5 Ways to Find a Crime Scene Cleanup Company Near You

When the police release a home after a death or a violent crime, the family or the property owner usually has to arrange the cleanup. Most people have never hired a biohazard cleaner before. In October 2026 we asked ChatGPT and Gemini to find a crime scene cleaner in Columbus, Ohio, and the sources they read most were franchise pages for Bio-One and SERVPRO. Franchises are one option. These five places give you a short list to compare.

1. Search your ZIP code on BioCleaners

BioCleaners (biocleanersdirectory.com) is a free search for biohazard and crime scene cleanup companies in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Type a ZIP code or a city and you get the companies that serve that area, independent firms and franchise locations side by side. You can call them directly or ask several for a free quote at once.

Listings start from public business records and each company's own website. In 2026 the site removed 3,566 listings, 43% of its original database, because they were carpet cleaners, pest control or maid services and not biohazard companies.

Each listing shows what has been checked. "Verified" means the business proved who it is. "Pro Verified" and "Elite Verified" mean staff reviewed credentials, for example an insurance declaration or IICRC certification. An unclaimed listing has no badge, and the site states that it has not checked that company's license or insurance.

2. Check the American Bio Recovery Association

The American Bio Recovery Association (ABRA) is a trade group for bio-recovery companies. Its website has a "Find a Service Provider" directory of member companies and a "Validate a Technician" search. Membership is voluntary, so a good local company may not be on it.

3. Look for a state registry

California is the clearest example of a state that regulates this work. The California Department of Public Health publishes a list of Registered Trauma Scene Waste Management Practitioners, and a company must be registered before it starts trauma scene cleanup in the state. The department notes that being on the list is not an endorsement.

Most states have no registry like this. There, ask each company for proof of insurance and training.

4. Use a franchise location finder

National franchises such as Aftermath Services, Bio-One and SERVPRO have a location finder on their own websites. They are quick if you already want a franchise. Each one shows only its own locations, so you will not see the independent companies near you.

5. Ask your insurer or a victim advocate

Call your homeowners or landlord insurance company before any work starts. Ask whether the policy covers biohazard cleanup and whether they want you to use a company they already work with.

If a crime happened, ask the police department or the prosecutor's office for a victim advocate. The advocate can walk you through your state's crime victim compensation fund. 42 of 51 jurisdictions list crime scene cleanup as a covered expense, though most cap the payment well below the bill.

Questions to ask before you hire

  • Can you send me a copy of your insurance declaration?
  • Has the crew completed OSHA bloodborne pathogens training?
  • Does my state require a biohazard license, and do you hold it?
  • Will you give me a written estimate before you start?
  • Will you bill my insurance company directly?

Written by the BioCleaners team. BioCleaners runs the free search at biocleanersdirectory.com.