Sleepers in bins: The risk we don’t always see, but can’t afford to ignore

Across the UK, a quiet but deeply concerning issue is growing — people taking refuge in bins and containers. In some cases, this is linked to rising homelessness and vulnerability. In others, it’s young people making poor decisions, seeking somewhere to rest after a night out when they have no money or no way to get home.

Whatever the reason, the danger is the same. And the consequences can be devastating.

This is not just an operational issue. It’s a human one. And it’s something that genuinely worries me.

The escalating problem

We are operating in a changing environment. Increasing levels of homelessness, colder nights and busy town centres mean bins and containers can sometimes be seen as places of warmth, shelter or temporary safety. To the person climbing in, it may feel like a short-term solution.

But they may not know when collections take place. They may not realise how early vehicles arrive, how quickly lifts happen, or how difficult it can be to see someone inside a container — particularly in low light or at pace.

For our crews, the risk is often invisible. And that’s what makes it so dangerous.

A bin placed in the wrong location, left unlocked, or accessible overnight can unintentionally become somewhere someone chooses to sleep. Many customers simply don’t realise that this happens — but it does.

The impact

When we speak to customers, it’s important we focus on what really matters to them, not technical detail or process. At its core, this is about preventing serious harm or loss of life.

If someone is inside a container when it’s emptied, the consequences reach far beyond a single moment. Lives are changed instantly. Families are affected forever. And for collection crews, the emotional impact can last a lifetime.

No one comes to work expecting to be part of something like that. And no business or community would ever want to feel they could have done something differently, however unintentionally.

This is why awareness is so important. Because once people understand the risk, they begin to see how their everyday actions can help reduce it.

The solutions we have today

The good news is that there are practical, simple steps that can significantly reduce the likelihood of someone taking refuge in a bin.

Where possible, placing containers within secure compounds is one of the most effective measures. Locking containers after waste has been disposed of is another. These aren’t just about protecting property or preventing misuse — they can help prevent someone from putting themselves in serious danger.

We also increasingly use visual warning labels on containers to highlight the risk. These act as a prompt, raising awareness and encouraging a second thought before anyone considers climbing inside.

From an operational perspective, vigilance remains essential. Crews and site teams are encouraged to look for signs that a container may have been used for shelter before collections take place. Spotting items such as sleeping bags, rucksacks, bottles, or personal belongings can be an early indication that someone may be inside, or has been there recently.

These small observations can make a life-saving difference.

But this is not just about what operational teams do. Customers play a vital role, often without realising it. A business that locks its bins at the end of the day. A site that keeps containers in a secure, well-lit area. A team member who takes a moment to be aware of their surroundings. These actions all help reduce risk.

To support this, SUEZ recycling and recovery UK has developed visual, engaging situational awareness content focused specifically on the risks of sleepers in bins. These materials promote best practice, encourage simple preventative steps and help bring the issue to life in a way that connects with both operational teams and customers. The campaign has been shared more widely across the sector, including through the Environmental Services Association and the Health and Safety Executive websites, helping to raise the profile of the risk and reinforce consistent safety messages. We encourage customers and partners to explore and share these resources as part of building greater awareness.

Watch the ‘Situational awareness: People in bins’ video.

Why this matters — A shared responsibility

Bins are part of the background of everyday life. We walk past them without a second thought. But for someone with nowhere else to go, that same bin can look very different.

And for the crews who turn up to do their job, it can be the start of an incident that stays with them for the rest of their lives.

So, here’s the ask.

Take a moment to think about the bins and containers in your area — at your workplace, your site or in your community. Are they secure? Are they accessible overnight? Could someone climb into them without being noticed?

Look at where simple changes can be made. Keep containers secured. Place them in controlled areas. Lock them after use. Stay alert to the signs that someone may have taken shelter. And take the time to engage with the situational awareness resources that have been developed to help reduce this risk.

Because small actions matter. A closed lid. A locked container. A secure compound. A moment taken to look for signs that something isn’t right.

Individually, they may seem minor. Together, they could prevent a tragedy.

Ultimately, this is about protecting people — those who may be vulnerable, and those who carry out essential services every day. Making sure something hidden in plain sight doesn’t become something we all wish we had seen sooner.