Starting this week refuse transfer stations will be open for longer to make them more convenient for users, says Thames-Coromandel District Council.

The new opening and closing hours took effect on Monday, and as a result, an additional 13 hours per week has been added to the total RTS hours across the district.

Thames-Coromandel District Council's bio-solids composter at its Whitianga refuse transfer station on Moweai Road. File Photo.

The biggest change will be the cessation of late Sunday hours, especially at the three largest stations in Whitianga, Whangamata and Thames, in order to allow stations to open earlier.

'The later Sunday hours were introduced several years ago to encourage visiting weekenders to drop their rubbish and recycling at an RTS on their way home,” explains council.

'But the uptake hasn't been high, with user statistics from all seven sites indicating a steep drop-off in use from mid-afternoon.”

Council says it's also received requests from many RTS users, especially businesses who regularly use them like landscapers and builders, that earlier opening times would be preferable.

The new hours were approved at council's full meeting in August.

'And remember, you can leave recyclables and rubbish in official blue bags at them for free. There is also no charge to leave whiteware and stripped car bodies,” says council.

For more information including refuse transfer station locations and what can and cannot be accepted at them, visit the Thames-Coromandel District Council website at: www.tcdc.govt.nz/rts