Research released today from eco-toilet paper brand, Who Gives A Crap, reveals over a third (35%) of UK adults who have been in a relationship have kept belongings that remind them of an ex-partner, with photographs (45%), cards (42%) and love letters (39%) proving the most popular items to hang on to.

Paintings (8%) mugs (10%), and T-shirts (19%) also made the list of top 10 items that have been clung on to post-break up. And it seems that heartbreak hoarding is a growing issue with more than half (55%) having held onto something for more than 20 years and one in 20 admitting they’ve kept items out of spite.

With the study revealing 56% have sent or received a love letter and one in 10 having done so in the last year, Who Gives A Crap is offering jilted Brits the chance to rid themselves of their cursed correspondence and ‘flush’ their ex, just in time for Valentine’s Day, inviting the public to send in their old love letters and cards to be turned into 100% recycled toilet roll.

Who Gives A Crap Head of Consumer, David Titman, said: “With almost half (46%) of Brits thinking it’s emotionally unhealthy to hold onto items from an ex-partner, we’re helping to uncrap Valentine’s Day. By offering lovelorn Brits the chance to transform their love letters into toilet roll we’re hoping to help the nation turn their ex’s sweet nothings into something useful, while assuring them that someone, somewhere will be wiping their bum with it. It’s time to wipe the slate clean, Britain!”

As approaching a third (31%) of respondents stated that getting rid of items related to an ex-partner had helped them to move on relationship expert, Gemma Nice, said “There are a number of reasons as to why we hold onto items from our past. Nostalgia is one. Reading back through letters or looking at items can bring back happy memories as well as sad, depending on how the relationship ended. However, by keeping hold of these items, it keeps you stuck in the past with nowhere to go and makes it harder to be present within your relationship now. It’s all about letting go, being ok to let go and moving onto a better you.”

The research found that not all heartbroken Brits are so sentimental when it comes to hanging onto the past with some partial to a dramatic exit. Over one in 10 (12%) admitted to burning an ex’s items and 2% even throwing items into the sea. Over half (53%) of the nation’s broken-hearted throw their ex’s belongings in the bin while a more thoughtful 27% donate them to charity shops.