Hamilton residents have been called upon to deprive rodents of a free meal after officials fielded reports of rat sightings in the capital.

The City of Hamilton’s campaign for responsible waste disposal is aimed at deterring littering, overfilled bins and illegal dumping, which create welcoming conditions for pests, threaten public health, hit property values and harm the reputation of the City.

A spokeswoman said the City was working with the government vector control team to target critical areas.

Dwayne Caines, the Hamilton chief executive, said: “Rats love trash — let’s not give them a reason to love Hamilton.”

Mr Caines urged residents and businesses to put trash out on the assigned collection day and time, to use sealed and City-issued wheelie bins, refrain from littering, report illegal dumping and dispose of cooking oil responsibly instead of dumping it or pouring it down drains.

He added: “Dumping garbage on the sidewalk or in alleyways invites pests, creates foul smells and spreads disease.”

Hamilton’s sanitation team will hand-deliver letters to businesses, including restaurants, that need to improve their waste practices, with guidance on proper disposal.

Letters will address recurring issues such as trash going out too early, unsecured bags, bins left out after collection and items obstructing sidewalks.

Businesses were also reminded to keep waste off footpaths and neighbouring properties, and to break down and bundle cardboard boxes for collection.

The City gave a reminder that it was not responsible for replacing bins left out beyond the stipulated collection times.

A trash collection schedule is posted on the City website.

The City also provides a cooking oil collection service, and offers wheelie bins of various size for purchase.

Residents can report illegal dumping by calling 279-5250 or e-mailing illegaldumping@cityhall.bm.

Reports can be made anonymously, but should include the location, date, time and any identifiable details.

Rat sightings can be flagged up to vector control by calling 278-5333.

Residents were advised to rely on trained officers to remove pests safely rather than trying to eradicate rodents themselves.

Establishments planning demolition or major structural work were encouraged to contact vector control in advance so that proper baiting measures could be implemented.

• Inquiries can be made to the City’s sanitation department by calling 292-1234 or e-mailing kgumbs@cityhall.bm