Please help share these key messages:

• Drink plenty of water
• Avoid the hottest part of the day (11am–3pm) and if you are out, wear a hat
  and sunscreen and stay in the shade where possible
• Keep indoor spaces cool where possible, by drawing curtains or blinds
• Check on older or vulnerable people
• Avoid unnecessary travel
• We would also remind people to take care around open water during hot
  weather, as swimming in open water can cause cold water shock and hidden
  hazards can pose serious risks even on very warm days.

Waste arrangements to change following heat health warning

Changes to recycling and rubbish collections and recycling site opening times

Somerset Council, alongside its waste contractors Biffa and SUEZ, is advising residents of temporary changes to waste services on Wednesday and Thursday (24 – 25 June 2026), due to the forecast high temperatures.

The changes support the welfare of collection and recycling site crews, as well as keeping the safety of the public in mind.

The changes will reduce the risk of heat stress following the announcement of a red heat health alert by UKSHA (UK Health Security Agency).

Recycling, rubbish, bulky waste and clinical collections

Waste collection services, operated by SUEZ, will take place from 6am to midday on Wednesday and Thursday.

No collections will take place after midday on those days.

Any recycling not collected on Wednesday or Thursday afternoon will not be returned for. Residents should take it back in and present it again on their next scheduled recycling collection day.

Rubbish and garden waste collections that are not completed on Wednesday or Thursday afternoon will be collected on Saturday.

Any uncollected clinical or bulky waste collections will be completed later in the week, including Saturday. Disruption to these services is expected to be minimal.

Residents are asked to put their recycling, rubbish and garden waste out the night before their scheduled collection day, or by 6am at the latest.

Recycling sites

All 16 of Somerset’s Recycling Sites, which are operated by Biffa, will amend opening hours to close to the public from midday on Wednesday and Thursday.

Closing the sites at noon helps to protect both the team’s that work there, as well as encouraging residents to avoid tasks that may be strenuous in hot weather, like moving and lifting materials.

Hot weather food waste advice

As temperatures rise, residents are reminded that a few simple steps can help keep food waste containers clean and reduce smells or pests:

• Keep food waste bin lids closed to reduce smells and pests
• Store bins in a shaded area where possible
• Line caddies with newspaper or compostable liners
• Clean caddies regularly to keep them hygienic
• Freeze food waste until collection day to help prevent odour and flies

Residents are encouraged to keep up to date with any changes to waste services through Somerset Council’s website and Somerset Waste social media channels.