Mountains of toiletries and perfumes were dumped at airport check-in desks because passengers were refused permission to carry them through security.

Tonnes of standard-sized aerosols and liquids were left behind last year because they were confiscated.

Three of the UK's airports were able to reveal data about what was dumped, with Stansted Airport alone collecting over 21 tonnes of aerosols and three tonnes of perfume, according to

Megan French, consumer expert at, said: "It is alarming that tonnes of toiletries are being thrown away at airport security, and suggests passengers are falling foul of the rules on a daily basis."

Policies on dealing with confiscated or dumped items which can't go through security differ from airport to airport.

Birmingham Airport said it recycles all aerosols and aftershaves, while Stansted Airport says it makes sure no waste items go to landfill, and works with local charities to make sure suitable items are reused.

Luton Airport has launched a scheme to donate any confiscated food to local food banks, and has donated over 7,000 food items since January.

What's dumped at airport security?

London City Airport said it has a similar programme working with a social enterprise to donate confiscated foods to local charities, donating three tonnes of non-perishable food items over a year.

Many of the items confiscated at airport security don't get through because they break the rules on liquids or sharp items.

While many items are allowed in hand luggage, liquids in containers up to 100ml will need to be kept separately in a clear, 20x20cm resealable bag. Each passenger is allowed one clear plastic bag, which can contain up to one litre in total.

Here's how the rules work:

Items you'll need to put in the clear liquids bag include any liquid containers under 100ml. Items which count as liquids include any drinks, including water, as well as liquid or semi-liquid foods such as soups, jams and syrups.

East Midlands Airport has revealed the common items people leave behind at the airport

This also covers cosmetics and toiletries, including creams, lotions, oils, perfumes, mascara, lip gloss, shaving foam, hairspray and spray deodorant, toothpaste, hair and shower gel and contact lens solution.

Items also allowed in hand luggage include disposable razors and blunt or round-edged scissors, or scissors with blades no longer than 6cm. Nail clippers, files, tweezers, knitting needles, sewing needles, an umbrella, walking stick and safety matches are also acceptable.

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Electronic equipment such as laptops, tablets and e-cigarettes are normally allowed, but different airlines may have different restrictions, and the items will need to have enough charge to be turned on.

Liquids over 100ml are allowed if they are essential medical supplies, including liquid dietary food and inhalers, or baby food.

Outlawed items  include liquid containers of over 100ml (even if they're only partly full), and some sharp items such as corkscrews, knives and scissors with blades longer than 6cm.