Second-hand stores are being filled to the brim after summer holiday clear outs.
Every year op shops see an influx of extra donations in late December and January as people move house, find room for Christmas purchases, and have extra time to sort through belongings.
This summer Salvation Army, Red Cross and St John stores have had to turn down donations because they don't have room.
The Salvation Army's South Island stores manager Robin Tsukigawa said sadly it becomes a health and safety hazard if they're too full.
"It's really hard work which is difficult because everyone is limited for space. Part of our Family Store Policy is we do encourage or Family Stores where they can, to accept all donations."
She said people leaving it after hours is an extra strain.
"All year we find particularly the weekends Friday, Saturday nights and Sundays, a lot of people drop stuff off and then it's rummaged through by other people who need the stuff."
There was controversy over the holidays after a huge amount of rubbish was left outside a Salvation Army store in Auckland.Â
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