When an encampment leaves private property, it can leave used needles, human waste and other biohazards behind, along with debris. A biohazard cleanup company can clear and disinfect the area, so your staff don't have to.
Before cleanup starts
Cleanup starts once the site is empty. Questions about people still living on the property are for local officials, not a cleanup company.
Needles are the owner's to clear
Public Health – Seattle & King County says that sharps found on private property are the property owner's responsibility, and that no one should pick up a needle with their hands, even when wearing gloves (how to handle used or found sharps1).
Keep your staff safe
Washington's Department of Labor & Industries says employers must protect employees who may be exposed to bloodborne pathogens on the job, and it lists picking up or throwing away used needles as one of those tasks (L&I bloodborne pathogens2).
What the company does
- Picks up needles and other sharps into puncture-proof containers.
- Bags and removes human waste and soiled items.
- Cleans and disinfects hard surfaces.
- Hauls away debris.
Ask for a written price before work starts, and ask how the waste will be disposed of.
Who to call first
In an emergency, call 911.These official offices may be part of the first steps. They are government pages, not ours.
- County medical examiners and coroners After a sudden or unexpected death, cleanup waits until the county's office is done.
- Washington Crime Victims Compensation Program (L&I) (opens in a new tab)If a crime happened, it may help with some costs, such as funeral expenses. It doesn't pay for cleanup.
- Verify a contractor (L&I lookup) (opens in a new tab)Look up whether a company is a registered contractor before work starts.
- Washington State Department of Health (opens in a new tab)State health rules, such as for drug lab cleanup and hantavirus.