City Of Hamilton Launches “Rat Race” Campaign
The City of Hamilton has launched a campaign urging residents to combat rodents through smart waste habits.
A spokesperson said, “The City of Hamilton is urging all City businesses, workers, residents, and visitors to do their part to help ‘win the rat race’ as it launches a new mini campaign focused on responsible waste disposal.
“Prompted by recent anecdotal reports of rat sightings, the campaign takes a proactive approach to preventing rodent activity in the City. Poor waste habits—like littering, overfilled bins, and illegal dumping—create ideal conditions for pests, threatening public health, negatively impacting property values, and harming Hamilton’s reputation as a clean, vibrant city.
“The City is also actively working with Government’s Vector Control team to develop targeted plans for critical areas within the City.”
City CEO Dwayne Caines said, “Rats love trash – let’s not give them a reason to love Hamilton. It’s vital we all do our part to keep the City clean and safe. Put your trash out on time, use proper bins, report illegal dumping, and take pride in your City. Dumping garbage on the sidewalk or in alleyways invites pests, creates foul smells, and spreads disease.”
The spokesperson said, “The campaign urges the public to always dispose of waste in proper bins and to report any instances of illegal dumping.
“For City businesses and residents, the City emphasizes these essential steps:
- Never litter—always use designated bins for waste.
- Put trash out only on your assigned collection day and time.
- Use sealed, City-issued wheelie bins.
- Keep bin lids securely closed at all times.
- Dispose of cooking oils responsibly—never pour them down drains or dump them.
“To reinforce the campaign, the City’s Sanitation Team will be hand-delivering letters to City businesses—including restaurants—that need to improve their waste practices. These letters provide clear guidance on proper commercial waste disposal and address recurring issues, such as trash being set out too early, unsecured bags, bins left out after collection, and items obstructing sidewalks. Businesses are reminded to keep waste clear of footpaths and neighboring properties, and to break down and bundle cardboard boxes for efficient collection. The City also notes it is not responsible for replacing bins left out beyond the stipulated collection times.
“To support proper disposal, the City offers a full refuse collection schedule available on the City website www.cityofhamilton.bm, as well as a cooking oil collection service. Wheelie bins in sizes 120L, 240L, 360L, and 1100L are available for purchase through the City. For inquiries, call the City’s Sanitation Department on 292-1234 or email kgumbs@cityhall.bm.
“Illegal dumping is not only unsightly—it’s dangerous to Bermuda and the City. It can spread disease, deter commerce, and cost taxpayers thousands in cleanup. The City encourages residents to report illegal dumping by calling 279-5250 or emailing illegaldumping@cityhall.bm. Reports can be made anonymously. Please include the location, date, time, and any identifiable details when submitting a report.
“The Department of Health’s Vector Control Unit advises members of the public to report any rat sightings by calling 278-5333, rather than attempting to trap or eradicate the rodents themselves. The trained team can respond appropriately and remove the pests safely. Additionally, any establishments planning demolition or major structural work are strongly encouraged to contact Vector Control in advance so that proper baiting measures can be implemented beforehand.
“Don’t roll out the welcome mat for rats—secure your trash and shut down the buffet. Respect collection days. Stop illegal dumping. Together, let’s take pride in Hamilton and keep it one of the cleanest, most beautiful small cities in the world.”
