As England braces for an intense heatwave with temperatures expected to reach 38°C, local councils in the West are introducing new bin collection schedules to protect their crews from the sweltering midday sun. Residents are being asked to place their bins at the curb earlier than usual to accommodate these changes.
The Met Office has issued warnings that the extreme heat could persist from Monday through Thursday, raising concerns for elderly and vulnerable populations. Forecasters indicate a strong possibility of breaking the June temperature record of 35.6°C, originally set in 1976 in Southampton and previously matched in London’s Camden Square in 1957.
In response, Cheltenham Borough Council and Somerset Council will commence bin collections at 6am, while Bristol Waste will begin as early as 5am. Councillor Steve Harvey emphasized, “This adjustment helps our crews and vehicles manage the heat effectively and ensures all scheduled collections are completed. We ask residents to have their recycling boxes, food caddies, refuse, and garden bins ready by 6:00am BST.”
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The Bristol Waste Company expressed gratitude to the community for their cooperation, stating, “Thank you for helping keep our crews safe while they perform this essential service.”
Met Office deputy chief forecaster Tom Crabtree described the heatwave as a “severe weather event” poised to have wide-ranging effects, including on public health, infrastructure, power, and water supplies. Meteorologist Becky Mitchell added that the heatwave might shatter overnight temperature records and could deliver three consecutive days with temperatures exceeding 37°C—an unprecedented event for June.
Experts also highlight the role of climate change in exacerbating these extreme temperatures, noting that similar conditions occurred last year and could repeat during this heatwave.