Residents of a Bergen Beach community are calling on the city to step up and address mounds of garbage that they say are piling up in their neighborhood.

They say toilets, couches and mattresses are some of the items that are strewn about off of Bergen Avenue.

Neighbors say the illegal dumping is affecting their lives, home values and sanitation -- they say the piles of trash are bringing rats to their area. They say the dumping problem has worsened in the last couple of years.

Residents who feel neglected by the city are calling for immediate change. They tell News 12 that they've contacted 311, the Sanitation Department and local officials, but say nothing has been done. They say they've had to take matters into their own hands to clean up before the rat problem worsens.

News 12 reached out to the Sanitation Department, Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams and Sen. Roxanne Persaud for comment.

In a statement, the Department of Sanitation said, "While the department remains dedicated to keeping the city clean, residents and business are both legally and morally required to do their part, too. Unwanted items cannot just be left on the curb or illegally dumped on our streets, parks or other areas. Material should be disposed of correctly, at the right time, on the right day, in the right place and in the right containers. We rely on all residents and businesses to do their part to keep the city healthy, safe and clean. "