Bin collections to be earlier in Basingstoke
Council moves summer collections to avoid extreme heat disruption
Rubbish and recycling bins in Basingstoke and Deane will be collected earlier during the summer months as part of a move to reduce potential disruptions caused by hot weather.
From 1 May to 31 August, residents should put their bins out by 6am so crews can start earlier in the morning when it is cooler and avoid working at the hottest part of the day.
Bin crews are legally required to wear protective clothing in all weathers. During warmer summer months, crews can be exposed to heat-related illnesses, such as heat stroke and dehydration, and become unwell while working. The earlier start will reduce the potential risk of disruptions to bin collections caused by these heat-related illnesses.
Bin collections will return back to 7am from 1 September to 30 April.
Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Resident Services Cllr Rebecca Bean said:
“Collecting bins is a physically demanding role in any weather but during extreme heat it is important we consider the crew’s safety while also doing our best to avoid disruptions to bin collections.
“Last year, in agreement with our waste collection contractor Serco, we introduced 6am collections during shorter predicted periods of extreme heat. But to avoid regularly changing times in response to changing weather we have decided to introduce a set 6am start time from 1 May to 31 August.
“This move supports the effective delivery of the waste collection service, the safety of the bin crews and is easier for our residents to remember. I’d like to thank residents for their support in advance of this slight change and encourage them to share the information with neighbours that bins must be at the kerbside ready for collection by 6am from 1 May to 31 August.”