How to Stop Illegal Dumping & Littering in Bermuda
Illegal dumping is dangerous for humans, animals and the environment. Not only is fly-tipped waste an eyesore, but it has financial implications throughout the local area. Read on to learn about illegal dumping and littering, along with how it can be stopped.
What is illegal dumping?
Under the Waste and Litter Control Act 1987, illegal dumping covers most actions outside of the given procedure for waste collection. This includes putting waste outside at the incorrect time, attempting to recycle contaminated recycling, and incorrect – or non-existent – use of wheelie bins.
Only waste that originates in an area can be left for collection there, so taking waste and dumping it elsewhere is also illegal. This not only happens with household waste, but also with waste that cannot be collected, such as gardening waste, hazardous waste such as medical waste, industrial waste, appliances and furniture.
Common locations for illegal dumping include doorsteps, parks and beaches.
The dangers of illegal dumping
Incorrect waste disposal can spread disease, attract pests and contaminate drinking water. Recurrent misuse of waste procedures devalues property, harms tourism and costs cities huge sums of money. If caught, litterers face hefty fines.
How to prevent illegal dumping & littering
Lighting
Fly tippers often strike at night, so removing this cover of darkness makes your property a less inviting place. The more likely they are to be spotted, the less likely people are to commit crimes.
CCTV
Cameras often deter potential criminals. Even if people still dump illegal waste, you can catch them on camera and use this to ensure that they face consequences.
Awareness
If you don’t understand the proper procedure for waste, it can be very easy to accidentally contribute to illegal dumping. Familiarise yourself with the correct day, sorting method and other rules for waste collection.
Signage
Many people are not aware that dumping can have pricey consequences. Putting up signs warning of the potential fines and environmental impact can encourage tippers to rethink their actions.
Security
Fences and lockable gates prevent people from entering your property to dump items. If you find that people are throwing rubbish over your fence, it might be worth installing something taller – so long as you check local regulations first!
Landscaping
People prefer flat, open areas to dump their unwanted items. Features such as rocks can break up the space, making it more difficult to litter there. People are also less likely to litter in well-kept areas.
Reporting
Reporting illegal waste dumping can prevent future offences – particularly as fines increase for repeat offenders. You can report by phone on 279-5250 or by email at illegaldumping@cityhall.bm.
Anonymously report illegal dumping & littering
If you know of any illegal waste disposal but do not wish to share your identity, Crime Stoppers Bermuda can help. When you phone our hotline or use our online form, no tracking information is collected. We create a report that is entirely anonymous and send it directly to the police, without your involvement being known.
Call 800-8477 or use our online form.
