Bin workers are highlighting the dangers of homeless people sleeping in bins
We joined bin workers on patrol in the early hours of this morning to highlight the dangers of sleeping in bins
Last updated 16th Nov 2017
Bin workers are being trained up on how to spot rough sleepers who've climbed into in waste containers.
It follows a number of deaths involving homeless people who've been sheltering in bins as they're being emptied.
Homeless charity the Whitechapel Centre says there's been a big rise in people sleeping in them
Our reporter Amy Scarisbrick has been out on patrol on the streets of Liverpool city centre with waste management company Gaskells in the early hours of this morning:
The number of people sleeping rough is on the rise, and figures from the Environmental Services Association (ESA) have shown over a five year period, between 2011 and 2016, ten people who were rough sleepers and had sought refuge in a commercial bin have died, either by being smothered by what’s in the bin, or not being able to escape before the bin is lifted and tipped into the waste collection truck.
Ruth McCaughley, Frundraising Manager at The Whitechapel Centre says “We’re absolutely delighted Gaskells have chosen to support The Whitechapel Centre over the coming year. Not only will they be supporting us with a range of fundraising activities but they will also be working with us to raise awareness amongst rough sleepers about the dangers of sleeping in bins. Sleeping rough is dangerous at any time but climbing into a bin can be fatal.”
Commercial Director at Gaskells, Denise Banks has said “We know this has been an ongoing issue in the industry for years. All our drivers are fully trained to check the bins before they’re emptied and our trucks are also fitted with cameras, so the drivers can see what’s going into the back”.
Gaskells are putting stickers on all it's containers, warning of the dangers of sleeping in bins. The stickers display contact details for support services and it's hoped this will encourage more people to come forward for help.
Denise says “With winter well and truly on the way, people will be seeking refuge from the cold weather, and a bin, full of cardboard, and with a lid, provides shelter and warmth. I find it really sad that in this day and age, this is still happening. Having been to The Whitechapel Centre to see first-hand the work they do, we felt compelled to step in, as it's important Gaskells does something to help our community and The Whitechapel Centre provides an invaluable service."