New campaign aims to prevent people from sleeping in waste bins
Grundon partners with Crisis to highlight risks and save lives
Last updated 5th Dec 2025
A Banbury lorry driver saved the life of a homeless man sleeping inside a bin.
A new campaign has launched to raise awareness of the dangers faced by people seeking shelter by sleeping in waste bins.
Grundon, in collaboration with Crisis, the national charity for people experiencing homelessness, is working to protect lives during the winter months.
The campaign highlights the risks of sleeping in bins, sharing advice for rough sleepers and guidance for businesses and the public on recognising telltale signs that someone may be in a waste container.
Incident inspires awareness drive
The initiative was prompted by an event in December 2024 when Grundon driver Dave Goodwin discovered a person sleeping inside a bin he was about to collect. Dave, stationed at Grundon’s Banbury depot, quickly intervened, ensuring the individual's safety.
“As drivers, we are always trained to be alert to anything unusual and it was one of those split second moments when you realise something isn’t right,” Dave said.
The quieter operation of Grundon’s electric collection vehicles creates unique challenges, as these cannot be heard approaching like traditional diesel vehicles.
Reg Hodson, Grundon’s Head of Safety, Health, Environment & Quality, said: “Dave’s professionalism and care meant no harm was done, but the story underlines the issue as the industry shifts toward quieter vehicles. That’s why we launched this campaign with Crisis to help prevent incidents like this.”
Support from Crisis
The campaign features brightly-coloured warning stickers on bins with the message "WARNING. Risk to Life. Do not use this bin for sleeping.”
Francesca Albanese, Director of Policy and Social Change at Crisis, explained that increasing rough sleeping means more people take drastic measures to protect themselves.
“We are pleased to partner with Grundon on this campaign, which we hope will keep people safe from harm,” Francesca said.
The campaign encourages businesses to check waste containers for signs someone might be sheltering inside, such as broken locks, scattered rubbish, or personal belongings nearby. It also advises ensuring bins are located in secure, well-lit areas and displaying warning signs.
If the public is concerned about a person sleeping in or near a bin, Grundon and Crisis recommend contacting Streetlink, which connects individuals sleeping rough in England and Wales to local support services.
Homelessness has grown substantially since 2021, with Crisis revealing over 300,000 families and individuals are experiencing severe forms of homelessness, including rough sleeping, sofa surfing, and sheltering in vehicles or sheds.
Grundon continues to work with Crisis on other projects, including providing clinical waste bins at Crisis centres during the charity's annual Christmas appeal.