Bins alert for Home Counties amid heatwave

It comes as a yellow weather warning was issued for much of England
Alastair Lockhart
26 May 2026

Buckinghamshire Council put out a message explaining that refuse collections may be delayed.

Due to the hot weather and our commitment to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of our collection crews, waste and recycling collections may be delayed today as our operatives will need to take more frequent breaks to prevent heat stress and exhaustion,” it posted on X.

”Please leave your bin out until it has been emptied and help to spread the word to friends and neighbours who may not be on social media.

“Thank you in advance for your assistance and understanding.”

<p>EMBARGOED TO 0001 TUESDAY MARCH 31 File photo dated 20/01/15 of Rubbish and recycling bins lining a street. New rules for household waste and recycling have come into force as part of efforts to standardise collections across England. Issue date: Tuesday March 31, 2026.</p>
File Image
PA

It comes as a yellow weather warning was issued for parts of the South West, West Midlands, East Midlands and East of England between 3pm and 10pm on Tuesday.

Isolated thunderstorms with lightning, hail and gusty winds are expected, the Met Office said, while there is potential for 30mm of rain in less than an hour.

Meanwhile, the hottest May temperature was broken again on Tuesday with highs of 35C across large swathes of southern England and Wales – which could even creep up to 36C, the Met Office said, although this could be reduced by the storms.