Birmingham bin collections changes during the heatwave

The Met Office has issued its first-ever level four red warning for extreme heat, meaning there could be a danger to life during this week’s heatwave.

This has prompted Birmingham City Council to announce that crews will begin bin collections at 5am instead of 6am while the warning is in place.

Temperatures in Birmingham could reach up to 36C next week as residents brace for the incoming heatwave. Some areas of the UK could reach up to 40C, smashing the previous temperature record of 38.5C in Cambridge in 2019.

According to recent ONS government statistics, 1,272 people die every year on average from extreme weather. There are also 12,086 extra hospitalisations associated with hot days.

The Met Office has warned: “An exceptional hot spell on Monday and Tuesday leading to widespread impacts on people and infrastructure. “Government advice is that 999 services should be used in emergencies only; seek advice from 111 if you need non-emergency health advice. Substantial changes in working practices and daily routines will be required.

“High risk of failure of heat-sensitive systems and equipment, potentially leading to localised loss of power and other essential services, such as water or mobile phone services. Significantly more people visiting coastal areas, lakes and rivers, leading to an increased risk of water safety incidents.”

Birmingham City Council gritters are also “on standby” to stop the city’s roads from melting in the heatwave. The gritters will soak up excess tar and minimise the chances of roads melting.

Neighbouring local authority Warwickshire Council had its gritters out in force today (July 15), and Birmingham City Council said its highways teams are “briefed and ready” to respond to the extreme heat.

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