Households are being contacted with new instructionsNeil Shaw Assistant Editor (Money and Lifestyle)10:07, 22 Jun 2026Updated 10:07, 22 Jun 2026Bin collection rules have changed in the heatwave with councils issuing new advice for householders. Amber heat health warnings have been issued for much of the UK with the potential for record-breaking heat this week - possibly hitting 38C. People are being urged to put their bins out earlier than usual.‌Some councils have told bin men to hit the streets earlier so they will not be working at the hottest time of the day. Authorities including Cheltenham Borough Council, Somerset Council and Bristol Waste will start rounds from as early as 5am.‌During the last heatwave in May, the heat caused some bin lorries to break down, disrupting collections. In Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, the new rul will stay in place until June 29 at least. Councillor Steve Harvey said: "This is to help our crews and vehicles cope in the heat and ensure that they're able to complete the scheduled collections. Residents are asked to put their recycling boxes, food caddies, refuse and garden bins out for collection at kerbside by 6am.‌"Our crews will do their very best to be as quiet as possible whilst out collecting earlier in the morning." Federica Smith-Roberts from Somerset Council said people should put out their bins the night before collection. According to the Met Office, the heat could last until at least Thursday. Forecasters have said there is “growing confidence” this week could break the record for the hottest June temperature of 35.6C, which was set in 1976 in Southampton.‌The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) warned people to expect significant impacts across health and social care services along with a rise in deaths, particularly among those aged 65 and over or with health conditions. The extreme heat could also bring disruptions to rail, road and air travel, with the possibility of some tarmac melting, according to the Met Office.On Monday, National Rail advised travellers to check their journeys in advance, allow for extra time and to carry water. Over the coming days, humid conditions are forecast alongside potentially tropical nights, when the overnight temperature does not fall below 20C, making it feel “muggier” than last month’s heatwave, the weather service said.‌For Monday, central southern England could see highs of up to 34C with the temperature set to climb to 37C on Tuesday in southern England and south-east Wales, Met Office meteorologist Simon Partridge said. An extreme amber heat warning has been issued by the Met Office from Monday until Thursday, flagging potential health impacts for people vulnerable to extreme heat and heat-related issues for the wider population, as well as a possible increase in water safety incidents.Monday and Tuesday’s warning covers most of southern England, central and eastern Wales, and much of the Midlands, while Wednesday and Thursday’s alert also includes parts of Greater Manchester, Yorkshire and Cheshire. People in the alert area are advised to drink plenty of fluids and keep out of the sun, and avoid exercising between 11am and 3pm, the weather service said.The hottest temperatures are expected in areas between Bristol and London and south of the M4, with most of England and Wales set to hit more than 30C this week, he said. Separate amber heat health alerts have been issued by the UKHSA which now cover most of England from Monday morning until Friday night.Article continues belowA UKHSA yellow heat alert is also in place for the North East of England during the same period. The heat comes after at least 15 people died after getting into trouble in open water during a hot spell in May.