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Greenrock is working to empower individuals and companies to do their part in making Bermuda socially, economically and environmentally more sustainable.

And it has left airport bosses to pick up a big bill in order ensure the materials are properly disposed of.

LF Wade general manager Aaron Adderley told the Bermuda Sun: "This kind of illegal activity has been prevalent for some time, but it has just got worse and worse in recent weeks.

"It's to the point where it is almost a crisis in terms of the amount of trash being illegally dumped and the amount of money and other resources being used by airport operations to deal with it.

"This is money we would much rather be spending elsewhere in the airport."

The waste management facility, which is run by the Department of Works and Engineering, is set to see new CCTV cameras, lighting and a weighbridge installed in the coming months.

Environmental groups today condemned irresponsible islanders for discarding truckloads of waste outside the dump by the airport.

LF Wade general manager Aaron Adderley told the Bermuda Sun that fly-tipping in the long-term car park had nearly reached 'crisis point'.

And he welcomed a move to install new CCTV cameras as well as lighting around the dump to catch those responsible for scarring the entrance to the Government run- waste management facility.

Mr Adderley revealed that most of the illegal dumping had been done during daylight hours, since the airport gates are closed at night.

He added: "This kind of illegal dumping has become more prevalent and more brazen.

"One of the reasons for installing the entrance gate to the airport was to stop people just dumping trash in the long-term car park.

"But it seems that people are just driving up there during the day and dumping their trash.

"We hope that once the CCTV is in place this will stop.

"My understanding is that those responsible for this kind of illegal dumping are liable to get heavy fines if they are caught."

Over the past few weeks rusting cars, decaying air conditioning units, old furniture as well as construction material have been dumped at the entrance to the east end waste management facility, which is managed by Department of Works.

Judith Landsberg, Greenrock president, said there needed to be a shift in people's mindset towards trash.

She added: "As a society we put no value on our waste in any form.

"Less than 25 per cent of us recycle, and our old cars and white goods are dumped where their metals and waste products can leach into the ocean.

"The message that is sent to the population is that we, as a country, are okay with trashing these products, so it is no surprise that people in a hurry will find places to dispose of their waste.

"Putting up fences or providing alternative dump sites might reduce the eyesore at the airport, but doesn't change the message that this is just trash.

"There are viable and valuable alternatives. A couple of years ago Greenrock brought a proposal to the Government to partner with a US-based company to recycle Bermuda's scrap metal from cars and white goods.

"Eighty per cent of a vehicle's weight can be reclaimed or recycled: reducing our demand for virgin resources, saving us money and reducing the impact on the environment.

"But there was no interest here. Until we change our mindset and put an authentic value on our waste then we will continue to chase fly-tippers all over the island and will have to live with eyesores like this one at the airport."

Stuart Hayward, chairman of the Bermuda Environment and Sustainability Taskforce, told the Sun: "Part of the problem is that we are spoiled when it comes to dealing with waste.

"Most households just put their stuff out to the road and twice a week it is whisked away and just disappears.

"Too many people treat any space that is not their intimate own as though it's okay to dump their trash there.

"From kids and candy wrappers to shoppers and plastic bags to truckers and construction waste to households and restaurants/hotels and food waste — all need encouragement to do the right thing with their trash.

"A little 'carrot' and a little 'stick' wouldn't hurt. A few rewards and a few named-and-shamed prosecutions could move our attitudes in the right direction.

A CCTV camera at the airport dump gate could start that ball rolling."

Airport bosses recently forked out tens of thousands of dollars to clear up the area around Gate Number One, which had also been blighted by illegal dumping.

A spokesperson for Works and Engineering said: "Work is currently taking place at the waste management facility at the airport to install a weigh-bridge, lighting and CCTV cameras which will cover the areas where illegal dumping has been taking place.

"Installation of these facilities is expected to be completed in the coming months."

Original Article

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