ALMOST two-thirds of South-West homes claim to regularly recycle their waste, according to a UK-wide survey into consumer recycling habits.

The survey, carried out by waste management company Hippowaste, shows UK attitudes towards recycling are more positive than ever.

However, nearly 60% of what we throw away could actually be recycled.

Surprisingly, less than half of 16-24-year-olds are doing any kind of recycling because they find it difficult and aren't sure what can be recycled.

But among the over 65s, 82% claim to be top recyclers.

Other highlights from the research include: +71% of men rate themselves good or excellent recyclers, but the results also highlighted that women are more likely to be the recycling champion in the home; +Sting was rated the greenest' celebrity, with runners-up including Prince Charles, Bill Oddie and Alan Titchmarsh; +only 17% of the survey respondents consider recycling to be one of the most important environmental issues facing the country today; +over half of the survey participants didn't know what is meant by carbon footprint'.

Lisa Fines, head of marketing at Hippowaste, said: "On the whole these findings show some really positive trends and increases in household waste recycling.

"Awareness is clearly up but there are still some knowledge gaps that need to be addressed across the UK.

"If this is combined with the clear enthusiasm and interest in recycling from the British public, we really will be pushing the country's recycling targets in the right direction."