Fines or prosecution await residents who dump their waste around recycling bins in borough warns the council.

Under new powers introduced by the Government earlier last year, Richmond Council can issue fixed penalty notices to those caught fly-tipping anything from business waste, old fridges or sofas to garden waste or rubble.

In recent months there has been a rise of the amount of waste being reported ‘abandoned’ at the sides of on-street recycling banks across the borough.

To clamp down on those who choose not to use other widely available disposal options, Richmond Council is reminding residents and local businesses to check before they dump their waste.

In addition to the weekly kerbside waste and recycling service, the borough's household refuse and recycling centre at Townmead, which is open seven days a week, can also be used by both residents and traders.

Last month, the Council launched a trial ‘small electrical’ recycling service at Twickenham and Ham libraries and will offers a bulky waste collection service for fridges, freezers or furniture.

For more information about Waste and Recycling services, go to: www.richmond.gov.uk/waste_and_recycling