Sleeping Rough in Refuse Containers | Safety & Prevention Guide

And How We Can Help Prevent Tragedies

Refuse not refuge!

Blue graphic with yellow and white text showing an illustration of a man with a tent beside a skip, highlighting the issue of sleeping rough in refuse containers.

As temperatures drop and winter approaches, many people experiencing homelessness face increasingly harsh and dangerous conditions. In desperate attempts to stay warm, some rough sleepers seek shelter inside refuse containers such as bins and skips. While it may feel like temporary protection from the cold, it creates a serious and often fatal risk when those containers are collected and emptied.

Recent media coverage has once again drawn attention to the issue of people sleeping rough in refuse containers to keep warm during colder months. A recent BBC report highlights how these situations can arise and the serious risks involved, reinforcing the importance of awareness and preventative action as winter approaches: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c1lrd1nveq3o

At North West Recycling, safety is always our top priority. That responsibility extends beyond our team to the wider community, especially those who are most vulnerable. Here’s how we’re working to reduce the risk – and how you can play a part.

Black refuse bin, highlighting risk of people sleeping rough in refuse containers — Image credit: Siarhei Plashchynski (Unsplash)

What We’re Doing to Keep People Safe

Performing Thorough Pre-Collection Checks
Before any container is lifted or emptied, our drivers carry out visual and physical checks. They’re trained to look for signs that someone may be inside or near a container, especially during colder months.
Supplying our customers with Lockable Containers
Where possible, we encourage businesses and customers to use lockable bins and skips. These reduce the risk of unauthorised access and help ensure containers remain safe overnight. Speak to us if you have any questions https://www.nwrecycling.co.uk/contact/
Increasing Staff Awareness and Training
Our team receives regular training on identifying signs of rough sleeping and how to respond safely, compassionately, and in line with best practice in community safety and waste management.

Person experiencing homelessness in the UK. These cold nights might lead to people sleeping rough in refuse containers. — Image credit: Dan Burton (Unsplash)

How You Can Help Reduce the Risk

Secure Your Waste Containers
If you have access to lockable lids or secure compounds, please use them – especially during evenings and weekends when containers are left unattended.
Report Any Concerns to Local Services
If you believe someone may be sleeping in or around a bin or skip, contact local homelessness support services immediately. You can easily contact the relevant people through Streetlink, a service that connects people and local services. Quick action can save a life.
Be Mindful When Scheduling Collections
Try to avoid leaving containers in open public areas for long periods during cold weather. Scheduled, timely collections help minimise the opportunity for people to seek shelter inside them.

A refuse truck picking up a bin. We're training our drivers to prevent danger to people sleeping rough in refuse containers.

Working Together to Protect Lives

Behind every instance of homelessness is a human story that deserves compassion and understanding. By taking simple, proactive steps, each of us can help reduce risks and potentially prevent tragedy.

At North West Recycling, we’re committed to doing our part. If you’d like advice on container safety, lockable options, or how to make your waste areas more secure, our team is always here to help.

Need Help or Want to Make a Difference?

Contact us for advice on safe waste management practices: info@nwrecycling.co.uk

If you have an immediate concern regarding the welfare of somebody experiencing homelessness or sleeping rough in refuse containers please get in touch with streetlink https://thestreetlink.org.uk/ who connect people sleeping rough with local services.

StreetLink poster helping people prevent harm from sleeping rough in refuse containers. Contains text 'Do you want to help somebody sleeping rough this winter? Help outreach teams find and assist them by submitting an alert via thestreetlink.org.uk #bethelink"

Together, we can keep our communities safer – especially for those who need it most.

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