New Forest District Council has issued three essential bin rules for households to follow during the UK heatwave, warning that hot weather increases the risk of flies and maggots in waste bins and food waste caddies. The advice includes locking outdoor caddy lids securely, using liners for food waste, and keeping bins out of direct sunlight to reduce odours and pest activity.
Earlier collections to avoid peak heat
Fareham Borough Council has announced that bin collections will start earlier than usual from Tuesday 23 June. Residents are asked to put their bins out the night before their scheduled collection day to ensure they are ready for crews beginning work at 5am on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. The council stated: "Our crews will begin collections from 5am on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday to help them avoid the hottest part of the day." For updates and to report missed collections after 3pm, residents should visit the council's missed collection webpage.
Portsmouth City Council advises early bin placement
Portsmouth City Council has also adjusted its waste collection rounds, starting earlier next week due to the amber heat health alert. A spokesperson said: "All our waste collection rounds will start earlier next week, because of the amber heat health alert, so our staff can avoid the hottest part of the day. Please have your bins ready for collection by 6am on your collection day or after 7pm the night before to help us, thank you."
Heatwave forecast: 38C and tropical nights
The UK is bracing for sweltering temperatures up to 38°C in the coming days, accompanied by high humidity. Met Office Deputy Chief Forecaster Mark Sidaway warned: "Red warnings are reserved for the most severe events and we’re expecting severe and significant impacts from this heatwave, with health impacts likely for many, even beyond those who are normally more vulnerable to the heat. The last time the UK recorded temperatures this high was in July 2022, but on this occasion the heat is expected to be accompanied by high humidity. As well as very high daytime temperatures, there will be consecutive nights where temperatures do not drop below 20°C, which is called a Tropical Night. This will make it very hard for people to recover from the daytime heat, exacerbating the heat stress impacts."
