Cleaning Up a Meth Lab House Is a Complex Process
After law enforcement shuts down a methamphetamine lab and dismantles the drug-making material, cleaning and restoration firms are left with the tough task of cleaning up the drug's residue to make the property liveable again. In 2016, Salem, Ohio, adopted an ordinance requiring property owners to contract with certified or licensed professionals, who then notify officials about what actions were taken and provide written documentation that the cleanup was done and that the house is safe to live in. Salem City Housing Inspector Dan Rice says they have had good cooperation from the companies, who do pre-cleanup testing inside a residence to check the levels of chemicals and then test again after the fact. The companies show the inspectors what they have done. The cleanup can be fairly quick, a couple weeks or possibly more if necessary, and can cost up to $20,000 or more, depending on how much work the cleaning contractor must do. It takes more than sweeping and scrubbing the walls, with much of the carpeting, couch, appliances, and other personal items thrown out. In some cases, drywall and ductwork must be removed before it can be restored. Sometimes, the furnace needs to be replaced, and once the new drywall is on, the place needs to be repainted.