The collection was part of Lake Macquarie council's free citywide clean-up efforts, which are expected to take several weeks.

This week, crews will sweep through Cameron Park, Speers Point, Lakelands, Edgeworth, Charlestown, Gateshead, Tingira Heights, Jewells, Pelican, Marks Point, Toronto East, Carey Bay, Buttaba, Wyee Point, Windermere Park and Brightwaters. Teralba Worm Farm's green waste drop-off service remains closed.