Wigan council is the only council that has confirmed there are no changes to their services.
Bin workers working on Lightbowne Road in Moston(Image: Manchester Evening News)
Changes to bin collections are being brought in across Greater Manchester amid scorching temperatures. Some collections will start as early as 5.30am.
The Met Office has issued a number of weather warnings, including an extremely rare red heat alert, ahead of record-breaking temperatures forecast for this week. As a ‘heat-dome’ settles over western Europe, temperatures could climb to 40C in some parts of the UK amid the red ‘severe’ heat alert on Wednesday and Thursday.
In Greater Manchester, it could reach 37C by Thursday (June 25).
Bin crews across many parts of the region are expected to begin collections earlier to avoid the worst of the heat. Wigan council is the only council that has confirmed there are no changes to their services.
Bolton Council:
Households in Bolton are being advised that bin collection times will temporarily change this week to help protect waste collection crews during the spell of extreme heat.
From Tuesday, June 23 to Friday, June 26, crews will begin collections earlier than usual, with a new start time of 6am. All collection days remain unchanged, and crews will continue to follow their normal routes.
Coun Robert Morrisey, Bolton Council’s cabinet member for environmental services, said: “This change is a short-term measure to ensure essential services can continue while prioritising the health and wellbeing of frontline staff during very hot weather.
“The council thanks residents for their cooperation and understanding during this period.”
Bury Council:
The local authority is urging people to ‘please help us empty your bins’ as their bin crews will be starting earlier than usual this week. People are being told to put bins out by 6am on the day of collection, place them on the kerbside or usual collection point, and make sure the handles are facing the road.
A post on Bury Council’s Facebook page said: “This temporary change allows our crews to work during the cooler parts of the day and helps reduce the risks associated with high temperatures.”
Manchester Council:
A spokesperson for Manchester Council said: “Waste and recycling bin collections and collections of large items, will take place from 6am for the rest of this week.
“This will help us to protect our crews from the very high temperatures that have been forecast. If you are due for a collection on Wednesday 24, Thursday 25 or Friday June 26, please ensure bins or items are put out before 6am.
“Thank you for your understanding.”
Oldham Council:
In a social media post, the local authority said: “Due to the hot weather expected this week, waste and recycling crews may start collections up to one hour earlier than usual.“Please make sure your bins are out by 6am on your collection day. This temporary change will help us keep collections running as smoothly as possible during the hot weather. Thank you for your patience and understanding.”
Rochdale Council:
From June 24 to June 26, Rochdale’s bin crews will be starting earlier. Like in Bury, people are being told to put bins out by 6am on the day of collection, place them on the kerbside or usual collection point, and make sure the handles are facing the road.
Salford Council:
A Salford City Council spokesperson said: “We are working with our waste collection teams to ensure crews can operate safely. Measures are in place to support staff during periods of high temperatures, including distributed bottled water at the start of their shift, regular breaks and adjustments to working practices to begin shifts earlier at 6am.
“If there are any changes to services, we will communicate them through our usual channels.”
Stockport Council:
Similar to other areas, Stockport Council has also said: “As temperatures rise, bin collections will be starting slightly earlier than usual – from 6.30am this week – to support crews working in the heat.
“Please remember to put your bin out the night before your collection day if you can.”
Trafford Council:
Trafford Council’s executive member for Highways and Environmental Services Coun Stephen Adshead said: “To ensure the safety of our colleagues during hot weather, we’ll begin collections an hour earlier at 5.30am on Wednesday 24 June and Thursday 25 June. Residents should present their bin by 5.30am on their scheduled collection day.
“We understand that there will be some level of noise disruption during the early morning, however starting collections earlier will allow our teams to collect as many bins as possible while keeping them safe.
“Waste collection crews walk on average 10 miles per day, carrying out manual handling which is physically demanding particularly in the heat. An earlier start will allow teams to carry out work during the cooler hours of the morning and help to avoid potential heat exhaustion.
“Crews will endeavour to complete scheduled collections. However extreme weather conditions may present some challenges during the day. We will be monitoring temperatures regularly. We thank residents for their cooperation and understanding.”
Tameside Council:
In Tameside, bin crews will be out an hour earlier than usual ‘to take advantage of cooler morning conditions’. People are being told to make sure their bins are out by 6am.
A post by the local authority said: “The hot weather can create challenging working conditions, which could slow some rounds and lead to delays. For the latest updates, visit: www.tameside.gov.uk/recycling. Thank you for your patience.”