LAKE Macquarie City Council has closed Awaba Waste Management Facility to the public, but it remains open for essential services such as the processing of waste from weekly bin collections.
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The closure is in line with government restrictions limiting travel for only essential reasons, and the need to stay at home to stop the spread of COVID-19
Council's waste manager Paul Collins said it was unfortunate but necessary given the current circumstances.
"In response to the evolving situation with COVID-19, we are taking measured precautions to keep our staff and community safe," Mr Collins said.
"Awaba Waste Management Facility will remain open for essential services such as council's waste collection vehicles, commercial waste collection contractors and small business, but the facility will no longer accept waste delivered by members of the public."
The closure came into effect on Saturday.
"Electronic payments are the preferred method at the Awaba Waste Management Facility as we work to limit the spread of COVID-19 and protect the health of our employees."
The restrictions announced by the state government on March 31 limited the need to travel for essential services only, including attending work and education (where you can't work remotely), shopping for food and essentials, medical needs, the care of others, and exercise.
Taking waste from your residential property to a waste centre is not considered an essential reason to leave your house, Mr Collins said.
"We will continue to provide our kerbside collection service and our bulk waste pick-up for our community."
Central Coast Council had already taken the same measures with its tips, including Buttonderry Waste Management Facility.
Community members seeking information about changes to Lake Macquarie City Council services and facilities, can go to lakemac.com.au/COVID-19.
