OU environmental researcher warns of danger of sleeping in bins

An Open University (OU) academic is the author of a report released this week (Monday 24 February) which reveals statistics about the number of people who put their lives at risk through sleeping in bins.

Dr Toni Gladding, Senior Lecturer in Environmental Engineering in the OU’s Faculty of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, was commissioned by waste management company Biffa, to work with the Chartered Institution of Wastes Management, on the report which calls for a collaborative approach amongst waste companies, waste producers, homeless charities and the general public to tackle the issue.

The new study, which surveyed operators in the waste sector, found that although there have been improvements across the industry to prevent people in sleeping in bins since a similar study in 2014, there are still many concerning statistics:

The UK homeless population has significantly increased in recent years, meaning more people are at risk (Data source: Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government 2019)
15 separate waste companies discovered people sleeping in bins within the last 12 months
Only 40% of commercial bins in use are fitted with working locks
People are discovered taking shelter in bins all year round – this is not just a winter problem
There have been seven known fatalities in the past five years from people sleeping in bins (Data source: Health & Safety Executive)

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Improving health and safety in the waste industry

Dr Gladding began her research into microorganisms in waste at the OU in 2001.

Since then, she has carried out work on emissions from waste sites and the health and safety performance of the waste industry. This has led directly to policy and practice changes on several issues important to the waste and farming industries.

Key impacts of her research are:

Leadership of Waste Industry Safety and Health Forum (WISH) that provides the waste industry with practical guidance and information.
Background research which has supported guidance on the regulation of bioaerosols emissions at every organic waste treatment site in the country, estimated at over 400 facilities.
Contribution to change in national attitudes to the move from weekly to fortnightly waste collection.

Dr Gladding said:

“Waste and pollution research at the OU is an active and growing area. My research into microorganisms in waste has led to me writing the report for Biffa on people sleeping in bins. Cases such as this show the need for a nationally agreed approach to this issue which will likely consist of a partnership between the customer who is the waste producer, homelessness services and the waste operator to help prevent these tragic incidences.”

Find out more about OU research into the environment