With Easter approaching, here's all you need to know about how rubbish collection services will be managed across the Western Bay over the long weekend.

Easter rubbish collections normally completed on Fridays will be picked up on Easter Saturday, April 11, due to the Good Friday holiday. Easter Monday collections will be as normal.

This change to the normal timetable will only affect Katikati and Aongatete – there are no changes to Easter Monday collections in Waihi Beach and Tahawai.

Residents are asked to please put bins and bags out at the normal time.

The community recycle and greenwaste drop-off centres in Western Bay and Tauranga City's transfer stations remain closed to the public until further notice. This is to reduce non-essential travel and ensure the safety of waste contractor staff.

While waste collection is an essential service, there are changes to the way operators are working to help slow the spread of COVID-19 and reduce the number of team members collecting or processing different waste and recycling streams.

General collection procedures continue as normal but some services may be delayed.

Please continue to follow these quick tips:

• Continue to put bins out early in the mornings.

• Make sure wheelie bins and bags are put where it is easy for drivers to access.

• Remember to maintain a minimum of two metres distance between you and the operators and do not engage in conversation with them.

Residents can and should continue to seek assistance from the Council's Customer Services team by phoning 07 571 8008 or emailing customer.service@westernbay.govt.nz

For more information waste collections and what this means for Council's services, please visit: https://www.westernbay.govt.nz/community/covid-19