Community groups across the borough have been cashing in on a recycling drive that aims to solve Merton’s landfill crisis.

Described as an outdoor charity shop, green minded volunteers have been staffing a shop selling salvaged goods from the Weir Road recycling centre in Wimbledon.

With the Government set to impose hefty fines on local authorities for dumping excessive waste, the initiative has led some people to leave the dump with more in the back of their car than when they first arrived.

In return for running the shop, volunteers have been able to keep the cash from sold items to fund the organisation they work for.

On Thursday, Sustainable Merton was the latest group take part.

Tom Walsh, co-founder of the local environmental group, said: “We have everything, from old computers to luxury chairs. There was even a patio table someone had their eye on for a while.

“The council should be congratulated for starting an initiative like this. Anything that can help reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill can only be a good thing.

“It’s so important that we find more sustainable ways of dealing with our rubbish.”

Eco-teams from primary schools across Merton have also been helping run the recycling shop with profits going towards environmental projects led by pupils.

• Find out about more local green groups at greenguardian.co.uk