• Dispose of food waste correctly to prevent problems.garbage image by Mat Hayward from Fotolia.com
  
  Whether it's in a restaurant or a home kitchen, food waste is going to occur. The act of preparing food creates waste and diners will create even more when they don't eat everything that is cooked. Each foodstuff has a correct method of disposal. Not taking care of spoiled or wasted food correctly can create a large array of problems.
  
  

Clogged plumbing

• Restaurant plumbing has grease traps to help eliminate clogs from grease being washed down the drain. Most home plumbing is not equipped with grease trap systems. If you pour grease down your drain it will go straight through to your pipes. Hot grease will solidify when cooled and will line pipe walls and eventually create a clog in your drain. Pour grease into a container and allow it to cool before disposing of it in a trash container.
  
  

Vermin

• Vermin are attracted to any type of food that is available. Dispose of wasted food correctly to help prevent infestation. Seal solid trash in plastic bags by tying the bags closed. Keep lids on dumpsters and trash cans secure so that rodents cannot reach the bags. Sweep up small crumbs and pieces of food from floors to clear the area of waste that insects enjoy.
  
  

Smells

• Rotting food creates a very unpleasant smell, but properly disposing of food can help prevent this from happening. Seal everything that is likely to rot into airtight bags or other containers. Keep large amounts of spoiled foods sealed in containers and stored in refrigeration if your waste disposal service is not due for a few days. Place the garbage outside the night before pick up.
  
  

Creating an Eyesore

• Tie all bags tightly and place them in airtight containers or dumpsters with heavy lids. Close all dumpster lids. Break down cardboard boxes so that they will fit easier into containers and leave room for other waste. Do not leave bags beside a dumpster or laying against a building, as rodents and other animals can tear open these bags and strew garbage over the landscape.