What to do with

JUNK MAIL

What is Junk Mail?

Junk Mail is simply any unwanted paper which is directly delivered to your door. Some examples of Junk Mail that we all receive are those addressed to “The Occupier” from companies trying to sell you something, and leaflets from your local takeaway.

How can I stop receving unwanted mail?

Stop junk mail by removing yourself from companies' databases, you can help reduce the amount of unwanted junk mail items being posted through your letterbox.

There's two ways you can achieve this:

1. Degregister your details with the Mailing Preference Service (MPS)

FOR ADDRESSED JUNK MAIL:

De-register your details for free with the Mailing Preference Service (MPS) either online at www.mpsonline.org.uk or call direct on 0845 7034599

Within 3-6 months you should see a big difference in the amount of unwanted mail you receive through your door.

2. Deregister you details with Royal Mail

FOR UNADDRESSED REGIONAL JUNK MAIL:

If you want to stop receiving unaddressed mail (to the ‘occupier’ or ‘householder’) that is delivered by Royal Mail to your home you can do so by contacting their door to door opt out service. Send you name and address via email to optout@royalmail.com.  Alternatively, fill in and send off this form.

NOTE OF CAUTION:

By opting out of junk mail you may not receive some items you enjoy such as your local council’s newspaper or offers from your local shop. So before opting out of junk mail please read the terms and conditions of each service carefully.

When you opt out of junk mail it is not a person who is opting out, but the household – so check with other members of your household first before signing up.

And recycle!

Remember to recycle any junk mail you receive, along with all your other papers at the kerbside. More information on your local recycling services can be found in the Recycling in my area section of our website.

The below video shows you how to reduce the amount of junk mail you receive at home: 

Other ways to reduce your junk mail

Return to Sender:Use the prepaid envelope that the company sent and send the contents back asking to be taken off their mailing list. This way the company pays the postage and if enough people do it, they will soon think of alternative methods of advertising. Alternatively write on the envelope "Return to Sender".
Direct Contact:Call the company that sent you the junk mail and ask for your name and address to be removed from their mailing list; Only ring them up if they use a free telephone or local rate number.
Go paper free:Many companies you deal with offer online services such as banks and catalogues. As well as the convenience of viewing your account and paying bills online, you may also be able to stop receiving paper bills and statements. Contact your service provide for more details.
Opt out:Select the option to not have your name shown on the public copy of the electoral role, which is sold to mailing firms. To find out more visit the Electoral Commission website.
Tick the box:Always check the small print on forms. Some forms ask you to tick the box to receive offers from the company’s affiliates and some ask you to tick to not receive details;
Guard your details:Be careful who you provide your details to! Ask the company you are buying from not to share your details with other organisations.
At the letter box:You can place a sign on your door requesting "No Junk Mail" to help reduce the number of fliers you receive

 

ALWAYS

  • Select the option to not have your name shown on the public copy of the electoral role, which is sold to mailing firms;
  • Check the small print on forms. Some forms ask you to tick the box to receive offers from the company’s affiliates and some ask you to tick to not receive details;
  • When purchasing items or utilities over the phone ensure you opt out of receiving further information on services from that company or partner organisations when you are asked;
  • Remember to recycle any unwanted mail you receive