Katikati Recycling Centre is locking in its extended opening hours on Saturdays following a successful three-month trial and public demand.

From February 7, the centre on the corner of Wills and Tetley roads will be open from 9am-4pm – an extension of the previous hours of 1pm-4pm.

Katikati Recycling Centre is locking in its extended Saturday opening hours. Photo: Google maps.

Western Bay of Plenty District Council utilities manager Kelvin Hill says the decision was made following a survey undertaken in 2014 to determine what customers wanted.

The council survey highlighted issues with traffic flow, vehicle congestion and lack of parking. The extended hours were trialled during August and October, and maintained over the Christmas/holiday period.

Many of those surveyed wanted extended opening hours to give more flexibility for dropping their recyclables at the centre.

Kelvin says the trial's success, coupled with public feedback, made it an easy decision to make the changes permanent.

'Katikati residents are pro-active recyclers,” says Kelvin, 'but the large number of vehicles going through the centre during the short opening hours was creating traffic congestion and becoming a safety concern.

'By extending the hours on a Saturday customers can spread out their time visiting the centre, easing the traffic congestion, parking problems and vehicle movement through the centre.

Customers are encouraged to make use of the early opening hours and drop off their recyclables from 9am.