Put your bins out the night before as councils bring forward collections during the heatwave

Residents across parts of West Kent are being urged to put their bins out the night before their scheduled collection as councils introduce earlier waste and recycling rounds during the current heatwave.

To help protect refuse collection crews from working in the hottest part of the day, some councils are starting collections as early as 5am. That means anyone waiting until their usual morning routine could easily miss the bin lorry.

If you've ever seen neighbours making a last-minute dash outside in dressing gowns or pyjamas after hearing the familiar rumble of the bin lorry, this week might be the time to avoid taking the risk. Putting your bins out the evening before is the safest option.

During the hot weather, councils are also encouraging residents to:

• put food waste into compostable liners where possible
• seal any food waste placed in general rubbish bags
• keep bins in a shaded spot until collection day
• rinse recyclable containers before recycling them, using leftover washing-up water where possible
• keep bin lids closed to reduce smells and discourage pests

Several councils across the UK have introduced similar temporary changes as temperatures continue to rise, with the aim of protecting frontline workers while keeping waste services running as normal.

Residents should check their own council's website for any temporary changes to collection times.

Original article (Tunbridge Wells Borough Council): Earlier household waste and recycling collections during heatwave