Authorities start removing illegal clothes recycling bins from Hong Kong streets

Hong Kong authorities have started taking down clothes recycling bins illegally set up on the streets, as some collectors have been found to have exploited a loophole in the application process.

The Post identified a dozen such bins that appeared across the city in recent weeks as residents decluttered for Lunar New Year. Most bins bore no collector logos.

In a reply to the Post, the Lands Department said on Tuesday that it had launched enforcement action jointly with the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department, but did not disclose the number of bins removed.

“Placing clothes recycling bins on government land without any approval by the Home Affairs Department constitutes unlawful occupation,” the Lands Department said.

“Enforcement action has been taken against the cases in the inquiry, to remove those illegally placed recycling bins.”

Photos of bins with no logos emerged on social media a few days ago as many internet users were confused about their origin, with some worrying that their clothes might be sold for profit by unknown parties.