The vast number of returns received by Amazon every day are costing the company billions - and affecting the planet.

A National Retail Federation (NRF) survey in the US found that a record $761 billion (£584.7 billion) of merchandise was returned to retailers last year, as reported by Charged Retail.

Although Amazon doesn't share its returns figures, the NRF estimated that 16.6 per cent of all merchandise sold over Christmas was returned - an increase of 56 per cent from the year before.

And with Amazon's sales hitting $469 billion (£360.3 billion) last year, returns numbers will be eye watering.

In many cases returns can't be resold, so end up in landfill. Overall, returns in the US alone generate approximately 16 million tons of CO2 emissions and up to 2.63 billion kg of landfill waste every year, according to the latest figures.

Amazon said it doesn't send products to landfill and uses 'energy recovery' as a last resort. It also said it is currently "working towards a goal of zero product disposal."

Punchline said: "We won't shed any tears for Amazon over their profits being hit by returns, but the environment impact of returns to Amazon and all online retailers is a real worry. Consumers need to do their bit and shop more responsibly - only buying what they really need, rather than buying four things with the intention of sending three back.

"A return to the high street would make a huge difference. If shoppers are able to check the quality, the material, the colour and the fit themselves, there will be far less returns."