garbage.

Alternatively, it may collect such waste in a one-week springtime blitz.

The two options are being explored, said the Works and Engineering Ministry's solid waste manager, Mr. Dan Hoornweg, following Government's decision to cut the Wednesday pick-up of bulky waste.

The collection fell victim to the schedule shake-up after the introduction of the recycling programme. The move, however, has not pleased everyone.

One fierce critic is Keep Bermuda Beautiful member Mr. John Simmons, of Roberts Avenue, Devonshire.

Mr. Simmons, a part-time self-employed trucker, urged Government to reinstate the Wednesday service.

He said he feared householders would dump large items, such as refrigerators and furniture, on the roadside if the collection was not restarted.

"People are having to hire trucks to carry away their bulky waste,'' he explained. "I know friends who have had to do that, and it is expensive.

"My worry is that some people won't be prepared to pay out, and will dump their refrigerators and dressers where they can.'' Mr. Simmons also voiced concern over the new once-a-week household garbage collection.

He believed land tax covered twice-a-week pick-ups -- and people may be entitled to a rebate under the reduced service.

Mr. Hoornweg explained the Wednesday service was cut because of a change in schedules with the new recycling programme.

"We are considering putting in place an on-call system, or else having a one-week blitz in the spring.

"It will mean going all round the Island picking up the large items.

Obviously we will let people know what we decide.'' Mr. Hoornweg said he did not believe it was clearly stated what land tax covered. He believed garbage collecting was paid for from the consolidated General Fund.

This was confirmed by a Finance Ministry spokesman, who said: "All revenue collected by Government goes into the consolidated fund. There are no dedicated taxes.''