Public Space Clean-Up Response and Hoarding Support for Municipalities

Across the Lower Mainland, municipalities and bylaw departments are facing a growing number of complex situations that extend far beyond traditional property maintenance. Illegal dumping sites in public spaces and hoarding conditions in private residences often involve overlapping concerns related to public health, fire safety, environmental risk, and social vulnerability. In this article we go over our Public Space Clean-Up Response and Hoarding Support program.

Public Space Clean-Up Response and Hoarding Support

These are not standard clean-up jobs. They require specialized skills, strong safety protocols, and an approach grounded in compassion and respect.

CleanStart Property Services works alongside municipal teams to provide coordinated support in two key areas: encampment response and hoarding intervention.

Public Space Restoration

When  illegal dumping sites need to be addressed, municipalities require a partner who can work safely, efficiently, and professionally in highly visible public environments.

CleanStart provides:

• Removal of tents, debris, and abandoned belongings

• Safe handling and disposal of sharps and biohazard materials

• Bulk waste and illegal dumping removal

• Site sanitation and restoration

• Work in parks, sidewalks, green spaces, and difficult-access areas

All work is completed in compliance with WorkSafeBC requirements and municipal safety standards, with trained crews and detailed service reporting.

Hoarding Support in Private Residences

Bylaw officers and municipal staff are increasingly encountering homes where hoarding has created serious health and safety risks. These situations often involve vulnerable residents and require a careful, coordinated approach.

CleanStart’s Hoarding Support Program combines:

• Extreme clutter removal

• Safe biohazard and sharps handling

• Sorting and set-aside of important personal belongings

• Moving and storage services when needed

• Deep cleaning and integrated pest control

Our teams work alongside social workers, case managers, and family members, using trauma-informed and culturally safe practices that prioritize dignity while restoring safety.

A Social Enterprise Approach

CleanStart is a Buy Social Canada–certified social enterprise and Living Wage Employer. That means our municipal partners receive more than a service — they help create meaningful employment for people facing barriers to work.

Our staff receive ongoing training in safety, cultural humility, and trauma-informed care, equipping them to work professionally in sensitive environments where patience and understanding are essential.

A Coordinated, Accountable Partner

By combining junk removal, cleaning, pest control, biohazard handling, and moving services under one roof, CleanStart reduces the need for municipalities to manage multiple contractors. The result is a more efficient process, clearer communication, and safer outcomes for communities.

Encampments and hoarding situations are complex, but with the right partner, they can be addressed in a way that improves safety while respecting the people involved.

If your municipality is looking for specialized support in Public Space Clean-Up Response and Hoarding Support, CleanStart Property Services is ready to help.