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How to Reduce Junk Mail in the UK
by Lisa Parris
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Overview
According to Royal Mail, the UK's mail carrier, each year there are more than 4 billion pieces of unsolicited mail distributed throughout the UK. The majority of recipients do not want or appreciate these mass mailings, in fact, the most common reaction is to toss them in the trash, unopened. They are then transported to the already overburdened local landfill. To reduce the amount of junk mail you receive, ease the landfill's load, and help diminish this overwhelming waste of paper, follow the steps in the guide below.
How to Reduce Junk Mail in the UK
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Step 1
Register with one or more junk mail opt-out schemes. By filling out one simple form with companies such as Junk Buster (see Resources) you can request to be removed from six different direct mail companies' general listings with just one request. This single step can reduce your junk mail by as much as 60 percent.
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Step 2
Place a large sticker on your letterbox, clearly stating that you do not want to be given any unsolicited mail. If you don't like the idea of using something adhesive, place a "No Junk Mail" or "No unasked for mail" sign on your letterbox. When you have made your wishes known to your local postal employee, she will generally do her best to comply. However, this will in no way stop individuals who are paid to stuff leaflets, take-out menus and various other advertising fliers under doors and through letterboxes.
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Step 3
Register with the Mailing Preference Society in London by sending a request to: Freepost 22, London, W1E 7EZ. By contacting this organization, your name and address will be removed from a number of commonly used mailing lists. Alternatively, you can contact the society through its website (see Resources).
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Step 4
Return junk mail. Do not open the envelope. Underneath your address, print the following message: "Please delete this address from your mailing list" and drop the envelope in your nearest post box. As long as the letter is unopened, you will not have to pay postage.
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Step 5
Write "Deceased: return to sender" or "no longer at this address" on unwanted mail which arrives at your home addressed to persons other than you. Drop it in the post box. Many times, people move on without leaving a forwarding address and their unwanted junk mail becomes your unwanted junk mail.
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Step 6
Check the box marked, "I do not want to receive mailings" when you fill out applications for bank accounts, credit cards, debit cards or when purchasing items online. Ask to be contacted via your email if you'd like to be kept informed of any upcoming specials.
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Step 7
Contact the Royal Mail directly to remove yourself from its mailing list and stop the delivery of their unwanted fliers and leaflets. This can be done in person or online (see Resources).
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- Use care when removing yourself from mailing lists as there may be some companies you do wish to stay in contact with. However, in many cases, you can submit your email address and receive announcements electronically.
- Use care when removing yourself from mailing lists as there may be some companies you do wish to stay in contact with. However, in many cases, you can submit your email address and receive announcements electronically.
