With temperatures expected to reach the high 30s this week, bin crews across the country will be making their collections earlier than usual to beat the heat. With that in mind, it's well worth double-checking your bin day and schedule.
Somerset Council, Cheltenham Borough Council, and South Kesteven District Council are just a few councils that have brought bin collection times forward, with many saying the changes will remain in place throughout the week.
Adjusting the schedule will help keep bin crews safe from the heat by allowing them to work during the cooler part of the day. It was only in May when bin lorries were breaking down because of high temperatures, so the new schedule should also help prevent heat-related delays and disruptions.
"Keeping our colleagues safe from dangerously hot working conditions is our absolute priority, so we have made the decision to alter shift patterns. Crews will collect in the cooler part of the day and pause work when it is no longer safe for our colleagues," says Hannah Deas, external communications manager at Bristol Waste Company.
Hannah Deas is the External Communications Manager at Bristol Waste Company and has been part of the team for almost five years, helping to make Bristol safer, cleaner, and more sustainable.
How to keep bins fresh in hot weather
If you want to avoid the dreaded bin smells this heatwave (and the bin pests that soon follow), Sean Martin, Marketing Director at Fresh Start Waste, has shared his top tips below:
1. Keep a separate food caddy: "Food waste is the primary cause of unpleasant odours and attracts flies, which can lead to maggots developing in bins during periods of hot weather. Keeping food waste out of the general waste bin, rinsing food packaging where practical, and ensuring bin lids remain closed can make a significant difference."
If you don't have a food waste bin yet, you can read our helpful guide on ways to dispose of food scraps.
2. Maintain good bin hygiene: Sean recommends cleaning and disinfecting your bins regularly and keeping an eye on any spills and leaks. It also helps to keep your bins stored in a shaded area.
Fight bin odours with these shopping picks
Suitable for indoor and outdoor bins, these deodorisers leave behind a fresh citrus scent while keeping the bottom dry.
These activated charcoal filters help eliminate unpleasant odours from your bin.
Sick of stinky bins? This powder gets to work quickly – simply pour it in and go.
Sean Martins is Director of Sales & Marketing at Fresh Start Waste Services, a North West-based waste and recycling business working across the commercial, construction and facilities management sectors. With nearly 20 years of experience in the industry, Sean specialises in helping businesses improve recycling performance, reduce waste costs and better understand where their waste actually ends up.
Bin collection times will, of course, depend on where you live, so make sure to check your local council's website ahead of the heatwave.
As the weather gets warmer, it's worth reading our guide on how to how to keep a house cool in the summer, which includes all the tips and tricks you need to know. Or, you may want to read our review on the AirCraft LUME Quiet Air Circulator.
