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While a biohazard cleanup sounds like a scary process, knowing what to expect can help ease your concerns and set you up for success. It’s good to note that more than one professional might be needed depending on your situation, but that will be determined during the assessment. What you can expect during a home biohazard cleanup is the following:

• Assessment: The first step in this process is for a biohazard cleanup professional to assess the damage. They create a report that includes the biohazard safety level, the needed damage cleanup, and the time it should take to complete the project. 

• Setup: The cleanup professional prepares the site to prevent cross-contamination and reduce toxicity risk. This process can include tarping and creating decontamination zones. 

• Removal of surface contamination: Any contaminated materials are removed from the area, starting with large materials followed by small ones. The professional can assess any floor-related damage once everything is removed from the site. 

• Salvaging items: The biohazard cleanup professionals assess which items can be saved and which are contaminated beyond the point of saving. Those deemed unsafe will be disposed of immediately. 

• Waste disposal: The next step is carefully disposing of the hazardous waste. Your professional will place the contaminated items in specific containers to keep the contamination from spreading.   

• Disinfection: The house will be disinfected and odor-neutralized. Even more minor details, like light switches and bulbs, will be disinfected so that they do not recontaminate the area in the future. 

• Restoration: Once the decontamination is complete, the last step is to restore the home. This includes repairing the damage to flooring, walls, or even the home's foundation.  

Yes, technically, styrofoam is recyclable. Some polystyrene foam products have a “6” symbol and can be set out with your regular recycling. However, recycling most styrofoam requires a special process, which may or may not be available in your community. It’s often not accepted in curbside recycling pickup, but you can research if there are any locations available near you offering the recycling.

Yes, mineral spirits are considered hazardous waste because they’re both toxic and flammable. Direct contact with skin can cause rashes, and inhalation of fumes can lead to nausea, dizziness, and irregular heartbeats. That’s why it’s so important to dispose of materials like gas and mineral spirits with a hazardous waste collection program.

For concrete that’s under 3 inches thick, use a crowbar or a wrecking tool like a sledgehammer to pry the concrete, starting at the corners and working toward the center. You’ll need a jackhammer to break up concrete that’s over 3 inches thick. Do your homework if you use a jackhammer; you’ll need full protective gear that includes a hard hat, safety goggles, and steel-toed boots.