1910.141(a)(4)(i): Leakproof, Covered Waste Receptacles
Employers must use receptacles for putrescible solid or liquid waste that do not leak and can be thoroughly cleaned and kept sanitary. Each must have a solid, tight-fitting cover unless it can be kept sanitary without one, and receptacles designed to stay sanitary without these features are allowed.
Key takeaways
- 1910.141(a)(4)(i) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart J).
- OSHA cited it 11 times in the last 3 years, in 11 inspections, with $910 in current penalties.
- Most citations: MD (3), NC (3), TN (1).
- Related part: 1910.141(a) General (818 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.141(a)(4)(i) is one requirement inside 1910.141 Sanitation, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart J). The official text below is copied word for word from the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR). The numbers, injury cases and training on this page show how OSHA enforces it on real job sites.
Official text
(i) Any receptacle used for putrescible solid or liquid waste or refuse shall be so constructed that it does not leak and may be thoroughly cleaned and maintained in a sanitary condition. Such a receptacle shall be equipped with a solid tight-fitting cover, unless it can be maintained in a sanitary condition without a cover. This requirement does not prohibit the use of receptacles which are designed to permit the maintenance of a sanitary condition without regard to the aforementioned requirements. 11 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.141.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 6 |
| 2025 | 5 |
Top states: MD (3), NC (3), TN (1), AR (1), NY (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| 68362 - PRIZER POINT MARINA - RESORT LLC | GOLDEN POND, KY | $910 |
| PRATT'S SWINE DINING ENTERPRISES, LLC | KINGSPORT, TN | $0 |
| ARAMARK UNIFORM AND CAREER APPAREL, LLC | LITTLE ROCK, AR | $0 |
| CELL PHONE DOCTOR INC. | GLEN BURNIE, MD | $0 |
| 157213 - HEALTHCARE SERVICES GROUP, INC. | ARDEN, NC | $0 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.141(a)(4)(i), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.141(a)(4)(i).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.141(a) General 818 citations
- 1910.141(a)(3) Housekeeping 519 citations
- 1910.141(a)(3)(i) 452 citations
- 1910.141(a)(5) Vermin control 257 citations
- 1910.141(a)(4) Waste disposal 42 citations
- 1910.141(a)(3)(ii) 42 citations
- 1910.141(a)(4)(ii) 31 citations
- 1910.141(a)(3)(iii) 11 citations
- 1910.141(a)(2) Definitions applicable to this section
- 1910.141(a)(1) Scope
Get your crew competent
Trainers on Black Belt Safety: Marc Harvey, Dana Reyes
Trainers and suppliers: feature your business on this rule for $25/month.
Frequently asked questions
What kind of waste does this cover?
Putrescible solid or liquid waste or refuse, meaning waste that can rot.
Must waste cans have lids?
Yes, a solid tight-fitting cover, unless the receptacle can be maintained in a sanitary condition without a cover.
Can the receptacle leak?
No. It must be constructed so it does not leak and can be thoroughly cleaned.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1910.141 (eCFR), text current as of 2026-10-15
- U.S. Department of Labor enforcement data: OSHA inspections, citations and accident records, copied nightly; data as of 2026-10-20
3-year window. Federal OSHA only; state-plan rules are not counted. Plain-language text is a summary, not legal advice; the official text controls. Black Belt Safety is not part of OSHA or the Department of Labor.