Bin collection rules have changed across the UK as councils issue new advice during the ongoing heatwave. Amber heat health warnings have been issued for much of the country, with the potential for record-breaking temperatures reaching 38C this week. Residents are being urged to put their bins out earlier than usual to help collection crews avoid the hottest part of the day.
Early Morning Collections Introduced
Some councils have instructed bin crews to start their rounds as early as 5am to ensure they are not working during peak heat. Authorities including Cheltenham Borough Council, Somerset Council, and Bristol Waste have implemented these changes. In Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, the new rules will remain in place until at least June 29.
Councillor Steve Harvey said: "This is to help our crews and vehicles cope in the heat and ensure that they're able to complete the scheduled collections. Residents are asked to put their recycling boxes, food caddies, refuse and garden bins out for collection at kerbside by 6am. Our crews will do their very best to be as quiet as possible whilst out collecting earlier in the morning."
Previous Heatwave Disruptions
During the last heatwave in May, the extreme heat caused some bin lorries to break down, disrupting collections. To avoid a repeat, councils are taking proactive measures. Federica Smith-Roberts from Somerset Council advised residents to put out their bins the night before collection to ensure they are ready for early morning pickups.
Temperature Forecast and Health Warnings
According to the Met Office, the heat could last until at least Thursday. Forecasters have stated there is "growing confidence" that this week could break the record for the hottest June temperature of 35.6C, set in 1976 in Southampton. Met Office meteorologist Simon Partridge said that Monday could see highs of up to 34C in central southern England, with temperatures climbing to 37C on Tuesday in southern England and south-east Wales.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has warned people to expect significant impacts across health and social care services, along with a rise in deaths, particularly among those aged 65 and over or with health conditions. The extreme heat could also disrupt rail, road, and air travel, with the possibility of some tarmac melting, according to the Met Office.
Travel and Safety Advice
On Monday, National Rail advised travellers to check their journeys in advance, allow extra time, and carry water. Over the coming days, humid conditions are forecast alongside potentially tropical nights, when the overnight temperature does not fall below 20C, making it feel "muggier" than last month's heatwave, the weather service said.
An extreme amber heat warning has been issued by the Met Office from Monday until Thursday, flagging potential health impacts for vulnerable people and heat-related issues for the wider population, as well as a possible increase in water safety incidents. Monday and Tuesday's warning covers most of southern England, central and eastern Wales, and much of the Midlands, while Wednesday and Thursday's alert also includes parts of Greater Manchester, Yorkshire, and Cheshire.
Health Precautions
People in the alert area are advised to drink plenty of fluids, keep out of the sun, and avoid exercising between 11am and 3pm, the weather service said. The hottest temperatures are expected in areas between Bristol and London and south of the M4, with most of England and Wales set to hit more than 30C this week.
Separate amber heat health alerts have been issued by the UKHSA, which now cover most of England from Monday morning until Friday night. A UKHSA yellow heat alert is also in place for the North East of England during the same period. The heat comes after at least 15 people died after getting into trouble in open water during a hot spell in May.
