We are very sorry that we were unable to empty some recycling and garden waste bins and bags yesterday (Thursday 25 June) as a result of the high temperatures.

Our crews began work at 5am yesterday, and we diverted all recycling and garden waste staff, along with all available vehicles, to support black bin collections so these could be completed before temperatures peaked. We prioritised black bins as not emptying them, particularly in this heat, can create a health hazard.

We are absolutely committed to looking after our crews. They work ten-hour days, walk over 12 miles, and operate behind hot vehicles with little access to shade or regular cooling breaks. Heat stroke is a real risk. In line with national HSE guidance, we made the decision to cancel some services to protect staff wellbeing.

If your recycling bin or bags were not emptied yesterday, please take them back in and put them out again on Monday 29 June. We will return and empty them as soon as we can between Monday and Friday (3 July).

If your brown bin was not emptied yesterday, please take it back in and present it on your next scheduled collection day. We will provide an additional collection later in the year to make up for this. We appreciate this may feel a long way off, but a high volume of garden waste is collected in the autumn during leaf fall and winter clearances, and we hope this will still be helpful.

Today's collections (Friday 26 June)

Due to continued high temperatures, we will be emptying recycling bins and bags and black bins as normal - as Friday rounds are smaller, we are confident these can be completed safely before peak temperatures.

Please do not put your garden waste bin out today, as garden waste collections are cancelled. We recognise this is a paid subscription service and we are sorry if this is frustrating. However, there are occasions where operational changes are necessary, and these are covered within our terms and conditions. This decision was not taken lightly, but it is vital that we prioritise the safety and wellbeing of our crews.

Thank you for your understanding and support - find out more.

We are in contact with all known rough sleepers in the district to encourage them into accommodation during the current weather conditions, as part of our severe weather emergency protocol, which is now active. If you are concerned about a rough sleeper who you feel needs help, please call us on 01543 308000 or outside of office hours call 01527 406643. Find out more about our severe weather emergency protocol.

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