News / homelessness
Waste management firm joins forces with national charity to address ‘alarming’ trend
A Bristol-based waste management firm and a national charity have joined forces to address an alarming phenomenon: people sleeping in bins.
With homelessness on the rise, according to the government’s own figures, some people experiencing homelessness are seeking refuge in refuse bins.
Grundon Waste Management has partnered with Crisis to launch a new awareness campaign titled The Risks of Sleeping in Bins. The initiative aims to protect those who may shelter in waste containers during cold weather.
The campaign was sparked by an incident in December 2024, when Grundon driver Dave Goodwin discovered a person sleeping inside a bin moments before it was due to be emptied.
With homelessness on the rise, some people experiencing homelessness are seeking refuge in refuse bins
The quick-thinking driver, operating an electric collection vehicle, was able to intervene safely, highlighting a new risk posed by quieter electric engines that may not alert individuals hiding inside bins.
In response, Grundon and Crisis have introduced bright warning stickers reading: “WARNING. Risk to Life. Do not use this bin for sleeping”, alongside practical advice for businesses and the public.
They urge companies to check bins regularly, ensure surrounding areas are well lit and train staff to recognise signs that someone may be inside, such as scattered rubbish, broken locks or personal belongings nearby.
Reg Hodson, head of safety, health, environment and quality at Grundon, emphasised the need for vigilance as waste operations transition to quieter vehicles. “By taking a few minutes this winter, everyone can play their part in keeping people safe,” he said.
“By taking a few minutes this winter, everyone can play their part in keeping people safe. Talk to your staff so they know the signs to look out for and, if possible, display warning signs on and around the bins themselves. A moment’s attention can genuinely be the difference between life and death.”
Francesca Albanese, Crisis’s director of policy and social change, welcomed the collaboration, noting that rising homelessness — up 91 per cent since 2021 — is forcing many into increasingly dangerous situations.
She said: “We are tragically seeing more and more people forced to sleep on our streets. Faced with danger and uncertainty, people can seek shelter from the cold and keep themselves hidden from view for their own safety.”
Grundon Waste Management has partnered with Crisis to launch a new awareness campaign titled The Risks of Sleeping in Bins
The campaign also directs concerned members of the public to StreetLink, a service that connects people sleeping rough in England and Wales with local support agencies.
Grundon, who operates sites in St Philip’s and Bishop’s Cleeve, continues to support Crisis through ongoing partnerships, including providing free clinical waste bin services for the charity’s Crisis at Christmas appeal.
All photos: Grundon
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