Rough sleepers at risk, waste industry told

Rough sleepers looking for shelter in bins are putting their lives at risk, according to research published by waste management firm Biffa today (February 10).

The study, which was compiled by Biffa, the Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM) and charity StreetLink, found that 38% of people sleeping in bins were only discovered by waste collection crews during the lifting operation, while 16% were exposed when they were tipped out.

It also suggests that 58% of the people sheltering are homeless and most likely, though not exclusively, to be found sleeping in unlocked bins stored at the rear or side of buildings; and largely in urban areas during cold or wet weather.

And, almost a fifth of the 176 waste management organisations that responded to a questionnaire seeking to establish the scale of the problem, reported finding people sheltering in containers.

While a third of people were discovered immediately, the study found two thirds of organisations surveyed did not have a formal policy for checking bins prior to tipping.

The report, which sets out industry recommendations for managing the issue, was conducted in response to a number of near misses and fatalities across the waste industry. Despite the existence of Health & Safety Executive guidance and some collection crew training on the issue, there was one recorded fatality last year.

Dangers

Biffa also hopes the outputs of the research will enable homeless charities to better communicate with rough sleepers about the dangers of sheltering in bins, whilst helping to raise awareness.

Ian Wakelin, chief executive officer of Biffa, said: Only through understanding the experiences of the waste collection sector can we ensure that we are raising awareness in the most appropriate ways, and training our staff to be vigilant in their checks. Protecting the lives of rough sleepers is absolutely vital and this study will bring us one step closer to that goal.

And, commenting on the research, David Beadle, president of CIWM, said it was vital to work with homeless charities in order to establish correct guidance.

Matt Harrison, director of StreetLink, added: Over 2,300 people sleep on our streets every night. This study shows the lengths to which individuals will go to find shelter, especially in bad weather. Anyone who has to seek shelter in a bin, is one individual too many and we must act now to help prevent future deaths.