A food handler who is throwing out garbage in an outdoor dumpster must keep the trash contained, avoid spills, and secure the dumpster to prevent pests and contamination.

Direct test-style answer

Many food-handler exams phrase this as a multiple-choice question such as:
“A food handler who is throwing out garbage in an outdoor dumpster must ____.” Common correct answers used in training materials include:

  • Secure or tie the garbage bag before throwing it in so it does not leak or spill and contaminate the area.
  • Close and keep the dumpster lid shut when not in use to deter pests and reduce contamination and odors.

Different practice tests sometimes mark one of these as the single “correct” option depending on how the question is written, but in real-world food safety both are expected behaviors.

Key safety steps at the dumpster

When taking garbage to an outdoor dumpster, a food handler should:

  1. Before going outside
    • Wear appropriate protection (at least gloves) to avoid direct contact with waste.
 * Make sure bags are not overfilled and are securely tied/closed.
  1. On the way to the dumpster
    • Use a designated route that does not pass over food-prep areas to avoid cross-contamination.
 * Handle bags carefully so they do not tear or leak.
  1. At the dumpster
    • Place bags fully inside the dumpster, not on the ground or leaning against the side.
 * Ensure the dumpster lid is closed after use to keep out insects, rodents, and other pests.
  1. After disposal
    • Immediately wash hands before returning to any food tasks.

Mini “story-style” example

Imagine a line cook taking trash out at the end of a busy dinner rush. They carefully tie the bag, put on gloves, and walk the back hallway that leads directly outside instead of cutting through the prep area. At the dumpster, they lift the bag straight in, check that nothing spilled, then pull the heavy lid closed so raccoons and insects cannot get inside. Once back in the kitchen, they remove their gloves and wash their hands before touching any clean equipment or food.

Why this matters now

Health departments and modern food-safety guidance emphasize dumpster hygiene because pests, odors, and leaking waste are major reasons for violations and even closures. With more inspections and public posting of scores in recent years, restaurants are under increasing pressure to show that even “simple” tasks like taking out the trash are done safely and correctly.

TL;DR: In most food-safety training contexts, a food handler throwing out garbage in an outdoor dumpster must at minimum secure the garbage bag to prevent spills and keep the dumpster lid closed to deter pests and contamination.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.