Hot weather causing bin lorry breakdowns

The current hot weather spell has caused refuse vehicles to have numerous breakdowns and changes to waste collection services.

South Gloucestershire Council said some of its vehicles had broken down, and its crews stopped working from 13:00 BST. Bristol Waste said "extreme temperatures" have affected a "mechanism in our vehicles", and reduced its service for the coming days.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has just changed its heat health alert for the West Country from yellow to an amber warning until Thursday.

Dr Chaam Klinger, Consultant in Health Protection, said: "It's important that everyone takes simple precautions while enjoying the warm weather over the coming days."

South Gloucestershire Council said its recycling collections from Monday and Tuesday will not be completed.

On social media residents were told to "bring your recycling bags and boxes back in if not collected by 13:00 and present next week".

However, the council said residents should still leave their bins out if they are due to be collected on Wednesday.

Bristol Waste said it plans to send its crews out at 05:00 BST to avoid working in the highest temperatures, and told residents to have their waste ready before that time.

The company said the hot weather is affecting the mechanism in its vehicles which crushes plastic and card.

A spokesperson added: "If we've not collected your plastic or card by 18:00, please bring your recycling containers in and put them out on your next scheduled collection day."

UKHSA has said the high temperatures pose an increased risk to vulnerable people and those over 65.

Temperatures were higher than 30C (86F) in some parts of the West of England over the bank holiday weekend.

Follow BBC Bristol on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630.