Households across UK affected by bin collection change due to heatwave set to see 40°C highs
Millions of households across parts of the UK are being urged to check their bin collection times this week as councils bring forward refuse rounds to protect workers from soaring temperatures.
The changes come as forecasters warn that a major heatwave could push temperatures close to 40°C in some areas of England and Wales, prompting local authorities to alter collection schedules and advise residents to put bins out earlier than usual.
Several councils have confirmed that bin crews will begin work before sunrise to avoid the most intense heat of the day.
Bristol Waste will start collections from 5 am, while South Gloucestershire has moved rounds to 5:30 am. Other councils, including Cheltenham, Somerset and Shropshire, will begin collections from 6 am.
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Residents are being advised to place rubbish, recycling and food waste containers outside the night before their scheduled collection to avoid missing the earlier pick-up times.
Local authorities say the temporary changes are designed to protect staff working outdoors in extreme conditions and help ensure services continue without disruption.
Councillor Steve Harvey, cabinet member for waste at Cheltenham Borough Council, said the earlier starts would help crews and vehicles cope with the hot weather while allowing collections to be completed as planned.
"This is to help our crews and vehicles cope in the heat and ensure that they’re able to complete the scheduled collections," he said.
"Residents are asked to put their recycling boxes, food caddies, refuse and garden bins out for collection at kerbside by 6 am.
"Our crews will do their very best to be as quiet as possible whilst out collecting earlier in the morning."
The move follows previous periods of hot weather that caused problems for waste services, including vehicle breakdowns and equipment malfunctions.
Councils also hope that collecting waste earlier in the day will reduce unpleasant odours and hygiene issues that can become more common during prolonged spells of high temperatures.
Some councils have indicated that the earlier bin collection times could remain in place beyond this week if exceptionally hot weather continues into the summer.
A red heat health alert has been issued for six regions of England: the West Midlands, East Midlands, South East, South West, London, and the East of England, during the forecast heatwave later this week.
The weather forecast for Wednesday (24 June) and Thursday (25 June) indicates 'a risk to life for even the healthy population', the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said.
The Met Office said this week’s heatwave will see temperatures exceed 37°C in the shade and could even see them rise to 38°C to 40°C in some areas.
The alert in question indicates impacts beyond health and social care, with potential effects on transport systems, food, water, energy supplies and businesses.
Rhiannon Ingle