The popular Mega Skip Day scheme, which allows residents to get rid of household clutter close to home rather than going to the dump, is back.

The original trial event was cancelled as it coincided with the period of national mourning for the death of the Queen.

However, the mega skips will now be placed at key locations across the borough on Saturday, October 1, so allowing households to dump items between 9am and noon.

The move is seen as being crucial to tackle the menace of fly-tipping, which creates eyesore on the borough's streets and a huge clean-up bill.

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

The trial will see skips located at Bloxham Crescent in Hampton and at the corner of Stillingfleet Road and Barnes Avenue in Barnes. If successful, they will appear at other locations in the future.

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.

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

The idea has been welcomed by residents on social media and high demand is expected. As a result the scheme will operate on a first come first served basis – and will be halted when the skips are full.

The skips are open to residents of the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames only and proof of address may be required.

Cllr Julia Neden-Watts, Chair of the Environment and Sustainability Committee, said the Council is focussed on tackling fly-tipping. It is urging residents to report those responsible, who face prosecutions and fines.

She 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 produced lists of items that will be accepted – and those that won't.

Allowed

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 allowed

Hazardous objects or dangerous materials/chemicals: please do not bring anything hazardous in such as sharp objects, needles, dangerous chemicals, plasterboard, flammable liquids and asbestos.

Paint

Concrete

Garden Waste

Car batteries

Cement, rubble or hardcore

Plasterboard

Engine oil/cooking oil

Fridges or other large electrical appliances