Violation

California Code § 87303(f)(3)Outdoor Waste Containers

How CCLD inspectors cite this regulation, what providers do to stay clear of it, and where it appears in the public record.

Type B, generalAffects rcfe26 facilities cited in the last 90 days

ℹ️ Educational reference based on public CCLD inspection records. Not legal or compliance advice. Verify requirements with official sources. Full disclaimer →

Regulation text

What California Code § 87303(f)(3) actually says

California Code § 87303(f)(3)

All outdoor containers, such as garbage receptacles or dumpsters, shall provide suitable access and drainage to allow complete cleaning at the storage area.

From the field

What providers tell us about this citation

Based on community experience, not official guidance.

27 California RCFEs were cited for this deficiency, with 10 in Los Angeles alone. During walk-throughs, LPAs check dumpster areas for standing water and access clearance. Keep a three-foot clearance around all outdoor receptacles and document weekly cleanings to show compliance at your next inspection.

By the numbers

26^*CCLD: facilities cited in the last 90 days
11^*CCLD: counties where this citation appeared
--^*CCLD: rank among most-common citations
Trajectory: Steady

26 facilities were cited for this in the last 90 days. See if yours is one of them.

Check a facility

What other providers do

Common practices to stay clear of Outdoor Waste Containers

Common practices shared by providers. Confirm requirements with your licensing analyst.

Common practices

Provide suitable access to all outdoor waste containers for cleaning
Ensure dumpsters and garbage receptacles have proper drainage at the storage area
Allow complete cleaning of containers without requiring relocation
Maintain containers in sanitary condition between scheduled cleanings

What to avoid

Dumpsters placed on uneven ground without drainage, causing liquid to pool beneath the receptacle
Waste containers wedged into tight spaces that LPAs cannot inspect or staff cannot access for cleaning
No documented cleaning schedule for outdoor waste storage areas
Damaged or rusted containers with rough surfaces that trap debris and prevent complete cleaning

Regional record

Where this citation appeared in the past 90 days

Citation counts and rates by California county, drawn from CCLD inspection records.

Regional citations for Outdoor Waste Containers, last 90 days
County	Citations	Facilities	Citation rate
Los Angeles	10	--	--
Alameda	5	--	--
Contra Costa	2	--	--
San Bernardino	2	--	--
Fresno	1	--	--
Merced	1	--	--
Orange	1	--	--
Sonoma	1	--	--
Ventura	1	--	--
Monterey	1	--	--

SOURCE

*CCLD: California Community Care Licensing Divisionviolation_citations2026-05-30Updated weekly

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Answers based on public CCLD data and regulation text. May not reflect recent changes.

What is an outdoor waste container violation in California assisted living?

Title 22, Section 87303(f)(3) requires all outdoor garbage receptacles and dumpsters to have suitable access and drainage for complete cleaning. This rule protects residents from pest infestations and odors caused by unsanitary waste storage. When an RCFE fails to maintain cleanable outdoor containers, CCLD issues a citation during inspection.

How common is the outdoor waste container violation in California assisted living?

According to CCLD inspection records, 27 California RCFEs received citations under Section 87303(f)(3). The violation is classified as Type B, meaning it poses a potential risk if left uncorrected. Los Angeles County accounted for 10 of these citations, making it the most affected area. Review your waste storage area before your next annual inspection.

What happens if an RCFE is cited for outdoor waste container issues?

CCLD issues a Type B citation requiring the facility to correct the deficiency within a specified timeframe. The LPA will schedule a follow-up visit to verify compliance. Type B citations become part of your facility's public inspection record, which families and referral agencies can review when evaluating your community.

How do I fix or prevent outdoor waste container violations?

Ensure every outdoor dumpster and garbage can sits on a level, drained surface with at least three feet of clearance on all sides. Schedule weekly container cleanings and log each one. LPAs typically inspect the exterior waste area during the initial walk-through of any annual or complaint inspection.

Does an outdoor waste container citation affect my RCFE license?

A single Type B citation will not suspend your license, but repeated or uncorrected violations can lead to escalating enforcement action from CCLD. Accumulated deficiencies across multiple inspections may trigger a compliance conference or plan of correction review with your Licensing Program Analyst.

Related violations

Other citations in this regulation family

This information is educational and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a licensed residential care compliance consultant for guidance specific to your facility. Citation data is sourced from California Community Care Licensing Division public records and is refreshed regularly.

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