In the UK almost 500,000 tonnes of unwanted mail is posted to homes every year. Although it can be recycled, it would be better economically and environmentally not to produce it in the first place. You can save the bother of receiving unwanted mail simply by registering on-line with the Mailing Preference Service (MPS).

Simply visit the MPS website via the link on this page and register your name and address with them. Alternatively you can call 0845 7034599 (local rate) or you can write to:

Mailing Preference Service
Freepost 22
London
W1E 7EZ

You can also stick a polite notice on your letter box which may help prevent locally delivered material such as take away menus and free papers. This should make a real difference, however you will still probably get some unwanted mail, so remember to recycle it with your newspapers.

MPS on-line

This is a simple free on-line service which allows you to register to get less junk mail.

Royal Mail

You can also contact the Royal Mail and request to opt out of some types of unwanted mail.

Paper recycling

It's best to avoid junk mail in the first place, however all paper, envelopes and leaflets can be recycled.

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