Homeless encampments can be found in many areas, from inner cities to outside city limits in wooded spots. They can be found in public or private properties. Since these camps are not made to be permanent, there are never proper shelters or facilities. This means that there is more than just trash to remove after a homeless encampment has been left behind.

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With homeless encampments, there are often both solid waste and biohazard materials to contend with upon implementing the cleaning of an area. A homeless encampment can be defined as an area where one or more people live in an area without shelter; the area can be on private property or a physical location that is owned by a government agency.

Homeless encampments are a haven for waste that can include dead animals, human and animal waste, trash, sharps or needles, and other drug paraphernalia, and electronic waste., all of which can cause a biohazard. Many of these toxic pollutants are dangerous to humans and animals that come into contact with them. Diseases that can be found within these camps can range from Hepatitis to AIDS. The problem is that these diseases can live in used syringes for long periods of time, which is why it’s so important to clean it up as soon as possible. Protecting others as well as limiting liability is a necessary component of homeless encampment cleanup.

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At Steri-Clean Illinois ­we only deal with the non-human aspects of cleaning up homeless encampments. From city to city administrative codes vary with regards to “clean up thresholds”. Upon initiating a homeless encampment cleanup we do a thorough assessment of the area to be cleaned and provide a detailed plan, so you are aware of the steps we are taking to get the job done in the most efficient and safe manner.