The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) has confirmed reports that it's phasing out roadside recycling bins for urban areas.

In a written reply to RTHK on Monday, the department explained that it had earlier reviewed the effectiveness of the bins, after an Ombudsman report in April found that they were often mistaken as rubbish cans.

The EPD pointed out that some materials received through the bins were laced with food or beverage which would then pollute other items meant for recycling.

It also noted that many people living in urban areas now use recycling points under its GREEN@COMMUNITY network instead, and the role of urban roadside recycling bins has diminished.

"To boost the overall quality and efficiency of recycling, the EPD began in June 2022 to gradually remove roadside recycling bins in urban areas," officials said, adding that they have taken away about 300 sets of these bins and expect to remove all of them by the end of this year.

Meanwhile, the department also confirmed that there will be a re-tender for the designated rubbish bags used for the municipal solid waste charging scheme.

It said it had received 26 tenders in August but decided to cancel the exercise, citing higher-than-expected tender prices.

The EPD said it will launch another round of tender as soon as possible, after reviewing its contract requirements to lower the cost.

The government stressed it still aims to implement the municipal solid waste charging scheme in the second half of next year.