Kitchen trash can

What size bin bag do I need for my bin?

Be aware that the advertised size of the bin in terms of volume generally has no relation to the size of the bin bag you will need. A 30-liter bin does not mean you need a 30-liter bin bag. You should therefore check the bin's specifications. If this information is not provided, you will need to measure the bin bag to check its compatibility in terms of circumference and height.

When should I change my kitchen bin?

Don't wait for it to deteriorate significantly, as this equipment is an integral part of your kitchen's hygiene plan. Therefore, a well-maintained and clean bin will send a positive message in the event of a veterinary or hygiene inspection.

What material should my kitchen bin be made of? Stainless steel or plastic.

Stainless steel is a high-quality material widely used in professional kitchens due to its excellent hygiene and low contamination resistance. However, maintenance can be complicated if the stainless steel is of poor quality . Therefore, choosing a stainless steel bin should be guided by selecting a professional-grade product . Cleaning should be done with a specific food-grade stainless steel cleaner . Plastic is significantly more common because it is less expensive. Plastic is easier to maintain and more resistant to humid conditions, particularly in kitchens where cleaning systems are used, which can involve high-pressure washing.

What is the HACCP standard for kitchen waste bins?

The HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points) standard is a food safety management system mandated by European Regulation EC 852/2004. In professional kitchens, it requires that all waste containers minimize the risk of cross-contamination between waste and food. Specifically, an HACCP-compliant waste container must allow for hands-free opening (foot pedal or sensor), have a tight-fitting lid, rounded corners for easy cleaning, and be made of a material resistant to disinfectants. These requirements apply to all food service establishments, commercial kitchens, hospitals, and food processing facilities.

What are the regulatory requirements for waste sorting in professional kitchens?

Since 2016, source separation of biowaste has been mandatory for businesses producing more than 10 kg of organic waste per week (restaurants, institutional kitchens, school cafeterias, etc.). This obligation was reinforced by the 2020 AGEC law, which extends sorting to all food establishments, regardless of size. In practice, this means having separate bins for each waste stream: food waste, recyclable packaging (yellow bin), glass, and residual waste. The bins must be color-coded and comply with HACCP standards to prevent cross-contamination between waste streams.

Why is a pedal bin mandatory in HACCP?

A pedal-operated bin is required by HACCP standards because it guarantees hand-free opening. In a professional kitchen, cooks' hands are constantly handling food: touching a bin lid represents a direct risk of cross-contamination between waste and food. The pedal allows the lid to be opened with the foot, leaving hands free and clean. This is a Critical Control Point (CCP) in the HACCP plan. Some models also offer automatic opening via a sensor, providing the same level of hygiene with even greater convenience for kitchen staff.

What are the HACCP bin colors in a professional kitchen?

The color-coded waste bins in professional kitchens allow for immediate identification of the waste stream and prevent cross-contamination. Here are the colors conventionally used:

White: residual non-recyclable food waste
Yellow: Recyclable plastic and cardboard packaging
Green: organic waste / biowaste (peelings, food scraps)
Blue: paper and cardboard
Red: hazardous waste or chemicals
Grey/Black: Residual household waste

This color code is not mandated by a single standard but is part of the HACCP best practices recommended by veterinary and hygiene services during inspections. Adherence to it facilitates waste traceability and demonstrates the rigor of the food safety management plan.

What bin capacity is needed for a restaurant kitchen?

The choice of capacity depends on the volume of waste produced and the desired emptying frequency. Generally:

30 litres: ideal for small kitchens or individual workstations (pastry, cold preparation). Frequent emptying recommended.
45 to 70 litres: suitable for medium-sized restaurants (20 to 50 covers). Good compromise between size and capacity.
90 to 110 litres: recommended for large kitchens, institutional restaurants, canteens or central kitchens.

HACCP standards recommend emptying kitchen bins at least once per service to limit bacterial growth, regardless of their capacity. A full bin represents a health risk even if it is properly covered.

How to clean and disinfect a kitchen bin according to HACCP standards?

Cleaning and disinfecting kitchen bins is an integral part of the HACCP cleaning plan. The recommended procedure is as follows:

Complete emptying of the bag and solid residue
Rinse with hot water to remove coarse dirt.
Apply a food-grade detergent to all interior and exterior surfaces, paying particular attention to corners and the edge of the lid.
Brushing with a brush dedicated exclusively to bins (tool identified by color code)
Rinse thoroughly with clean water
Application of a biocidal disinfectant conforming to EN 1276 or EN 13697 standards
Drying before putting back into service

This operation must be carried out daily and recorded in the HACCP register. Plastic models with rounded corners and food-grade stainless steel bins greatly facilitate this procedure.