TRUTH ABOUT THE PLASTIC PARIAHS

CARRIER BAGS

Only seven per cent of English councils collect these, although they can be taken to recycling banks

POTS, TUBS AND TRAYS

Not collected by 27% of councils in England, despite labels stating they are ‘widely recycled’

PLASTIC BOTTLE LIDS

Collected only by some councils, although perfectly recyclable according to the Recycling Association

BLACK PLASTIC TRAYS

Rejected by some recycling machinery as they fail to detect the items. Some firms now use black dyes the machines can see

CLEAR FRUIT AND VEGETABLE BAGS

Can get tangled in machinery, while plastic processors do not always accept them