Violation

California Code § 101239(f)(1)Waste Container Standards

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 Child Care Centers3 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 § 101239(f)(1) actually says

California Code § 101239(f)(1)

All containers used for storage of solid wastes, including moveable bins, shall have a tightfitting cover that is kept on; shall be in good repair; and shall be leakproof and rodent-proof.

From the field

What providers tell us about this citation

Based on community experience, not official guidance.

Inspectors check trash cans the way they check everything: they lift the lid, look inside, and inspect the condition. A cracked bin, a missing lid, or a lid that doesn't sit flush all get documented. They pay special attention to outdoor waste containers near play areas and kitchen bins near food prep. The most common write-up isn't a broken trash can; it's a lid that's off or ajar. Cited at 3 facilities across Orange, Riverside, and San Diego counties in the last 90 days. This is an easy fix that costs you a $15 replacement bin, not a follow-up inspection.

By the numbers

3^*CCLD: facilities cited in the last 90 days
3^*CCLD: counties where this citation appeared
138^*CCLD: rank among most-common citations
Trajectory: Fewer citations than the prior period
1 facility

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

Check a facility

Regional record

Where this citation appeared in the past 90 days

Citation counts and rates by California county, drawn from CCLD inspection records. Click a county to see its weekly intelligence report.

Regional citations for Waste Container Standards, last 90 days
County	Citations	Facilities	Citation rate
Riverside	1	--	--
Los Angeles	1	--	--
Santa Clara	1	--	--

SOURCE

*CCLD: California Community Care Licensing Divisionviolation_citations2026-05-14Updated weekly

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

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

What is the Waste Container Requirement?

California Code Section 101239(f)(1) requires all trash and waste containers in your facility to have tight-fitting lids that stay closed, remain leakproof, and be rodent-proof. This covers every bin on your property: kitchen trash cans, classroom waste bins, outdoor dumpsters, and recycling containers near play areas. For your daily operations, this means checking that every lid sits flush and every bin is free of cracks, warping, or damage that could let pests in.

How common is this citation?

According to California CCLD inspection records as of March 15, 2026, 3 facilities have been cited for this violation in the past 90 days across 3 California counties: Orange, Riverside, and San Diego. That's roughly 1 in 13,333 inspected facilities. While the raw number is small, this citation is notable because it's one of the cheapest to prevent. A replacement bin costs around $15, but the follow-up inspection costs you time and stress.

What triggers this citation during an inspection?

Inspectors walk the full property perimeter and check every waste container they find. Based on CCLD inspection patterns, they lift lids to inspect condition, look for cracks in the bin body, and note any lid that's off, propped open, or warped enough that it doesn't sit flush. Kitchen bins during meal prep are a common trigger because staff leave lids open for convenience. Outdoor bins near the playground with broken or missing covers get documented on the spot.

How can I prevent this citation?

Do a weekly walk-through of every waste bin on your property, inside and out. Check that each lid sits tight without gaps, each bin has no cracks or damage, and nothing is leaking. Replace pedal-operated or swing-top bins with ones that have lids staying closed on their own. Remind kitchen staff to keep lids on during meal prep. Budget $50 per quarter for bin replacement so worn containers get swapped before they become a citation.

What should I do if I receive this citation?

Replace the cited bins immediately. Take dated photos of the new containers with lids properly fitted and add them to your licensing file. If the issue was staff leaving lids open, post a reminder sign near kitchen waste stations and add a lid-check step to your closing procedures. This is one of the fastest corrections you can make, often under 15 minutes with a trip to the hardware store. For complex situations, consider consulting a licensed childcare compliance specialist.

Related violations

Other citations in this regulation family

This information is educational and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a licensed child 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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