Council has been advised by NSW Police that taking waste from your residential property to the waste centre is not an acceptable reason to leave your house.

The Cessnock Waste Management Centre will remain open to commercial businesses who can provide proof of their business operation such as a rate notice or other documentation; and to residents who don't receive a kerbside waste service and are in receipt of an alternate waste voucher. The centre will only accept electronic payments and vouchers from Friday.

This comes as council introduces additional measures to protect staff during this time. All staff on site have been provided with the appropriate personal protective equipment needed to safely carry out daily operations.

However, in order to practice effective social distancing - maintaining a distance of 1.5 metres - staff may not be able to assist customers with the removal of materials once they are on site.

Council's general manager, Lotta Jackson said this is about abiding by government advice and ensuring the safety of staff and the community.

"We understand there may be some frustrations with the closures in place, but the advice and restrictions are there for a reason and we all need to do our part to prevent the spread," Ms Jackson said.

"We will continue to respond to this rapidly changing crisis with the best interests and safety of our community top of mind."