Can I Dispose of a Mattress with Bodily Fluids?
No, you cannot dispose of a mattress which has been contaminated with bodily fluids. All waste affected by bodily fluids is classified as hazardous waste. Any hazardous waste cannot be handled or disposed by someone who isn't licensed to do so. If you attempt to dispose of this kind of waste yourself, you could face large fines or legal action could be taken against you.
In this article we are going to explore the following topics:
Why a mattress with bodily fluids is considered hazardous.
The legal requirements to dispose of hazardous waste.
Who you need to call to dispose of hazardous waste.
What should happen after you've disposed of a hazardous mattress.
Why is a Mattress With Bodily Fluids Considered Hazardous?
Blood, or any other biological matter from decomposition are considered as hazardous waste. They can carry pathogens and pose a serious risk to your health. When a mattress has any of these fluids on it, it is then classified as a hazardous item. This can happen due an unattended death, or other trauma. It must be handled professionally and according to strict health and safety regulations. Bodily fluids are extremely dangerous and you can become seriously ill if it is not handled correctly.
Legal Requirements to Dispose of Hazardous Waste
In the UK you must hold a valid upper tier waste carrier license to dispose of any hazardous waste. This waste licence is issued by the environment agency and is only issued to people who meet the criteria for one. All upper tier waste carriers follow strict protocols for hazardous waste removal. Emergency Clean UK holds an upper tier waste licence and can conduct hazardous waste removal across the UK. Please do not attempt this yourself, you can be banned from your local waste site if you are discovered trying to dispose of hazardous waste. Not only that, but you can also be fined and even prosecuted.
When Can This Happen?
Bodily fluids on a mattress can occur after an unattended death, or a serious accident within a home. When these circumstances happen, it can be very stressful. It is important for not only your health and safety, but also your mental wellbeing that you get a professional to help. Emergency Clean UK offers after death cleaning, bereavement cleaning and bodily fluid cleaning. These services are designed to keep you safe and restore the environment to a safe state. We conduct these services with compassion, ensuring this traumatic experience is a little bit easier to deal with.
Disposing of a mattress stained with bodily fluids is not a task for yourselves or normal waste collection. It falls under hazardous waste regulations and needs licensed professionals to remove it. You should never handle or dispose of hazardous waste yourself, as you could be fined and prosecuted. It is also important that you use a company like Emergency Clean UK to conduct the cleaning afterwards.
If you ever find yourself facing a situation as described above, please do not hesitate to give us a call for a free quote. You can click the button below to view our service.