Unattended death cleanup, handled discreetly from start to finish.

Discovering that someone has died is difficult under any circumstances. When the death was not discovered immediately, there can also be a significant cleanup problem waiting inside the property. As decomposition progresses, biological fluids can migrate into flooring and other porous materials, while bacteria and persistent odors can affect the surrounding environment.

Biotech Recovery provides professional unattended death cleanup services for homes, apartments, rental properties, vehicles and other affected spaces. We take responsibility for the physical remediation after the property has been released by the appropriate authorities, allowing families, landlords and property managers to avoid handling contaminated materials themselves.

Our technicians assess the scene before determining what can be cleaned, what needs specialized treatment and which materials cannot be safely restored. Depending on the circumstances, remediation may involve removing contaminated flooring or furnishings, cleaning affected surfaces, treating decomposition odors and recovering belongings that can be safely retained.

An unattended death can also affect areas that are not immediately obvious. Fluids may travel beneath flooring, into carpet padding or upholstery, while odor can remain in porous materials long after the visible contamination has been removed. Our assessment considers the affected area as a whole rather than limiting cleanup to what can be seen.

We work discreetly throughout Nassau County, Suffolk County and all five boroughs of New York City. Our unmarked vehicles, professional communication and respectful approach help protect the privacy of families, residents and property owners during an exceptionally difficult situation. We are available 24/7 when an unattended death requires immediate attention.

Subfloor removal beneath a bedroom carpet

What the job includes

• Property Assessment and Contamination Mapping

  We begin by evaluating the location and determining the extent of the affected area. This includes looking beyond visible staining to identify flooring, furnishings, belongings and surrounding surfaces that may have been exposed to decomposition fluids or other biological material.

• Removal of Decomposition-Contaminated Materials

  Some materials cannot be effectively restored once decomposition fluids have penetrated them. Carpet, padding, mattresses, upholstered furniture, sections of flooring and other porous materials may need to be removed and packaged for appropriate disposal.

• Cleaning and Decontamination

  Affected surfaces are thoroughly cleaned and treated using professional disinfection procedures. The objective is to remove biological contamination rather than simply clean the visible portion of the scene.

• Decomposition Odor Treatment

  Decomposition can produce strong odors that become absorbed into porous materials and surrounding areas. We identify and address the source of the odor, then treat affected spaces and materials as appropriate rather than relying on temporary masking agents.

• Belongings and Personal Property

  An unattended death does not mean everything in the affected room needs to be thrown away. We distinguish between items that require disposal and belongings that may be recoverable, allowing the family or responsible party to make informed decisions about personal property.

• Biohazardous Waste Disposal

  Materials removed during remediation are handled as biohazardous waste when required. We package, transport and arrange disposal through appropriate permitted channels and provide applicable documentation for the completed work.

When to call us

• A person was not discovered immediately after death.  A death that occurred days or longer before discovery may result in decomposition, biological fluids, staining and persistent odors that require specialized remediation.
• There is visible decomposition or biological contamination.  Fluids, tissue or other biological material have affected floors, walls, furniture, mattresses or other areas of the property.
• A strong odor remains after the body has been removed.  Removing the body does not necessarily remove the source of decomposition odor. Porous materials may continue to retain odors and require professional treatment or removal.
• Flooring or furnishings have been affected.  Carpet, padding, mattresses, upholstery and other absorbent materials may have been exposed to decomposition fluids and require evaluation before they can be retained.
• A rental or investment property needs remediation.  Landlords and property managers may need to address contamination and odor before the unit can be repaired, cleaned and prepared for a future occupant.
• A death occurred in an apartment, home or other enclosed space.  The affected area may require more than ordinary cleaning before family members, residents, contractors or other occupants can safely reenter.
• Personal belongings are mixed with contaminated materials.  Families may need help determining which items can potentially be recovered and which materials need to be removed as part of the remediation.