It's London's greenest borough, the only borough to span both sides of the River Thames, home to the National Archives, Kew Gardens, Hampton Court Palace and Twickenham Stadium.

In short, Richmond is known as one of the more exclusive parts of the capital.

And it seems Richmond is a cut above the rest at fly-tipping too.

From dumping a piano, to a chaise longue, and even eucalyptus trimmings, an analysis of our borough's fly-tipping reports for the past year reveals a list of things that could only ever be found in this part of London.

Since August last year, 2,697 cases of fly-tipping have been raised with Richmond Council, with a peak of 314 cases in August this year – up from just 180 in August 2019, according to a Freedom of Information Request.

This is perhaps due to more people spending time at home during the coronavirus lockdown, giving them time to clear out, as well as see and report on what their neighbours have left behind.

Related coverage:

Campaign to tackle litter which costs £3million in Richmond a year

Threat of £2,500 fine for dumping items outside Richmond's charity shops

As well as the usual reports of black bin bags, old mattresses and broken furniture, Richmond has also recorded reports of:

• abandoned wine racks
• a stolen Marks & Spencer trolley
• fitness rowing machin
• upholstered footstool
• massage table
• a chandelier!

Dumped Christmas trees were reported 32 times during the period, with the majority in January, but there were some more unusual cases in July and August this year too.

In April there were also two reports that mentioned PPE items being fly-tipped, a sign of the times during the height of the coronavirus pandemic.

Fines for dumping items and how to report it

Last month the council said anyone caught dumping their unwanted items outside charity shops could face prosecution for fly-tipping.

Anyone caught doing so 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.

Fighting Dirty campaign

Last week the council launched a new campaign, called Fighting Dirty, to tackle fly-tipping, littering and street urination in the borough, which all rose over the lockdown period.

Cllr Julia Neden-Watts, chair of the council's Environment and Sustainability Committee, said: "Every year the council spends around £3m collecting and clearing up waste around the borough.

"We have increased the number of bins, our street cleansing and the frequency of our collections. However, a small number of people still think it is OK to dump their unwanted items on the street.

"Through our new 'Fighting Dirty' campaign, we want to send a clear message to these people – fly-tipping is a criminal offence. If you are caught – you will be fined."

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