Why Businesses Must Check Their Bins to Protect Vulnerable People
When temperatures drop, many of us reach for coats, heating, and shelter. But for thousands of people experiencing homelessness, the cold forces them into desperate decisions, including taking refuge inside commercial bins.
Last week, Sajmir Beca, a 30-year-old man experiencing homelessness, tragically died after seeking shelter in a waste container. Sadly, this is not an isolated case. As winter sets in, Business Waste is urging UK businesses to stay alert, understand the risks, and take simple steps that could save a life.
How big is the issue?
A hidden problem with little reporting
The true scale of homeless individuals sleeping in bins is significantly underreported. What we do know is alarming:
- A 2020 report identified seven deaths in five years linked to people sleeping in bins.
- Since then, media reports suggest at least five further deaths, plus multiple injuries.
- Many incidents never make the news, especially those which are non-fatal.
- Coroners often record these cases as “misadventure”, meaning they’re not captured in homelessness data.
- England has seen a 20% rise in homelessness in the last year, making the risk even greater.
For people facing rough sleeping, bins can feel like a last resort. They offer warmth, cover, and areas where they are less likely to be disturbed. However, they carry severe risks: compaction injuries, exposure to hazardous waste, and fatal accidents when bins are loaded into collection vehicles.
What businesses can do right now
Homelessness is an extremely complex topic. The shocking increase in the number of people in the UK facing the issue indicates that more support is needed from the government. However, most businesses don’t realise the role they can play in preventing harm. The responsibility is shared, with waste producers, site managers, loaders, and waste operators all of whom have a part to play.
Here’s what businesses can do immediately:
- Add clear signage to bin areas
This is one of the most effective ways to deter people from entering bins while offering information on safer support routes.
Download Business Waste’s free signage here.
The signage includes:
- A warning about the dangers of sleeping in bins
- A reminder that bins are regularly emptied
- Details for StreetLink and other local support services
- Secure waste containers wherever possible
- Use lockable lids
- Place bins inside fenced or gated areas
- Add lighting to dimly lit waste yards
Conduct daily end-of-shift checks
- Train staff to check bins safely and sensitively
Team members should know:
- What signs to look out for (disturbed waste, flattened cardboard, sleeping bags, belongings)
- How to respond if they suspect someone is inside
- How to approach any encounter with care and dignity
- Log and report all incidents
If staff find evidence that someone sought shelter overnight, create an internal report. This helps build a pattern and ensures appropriate action is taken.
- Contact StreetLink when concerned
StreetLink (England & Wales): 0300 500 0914
This is a 24/7 service connecting people sleeping rough with council and charity outreach teams.
What to do if you think someone is
sheltering in your bins
Do:
- Keep a safe distance
- Speak softly and avoid sudden movements
- Let them know they’re not in trouble
- Call StreetLink immediately
- Delay any collections until the situation is resolved
Do not:
- Shake the bin
- Move the bin
- Attempt to open the lid aggressively
- Contact the police unless there is immediate danger
Advice for waste loaders
and operators
This issue sits heavily on frontline waste teams, who often encounter these situations first.
To support loaders:
- Encourage pre-lift visual checks
- Provide mental-health support and signpost counselling where required
- Remind crews they are not responsible for enforcement, only for safety checks
- Supply escalation procedures for when a person is found in a bin
- Provide downtime or supervisor support after traumatic incidents
The industry has a responsibility
Mark Hall, waste collection expert at Business Waste, explains:
Why this matters now
Rough sleeping rises sharply each winter. Local authorities are stretched. Charities are under-resourced. The danger grows every cold night.
A few simple checks can prevent the next tragedy.
Looking for support with safe,
compliant waste management?
Business Waste provides nationwide waste collection, recycling services, and expert compliance support to over 30,000 UK businesses.
If you’d like help reviewing your waste setup, implementing safer bin storage, or improving site safety practices, get in touch.
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