Eight out ten people believe recycling 'makes a difference', but have no idea how

Most people are not aware their recycled aerosol cans could find new life in a mobile phone or that recycling glass can save electricity, a poll has suggested.

The majority of people surveyed recognised the benefits to recycling, saying items got a second life as a new product, saved their council money or even meant cheaper items - although a quarter (26pc) said they did not see a direct benefit.

More than eight out of 10 people (84pc) were unaware that empty aerosol cans could come back as part of their mobile phone, while two thirds did not believe plastic bottles could be turned into football shirts.

More than two thirds (67pc) did not realise recycled shampoo bottles could come back as a children's outdoor play set.

And almost as many (65pc) did not know recycling glass jars can save electricity.

Overall, the poll of 2,426 people for recycling campaign Recycle Now, found 82pc of people thought recycling does make a difference.

Linda Crichton, head of Recycle Now, said: "We know that understanding the recycling process motivates people to recycle.

"Our aim this Recycle Week is for more people to find out their deodorant could come back in a mobile phone, or their sweetie box as a toothpaste box - and as a result, be encouraged to recycle more because they can see it's worth it."

Nearly half the plastic bottles (44pc) used in the UK are not put in the recycling, which means 29 billion bottles could evade being recycled in the four years up to 2020, she added.

"Every little helps and recycling one more thing can have a big impact," she urged.

Recycle Now said recycling reduces the amount of waste sent to landfill and saves energy - which in turn cuts greenhouse gases which cause climate change.

Making an item from recycled plastic takes 75pc less energy than from scratch, and a item made from recycled metal uses 95pc less energy than a product from fresh material.

Environment Minister Therese Coffey said: "Recycle Week is an excellent reminder of the big difference we can all make to protect our environment by disposing of our rubbish responsibility."

The survey by Censuswide is being released at the start of Recycle Week, which this year aims to encourage people to recycle by showing them the benefits of the process.