Heatwave conditions have triggered changes to bin collections across the UK.
The Met Office has issued a rare red weather warning covering parts of England and Wales, with temperatures expected to soar to 40°C between 9am on Wednesday (June 24) and 9pm on Thursday (June 25).
This is the most severe level of weather alert and indicates the risk of "severe and significant impacts," including danger to life and widespread disruption to essential services.
The warning states that "substantial changes" to working practices may be needed and notes a high risk of failure for heat-sensitive systems, potentially affecting power, water, gas, and mobile phone services.
⚠️⚠️🔴 Red weather warning issued 🔴⚠️⚠️
Extreme heat across parts of central/southern England and Wales
Wednesday 0900 - Thursday 2100
Latest info 👉 https://t.co/QwDLMfRBfs
Stay #WeatherAware ⚠️ pic.twitter.com/IwXnyU1E7y— Met Office (@metoffice) June 22, 2026
Heatwave to alter bin collections across the UK this week - is your council affected
Bin collections are among the services affected by the heat, with councils adjusting schedules this week to protect workers from extreme heat.
Collections in Bristol, Newport, and London (Hounslow) will begin at 5am this week.
Cheltenham, Worcester, Somerset, Shropshire, and Tendering have all stated that collections will start from 6am.
Meanwhile, in South Gloucestershire, collections will start at 5.30.
Cllr Steve Harvey, cabinet member for waste, recycling, and green open spaces at Cheltenham Borough Council, said: "As a result of the hot weather our waste and recycling collections will start earlier than usual in the mornings.
"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."
UK residents are being urged to check bin collection times for this week with their local council in case they have changed.
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The heatwave is expected to exceed the June temperature record set in 1976 by several degrees, driven by what forecasters have described as a "heat dome" over western Europe, intensified by human-driven climate change.
The Met Office has warned of high humidity and very warm nights, making it difficult for people to recover from the heat.
An amber weather warning is also in place for a larger area of England and Wales between Monday (June 22) and Thursday.
Is your council among those changing bin collection times this week? Let us know in the poll above or in the comments below.
