Campaign launched after Banbury waste collector spots man sleeping in bin
04/12/2025
“it was one of those split second moments when you realise something isn’t right”
A new campaign aims to raise awareness of the dangers people face if they are forced to seek shelter in waste bins. Its been launched following an incident last December involving a Banbury based driver for Grundon.
Dave Goodwin realised a bin he was due to collect was particularly heavy. On investigating further he discovered a person sleeping inside. He was able to ensure the individual got out safely.
Dave said: “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. I immediately stepped back from the bin and was hugely relieved to find that although the gentleman inside was a bit shaken up, he was unharmed.
“He told me that previously, he would listen out for the sound of a diesel engine as a warning of a vehicle approaching. Because I was in an electric vehicle, which is much quieter, he didn’t hear it approach.”
In the wake of the incident Grundon has teamed up with Crisis, the national charity for people experiencing homelessness, to raise awareness of the dangers people face in these situations.
Entitled The Risks of Sleeping in Bins, the campaign provides advice for people who may seek shelter from the cold or protect themselves from danger by sleeping in a bin. It also offers guidance for businesses and the wider public on how to recognise the telltale signs that someone may have taken refuge inside a waste bin.
Reg Hodson, Head of Safety, Health, Environment & Quality at Grundon, said: “Thankfully, due to Dave’s professionalism and care no harm was done but hearing his story and seeing this video made us realise that, as our industry moves to quieter electric waste collection vehicles, we all need to be more vigilant to help reduce the chances of such an incident happening again.
“That’s why, supported by Crisis, we’ve launched this campaign to help get that message out to as many people as possible.”
Francesca Albanese from Crisis said: “We are pleased to be able to work with Grundon on this campaign, which we hope will keep more people safe from harm. Alongside these important partnerships, we need more support from the national government to help people off the streets and out of homelessness because no one should have to face the trauma and indignity of sleeping rough. This includes building more social homes as quickly as possible, and making sure that homelessness prevention services are properly funded.”
Published: by the Banbury FM News Team
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