Earlier bin collections in heatwave
They will be picked up earlier
Kerbside bin collections will begin earlier for Bristol and South Gloucestershire residents from Monday (June 22) because of the upcoming week-long heatwave.
It comes as thousands of households had their bin days missed during the recent spell of sweltering temperatures.
Crews will begin their rounds from 5am in Bristol and 5.30am in South Gloucestershire, where 3,000 homes had their rubbish uncollected in what the opposition Conservative group branded an ‘unacceptable, significant failure’.
South Gloucestershire Council vowed to learn from the disruption and has joined neighbouring authorities in beginning shifts earlier so bin men can clock off before the heat, which is forecast to top 30C and has triggered a health alert, becomes unbearable.
A notice on Bristol City Council’s website said: “With the predicted heatwave set to begin June 19 and extend into the week commencing June 22, our crews will be adjusting their schedules.
“Starting Monday June 22, the crews will begin collections from 5am each day.
“This is so that we can maintain a safe work environment.”
Bristol Waste said: “Please put your bins and recycling containers out before 5am on your collection day.
“Thank you for helping keep our crews safe whilst they do their crucial job.”
In a social media post, South Gloucestershire said: “We are expecting very high temperatures over the coming week and are working closely with our contractor to minimise disruption to collections.
“Due to the heat, crews may start collections earlier (from around 5.30am).
“Please put your bins, boxes and bags out the night before your collection day.
“This is for all collections, including sharps and clinical waste, as well as large household item collections.
“Sort It recycling centres will open earlier, with bookings available from 7am, and close earlier, with last booking slots available at 1.45pm.
“Extreme temperatures mean crews may need to work slower, and there is an increased risk of vehicle issues.
“This could lead to some delays, and it’s possible your waste will not be collected on your usual collection day.
“We are working with our contractor to gain additional resources and alternative collection methods may be used to minimise disruption.”