also help to keep motivated rodents out of the container.
Use The Right Bags
Another good way to keep rodents away from your rented dumpster is to invest in garbage bags that are less likely to break when they are filled. This will help to reduce odors that draw rodents to the container. The best trash bags are ones that are low density varieties that stretch a small amount when a sharp object presses against the bag. These bags also can be handled aggressively and thrown into dumpsters without breaking. For the strongest bags, look for the thickest ones you can find. Low density bags are measured in mils, so look for bags that are as close to one mil thick as possible.
If you cannot find extremely thick, low density trash bags, then thinner ones can work. You should only fill the bags about half way or two-thirds of the way full though. Since the bags are flexible, excess weight can cause the sides to stretch too much if they are thinner. However, the thin, low density varieties are still a better option than high density bags that can retain more weight. This is true since the rigid bags are much more likely to form punctures and rips than low density options.
Once you purchase the right trash bags, make sure you secure them tightly before you throw them in your dumpster. A loosely closed garbage bag will release odors in the same fashion as a broken one.