The Corporation of Hamilton is cracking down on fly-tippers who dump waste in the City.

Its campaign follows an increase in illegal dumping in recent months.

Dwayne Caines, the corporation’s chief executive, said that 15 tonnes of trash is collected from the streets of Hamilton each day, and that not all of it is left for collection legally.

He said: “Our City sanitation workers are finding more and more that the trash they’re picking up began its journey outside of the City. It should be noted that the dumping of trash which does not originate from within the City is illegal and violates the Waste and Litter Control Act 1987.

“Each year, the City spends thousands of dollars to combat illegal dumping — money that could go towards City programmes, events and services — and we’ve had enough.

“We’ve researched various approaches which have proven successful in other jurisdictions and cherry-picked those which we believe will work best in Bermuda.”

Mr Caines said that the corporation will take action to catch offenders in the act.

He said: “We will push for prosecution. We will seek public assistance in identifying offenders by sharing CCTV footage of culprits across our social-media accounts. And we will name and shame those offenders when they are caught.”

The campaign will focus on mitigating illegal dumping in the City, as well as highlighting the proper methods for waste disposal and fostering awareness for the safety of the City’s sanitation workers.

It includes the installation of lighting and signage in frequent dumping areas, an intense public information drive and the creation of a designated phone line and e-mail address for members of the public to report illegal dumping.

According to a corporation spokeswoman, illegally dumped trash can cause a number of hazards, including the spread of disease and the contamination of drinking water.

It can also deter area commerce, harm tourism and devalue property.

The spokeswoman added that, along with household waste, there has been an increase in the dumping of medical waste, industrial waste and even unwanted appliances and furniture.

Mr Caines said: “This behaviour is not only illegal but irresponsible. City businesses and residents that pay City taxes abide by a collection schedule and use City-issued wheelie bins so that their refuse is secured, and the safety and health of the community and collection crews are not compromised.

“It’s simply not fair to them to have trash dumped literally on their doorstep, attracting vermin, making the area unsightly and providing an incubator for germs and diseases.

“This city is not only where people come to go to work or buy goods, it’s home to hundreds of individuals. They wouldn’t come and dump trash in your backyard, so why would some people think it’s OK to dump it in theirs?”

The corporation has created special warning notices that will be affixed to any property in Hamilton found in violation of the Waste and Litter Control Act 1987 and addressed to the property owner or occupant.

Offences include placing garbage out at the incorrect time, contaminated recycling, inappropriate waste placed in the trash and not utilising City wheelie bins correctly or at all, among other offences.

The corporation is urging the public to report illegal dumping by calling the newly established tip line, 279-5250, or e-mailing illegaldumping@cityhall.bm.

The spokeswoman said: “The City also wishes to remind the public that, according to the Act, household trash does not include furniture or any household appliance, or the product of gardening or horticulture.

“These items must be disposed of accordingly. Bulky refuse collection within Hamilton — for example appliances, computers and furniture — is done by appointment only with the City’s assistant sanitation supervisor, who can be contacted on 504-8261.

“The City will only collect small loads at the discretion of the sanitation supervisor, and customers must make their own arrangements for larger loads. No hazardous materials, garden foliage or construction materials will be collected under any circumstances.

Those who dump these items on City streets are committing an offence and are liable to a fine.

Mr Caines added: “It is imperative that we all do our part to keep the City clean and safe for the wellbeing of all. If you can dump it in the City, you can dump it at Tynes Bay. A clean City is a safe City, for our residents, businesses, customers and workers.”

City businesses and residents can buy wheelie bins by calling 292-1234.

• For more information on the corporation’s waste-collection programme, visit cityofhamilton.bm