A poll of 2,000 people across the UK has identified widespread confusion about what items can and cannot be put in household recycling bins.

The survey commissioned by the British Science Association found the most common mistake, made by 66% of people, is thinking that used kitchen foil and foil trays should not be put in the recycle bin, while 58% did not know that empty deodorant aerosols and hairspray can be recycled.

The study also found that younger people are less likely to recycle than older generations. Among those aged 25 to 34, 22% said that they found recycling too time-consuming and were not in the habit of it, while only 6% of over-55s said this was the case.

We have a big problem in Aberdeenshire with material which could be recycled going to landfill. Less than 50% of household rubbish is recycled. Some 60% of stuff going to landfill could be recycled, and that is costing the council £3.5m a year. The easiest change would be food waste as only 32% of that is currently recycled.

Council officers are working on how this can be improved.

There is more information about what happens to our waste when it goes to landfill at https://www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/waste/landfill/