Meth lab cleanup procedure

The safest way to clean up a former meth lab is to hire a company trained in hazardous waste removal and cleanup. Below is the full 12-step process our certified technicians follow to decontaminate a property and return it to safe, occupiable standards. It is the detailed companion to our drug and meth lab cleanup service.

The 12-step meth cleanup process

Step 1: Secure the property

If a structure is suspect, do not enter. Allow local law enforcement and first responder hazmat teams to remove toxic and hazardous drug paraphernalia and chemicals first. Personnel who enter should have safety and health training and appropriate PPE such as eye protection, heavy gloves, foot coverings, steel-toe boots, and long-sleeved coveralls or a disposable protective suit.

Step 2: Ventilate

Air out the lab with fresh outdoor air by opening doors and windows and using blowers or a negative air unit with HEPA filtration before, during, and after remediation. HVAC systems should be completely shut down before and during remediation to avoid re-contamination.

Step 3: Assess, test, and scope the work

Pre-remediation sampling by a certified industrial hygienist streamlines cleanup, identifies materials too contaminated to clean, and finds uncontaminated areas. All rooms serviced by HVAC should be considered for testing. It confirms whether contamination exceeds requirements, establishes worker safety and PPE levels, shows the reach of contamination, and provides a scope of work for cost estimates.

Step 4: Develop a cleanup plan

Use the scope of work from the environmental consultant to formulate a plan covering security concerns, status of utilities, PPE levels, and a shoring plan if structural integrity is an issue. Outline cleanup methods including removal versus cleaning, any encapsulation, and procedures for on-site and off-site contamination with a waste disposal plan.

Step 5: Remove contaminated materials

The EPA suggests gross removal followed by 24 hours of ventilation and removal of all meth paraphernalia. This is when the determination is made to clean or discard contents.

Step 6: Vacuum

Vacuum the floors with a commercial-grade HEPA-filter vacuum after carpet removal. Standard canister or non-commercial vacuums are not recommended. Vacuum walls to remove dirt and cobwebs prior to washing. This removes particulate contamination but does not remove contamination entirely.

Step 7: Preliminary washing of hard surfaces

After items are removed and vacuumed, wash walls and hard surfaces using water to help prevent re-contamination during remediation. Bleach should not be used, as the reaction between bleach and the chemicals used to produce meth can create a toxic gas. Consider testing the wash water to determine if it qualifies as hazardous waste.

Step 8: Clean and seal the HVAC system

Shut down the HVAC system immediately and leave it off during remediation. Sample all areas and rooms serviced by the system to determine the spread of contamination, and test ducts for scope. Ductwork can be porous and re-contaminate the structure, so cleaning methods should be left to ventilation contractors, and experts agree no chemicals should be added to disinfect ducts.

Step 9: Thorough decontamination washing

Following manufacturer concentration guidelines, start with ceilings, then walls, and finish with floors, then clean other hard-surfaced items like counters and furniture. Clean the entire surface using cold water and a fogger or foamer, and rinse using clean water and a clean cloth. Harsh chemicals are not advised, as many precursor chemicals used in meth production can have adverse reactions; bleach, for example, can become very toxic.

Step 10: Consider encapsulating walls and ceilings

Sealing contaminated walls and surfaces with primers and paint can provide a protective barrier, but should be done in conjunction with proper cleaning techniques. Several jurisdictions recommend that encapsulating products be sprayed on rather than hand-rolled.

Step 11: Flush plumbing and septic systems

Meth chemicals are frequently poured into drains and toilets, so plumbing can be compromised by corrosion or even become flammable. Flush plumbing traps with generous amounts of water during and after cleaning. Sinks, bathtubs, and toilets with visible discoloration and etching should be disposed of. If there is evidence of contamination, an industrial hygienist should sample septic tanks for VOCs and pH, and septic remediation should be done last.

Step 12: Clearance testing

It is very important to show that cleanup effectively reduced contamination. Check with local governments to determine re-occupancy clearance levels. If cleaning does not meet the standard, the site should be cleaned again, or encapsulation or removal should be considered.