English councils shift bin collections amid heatwave

Hundreds of thousands of households across parts of England are being asked to put their bins out earlier this week as local authorities adjust collection schedules to protect workers from an intense heatwave. The changes, which began on Monday, June 22, involve crews starting their rounds as early as 5 a.m. to avoid the hottest parts of the day.

The Met Office has issued an amber heat warning for much of southern and eastern England, central and eastern Wales, and parts of the Midlands, in effect until late Thursday, June 25. Forecasters predict temperatures could reach 38 degrees Celsius on Tuesday and Wednesday, with the potential to break the UK's June temperature record of 35.6C set in 1976. Overnight temperatures are also expected to remain high, creating widespread "tropical nights" above 20C.

In response, councils including Cheltenham Borough Council, Somerset Council, Bristol Waste, and South Gloucestershire Council have implemented earlier start times. In Cheltenham, collections now begin at 6 a.m. instead of 7 a.m. Bristol and South Gloucestershire crews are starting at 5 a.m. and 5:30 a.m., respectively. Residents are advised to place their bins, recycling boxes, and...