Businesses urged to monitor bins as homeless shelter risk grows

Temperatures have recently plummeted across the UK, meaning many people experiencing homelessness are forced to seek shelter wherever they can find warmth and protection from the elements.

Unfortunately, this can sometimes mean choosing places which are unsafe, inadequate, and come with direct risks, such as commercial bins. A large commercial bin can provide warmth and allow people experiencing homelessness to avoid detection from police, who may ordinarily move them on.

However, as recent tragic deaths have illustrated, this is incredibly dangerous. People can easily become trapped inside these bins, be exposed to dangerous waste, or face catastrophic injuries or even death if the bin is placed into a collection truck.

How common is the issue?

It’s difficult to attribute an accurate number of deaths which have been caused by persons experiencing homelessness who find shelter in bins. A report from 2020 stated that seven people are known to have died in these circumstances in the previous five years. News reports between 2020 and 2025 suggest a further five deaths have occurred, alongside multiple reports of injuries.

However, the issue is likely underreported in the media, with injuries less likely to make the news, and some vulnerable people opting not to engage with official services. In addition, coroners frequently record such deaths as ‘misadventure,’ providing little context about the circumstances.

England has seen a 20 per cent increase in homelessness in just a year, meaning the issue is only likely to grow.

How can businesses help?

Adding clean signage to your bins is one key way to help deter people experiencing homelessness who have had to resort to finding shelter in bins. Signage can explain the dangers of sleeping in bins but should also provide helpful guidance to local support services.

StreetLink is a platform that connects people sleeping rough in England and Wales to support provided by local authorities and charities. They have a 24-hour helpline which can be reached on 0300 500 0914.

BusinessWaste.co.uk has created signage that businesses can use, which can be downloaded here.

Alongside this, businesses can also consider:

1. Securing waste containers: Make use of lockable containers if you find that this is a recurring issue for your business, or consider placing bins inside enclosures.

2. Implementing staff training: If staff have a greater awareness of the risks, they can help to ensure bins are regularly checked. Training can help to ensure staff know how to respond appropriately and sensitively to someone they encounter taking shelter.

3. Reporting and documentation of any incidents: By ensuring staff report and log any incidents where they come across someone taking shelter in bins, or find evidence that suggests this is happening, it means businesses can alert local authorities to find support for the individual, reducing the risk of harm.

4. Collaborate with local charities: Working with charities can help to spread the word to other businesses, support community awareness campaigns or even help to fund safe alternatives.

Mark Hall, waste collection expert at BusinessWaste.co.uk, said: “Many are unaware just how widespread this practice is, which is problematic given the tragic outcomes that can occur. We regularly hear reports of workers finding people facing homelessness taking shelter in bins across the country, showing this is not an isolated issue. 

“Unfortunately, the UK does face a homelessness crisis which is only deepening, and it’s clear that policy change and wider government action are needed to tackle this. However, in the meantime, business owners and the waste industry can take some practical steps to help prevent harm where possible.

“Signage, staff training, and reporting may seem like small measures, but they make a meaningful difference. These steps help people facing homelessness to understand the dangers that sleeping in bins poses, and can help to provide guidance or support for those who’ve been forced to seek shelter. 

“It’s a tragic set of circumstances that leads to this issue, and while homelessness is a deep and complex issue, we can all play our part to help others – especially at this time of year.”

More information on this can be found here.