Heatwave leads to bin collection changes across UK – here’s what to know

Councils across the UK are adjusting bin collection schedules in response to a red warning for extreme heat, with temperatures forecast to reach up to 40C.

Many authorities, including Cheltenham, Somerset, and Bristol, are starting collections as early as 4am or 6am to ensure refuse workers avoid the hottest parts of the day.

The changes are primarily aimed at protecting the safety and wellbeing of collection crews during physically demanding work in high temperatures.

Some councils, such as South Gloucestershire and Shropshire, are also prioritising certain waste types or temporarily suspending garden waste collections.

Residents are being asked to put out their waste earlier than usual to accommodate the revised collection times.