Why some hoarding cleanups become biohazard work
Not every cluttered home is a biohazard. The line is usually crossed when clutter has blocked normal cleaning and plumbing for long enough that biological material builds up. Common findings include heavy rodent droppings and nesting, insect infestations, food that has rotted in place, toilets or drains that stopped working and were no longer used, used needles or medical supplies, and in some cases a death that went unnoticed.
Each of these changes how the work has to be done. Rodent droppings call for wetting and careful removal rather than sweeping. Sharps call for slow, methodical sorting with puncture-resistant gloves. A blocked bathroom can mean sewage-contaminated flooring. Ordinary junk haulers are not equipped for those hazards, and the people who send them in can be exposed.
A reasonable order of work
- Check structural and utility safety.Look for blocked exits, sagging floors under heavy loads, gas or electrical hazards and missing smoke alarms. If you smell gas, leave and call the utility or 911 from outside.
- Decide who will be involved.The occupant, family, guardian, landlord or estate representative should agree on goals before work begins, including what must be kept.
- Plan for valuables and documents.Ask the provider to set aside cash, jewelry, photos, papers, keys, firearms and medications rather than discarding them. Agree on where those items will go.
- Address biohazards first.Sharps, rodent waste, spoiled food and any fluids are removed with protective equipment before general clearing, so others are not exposed.
- Clear, clean and assess.Once the floor is visible, the true condition of flooring, walls and plumbing becomes clear and repairs can be scoped.
Matching the situation to the right help
- IfThe occupant lives there and is resisting helpThenStart with a doctor, therapist or adult protective services rather than a cleanup crew. Cleanup can follow when the person is ready.
- IfThe occupant has died or moved to careThenThe estate representative or family coordinates. Confirm who has legal authority before anything is removed.
- IfIt is a rental and the tenant has leftThenCheck Colorado rules on abandoned tenant property with an attorney or property manager before discarding belongings.
- IfYou find needles, fluids or signs of a deathThenStop. For signs of a death, call 911. For needles or fluids, keep people out and bring in trained help.
Before you sign anything
General information for the Denver area, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.