5.2.7.5: Labeling, Cleaning, and Disposal of Waste and Diaper Containers

Early care and education programs should check their state child care regulations for diapering requirements. Many child care regulations say that programs should keep soiled disposable diapers and disposable wipes in a closed, labeled, hands-free, plastic-lined container in the diaper changing area. Keep waste and diaper containers separate from other trash. Empty, clean, and disinfect these containers daily to keep them free from soil and odor.

 

Pour wastewater from cleaning and disinfecting down a toilet or floor drain. Do not pour wastewater on the ground or into handwashing sinks, laundry sinks, kitchen sinks, or bathtubs.

RATIONALE

Proper disposal of diapers, and proper cleaning and disinfecting of the diaper areas are important to the health of children and staff. Diapers can be contaminated and spread illness among children as well as staff. ¹

TYPE OF FACILITY

Center, Early Head Start, Head Start, Large Family Child Care Home, Small Family Child Care Home

RELATED STANDARDS

3.2.1.2 Handling Cloth Diapers
3.2.1.4 Diaper Changing Procedure
3.2.2.1 Situations that Require Hand Hygiene
5.2.7.4 Containment of Soiled Diapers
5.4.2.4 Use, Location, and Setup of Diaper Changing Areas
5.4.2.5 Changing Table Requirements
Appendix J: Selection and Use of a Cleaning, Sanitizing or Disinfecting Product
Appendix K: Routine Schedule for Cleaning, Sanitizing, and Disinfecting

REFERENCES

1. Uko EA, Ntekpere EI. Microbial contamination of infant diapers. Communication in Physical Sciences. 2020;6(1). Accessed August 7, 2022

NOTES

Content in the standard was modified on 12/20/2022.