Bin collection rules have been changed across the UK as an amber heat health alert takes effect, with councils advising households to put their bins out earlier than usual. The changes aim to protect waste collection crews from working during the hottest part of the day, as temperatures are forecast to potentially reach 38C, according to the Mirror Online.
Early Morning Collections Introduced
Several local authorities, including Cheltenham Borough Council, Somerset Council, and Bristol Waste, have instructed bin lorries to begin rounds as early as 5am. This measure is intended to help crews and vehicles cope with the extreme heat, following incidents during the last heatwave in May when some bin lorries broke down, disrupting collections.
Cheltenham Borough Council has confirmed that the new rule will remain in place at least until June 29. Councillor Steve Harvey stated: "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."
Residents Urged to Prepare Night Before
Federica Smith-Roberts from Somerset Council advised residents to put their bins out the night before collection to ensure they are ready for the early morning rounds. The Met Office has warned that the heat could last until at least Thursday, with forecasters expressing “growing confidence” that this week could break the record for the hottest June temperature of 35.6C, set in 1976 in Southampton.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has warned of significant impacts across health and social care services, including a potential rise in deaths, particularly among those aged 65 and over or with pre-existing health conditions. The extreme heat may also disrupt rail, road, and air travel, with the possibility of tarmac melting, according to the Met Office.
Travel and Health Advisories
On Monday, National Rail advised travellers to check their journeys in advance, allow extra time, and carry water. Humid conditions are forecast alongside potentially tropical nights, where overnight temperatures do not fall below 20C, making it feel “muggier” than last month’s heatwave, the weather service said.
Met Office meteorologist Simon Partridge reported that central southern England could see highs of up to 34C on Monday, with temperatures climbing to 37C on Tuesday in southern England and south-east Wales. An extreme amber heat warning has been issued from Monday until Thursday, covering most of southern England, central and eastern Wales, and much of the Midlands. On Wednesday and Thursday, the alert extends to parts of Greater Manchester, Yorkshire, and Cheshire.
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 hottest temperatures are expected in areas between Bristol and London and south of the M4, with most of England and Wales set to exceed 30C this week.
Health Alerts and Previous Incidents
Separate amber heat health alerts have been issued by the UKHSA, covering most of England from Monday morning until Friday night. A yellow heat alert is also in place for the North East of England during the same period. The heatwave comes after at least 15 people died after getting into trouble in open water during a hot spell in May, underscoring the dangers of extreme weather.
