And it seems to be an ongoing problem, not only in Lithgow but across the state.

“It’s the same problem, right throughout the year, it just increases around this time each year because people have got new things for Christmas and are looking to get rid of their old stuff.

“Rather than taking it to the tip, a lot of people are bringing it here,” the Salvation Army’s Teresa Pilla said.

“We have the green bin out the back of the shop and it is being emptied three times a week at the moment.

“It costs the charity money that we simply don’t have to spend on this,” Ms Pilla said.

“Some people are just using us, using us as a dumping ground and not actually donating items that can be used,” Ms Pilla said.

A spokesperson from St Vincent de Paul said she didn’t believe it had been as bad this year as in previous years, but they were still transporting around three to four loads of rubbish each day.

The volunteers have also been working overtime, sorting through the donations and working out what can be sold or given away and what is best for the tip.

The Salvation Army and St Vincent de Paul are always willing to accept quality items they can sell in their stores or give away to those in need.

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