The Local Government Association (LGA) says local shops produced less packaging than the multiples, and more of their packaging could be recycled.

According to the LGA study, up to 40% of the contents of a regular household shopping basket can't be recycled.

An LGA spokesman said:

"There are many examples from our research of how retailers are making it easier for their customers to recycle, including the use of paper bags and removing layers of packaging. However, we have to question the necessity and desirability of shrink wrapping vegetables like peppers and broccoli."