Somerset Council has announced a change to waste collection times this week due to an intense heatwave. Starting May 26, bin collections will begin at 6 a.m. to protect crews from the rising temperatures, expected to exceed 30°C across the county.
The council emphasized that collecting waste is physically demanding work. Starting earlier helps limit staff exposure to the hottest parts of the day, reducing health risks and ensuring collections continue smoothly without disruption.
Residents are urged to place their bins out the night before collection to prepare for the new schedule. Councillor Federica Smith-Roberts, lead member for communities, environment, and climate change, highlighted the necessity of this adjustment: “After a period of cooler weather, we are now facing a sharp rise in temperatures. Early starts will help our crews avoid the worst heat while maintaining essential services.”
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These precautionary steps reflect Somerset’s commitment to protecting its workforce and sustaining vital waste management services during extreme weather conditions.