The excavation of Stockton's historic garbage tip is expected to continue at least until the end of this week.
Crews returned for a second day on Tuesday to remove an estimated 3500 cubic metres of material from a 30 metre by 15 metre area near Corroba Oval.
Once dug out, the waste which will be tested and taken to Summerhill Waste Management Centre.
"Once the site is assessed as cleared it will be backfilled with sand and restored to its natural state," Minister for Water, Property and Housing Melinda Pavey said.
The excavation work follows installation of a temporary sandbag seawall in September to secure the site while planning got underway to remove the waste.
The work is being undertaken by the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment - Crown Lands and the Soil Conservation Service with support from Hunter Water and the Environment Protection Authority (EPA).
Consultations have occurred with City of Newcastle and the Worimi and Karuah Local Aboriginal Land Councils.
