South Derbyshire bin collection teams will begin their rounds from five in the morning this week to avoid working through the most punishing heat of the day. South Derbyshire District Council published the hot weather update on Monday 22 June as record high temperatures were forecast, warning that collections across Swadlincote and the surrounding area would start significantly earlier than usual.
Households must now place their bins out the night before their scheduled collection day or risk missing the pickup altogether. A council spokesperson asked residents to “Please put your bins out the night before collection, as crews will be commencing rounds from 05.00 am onwards.” The earlier start is designed to shield refuse workers from dangerous exposure once the mercury climbs towards its midday peak.
The district has existing protocols for severe weather, with a dedicated disruptions page allowing residents to check whether their street is affected. Earlier this year, collections in early January were also disrupted by adverse conditions and households were told to leave bins presented at the usual points. The council’s extreme weather policy accepts that missed rounds can be valid grounds for requesting a catch-up collection, a safeguard that remains in place during the current heatwave. Since 1 June, many homes have also been managing the new weekly kerbside food waste service alongside their regular refuse and recycling, meaning an extra bin to remember on collection eve.
Council officials have urged people to spread the word beyond the internet. Those with neighbours who may not see the online notice are being asked to let them know. The appeal is intended to stop isolated residents from putting their waste out too late.
The updated schedule applies to all refuse, recycling, and food waste rounds in the district. No end date for the early starts has been set, with the council monitoring the situation.
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