Analysis of all the items found revealed that pieces of plastic were the most commonly dropped item with bits of rope next.

BBC: Volunteers scoured beaches for rubbish

Linters are also used in the production of cellulose and viscose, which turns up in toothbrushes, ballpoint pens, picnic cups, and almost any item made of hard plastic.

NPR: Texas Cotton: 'Farmer Profits at Every Step'

Any item with a plug or batteries which fits into an average sized plastic carrier bag can be put in the green box, which is picked up weekly.

BBC: Somerset

The way it works: consumers touch a payment device (which is in the form of either a plastic card or a sticker that can be applied to a mobile phone or any personal item) to a Zip-enabled contactless reader to make a payment.

FORBES: This Week in Credit Card News