The public have been warned to stop dumping trash in public places or taking it to the dump over the Covid-19 lockdown.

Lieutenant-Colonel David Burch, the public works minister, said: “Please stop leaving garbage at bus stops, public docks or in school dumpsters.

“It is selfish, inconsiderate, and irresponsible.”

Colonel Burch added that the Tynes Bay drop-off service was closed for the two-week state of emergency.

He added: “Residents should not be travelling to the public drop-off for any reason. Yet, there are those in the community making the trip, and worse, simply leaving their garbage at the locked gate.”

Colonel Burch said people should stick to the normal garbage collection schedule and put their trash out before 7.30am on collection day.

He told the public: “If you are late putting out your garbage and all your neighbours’ trash has been collected, please do not continue to place it out for collection, and later, call Marsh Folly to complain your trash hasn’t been collected.

“In those circumstances, you must take it back home and store it in a lidded bin, until your next scheduled collection day.”

Colonel Burch added: “In this period, when so many public services are curtailed, we are privileged that our sanitation workers are out there every day doing their job to keep our island clean.

“I am asking that those who are doing this cease and desist. You are breaking the law and quite simply disrespecting all our citizens who are doing their part.

“We are in a crisis and our efforts should be solely focused on stopping the spread of Covid-19 in Bermuda, not addressing other health issues and the irresponsible behaviour of a few.

“Please give a thought to your fellow Bermudians and a special thought to our sanitation workers who are doing the job many of us would never consider doing. On their behalf, I thank the majority of residents who are following the rules and responsibly disposing of their garbage.”

• Anyone with information to help identify offenders should contact the education and enforcement officer at the Ministry of Public Works at 501-3114 or by e-mail to vfgordon@gov.bm