Lawn mowers of Richmond are being reminded that it is illegal to dump bags of green waste around public areas in the borough.

With the weather getting warmer and days lighter, more residents are taken to tidying up their gardens and disposing the discarded branches, leaves, plants, weeds and plants around parks around Richmond.

Not only does this has a detrimental effect on the environment but Richmond Council is reminding residents that this type of behaviour is considered fly tipping.

Councillor Pamela Fleming, Richmond Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment, said: “'Fly-tipping this kind of waste spoils our beautiful parks and open spaces and there is no need for it.

“The Council offers a fortnightly collection service from the doorstep or people can use Townmead which is open every day.”

The amount of waste that continues to be disposed of in this way is also causing the council unnecessary costs which they say could be better spent.

“So, if you are planning on doing some gardening this weekend, please think about what you are going to do with your clippings before you reach for the black bag,” added Cllr Fleming.

“We can then recycle this green waste properly, turning it into wood chip or other compostable items.”

Residents can dispose of their green waste by subscribing to the council’s ‘Green Waste’ collection scheme, taking it to the local waste and recycling centre for free or by composting.