Recent data published by Shelter shows that at least 4,667 people are sleeping rough on the streets on any given night, representing a 20% increase in just one year. In efforts to stay warm and dry, some rough sleepers seek shelter inside refuse and recycling containers. While this may seem like temporary protection from the elements, it presents a serious and potentially fatal risk when bins are emptied.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has recently issued guidance highlighting the dangers of people accessing commercial waste bins (see: HERE). Further guidance is also available from the Waste Industry Safety and Health Forum (WISH) HERE, including advice on what action to take if someone is found in a bin.
Simple precautions can significantly reduce the risk of people entering large commercial bins and suffering serious injury or death. This information brief applies to businesses that produce waste and are responsible for managing bin storage areas.
Risk and precautions
The level of precaution required depends on how foreseeable it is that someone could access a bin and how likely they would be noticed if they did. Risks are higher where bin storage areas are isolated near town centres, poorly lit, unsecured, or arranged in a way that makes it easy to climb into bins. Bins themselves pose a greater risk if lids are easy to open, openings are large, they are left unemptied for extended periods, or they contain dry materials such as cardboard that may attract people seeking shelter.
Environmental factors also increase risk, particularly where there is a known presence of rough sleepers or substance misuse, where previous incidents have occurred, or during cold or wet weather. People found in bins are often intoxicated and may not hear collection vehicles, especially if they have buried themselves under waste to keep warm.
What to look out for/signs of rough sleepers:
Signs that rough sleepers may be accessing bins include empty food packaging, drinks cans or bottles, personal belongings, and blankets found near bin areas. Broken or damaged locks on gates or bins may also indicate unauthorised access.
What should you do?
Responsibility for preventing access to bins mainly rests with those who control the site rather than waste collection companies. Secure bin storage is therefore essential, particularly where multiple staff require regular access.
Warning signs on bins can help raise awareness but are not a legal requirement. Where practicable, bins should be located in secure areas and fitted with suitable controls such as locks or lid-opening restrictors where risks are foreseeable. These measures should be properly maintained, and staff should be informed and remain vigilant, including checking for signs of access when depositing waste. Regular checks should also be carried out, especially before collections and during colder months when rough sleepers are more likely to seek shelter.
Ensure your bins are well managed, filling one bin at a time, and compacting waste where possible.
Where else might you find rough sleepers?
Rough sleepers may also seek shelter in other areas of the premises, including outbuildings and sheds. In some cases, individuals may remain inside the main facility until it closes. It is therefore important to carry out thorough closing checks before leaving the building to ensure all areas are secure.
How can Right Directions help?
If you have concerns that rough sleepers may be accessing or sheltering in bins on your site, or you’re concerned your bins may pose a potential safety hazard and would like this assessed, our team can support you with specialist advice on workplace safety and security. Our team regularly deliver support days and audits which include a comprehensive site tour to identify potential issues. If you would like to find out more or get your audit booked in, please contact: info@rightdirections.co.uk or 01582 840098.
Following the audit, we provide practical recommendations to help you meet your health and safety obligations, reduce liability, improve site security, and ensure your facility remains compliant with relevant legislation and industry standards. Have a look at our health and safety services here.
Procedures:
In the meantime, you can also take a look at our Facility Inspections and Reactive Maintenance procedure, which may help you to identify issues early, respond promptly to emerging risks, and ensure appropriate actions are taken to keep your site safe and compliant. This procedure is accessible on the Right Place. If you don’t have access to our quality management procedures and would like them, please contact: info@rightdirections.co.uk or 01582 840098.
