(Washington, DC) As it does almost every summer, the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG) is expected to issue several Code Red and Code Orange Alerts in the coming months. Air quality is considered very poor during Code Red and Code Orange days, which are hazy, hot, and humid.

For the safety of its employees, the Department of Public Works will begin trash collection one hour early on Code Red and Code Orange days. The early start will ensure completion of all trash collection routes, while providing heat relief to workers. Residents are asked to have trash, as well as recyclables, set out by 6 am.

“Shortness of breath, nausea, heat exhaustion and heat stroke are serious health concerns on excessively hot days,” according to DPW Director Leslie Hotaling. “When Code Red and Code Orange advisories are issued, it is imperative that we be able to do as much work as possible before the heat of the day sets in.”

A Code Red designation indicates a hazardous mix of conditions: a heat index in the mid-90s or above, stagnant air and no precipitation. Code Orange represents a lesser level of lung-irritating ozone in the air we breathe, but is only somewhat less dangerous to human health.

“We have always asked residents to have trash out by 6 am because collection normally begins at 7,” said Ms. Hotaling. “We now plan to have our packer trucks in the neighborhoods and picking up trash as early as 6 am anytime and every time a Code Red or a Code Orange Alert is issued by the Council of Governments.”