(LFUCG)-The high temperatures forecast for the next few days are prompting the City to start its regular waste collection schedule earlier on Thursday, July 20, and Friday, July 21.

Residential and business collection will begin one hour earlier, allowing employees to finish their work earlier in the day, when temperatures are cooler. The goal is to avoid heat-related illnesses, such as dehydration or prolonged heat exposure.

“Safety is our first priority, and getting started an hour earlier on Thursday and Friday will help protect the many employees of the Division of Waste Management from operating collection vehicles and servicing containers during the hottest time of the day,” said Tracey Thurman, Director of the Division of Waste Management.

Citizens should place collection carts on the curb the evening prior to their regular collection day to ensure collection as early as 4:30 a.m. on Thursday and Friday this week. Business dumpsters may be serviced as early as 4 a.m. Collections are expected to be completed before 12:30 p.m. on those days.