When it comes to cleaning out the spare room, making space in the linen cupboard or clearing the garage, the tip for donating unwanted goods to charities is easy to remember:  rate it, donate it!

NSW EPA executive director waste and resource recovery, Sarah Gardner said it was important to think twice about the items you donate to charity.

“Most people in NSW are generous and want to help those less fortunate than themselves, especially during the festive season,” she said.

“Giving to charities is a great way to help but it’s important to take the extra minute at this busy time of year to think if what you’re donating can be used.

“A good rule of thumb when considering giving to charities is to only donate it if you rate it.”

Donating responsibly means making sure your items are going to the right place.

If the donation bin is full come back later or go into the store to handover your donation in person.

Anglicare Sydney Operations Manager and NACRO's NSW State Representative, Julie McAuley said last year, NSW charitable recyclers spent around $7 million disposing of waste from unusable donations.

"That money should be going to help others,” she said.

NACRO chair and Salvos Stores CEO Matt Davis said there was still some way to go in making sure all NSW donators got the message.

"Research shows that around 40 per cent of donors unintentionally dump their goods at the wrong time or in the wrong place,” Mr Davis said.

“We want to see the generosity of Australians count and are urging the public to check out the opening hours before heading down to their local store."

For more information, visit www.recyclingnearyou.com.au.