Reading trash and recycling collection will begin at 5 a.m. Tuesday through Friday.

Due to the excessive heat expected this week and out of concern for workers’ safety, Republic Services and the city officials have agreed to the earlier collection start time, city officials announced Monday.

Under Reading’s agreement with Republic, the mayor or managing director has the right to waive the usual 6 a.m. start time in the interest of worker safety.

The change will allow collection workers to begin and finish earlier in the day.