While most people support the principle of recycling, some question the locations for collections of recyclables, saying piles of cardboard at scenic spots are not good for Queenstown's image.
The operator of the recycling scheme, Smart Environmental, said alternatives to the present system for collection might be more costly, and probably not more visually appealing.
The Queenstown Times has spoken to several tourists, who commented on the piles of recycling material; among them the Tapa family from Malaysia, on their first holiday in Queenstown.
On their first full day in town, Mr Tapa said they were keen to seek out the best photo sites.
"This is supposed to be a tourist destination, and while the scenery is absolutely stunning, this rubbish really doesn't look good," Mr Tapa said.
"I support the idea of recycling, but are there not better places available?" The visitors' sentiment was supported by David Kennedy, regional general manager for Ngai Tahu Tourism and previously chief executive for Destination Queenstown for 10 years.
"Queenstown promotes itself as a premiere holiday destination, and all this cardboard at public places is not great for the town's image.
"Everyone should be part of keeping the town looking clean and welcoming. After all, the image of a beautiful town is Queenstown's livelihood," Mr Kennedy said.
He stressed his criticism is not about placing blame, but about finding the best way to go about the task of recycling.
One of the well-used recycling spots is next to the Starbucks cafe at the top of The Mall.
As an idyllic tree-lined pedestrian street, The Mall is one of many much-photographed spots in central Queenstown.
Amber McDonald, store manager for Starbucks Coffee, said the site is used by many of the surrounding shops and cafes.
"I know it's not a good look, and I would rather have it somewhere else than outside my shop."
Previously, recycling had been left at the rear of the buildings at Searle Lane instead, but Ms McDonald had been told not to use this spot.
"We have to get rid of the endless piles of cardboard somehow, and pay quite a lot over the year for recycling. But maybe the current system isn't ideal in every way."
As opposed to the council-operated scheme for collection of rubbish and recyclables from private households, the commercial kerbside collection of cardboard is carried out by the company Smart Environmental.
Companies who wish to use the system buy green stickers, which are attached to their bundles of cardboard for collection.
Smart Environmental chief executive Matthew Nant said collection in Queenstown usually took place between 10am and noon every day.
The decision on where to collect the recyclables would ultimately be made by the customers, he said.
"If they want different locations for pick-ups, we will try to accommodate it.
"But if the collection has to be in places that are less accessible, for example one-lane alleyways, then the collections might take considerably longer, which could very well make the service more expensive," he said.
In terms of the visual effect of the scheme, Mr Nant said the alternative to cardboard bundles along the streets could be permanent cages at specific points around town, where businesses could leave their recyclables.
"Such a solution will probably not be more visually appealing.
But in the end it will be up to the local council and the customers."
Solid waste manager for Queenstown Lakes District Council, Stefan Borowy, said the council does not have a bylaw for regulating solid waste such as recyclables.
But his department is preparing a draft proposal for such a bylaw.
"As long as rubbish is not obstructing foot traffic, there are no regulations. The visual aspect of collection will be something to consider for our future bylaw," he said.
The bylaw will be subject to a consultation process and council approval, but Mr Borowy hoped to have it in place this year.
