Yesterday was the final opportunity to drop off storm waste for free at the council-owned waste centre.

More than 8700 vehicles visited the site during the past four weeks and disposed of more than 1680 tonnes of storm- damaged material.

A further 1630 tonnes of vegetation and debris was also dropped at the centre.

“Residents have really embraced this free drop-off offer,” Maitland City Council’s development and environment manager David Simm said.

“We have seen an overwhelming response and it has certainly been a very busy period for the facility, which processed more than double the average number of vehicles per day during the peak periods.”

The most-common storm-damaged domestic goods dropped at the centre included furniture, carpets, mattresses and spoilt food.

Vegetation and debris made up the 1630 tonnes of green waste.

Vehicle traffic has returned to normal at the centre and waste disposal fees will apply again.

Green waste can still be disposed of free on weekends.

“Council would like to thank people for their patience, ­particularly during the peak ­periods when vehicles were lined up for a considerable distance on Mount Vincent Road,” Mr Simm said. 

“We hope this has gone some way in helping storm recovery.”