Almost half of adults struggle to know which items can be recycled, according to fresh research.
A poll of 2,000 people by waste management giant Biffa found that 47 per cent couldn’t always tell what should go in which bin.
Some Brits think glass jars, tin cans and plastic takeaway containers should go in with general refuse.
Meanwhile, 44 per cent think polystyrene is recyclable when it isn’t, leading to contamination of collections.
Biffa waste strategy and packaging manager Roger Wright said: “Clear and accessible recycling information is key to helping individuals make more sustainable choices.
“We can see from these findings that there are clearly good intentions when it comes to recycling.
“People care about the environmental impact of their rubbish. However, there is still a lot of confusion as to what can and can’t be recycled and many people are still struggling to get it right.
“Recycling rates across the UK have broadly stagnated, even declining in some regions, so it’s crucial we all play our part in helping the public understand what can and can’t be recycled.”
