If you're planning to wheel your bins out after breakfast this week, you might already be too late.
The UK's latest heatwave is causing more disruption than wilting gardens, sweaty journeys to work and sleepless nights.
According to ITV News, several councils across England have brought waste collection times forward, with some crews beginning their rounds before dawn to avoid the hottest part of the day.
That means residents who usually put their bins out first thing in the morning could risk missing their collection.
Check if your area is affected
The changes currently affect a handful of councils across England, though more areas could follow if the hot weather continues. According to ITV News, the following councils have announced temporary changes to collection times:
- Bristol: 5 am
- South Gloucestershire: 5.30 am
- Cheltenham Borough Council: 6 am
- Somerset Council: 6 am
- Shropshire Council: 6 am
- Tendring District Council: 6 am
- Central Bedfordshire Council: 6.20 am to 6.30 am
What should residents do?
If your area is affected, residents are being advised to put bins out the night before collection day, leave them out if they haven't been collected at the usual time, and check local council websites or social media channels for updates.
What to Read Next
Why are collection times changing?
The temporary changes are designed to help protect waste collection crews from the hottest part of the day.
Waste collection workers spend hours outdoors carrying out physically demanding work, including lifting heavy bins and walking long routes in high temperatures. By starting shifts earlier, councils hope crews can complete much of their work before temperatures peak later in the day.
According to a BBC News report, meteorologists have warned there is a possibility of temperatures reaching between 38 °C and 40 °C during the current heatwave.
Councils say the earlier starts will help protect crews from the worst of the heat while allowing waste and recycling services to continue as normal.
How long will the changes last?
For now, the changes are only expected to remain in place during the heatwave. Still, it's worth checking your local council's website before bin day, especially if the hot weather sticks around.
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