[Code of Federal Regulations]
[Title 40, Volume 22]
[Revised as of July 1, 2003]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 40CFR243.200-2]

[Page 329]
 
                   TITLE 40--PROTECTION OF ENVIRONMENT
 
         CHAPTER I--ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED)
 
PART 243--GUIDELINES FOR THE STORAGE AND COLLECTION OF RESIDENTIAL, 
COMMERCIAL, AND INSTITUTIONAL SOLID WASTE--Table of Contents
 
           Subpart B--Requirements and Recommended Procedures
 
Sec. 243.200-2  Recommended procedures: Design.

    (a) Reusable waste containers should be constructed of corrosion 
resistant metal or other material which will not absorb water, grease, 
or oil. The containers should be leakproof, including sides, seams, and 
bottoms, and be durable enough to withstand anticipated usage without 
rusting, cracking, or deforming in a manner that would impair 
serviceability. The interior of the container should be smooth without 
interior projections or rough seams which would make it difficult to 
clean or interfere with its emptying. The exterior of the container 
should be safe for handling with no cracks, holes, or jagged edges. 
Containers should be stored on a firm, level, well-drained surface which 
is large enough to accommodate all of the containers and which is 
maintained in a clean, spillage-free condition.
    (1) Reusable waste containers which are emptied manually should have 
a capacity of no more than 35 gallons (132.51) in volume, unless they 
are mounted on casters and can be serviced by being rolled to the 
collection vehicle and tilted for emptying. The containers should be 
constructed with rounded edges and tapered sides with the larger 
diameter at the top of the container to facilitate discharge of the 
solid waste by gravity. Containers should have two handles or bails 
located directly opposite one another on the sides of the container. 
Containers should have covers which are tight-fitting to resist the 
intrusion of water and vectors, and should be equipped with a suitable 
handle. Containers should be designed so that they cannot be tipped over 
easily.
    (2) Reusable waste containers which are emptied mechanically should 
be designed or equipped to prevent spillage or leakage during on-site 
storage, collection, or transport. The container should be easily 
cleanable and designed to allow easy access for depositing the waste and 
removing it by gravity or by mechanical means. The containers should be 
easily accessible to the collection vehicle in an area which can safely 
accommodate the dimensions and weight of the vehicle.
    (b) Single-use plastic and paper bags should meet the National 
Sanitation Foundation Standard No. 31 for polyethylene refuse bags and 
Standard No. 32 for paper refuse bags, respectively. However, such bags 
do not need to have been certified by the National Sanitation 
Foundation. Single-use bags containing food wastes should be stored 
within the confines of a building or container between collection 
periods.