When a vacant property needs more than a trash-out
Foreclosures, estate homes, vacant rentals and apartment units, mobile homes, closed storefronts, other commercial buildings and warehouses can sit empty long enough for people to move in without permission. When they leave, the property may contain used needles, buckets or rooms used as toilets, soiled mattresses, food waste and, sometimes, signs of drug use.
A standard cleanout crew is not set up for those hazards. We handle the biohazard portion and the trash-out together, so you have one crew moving through the property in a safe order rather than several vendors stepping around each other.
Before we start: possession and safety
We begin only after the property is vacant and you, as the owner or authorized manager, have possession. Removing occupants is a matter for owners, the courts and law enforcement; we do not take part in that process or advise on it. If you have questions about your rights, an attorney is the right resource.
We also ask that utilities and access be sorted out ahead of time where possible. Working lights and running water help, but we can bring lighting if the power is off.
How the cleanup unfolds
- Initial walkthrough We note rooms with waste, sharps, structural concerns and anything you want preserved or photographed.
- Sharps and hazard sweep Accessible areas are searched for needles and paraphernalia before bags are lifted or furniture is moved.
- Trash-out of contaminated contents Mattresses, bedding, clothing and debris are bagged and removed; anything you ask us to hold is set aside.
- Biohazard cleanup Human waste and body fluids are removed, then affected surfaces are cleaned before an EPA-registered disinfectant is applied per its label.
- Odor source removal Saturated carpet, pad or other porous materials are removed when they are the source of the odor, with your approval.
- Photo report You receive before-and-after photos and a written summary suitable for owners, lenders or insurers.
Surfaces and materials we usually deal with
- Carpet and pad stained by urine or feces
- Bathroom fixtures that were used without running water
- Mattresses and upholstered furniture
- Drywall and baseboards with fluid staining
- Kitchen areas with spoiled food and pest activity
- Garages, sheds and outbuildings used for shelter
Exposure and residue concerns
Body fluids and human waste are handled as potentially infectious material, and our crew wears protective equipment for that exposure. Sharps go directly into closable, puncture-resistant containers, consistent with FDA and OSHA container guidance.
If you suspect drugs were used in the property, our drug residue cleanup page explains what surface cleaning involves. Any residue testing is done by an independent lab or industrial hygienist, not by us. If there are signs that methamphetamine was manufactured on site, local law enforcement and Tennessee's quarantine rules come first.
What to do and avoid before we arrive
- Do not pick up needles, bags or bedding by hand.
- Avoid running a vacuum or sweeping visible waste.
- Keep children, pets and curious neighbors out of the building.
- Change the locks or secure entry points if it is safe to do so.
- Take your own photos from the doorway if you need them for records.
Security, repairs and pests
Board-up, lock changes and security systems belong to your security or property vendors. Damaged plumbing, electrical work and structural repairs go to qualified contractors; Tennessee requires a state contractor license for projects of $25,000 or more. Pest problems discovered during the cleanup should go to a chartered pest control company.