Eight out of 10 Britons believe recycling makes a difference to the environment

A detailed study as part of British Science Week found that while we are more aware than ever about the good recycling does for the planet, our grasp of what to put where is not so good.

Most were unaware they were not supposed to put certain items in recycling bins – including the likes of used kitchen roll, soap dispenser tops, pizza boxes, shiny wrapping paper and coffee cups.

Good intentions mean that eight out of 10 Britons now believe recycling makes a difference to the environment.

However, when quizzed on what items can be recycled, virtually no one knew the correct answers, the study found.

The survey found it was often younger people who got it most wrong, with the environmentally-conscious Millennials less in the habit of successful recycling than older generations.