The Met Office has issued a red weather warning for heat, with amber warnings elsewhere, as temperatures are expected to reach 40C. In response, households across the UK must adhere to a new 7pm bin rule to protect refuse workers from the scorching conditions.
Early Bin Collections Implemented
Councils are taking steps to safeguard staff by rescheduling bin collections to cooler parts of the day. A spokesperson for Portsmouth City Council 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.”
Regional Adjustments Across the UK
South Norfolk and Broadland, North Norfolk District Council, and the Borough Council of King's Lynn and West Norfolk have moved collection times to 6:30am on Tuesday, when temperatures are set to hit 31C. Norwich City Council has brought its start time forward to 6am. In the New Forest District Council area, residents must put waste containers out by 5am on collection day, with crews beginning early on Tuesday, June 23.
A spokesperson for New Forest District Council stated: “NFDC will work to complete all scheduled collections; however, high temperatures may impact the speed of rounds. Residents whose bins have not been collected by 3pm are asked to report the issue by midday the next working day.” Southampton City Council has requested bins be out by 5:30am during the heatwave.
Northern Councils Join Early Starts
In Bolton, from Tuesday 23 June to Friday 26 June, collections will start at 6am. Cllr Robert Morrisey, Bolton Council’s Executive Cabinet Member for Environmental Services, said: “This change is a short-term measure to ensure essential services can continue while prioritising the health and wellbeing of frontline staff during very hot weather. The council thanks residents for their cooperation and understanding during this period.”
Worcestershire Adjusts Schedules
In Worcestershire, West Midlands, teams will start work an hour earlier between Tuesday and Friday to reduce exposure during the hottest part of the day. Residents are advised to put bins out by 6am all week.
