The telephone survey, which contacted 534 households in late June, showed more than 86 percent of them involved in the programme.

Of the 72 householders that did not recycle, most of them said they had too few recyclable goods or that they did not have enough storage for collecting them. Householders told surveyors they wanted plastics included as a recyclable item.

But the Works Ministry last night said plastics recycling would not be financially viable. It cited their bulk and light weight as factors making collection, processing and shipping as very expensive.

"Also, it has been found that overseas recycling markets fluctuate considerably and presently there is no feasible local alternative to recycle these plastics,'' the Ministry's statement said.

It said it hoped to encourage the development of a local plastics recycling market but that it may take "some time'' to get off the ground.

Householders surveyed also suggested the free distribution of blue bags, the use of reusable containers instead of blue bags and more recycling bins for use by the public.

But the Ministry backed its blue bag programme because it has found the bags "contribute significantly in keeping litter to a very minimum.

"Their use also provides residents with an easier way to carry recyclables to their collection point and provides better protection of recyclable materials from the elements.''