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One of the best ways to prepare for a home biohazard cleanup is not to touch anything. Do not remove belongings, even if they are of value or importance, from the area as they are likely contaminated. It’s essential not to use any cleaning products of your own, as the cleaning company will be using chemicals that could interact with your products. 

One thing you can do to prepare is take pictures of your space and belongings that need to be cleaned, especially if you plan on filing a claim with your insurance company. In addition, take time to make a list of items that are valuable, sentimental, or otherwise important. The cleanup company must evaluate these belongings to make sure they are safe. 

Pouring chemicals down the sink or toilet is a bad idea. In large amounts, they can damage plumbing and septic system. Tossing them in the trash can cause leaks, harmful fumes, and other problems, too.

Pouring chemicals onto the ground or nearby storm drains is also not recommended. Toxic chemicals can leak into nearby plants, lawns, or even water sources. It’s also illegal to pour out certain substances like used motor oil. Instead, schedule a trip to a local dropoff site for household hazardous wastes. Most local government websites can give you information on where to dispose of these substances.

Depending on where you live and how much furniture you’re disposing of, you could schedule a large item collection with your municipal trash pick-up services, hire a junk removal company, or rent a dumpster.

When it comes to disposing of mattresses, metal, and untreated wood items, these are typically recyclable. In comparison, things like treated wood, chipboard or particleboard, and some types of sofa foam padding aren’t. Older items of furniture also often contain chemicals that are a health hazard. However, it might be possible to break the furniture down and recycle some, if not all, of the pieces. Contact your government trash management division or a local, authorized recycling center for more advice.