Somerset Waste Partnership (SWP) is asking householders to put their recycling and rubbish out early for at least the next month.
From Monday 1 February, collections will start at 6am rather than 7am to help crews cope with COVID-19 absences and to further protect staff.
Residents are urged to put containers out the night before collections, or before 6am at on the day.
SWP is also warning that it will not always be able to return for missed recycling and garden waste collections as more staff isolate in line with guidance.
The early starts are being introduced to further reduce staff numbers in depots at any one time – minimising any risk of contact between crew bubbles.
Set-off times are already staggered but this will spread them out over a longer period and give crews a head start with work that may take longer if staff are absent.
The 6am starts will be in place for a month but can be extended if needed.
SWP announces early start for collections – Somerset Waste Partnership
