Some bin collection times are changing this week as parts of England and Wales brace for a heatwave that could see temperatures of up to 40C.

Multiple councils have announced they will start collection rounds as early as 5am to help their teams cope in the extreme temperatures after the Met Office issued a red warning for Wednesday and Thursday this week.

The forecast stretches between Birmingham, Salisbury, Swansea and London, with a wider amber warning also in place for most of southern England and Wales, reaching up to Bangor, Preston, Leeds and Liverpool for Wednesday and Thursday.

Subscribe free to our weekly newsletter for exclusive and original coverage from ITV News. Direct to your inbox every Friday morning.

Collection rounds will begin from 5am in Bristol, 5.30am in South Gloucestershire, while Cheltenham Borough Council, Somerset Council, Shropshire Council and Tendering Council have said workers will start at 6am.

Collections will also begin from around 6.20am to 6.30am in Central Bedfordshire, the council said.

Residents have been advised to put their bins out the night before so they don’t miss the new times.

“This is to help our crews and vehicles cope in the heat and ensure that they’re able to complete the scheduled collections,” said Councillor Steve Harvey said of the changes in Cheltenham.

“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.”

The Met Office has warned that the incoming heatwave carries a risk to life for everyone and is likely to cause significant disruption to travel.

Energy supplies, such as water, electricity, gas or mobile phone services, could also be impacted and people should take care when heading to beaches or lakes due to the chances of cold water shock.

The Met Office strongly recommends keeping out of the sun, drinking plenty of fluids and avoiding exercising between 11am and 3pm when the sun is the strongest.

Want a quick and expert briefing on the biggest news stories? Listen to our latest podcasts to find out What You Need To Know…