Different recycling bins confuse visitors

As a frequent visitor to Hong Kong I am delighted to note the increased emphasis being placed on recycling, even if it is rather belated.

However, the recycling bins are very confusing for a visitor. I have had a lot of trouble working out the system and I wonder how residents deal with it.

The apartment block where I stay in Mid-Levels has three bins sponsored by a body called 'Environment And Conservation'.

The red bin with a green label is for plastic, whereas at Times Square I find it is a grey bin with a burgundy label. Elsewhere on Hong Kong Island, I see sets of three grey bins courtesy of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department. The ones with a light tan lid are for plastic.

There is yet another organisation, the 'Sustainable Solutions Foundation'. They want you to put your plastic bottles into their grey stainless steel bins with chocolate brown lids.

The situation is no better when it comes to disposing of paper. The huge bins at the Star Ferry terminal are bright blue, but other collectors prefer green and yellow labels. Colour codes are equally confusing when you want to throw away your empty drinks can. There are yellow bins with blue labels and I think I have seen yellow labels on a stainless steel bin.