Council chiefs are to put free mega-skips on to streets to combat fly-tipping and help home owners who want to de-clutter.

The trial will see the supersize skips dropped at select locations with residents given the chance to get rid of large items.

Credit: Chris Self.

Initially two sites have been chosen, however it seems likely that there will be high demand for the service.

The Council offers a bulky waste collection service but residents will now have the opportunity to bring their old possessions to the community skip to recycle their items.

The skips will be located at Bloxham Crescent in Hampton and at the corner of Stillingfleet Road and Barnes Avenue, Barnes.

A spokesperson said: "Residents can take up to six items along with them to the mega-skip for free, including some electrical equipment and household items like mattresses and sofas."

The borough's streets have been blighted through the pandemic and ever since by people dumping furniture and other household items.

The bins at official recycling points are often filled to over-flowing while many other locations have been turned into eyesores.

Credit: Susan Chappell.

The official Council tip at Townmead was closed for much of the pandemic, partly because of a fire. The site falls in the new extended congestion zone area, which may deter few people with older cars from using it.

The site also requires people to make an appointment to drop off waste. It is easy to get an on-the-day appointment, however the process does add some extra red tape.

The mega-skips will be available on Saturday, September 10. The Council expects high demand on the day and they will be available on a first come first served basis.

Council officers will be present on the day to share information about support on offer through the Community Ambassadors project as well as providing recycling tips to residents.

Cllr Julia Neden-Watts, Chair of the Environment and Sustainability Committee, said: "As a Council we want to work with residents to keep our borough clean and green.

"The mega-skips will give residents the opportunity to get rid of their old and broken items free of charge. If the trial is a success we will look to roll the mega skips out to other areas of the borough in due course.

"Fly-tipping remains unacceptable. If you witness fly-tipping in the borough please report it to us directly."

The Council has published lists of what items will be accepted and those that will not. Importantly, they will only accept household waste.

Permitted

Carpet

Computers and IT equipment

Furniture - e.g. mattresses, sofas, tables etc

Microwaves and small electrical appliances

Batteries (but no car batteries)

Bicycles

Cardboard

Black bags

Not wanted

Hazardous objects or dangerous materials/chemicals eg sharp objects, needles, dangerous chemicals, plasterboard, flammable liquids and asbestos.

Paint

Concrete

Car batteries

Cement, rubble or hardcore

Plasterboard

Engine oil/cooking oil

Fridges or other large electrical appliances