Anyone dumping items outside charity shops in Richmond could face prosecution for fly-tipping, the council has warned.

Goods are accepted at a charity shop's discretion and should never be left outside when it is closed.

Richmond Council said people should instead:

• store their unwanted goods in their home until shops are open and ready to accept donations
• use one of the on-street clothes recycling banks
• apply for a TRAID home collection
• or take the clothes to the recycling centre so they can be passed on

Cllr Julia Neden-Watts, chair of the Environment and Sustainability Committee, said there has been an increase in people dumping their items.

"It is disappointing to see the rise in unwanted items being dumped outside closed charity shops," she said.

"In normal circumstances these shops would welcome donations. But these are not normal circumstances.

"Many of our charity shops are shut. Anything that is left outside will be treated as fly-tipping and that leaves the person dumping the material open to a fine. There is no excuse.

"Our council officers do remove the donations, which have often been damaged by the weather or vandals, and then they are no good to anyone.

"I appreciate many people are having a clear-out, but please do the right thing and look for an alternative."

Fly-tipping prosecutions in court

By treating the dumping as fly-tipping, it means people could face fines from the council and if it were to progress to court, those fines could be as high as £2,500.

Residents who wish to report fly-tipping, can do it online here.

Take your items to the recycling centre

Townmead Road Household Waste and Recycling Centre in Kew has a number of textile recycling banks.

It accepts pairs of shoes, clothes, hats, belts, towels, bed sheets and curtains that are clean and in good condition.

These items are re-used in developing countries. Please place items in a plastic bag to help keep them clean.

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